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

This is the end result of my choosing to stay home on New Years Eve. She was born while fireworks went off in the sky and there was no lack of celebration. She is totally unaware that it was not all about her, and I'm not telling her any different. She is a happy little thing. In fact, just this morning she sleepily whispered in my ear, "I am a square dancing doll". What can I say to that but, "Yes, my little friend, you are that."

Crochet Hook size G/6/4mm
Tapestry needle
Small amounts of worsted weight yarn. I used Caron brand, Simply Soft in Soft Yellow(MC), DK Country Blue(CC), and Autumn Red(CC)
One small sock(for stuffing)

Approx. 6 1/2 inches tall and 4 inches wide

Not that important

For Head--Make Two

Rnd 1: Ch 4, sl st in first ch to form ring, ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2)3 times, join with sl st in top of ch-3.

Great beginner amigurumi project.

Medium worsted-weight yarn
Crochet hook size D3 (U.S.)
White ribbon or felt
Safety eyes or eyes of your choice (I used black yarn to embroider them on mine)
Stuffing
Yarn needle

Finished kisses are 2" tall.

Just make sure your stitches are firm and uniform.

Kiss Body:

These quick and easy balloons are great for anyone new to amigurumi.

Worsted weight yarn in color of your choice
Size U.S. E4 crochet hook
Yarn needle
Stuffing
Safety eyes and nose (or embroider your own)
Swizzle sticks or wooden skewers for balloon "string"

Large balloon is approx. 3" tall
Small balloon is approx. 2" tall.

Not necessary, just make sure your stitches are firm and even.

Large Balloon:

Updated 4-8-2008

I'm pretty new to crochet toys so this is my first written pattern for the ones I do make. I've been into an animal fetish lately and this is just one of the animals I am in love with. I made this squirrel from a picture I found in a Nature Photography Book. I am really bad at enhancing my creations 'personality' so don't feel you have to use exactly what I did. You can embroider, cut out felt features, use buttons, or whatever you feel with bring out your Squirrels personality.

Cocoa Caron Yarn 1 skein(150 yds) WW 4ply
Size G hook
Stuffing (fiberfill stuffing)
Google eyes (2)
Felt (for features)
Pipe Cleaner (for legs and arms)
Hot glue gun and glue
Tapestry needle

4inches tall (not including ears)
2inches wide

Not important for this pattern.

Back Loop (bl) - The stitch is worked into the back loop

Marck Stitch (ms) - Move stitch marker

Weave in any loose ends

Use tight stitches

Decrease Single Crochet (dec sc) - insert in first stitch, yo, pull up a loop,insert in second stitch, yo, pull up a loop, 3 loops on hook, pull through all three loops dec sc made.

Stuffing - It is better to take a little stuffing at a time and stuff instead of taking big pieces. When you think you've stuffed enough, stuff a bit more. Tight.

Head:
Chain 2
1: Single crochet 6x's into the first chain(ms)circle made
2: 2 Single crochet in each stitch around(12sc)(ms)
3: 1 single crochet in first stitch, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat around 6xs (18sc)(ms)
4: 1 single crochet in first 2 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat around 6x's. (24sc)(ms)
5 - 6: single crochet in each stitch around (24sc)(ms)
7: Dec sc in first two stitches, single crochet in next stitch, repeat around 8x's. (8decsc, 8sc) (ms)
8: 1 single crochet in each stitch around.(16sc)
stuff firmly
9: Decrease single crochet around to last 3 stitches. Fasten off. Leave at least a 12" tail to sew closed.

Body:
Chain 2
1: 6 single crochet in first ch. Circle made. (ms)
2: 2 single crochet in each stitch around. (12sc)(ms)
3: 1 single crochet in first stitch, 2 single crochet in next stitch. Repeat around.(18sc)(ms)
4: 1 single crochet in first 2 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch. Repeat around.(24sc)(ms)
5: 1 single crochet in the bl of each stitch around.(24sc)(ms)
6 - 10: single crochet in each stitch around.(24sc) (ms)
7: 1 dec sc in first 2 sts, 1 single crochet in next stitch, around.(8x's) (ms)
8: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. (18sc) (ms)
9: 1 dec sc in next two stitches, 1 sc in next stitch (5x's), 1sc in last st.(11sc)(ms)
Stuff firmly
10: dec sc in each stitch around to the last 3 sts.
Fasten Off leaving a long tail.

Sew head to body.

Ears:(make 2)
chain 5 (Leave a long tail so you can sew to head later)
1: 1 single crochet in each stitch across, ch1 turn (4sc)
2. dec sc 2x's (2 dec sc, 2sc) ch, 1 turn
3: dec sc over last 2 stitches
Fasten off

Sew Ears to head.

Tail:
chain 30 (leave a tail for latter)
1: 1 single crochet in the 5th stitch from the hook, [chain 5, 1 sc in next stitch]Repeat across to the end. Fasten off, leave a long tail 12" - 18" to sew to body.

Take the beginning tail and weave into the foundation row and then pull. This will scrunch up the tail. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Take the other tail and sew to the back of the body.

Arms: (Make 2)
ch 6
1: 1sc in each stitch across. ch1 turn (5sc)
2 - 4: repeat row 1
5: fold in half length wise and matching up stitches sl st each stitch across and around corner. (5 sl st + 2sl st)
Finish off. weave in ends. Sew to body.

Feet: (Make 2)
ch 5
1: 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next 3 st. Finish off

Sew to body.

Personality:
(Original)
I just hot glued some google eyes on as well as a felt nose and teeth. On the ears and the belly I put some felt accents. The arms I just took a chenelle pipe cleaner and stuck it into the body. The legs are a half circle chenelle pipe cleaner hot glued to the bottom.

New:
Add some safety eyes. Embroider nose and mouth.

(C) Momwithahook
You are free to use the product you make from this pattern for fun or profit just note a link to this pattern with 'Momwithahook'.

After being introduced to amigurumi by this fabulous ‘zine, I went out and bought Japanese pattern books and played with making them. I then was asked to teach an Amigurumi class at my LYS’s annual Knit & Crochet retreat. I created this pattern for my class and it was so much fun to make and teach.

• Yarn requirements & hook size are dependent on the weight of the yarn you choose to use. You want your stitches to be as tight as possible so stuffing does not leak out. You may need to use a hook size smaller than what is recommended on the yarn label.
• Yarn needle
• Poly-fil or other stuffing
• Cat eyes (Optional. If you can’t find these at your local independent craft store you can buy them on eBay for very cheap.)
• Stitch marker

Depends on yarn weight.

Gauge is unimportant in this pattern. Be sure to make your stitches tight. Use a smaller hook than recommended, if necessary.

Body

Make adjustable ring

Round 1: Work 7 sc into ring, tighten ring by pulling on end of yarn. (7 sts)