Lately, I have really been on a no-sew crochet pattern kick. I also don’t particularly like how my closing of a decreasing round looks, so if I can figure out how to work mostly with increases and close by single crocheting the halves together, I consider it a major win.
This pattern uses a standard African flower motif and I inserted a circle of felt in the shell to keep any stuffing from peeking through the design. I also pop a little rattle insert in there because I think the fun pattern and bright colors lend itself perfectly to being a baby toy.
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Pattern is written in US terminology. Gauge does not matter.
MR – magic ring
sc – single crochet
inc – increase (make 2 sc in same stitch)
dec –decrease (join 2 stitches together)
dc – double crochet
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
BLO – back loop only
FO – finish off
Head (make one green)
1. 6sc in MR. (6)
2. [sc, inc] x3.. (9)
3. [2sc, inc] x3. (12)
4. [sc, inc] x6. (18)
5-9. 18sc. (18)
10. 3sc, dec x6, 3sc. (12)
11. 4sc, dec x2, 4sc. (10)
12. 3sc, stuff, fold in half and sc both sides together to close. (4sc across)
Legs (make four green)
1. 6sc in MR. (6)
2. Inc x6. (12)
3. BLO 12sc. (12)
4. 12sc. (12)
5. [dec, 4sc] x2. (10)
6. Stuff, fold in half and sc both sides together to close. (4sc across)
Shell (make one, start with yellow)
1. In MR ch3, dc, ch1, [2dc, ch1] x5, sl st to top of 1st dc and change to pink.
2. Sl st in first ch1 space. Ch3, dc, ch1, 2dc in 1st ch1 space. [2dc, ch1, 2dc in next ch1 space] x6, sl st to top of 1st dc.
3. Sl st in ch1 space, ch3, 6dc in 1st ch1 space, [7dc in next ch1 space] x5, sl st to top of ch3 and change to blue.
4. Ch1, sc in same sl st at the top of ch3 and in the next 6st. dc in between dcs of row 2. [sc in next 7st, dc in between dcs of row 2] x5, sl st to 1st sc and change to green.
5-7. 48sc. (48)
FO and attach a fabric lining or insert a felt circle later before stuffing to make sure holes are closed.
Belly (make one green)
1. 6sc in MR. (6)
2. Inc x6. (12)
3. [sc, inc] x6. (18)
4. [2sc, inc] x6. (24)
5. [3sc, inc] x6. (30)
6. [4sc, inc] x6. (36)
7. [5sc, inc] x6. (42)
*You will be attaching the head and legs while doing row 8. Sc through the closed edge of limbs so that they will lie pointing toward the center of the belly.
8. 2sc, through a leg 4sc, inc, 2sc, through a leg 4sc, inc, sc, through head 4sc, sc, inc, through a leg 4sc, 2sc, inc, through a leg 4sc, 2sc, inc, 6sc, inc.
*Do not FO. Turn your piece and place shell on top so that wrong sides are together and shell is facing you. Line up flower petals so that one is in line with the head. Sc through both pieces to join together. At the head I did slip stitches through the neck too to hold the head up in an outstretched position. I did not stitch through the legs. Add a rattle if you like and stuff before finishing.
