Stuffed Squirrel

Stuffed Squirrel

This pattern was created in a fit to satisfy my son’s request for a stuffed squirrel for Christmas. Because I have a problem saying no, I searched online for photos of squirrels and set to work mimicking their shape the best I could. Overall, I’m very satisfied with this pattern and hope you will be too! Let me know how it works for you, what could be improved or what variations you added. I feel like variation is what makes each piece special, so be sure to switch it up as you see fit!

Abbreviations/Stitches

Ch=chain

Sl st=slip stitch

Inc=increase (2 stitches in same stitch)

Dec=decrease

Sc=Single Crochet

Picot=Chain 3, slip stitch into same stitch (making a loop)

Hook: US I/9 (5.50 MM)

(Finished Piece stands about 14” tall)

Head:

Ch 3, sl st to join

Ch 2, 7 sc into ring

Ch 2, *2in1, sc* around X3

Ch 2, sc around X3

Ch2, *3sc, 2in1* around

Ch 2, sc around X4

Ch2. 3sc, 2in1* around

Bind off, stuff with filler of your choice. Set aside.

Make back of head:

Ch 3, sl st tp join.

Ch3, 7 sc into ring

Inc around

Ch2, *2 in 1, sc* around X4

Ch2, 1sc in each st around

Sew to back of head piece.

Eyes:

I used two stacked buttons to make the eyes, because my son is old enough to not worry about him trying to eat them. If you are making this for a smaller child, or just don’t like buttons for eyes, you can do a simple stitch with yarn, embroidery floss, etc. Just stitch over 2 rows, or enough to make the eyes as big as you want.

Nose/Mouth:

This was done in yarn with an embroidery needle. At the nose end of the head piece, stitch around the last round with brown yarn/embroidery floss. I used yarn because of the size of this piece because embroidery floss was too small for my taste. If you like more delicate features/details, the floss might be for you. After making about 7 to 8 stitches for the nose, I stitched straight down for the middle line then over to each side for the mouth. You can anchor these lines by going around 1 stitch and binding off. Make sure to leave a tail! You can stuff the tail in to the piece, out of sight, and it gives more stability to your knot. Nobody likes their mouth coming out!

Ears:

Ch 9. SC in 3^rd from hook and across.

Ch 2, turn. SC across.

*Turn (DO NOT CH2 here!!), SC across* Repeat until ear tapers down to 2 stitches (4 rows or so)

(I trimmed with eyelash yarn to hide the rough edge and make it a little fluffier)

Body: (worked in joined circles, not a spiral)

Ch3, sl st to join.

10 SC into ring

*2SCin1* around

*SC in next 2 st, 2in1* around X 3 rows

SC around

In back loops only SC around (This “turns the corner” from the base of the body to the main portion).

*SC around* X 10 rows (I started stuffing here and kept filling it up as I went).

Dec2, *SC around* X5 rows

Dec4,* SC around* X2 rows

*Dec around*

Finish stuffing and bind off. Sew finished head on.

Tummy:

This is made in an arch pattern. The original ch is worked on the top and bottom, kind of like a circle pattern that starts with a line instead of a magic ring. However, instead of continuing around, you will turn back after completing a round to make an oval that is flat on the bottom.

Ch7, turn

SC across, 5SC in last st, SC across bottom of original ch

Ch2, Turn (to work back over row you just created) and SC in next ST X 8 *2SC in 1* X 3, SC X8

Ch 2, Turn, SC X11 *2SC in 1* X5, SC X11

Ch 2, Turn, SC 13 *2SC in 1* X7, SC 13

Ch 2 Turn, SC 15, *2SC in 1* X 9, SC 15

I did a SC trim around the whole piece for a more finished edge, but that is optional.

Bind off, leaving a very long tail for sewing on to the tummy.

 

Back Legs: Make 2

Ch 3, sl st to join.

10Sc into ring

Inc around

Inc every other around X2 (2in1, SC)

2sc, 2in1* around

Sc around X2

Dec 1^st & last X 2

Toes: (make 2)

Ch 5, turn. SC in 2^nd ch from hook and across.

*Picot* X 3 (See description above for details on this stitch.)

Bind off leaving a long tail to sew onto the legs with.

Front Legs: Make 2

Ch3, sl st to join

10SC into ring

Inc around

SC, 2in1*around

SC in each st around X2 *THUMB GOES HERE* For the thumb, chain 4, SC into 2^nd ch from hook and back down to round. Continue on rounds from here, leaving the “thumb” tab sticking up.

SC in each st around X6, bind off, sew on.

Tail:

Ch 32. Turn.

SC in 3^rd ch from hook and across

Ch 2, turn. *Add “fun-fur” or eyelash yarn as a second strand here*

SC across.

Continue this until the tail is as long as you’d like it to be. After getting it about 30 rows high, I sewed the side seams together then closed up the top end, making a flat tube that was open on the bottom.

Stuff the tail, making it really bushy looking. Feed a thread of yarn down the back seam in several places. Pulling this strand makes the tail “curl” the way a squirrel’s tail does. Attach the strand to the bottom then stitch the whole thing on, making sure it is secure.

So there it is…clear as mud, right? This is by far the most complicated pattern I’ve ever written, and would not recommend it for the complete novice. If you like a challenge, it’s a great project. The piece itself was pretty easy to make, and if you’ve mastered the SC and straight lines and want to try your hand at making more three-dimensional shapes, this might be your pattern! Just know, it’s a gateway…today it’s stuffed squirrels, tomorrow it’s fun animal pillows, then before you know it you’re up until 3 in the morning surfing Youtube for amigurumi tutorials and making dinosaur dolls for your co-workers kids…(ask me how I know!) It is a very rewarding process to see a toy take shape as you single crochet your way through the pattern. I’d love to see pictures of your finished product, be sure to share them!

 

Spiral Slouchy Hippie Hat (By Jackie Lakey)

This pattern was born on a rainy afternoon as I scoured the internet for a good “hippie hat.” I am a big fan of crochet, but cannot stand the search for readable patterns. I generally find them tedious and difficult to follow. So, in my eternal stubbornness, I decided to wing it. This lovely hat is what came out!

It’s built on a simple spiral, with a gradual increase. A little slouchy, a little hippie-y, and a lot of fun to wear, it’s become a staple to my wardrobe (especially now that the cold weather is here!) It’s perfect for bad hair days, too!

As far as materials go, this was a stash-buster for me, so any yarn you have around will do nicely. And switch up the colors to your heart’s content! I am currently working on a version with a different color in each round, so it’s very versatile.

 

Spiral Slouchy Hippie Hat

Materials:

US G Crochet Hook

Color A: fingering weight acrylic lavender

Color B: fingering weight acrylic magenta

Color C: fingering weight acrylic violet

1. Using Color A, Ch 4, Sl st to join.  

 

2. Ch 2 (counts as first SC) 6 SC into ring (7 SC)

3. Ch 3 (counts as first DC), 1 DC in same stitch, Ch 1. *2DC in next stitch, Ch 1* Continue ** around. (14DC)

4. *2DC in next stitch,(around chain 3 from previous round) Ch 1, 2DC in next stitch (7 sets of 2DC with a chain separating each) Ch1, switch colors.

5. With B, Join color. Ch 1. *2DC (into space before the next set of DC), Ch1, 2DC (into space before the next set of DC)* Ch1, 2DC into same space, Ch1* Repeat to finish the round. Switch Color.

6. With C, Join Color. 2 DC in next space, Ch 1, repeat for 42 sets. This will make 2 rounds.

7. DC in next 2 sts for 2 rounds.

8. *Ch 1, 2 DC in next stitch, Ch 1 skipping next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch.** Repeat around.

9. *Ch 1, 2 DC into space, Ch 1, **repeat for 2 rounds.

10. 2 DC into next space, NO CHAIN, repeat for 2 rounds.

11. 1 DC into next space, NO CHAIN, repeat for 1 round.

12. With B, 1SC in each space around.

13. FO.

As this is my first written pattern, I welcome critiques! (As long as they’re nice…) 

Hook It Up!

Is it Knitting or Crochet? (by Debbie Stuckey)

This form of crochet is called broomstick lace. Having been around for many years this technique was originally done using an actual broomstick handle and a crochet hook.  That’s obviously how it got the name.

By using the broomstick lace method of crochet a project can be completed in no time at all.  Today you have a much more practical option than using a broomstick- a large knitting needle is used.  I typically use a size 19 knitting needle.  I find it even better to use a lager size needle like a 35.

It helps to have some basic knowledge of crochet such as knowing the chain stitch and double crochet.

In most crochet projects you work a row, then turn your work and then go back down the other side.  With broomstick lace you work on the same side throughout the entire project. Using a large knitting needle you can make quite an eye catching item in little or no time at all.

 

A basic pattern for a small scarf (using the broomstick lace method) is as follows:

Abbreviations 

Chain = ch

Double Crochet = dbl

Supplies

Size J crochet hook

Size 19 or 35 knitting needles (you only need 1)

Yarn of your choice.  The gauge of the yarn is not important for a broomstick lace project.

 

Chain 17 – Work a single crochet back across and you should have 16 single crochet. Do not turn your work.

 

1. Place your hook into the first single and pull up a stitch, place the stitch on to the knitting needle.  Do this across placing every stitch you pick up onto the knitting needle.  By the end of the row you should have 16 stitches on the knitting needle.

2. Slide 4 stitches off your knitting needle and place your crochet hook into these 4 stitches. Take and make a loop pulling yarn back through all 4 stitches and chain 4 (counts as your first dbl work).  3 more double crochet in the same stitch.

You should have 4 stitches worked.  Slip 4 more stitches off and work 4-dbl crochet into the loop.  Repeat this across and you will have 4 sets of 4 going across.

Do not turn your work.

3. Repeat row 1

Do not turn your work.

4. Repeat row 2

Do not turn your work.

Continue until you achieve the desired length for your project.  Finish it off as you would any crochet project by weaving in your ends.

I’ve never met a skein I didn’t like! (by Debra Stuckey)

I have never met a skein of yarn I didn’t like! There are so many beautiful yarn textures and colors.  I very much enjoy dyeing my own yarn if the situation dictates.

When crocheting keep in mind a couple of things while making your yarn and stitches choices.  If you are using a fancy, frilly yarn keep your stitches basic.  The stitches will be lost in all the glamour of the yarn so all that work will be in vain.  Save those fancy stitches for a plain wool or acrylic yarn so you can show off the detail. 

The thing I really enjoy about crocheting is the ability to take out and redo your stitches.  I find this to be a little more difficult when knitting.  When the fury yarns first came out we were all excited about working with it but noticed quick when crocheting how easy it was to tangle.

The solution is to work with another yarn and a larger hook such as a size N or P.  Holding 2 yarns together makes working with furry or eyelash yarns much easier and please remember to keep to basic stitches like a double crochet.

How to Triple Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Cotton Craze…Great Handmade Gifts (by Natalie Badolato)

I’ve recently moved which forced me to pack my ever growing supply of craft materials. It wasn’t until I unpacked my supplies that I realized I have an incredible stash of yarn. So in an effort to depart from my norm of crocheting gifts for family and friends, I’ve decided to dive into my pile of 100% cotton and crochet things to sell at a community craft fair.

I jumped online to get inspiration and found that cotton kitchen and bath items are a hot ticket item. Now I’m happy to report that I’m not just drowning in balls of cotton but I’m also drowning in spiral scrubbies, wash cloths, bath puffs, cotton pads and apple cozies.

With the holidays quickly approaching and the economy as it is, I wanted to make something affordable that people could buy more than one of.

These cute and affordable pieces are perfect gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list like co-workers and teachers. If you are looking for some really quick gift items, I recommend crocheting some spiral scrubbies. They take a small amount of cotton and you can bang a bunch of these out in an evening.

Crochet Patterns & Abbreviations (by Debra Stuckey)

While teaching crochet one thing I have encountered over and over is hearing “I can’t read this pattern”.  Every time I’ve heard someone say that what they really mean is, “I don’t understand the abbreviations”. 

 

Let me start by explaining some of the basic abbreviations you’ll see on a pattern.

ch = chain 

This forms the basis for all crochet stitches whether it’s chain 2 or 200.

dbl = double crochet

This is the most common crochet stitch and is used in a variety of ways.  For example, making the granny square, making the pop corn stitch, making the shell stitch, etc.

sc = single crochet

hdbl = half double crochet

slp = slip stitch

 

Let’s say you’re crocheting a scarf.  The pattern you are following might translate to something similar to this:

1)      Make 18 chains.

          Do a double crochet in the 3rd chain from hook and across you will have 15 double crochets. 

          Chain 3 and turn.

2)      The chain 3 counts as your first double crochet.

           Double crochet in the remaining double crochets.

           Chain 3 and repeat row 2 until you get to your desired length.

           Pull your last loop up a bit, clip your yarn and feed through the loop and pull tight.

 

Let’s review some things that will be helpful for you to know when crocheting.

 Abbreviations

ch….chain

slp….slip stitch

sc…..single crochet

hdl…half double crochet

dbl…double crochet

trc….triple  crochet

 

As you end a row, depending on the stitch you’re using, you’ll find yourself doing something like this: 

• sc or single crochet  ch 1 and turn for the next row
• hdl or half double crochet ch 2 and turn for the next row
• dbl or double crochet ch 3 and turn  for next row
• trc or triple crochet ch 4  and turn  for your next row

I hope you’ve found my tips helpful.  Don’t get discouraged.  Stayed tuned for more tips as we continue to learn about the fun world of crochet!  In the weeks to follow we will review more abbreviations and simple patterns which will help you to further learn how to crochet.  You’ll also learn how knitting and crocheting come together in projects.

One thing I can’t stress enough is to keep an accurate count of your stitches.  It’s easy if you’re not paying attention to add or drop stitches.  I have seen this happen so many times.   Remember, if you’re crocheting a scarf and you need 15 stitches, keep count so it’s actually 15 stitches across your work.  Relax, don’t get discouraged and enjoy what you’re doing.

Good Luck all you Happy Hookers!

How to Double Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Do you know how to crochet?  How about how to do a double crochet stitch?  This instructional video was created for the Naughty Knitterz to teach those who want to learn about the double crochet stitch.

This easy to follow video is one in a series of videos posted on the Naughty Knitterz website under the Happy Hookers category to help you learn the art of crocheting.  Thanks for watching. Let us know what you think.  Enjoy!

How to Single Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Do you crochet?  Do you want to learn more about crocheting?  This instructional video was created specially to teach those Naughty Knitterz who want to learn the single crochet stitch.

This easy to follow video is only one in a complete series of videos created specially for the Naughty Knitterz website.  This and the other videos have been posted under the Happy Hookers (crochet) category to help you learn the art of crocheting.  You will soon be dangerous with that crochet hook of yours.  

Thanks for watching and learning with us.  Please let us know what you think about our instructional videos on how to crochet or any of our crocheting and knitting articles.  Enjoy all you Happy Hookers!

 

How to Half Double Crochet (video by Carissa Haning)

Do you crochet much?  Know how to do the half double crochet stitch?  This instructional video was created for the Naughty Knitterz to teach those who want to learn the half double crochet stitch.

This easy to follow video is one in a series of videos posted on the Naughty Knitterz website under the Happy Hookers category to help you learn how to crochet and the various stitches.  Thanks for watching. Let us know what you think.  Enjoy!

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