Just in time for Easter, you can make cute little baby birds or chicks! These guys are perfect for stuffing Easter baskets or just putting on your desk at work.

* A small amount of yellow (chick) or blue (baby bird) yarn, double-knitting weight
* A very small amount of black yarn, same weight as above
* A small amount of polyester stuffing
* 2.50 mm crochet hook
* Tapestry needle
* 1 pipe cleaner, orange (chick) or yellow (baby bird)

It doesn't really matter what type of yarn you use or what size hook you use; it will just change the size of the finished bird. I would suggest you use whatever yarn you can find, and use the smallest hook that you have that won't split the yarn when you work with it. The bird in the picture was made with 100% acrylic DK yarn and a 2.50 mm crochet hook, and stands about 1-1/2 inches tall.

Again, the finished size depends on the type of yarn and hook you use. It will be about 1-1/2 to 2 inches tall.

Gauge is not used in this pattern.

Please note that this bird is intended to be enjoyed by adults and older children only. Because there may be sharp ends on the pipe cleaners, I would avoid giving it to a child under three. (Also, if your kids are anything like mine is, they'll be quite good at pulling its little eyes out.)

This bird is worked in spiral rounds, so do not join at the end of each round. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

Abbreviations used:
mr: make a ring
sc: single crochet
st: stitch
inc: increase
invdec: invisible decrease

Making the body:
Make a ring, and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 st)

Rnd 1: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 2: (2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st) 6 times. (18)
Rnds 3-6: inc 3 times evenly. (30 st at the end of rnd 6)
Rnds 7-8: work even. (30)
Rnds 9-12: invdec 3 times evenly. (18 st at the end of rnd 12)
Rnd 13: (invdec over next 2 st, sc in next st) 6 times. (12)

At this point, cut the yarn about 20 cm from your work, and pull the loop on your crochet hook bigger and bigger until the tail of the yarn comes through and you're left with a single strand coming out of your work.

Cut a 2" length of pipe cleaner and fold it in half; this will be your beak. Insert the two ends between rounds 7 and 8, two posts apart. Push the beak in until it's of the desired size, then twist the ends together inside so they're secure. Cut off any excess pipe cleaner.

With the tapestry needle and the black yarn, embroider a French knot for each eye, using the photo as a guide to placement. Don't forget to use a dab of craft glue on each French knot to hold it together, or it is likely to unravel.

Making and inserting the feet:
This part of the pattern is the most difficult to describe, so I've drawn a diagram:

The long and short of it is: use the remaining pipe cleaner to fashion two three-toed birds' feet, with the leg sticking upright, using the photo as a guide to the shape of the feet.

The legs should be placed between rounds 11 and 12, 9 posts apart. To fix them in place, push the leg through the fabric, then twist it into a loop, which then lies flat against the fabric on the inside. I like to think of this configuration kind of like how you would imagine a snake coiled up in the bottom of a basket. Anyway, this whole exercise is to ensure that the leg can't simply be pulled out, so any way you can accomplish that is sufficient.

Finishing the body:
Now that you've finished the eyes, beak and feet, you can stuff your bird with a bit of polyester stuffing, and close the hole. I like to under-stuff these birds because they make quite good stress toys and they're fun to squeeze!

Close the hole by threading the end of your yarn onto a tapestry needle and inserting it through the front loop only of each st around. Pull the yarn tight, and the hole will close naturally. Then weave in the ends.

Making the wings (optional):
It's up to you whether you choose to put wings on your bird; some people insist they're just as cute without. If you would like to add wings, as in the picture, here's how you do it:

Make a ring, and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 st)

Rnd 1: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 2: work even. (12)
Rnd 3: sc in the first 6 st, ch 1. Now, pinch the fabric together and for the next 6 st, stitch through both layers of the fabric. You will have stitched the wing closed, into a half-circle shape.

Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm tail. Repeat for the second wing.

To finish the bird, whipstitch the wings to its sides, using the photo as a guide.

noisypitta.blogspot.com
noisypitta.etsy.com

Life is always fun with a Pisces around. You never know what she's going to do next!

Color A – 1 skein (120 yd) 4/worsted weight yarn
Color B - scrap 4/worsted weight yarn
Color C - scrap 4/worsted weight yarn
Size F-5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Felt (optional)
2 15-mm amigurumi eyes
Polyester fiberfill or stuffing of choice
Yarn needle
Stitch markers

About 7.5” tall.

Not necessary.

http://www.crochetkitten.com/files/Pisces_Kitten.pdf

Is Kitty getting into the yarn again? Now she can have her very own yarn toy to keep her entertained!

White: 120 yd 4/worsted weight yarn
Iris Color: Scrap 4/worsted weight yarn
Black: Scrap 4/worsted weight yarn
Size F-5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Two ¾-inch jingle bells
Three craft feathers
Stitch markers
Yarn needle
Polyester fiberfill or stuffing of choice
Clear adhesive tape
Optional: Non-toxic white craft glue

About 3 inches in diameter.

Not necessary.

http://www.crochetkitten.com/files/Eye_Love_My_Cat.pdf

Aries is a take-charge type of gal with a good head on her shoulders. She follows her dreams with enthusiasm.

MC – 1 skein (120 yd) 4/worsted weight yarn
CC - scrap 4/worsted weight yarn
Size F-5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Felt (optional)
2 15-mm amigurumi eyes
Polyester fiberfill or stuffing of choice
Yarn needle
Stitch markers

About 7.5” tall.

Not necessary.

Pattern is worked continuously without joining or turning between rounds. To help keep track of your stitches, it may be helpful to place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.

http://www.crochetkitten.com/files/Aries_Kitten.pdf

I know so many people who love ladybugs but I could never find a great pattern, so here it is!

a ball of yarn about the size of your fist in any color you choose and black
crochet hook size H/8
yarn needle
polyfill

Roughly 6" x 4" x 2"

Gauge is unimportant since this is a toy

On round one for the body, head and dots you may find the instructions confusing or difficult. If this is the case you can use these ones instead:
ch 2, sc six times in sec ch from hook, mark first sc with a scrap of yarn in a different color so you know where the round begins
ABBREVIATIONS
sc - single crochet
scs - single crochets
rnd - round
ch - chain
slpst - slip stitch
sec - secound
lp - loop

GETTING STARTED
BODY
RND 1: With the color of your choice make a loop in the yarn. Hold the yarn together where it crosses. Make sure the tail is on the right and the ball end on the left. sc six times in the lp, mark first sc with a scrap of yarn in a different color so you know where the round begins. Hold onto the tail of the yarn and push your stitches together until it forms something like a ring.
RND 2: sc twice in next six sc (12 sc)
RND 3: *sc in next sc, sc twice in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (18 sc)
RND 4:*sc in next two scs, sc twice in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (24 sc)
RND 5:*sc in next three scs, sc twice in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (30 sc)
RND 6:*sc in next four scs, sc twice in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (36 sc)
RND 7:*sc in next five scs, sc twice in next sc, repeat from * to * around (42 sc)
RNDS 8-10:sc in next sc and in each sc around (42 sc)
join with slpst to next sc, finish off
RND 11: join black with slpst to any sc, *skip next sc, sc in next 6 scs*, repeat from * to * around (36 sc)
RND 12:*skip next sc, sc in the next 5 scs*, repeat from * to * around (30 sc)
RND 13:*skip next sc, sc in the next 4 scs*, repeat from * to * around (24 scs)
RND 14:*skip next sc, sc in the next 3 scs*, repeat from * to * around (18 scs)
RND 15:*skip next sc, sc in the next 2 scs*, repeat from * to * around (12 scs)
Before you close off the body stuff it now.
RND 16:*skip next sc, sc in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (6 scs)
RND 17:sc in next sc and in every sc following, finish off and close remaining hole.
THE BODY IS FINISHED!
HEAD
RND 1: With black, make a loop in the yarn. Hold the yarn together where it crosses. Make sure the tail is on the right and the ball end on the left. sc six times in the lp, mark first sc with a scrap of yarn in a different color so you know where the round begins. Hold onto the tail of the yarn and push your stitches together until it forms something like a ring.
RND 2:sc twice in next sc and in each sc around (12 scs)
RND 3:*sc in next sc, sc twice in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (18 scs)
RND 4:*sc in next 2 scs, sc twice in next sc*, repeat from * to * around (24 scs)
RND 5-7:sc in each sc around
RND 8:*skip next sc, sc in next 3 scs*, repeat from * to * around (18 scs)
RND 9:*skip next sc, sc in next 2 scs*, repeat from * to * around (12 scs)
Stuff head then continue to round 10
RND 10:*skip next sc, sc in next sc*, repeat from * to * around
(6 scs)
finsih off and attach head to body
ANTENNE (MAKE 2)
With black ch 4, sc in sec ch from hook andin next 2 scs, finish off and attach to head
LEGS (MAKE 6)
With black ch 8, sc in sec ch from hook and in next 6 scs, finish off and attach to body
BIG DOTS (MAKE 2)
RND 1: With black, make a loop in the yarn. Hold the yarn together where it crosses. Make sure the tail is on the right and the ball end on the left. sc six times in the lp. Hold onto the tail of the yarn and push your stitches together until it forms something like a ring.
RND 2: sc twice in next 6 scs, join to next sc with a slpst, finish off and attach to sides of body
SMALL DOTS (MAKE 5)
with black, ch 2, sc 6 times in sec ch from hook, slpst in next sc, finish off and sew onto body where you think it looks best.
Stitch on face with scraps of yarn.
YOUR LADYBUG IS NOW FINISHED!!!!

A friend of mine asked me to crochet some spare teeth for him (strange, I know) and this is what I came up with!

I'm very very new to crochet so bear with me. I did this mostly on the fly, making it up as I went along. This pattern should be considered more of a guide. Gague isn't important, and neither is yarn type. It just depends on how big and fuzzy you want you false teeth to be! I welcome any suggestions to better this one. The teeth had me scratching my head for awhile and I'm still convinced there's a better way!

This is my first pattern I've ever submitted, so all suggestions are welcome...

I used the following materials:

3.5mm hook

Sirdar Supersoft Baby Double Knitting wool in red for the gums
King Cole (a beige color, didn't make a note of the name) for the teeth

The finished size is totally up to you! As far as I can tell, no standard has been set for crochet false teeth :o)

Gauge doesn't matter for this pattern

Gums: (make 2)

Chain 26, sc in 2nd stitch from hook.
sc in each stitch (24sc)
In the last stitch, 4sc
sc in the other side of each stitch
Continue crocheting in rounds until your oval is desired size (when folded in half) for the bottom 'gum'.
Finish off.

Ch 4, sc in 2nd stitch from hook.
1 sc in each stitch (2sc)
Ch 1, turn
1 sc in each stitch (3sc)
Continue until the strip is long enough to join your oval together when it is folded in half.

Stitch the strip to your oval creating one gum. Make sure you leave an opening to stuff it with fuzz or old yarn before you stitch it up.

And do it all over again for your second gum!

Teeth: (top)
Ch 2, 2 dc in 2nd stitch from hook
In the same stitch as last 2 dc, 1hdc and 1 sc
Chain 4
In 3rd stitch from hook, 2 dc, 1hdc, 1sc
Repeat this until you have twice as many teeth as you need for the upper gum.
Once you finish off, fold the strip together and stitch them together so 2 teeth become 1 tooth. Stitch these to your upper gum.

Teeth: (bottom)
These are the same as the top, but you don't have to stitch 2 teeth together to make one tooth. Just make enough to peek out the bottom. Making a whole row will make the mouth to look too full.

When both gums and teeth are finished and assembeled, stitch the two top teeth that are farthest back to the bottom gum. Now you're done!

A cute squirrel to brighten up anyone's day!!!

Worsted weight yarn in squirrel color and black (I USED RED HEART SOFT)
Size G (4.00mm) hook
Animal Eyes--you can also embroider them
Stuffing
Yarn Needle

About 9" tall

Keep stitches tight so that stuffing doesn't show through.

*All is worked right side out. You may want to use a smaller hook, which will make the stitches tighter.*

Key:
ch: chain
st: stitch
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
inc: increase
dec: decrease
fo: fasten off

Head
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2. *inc*~ 12
3. *Sc in 1st st, inc in the next* around~ 18
4. Sc in first 2 sts, inc in next* around~ 24
5. *Sc in first 3 sts, inc in next* around~ 30
6-9. Sc around~ 30
10. *Sc in first 4 sts, inc in next* around~ 36
11-13. Sc around~ 36
14. *Sc in first 4 sts, dec* around~ 30
15. *dec* around~ 15
16. *sc in first st, dec* around~ 10
17. *dec* around~ 5
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2. *inc* around~ 12
3-7. Sc around~ 12
Sl st, FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Body
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2. *inc*~ 12
3. *Sc in 1st st, inc in the next* around~ 18
4. *Sc in first 2 sts, inc in next* around~ 24
5. *Sc in first 3 sts, inc in next* around~ 30
6. *Sc in first 4 sts, inc in next* around~ 36
7-12. Sc around~ 36
13. *Sc in first 4 sts, dec over next 2* around~ 30
14. Sc around~ 30
15. *Sc in first 3 sts, dec over next 2* around~ 24
16. *Sc in first 2 sts, dec over next 2* around~ 18
17. *Sc in first st, dec over next 2* around~ 12
18-21. Sc around~ 12
Fasten off, weave in the end.

Arms (Make 2)
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2-8. Sc in each sc around~ 6
(The arms have a total of 42 sts around)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 2)
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2-9. Sc in each sc around~ 6
(The legs have a total of 48 sts around)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tail
1. Ch 7. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in next 4 sts; 3 sc in last, turning to the underside of the ch; sc in last 5~ 13
2-23. 1 hdc in each st around~ 13
Make sure to stuff along the way! Leave 1-2” un-stuffed-this will be sewn to the body.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly
Using the pictures as a guide, sew ears to head. Sew head to body. Add on arms and feet to appropriate areas. Looking at picture, sew tail to body.
SPECIAL TAIL NOTES: Sew the smallest amount of the top of the tail down, so it looks like it is curling down. Sew that part to the head w/ only one or two sts. The un-stuffed part will be sewn to bottom/back of body.

NOTE: You can make this squirrel any way you want!!! The ears could be made longer, tail bigger, eyes larger, ect. Feel free to be creative!

A small dragon to hang out where-ever you go!

Soft worsted weight yarn in dragon color and alternating color
Size D (3-3.25mm) hook
Stuffing
Yarn Needle
Animal Eyes (optional)

About 4" LONG, 1 1/2" TALL

Keep stitches tight so that stuffing doesn't show through.

*This pattern has not been tested!*
*All is worked right side out. Please look at the notes on bottom of page BEFORE starting your dragon.*

Key:
ch: chain
st: stitch
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
inc: increase
dec: decrease
fo: fasten off

Head & Body
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2. In BLO, sc around~ 6
3. Sc around~ 6
4. (Hdc, dc) in first st, (dc, hdc) in next, sc in last 4 sts~ 8
5. 1 sc, *ch2, sc in 2nd ch from hook*, 1 sc, **, sc in next 2, dec, dec~ 6
6. 1 sc, *going behind the ear, sl st*,**, sc in last 3 sts~ 6

STUFF HEAD!!!
7-9. Sc around~ 6
10. *inc* around~ 12
11. *sc in first st, inc* around~ 18
12-15. Sc around~ 18
16.*sc in first st, dec* around~ 12
17. *dec* around~ 6
18-25. Sc around~ 6
26. Sc 1, dec, sc 1, dec, dec
Yes, this goes into the next round!
Fasten off, weave in the ends.

Wings (Make 2)
1. Leaving a long tail, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch. Turn~ 9
2. Ch 1, sc in next 7. Turn~ 7
3. Ch 1, sc across. Turn~ 7
4. Ch 1, sc in next 5.
Fasten off, weaving in the shorter tail.

Spine
With alternating color, attach to the end of the tail. Do *1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc* across until you reach the head. Fasten off, weave in the ends.

Feet (Make 4)
1. Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook~ 6
2. Sc in first 2, inc, sc in next 2, inc~ 8
3-4. Sc around~ 8
5. Sc in first 2, dec, sc in next 2, dec~ 6
6. Sc around~ 6
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY
Sew on dragon wings, leaving a space in between. Next, crochet on the spine. Finally, sew on all of the feet.

NOTES:
*I just stuck my animal eyes (without the backings) in, because I’m not giving it to a child. I recommend embroidering on the eyes if giving the dragon to a small child. Otherwise, stick `em in!
*If you think that the tail is too short, go ahead and make it longer! Decorate this baby any way you like!

A cute little weiner dog to keep you company!

Materials
Worsted weight yarn in
`Brown or tan
`Collar color
`Tag Color (For Collar)
Size E (3.50 mm) crochet hook
Stuffing
Animal Eyes (or you can embroider them)
Tapestry Needle

About 4 or 5" long, 2" high

Keep stitches tight so that stuffing doesn't show through stitches.

*All of pattern is worked right-side out. Do not join or ch 1 at ends of rounds unless otherwise indicated!*

If using animal eyes, place them between rounds 5 & 6*

Key:
ch: chain
st: stitch
sc: single crochet
inc: increase
dec: decrease
FO: fasten off

Head:
1) Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
2) 2 sc in each sc around (12)
3) *2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in next st* around (18)
4) *2 sc in 1st st, sc in next 2 sts* around (24)
5-8) sc in each sc around
9) *sc dec over the next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts* around (18)
10) *sc dec over the next 2 sts, sc in next st* around (12)
STUFF
11) sc in the next 12, sl st. (12) Ch 1, turn
12) sc in the next 4, ch 1, turn (4)
13-14) sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (4)
15) 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2, 2 sc in last st, ch 1, turn (6)
16) sc in each st across. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Body:
1) Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
2) 2 sc in each sc around (12)
3) *2 sc in next st, sc in next st* around (18)
4–20) sc in each sc around (18)
STUFF
21) *sc dec* around (9)
22) repeat round 21, sc in last st (5)
Sl st in next st, fasten off, weave in the ends.

SEW HEAD ON BODY WITH NECK COVERING ROUND 22.
Snout
1)Ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook (5)
2) 2 sc in each sc around (10)
3) Sc in each sc around (10)
4) *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* 2 times (12)
5-6) Sc in each sc around (12)
Sl st in next st, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 4):
1) Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
2-6) sc in each sc around (6)
Sl st in next st, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Stuff each leg firmly.
Ears (Make 2):
1) Ch 2, 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (4)
2) 2 sc in each sc around (8)
3) Repeat round 2 (16)
4-5) Sc in each sc around. Sl st in next st, fasten off, leaving a LONG tail for sewing.
Tail:
Ch 10. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, and in next ch. Sc in last 7 sts. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Collar:
With collar color, ch 15. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each ch across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tag
Join tag color on the underside of the middle chain of collar. (About the 7th or 8th st) Ch 4, and sl st in same st. Fasten off, weave in the ends.
Assembly
1)Sew 2 legs onto front of dog, and 2 legs onto back of dog. Use pictures to help with placement.
2) Press ear flat, and sew up the opening. Sew ears on both sides of head, making sure the ‘pointy’ part of the ear is facing towards the dogs’ bottom. The ears should be a little bit tacked down, so they don’t look they are wings on his head.
3) Sew snout to front of puppy’s face, using pictures if needed. *When sewing on snout, every couple of sts, put needle between 2 sts at a time...kind of like decreasing. Then sew on his nose with black or dark brown yarn.
4) Sew tail to puppy’s bottom. The pointy end of the tail should be pointing towards the head.
5) Wrap collar around dog’s neck. Sew ends together.
6) Embroider on eyes, if not using doll eyes.

A small kitty to sit on your desk, lounge around on your bed, or hang on a chain!

Caron Simply Soft worsted weight yarn
Size G (4.00mm) hook
Stuffing
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Size 9mm animal eyes

4" tall

Keep the stitches tight to hold in stuffing.

*All of pattern is worked right-side out. DO NOT join rounds!*
Animal eyes may be placed between rnds 4 and 5

Key:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: increase
dec: decrease
mm: millimeter

Body
R1) Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook-6 sc
R2) 2 sc in each sc around-12 sc
R3) *sc in 1st sc, 2 sc in next sc* around-18 sc
R4-8) Sc in each sc around-18 sc
R9) *sc in 1st st, sc-DEC* around-12 sc

STUFF KITTY NOW!

R10) *DEC* around-6 sc
Fasten off, and weave in the ends.

Feet (Make 4)
R1) Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook-6 sc
R2-3) Sc in each sc around
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)
R1) Ch 2, 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook-4 sc
R2) Sc in each sc around
R3) 2 sc in each st around-8 sc
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing

Tail
R1) Ch 12. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, and in remaining chains.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing,

Assembly
1. Press ears flar and sew onto head.
2. Stuff feet slightly and sew onto underside of body.
3. Sew on tail.
4. Embroider on nose/mouth.

Kitty Complete!