Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn, weight 4 medium, in yellow (about 15 yards), orange (about 20 yards), and white (about 20 yards); total about 55 yards or approximately 32 g
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill, about 20 g (0.7 oz)
- Yarn needle with a blunt tip
- Small scissors
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Tape measure
- One small scrap of black yarn (optional) for a tiny face
Instructions
- Gather the three yarn colors, your H-8 (5.0 mm) hook, fiberfill, needle, scissors, and stitch marker. Start with yellow and leave a 5-inch tail for closing the top later.
- Make a magic ring. Chain 1, then work 6 single crochet stitches into the ring. Tighten the ring gently and place a marker in the first stitch. Round 1: 6 sc.
- Work 2 sc in each stitch around. Round 2: 12 sc.
- Work 1 sc in the first stitch, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. Round 3: 18 sc.
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around for two rounds. Rounds 4 and 5: 18 sc each.
- Change to orange at the end of Round 5. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Round 6: 18 sc.
- Continue with orange for five more even rounds. Rounds 7 through 11: 18 sc each.
- Change to white and work 1 sc in each stitch around for two rounds. Rounds 12 and 13: 18 sc each.
- Begin decreasing. Round 14: Repeat 1 sc, then 1 dec around for a total of 12 sc.
- Add a small amount of polyester fiberfill through the opening. Fill firmly enough to hold the shape, but stop before the stitches stretch open.
- Work 1 dec in each pair of stitches around. Round 15: 6 sc.
- Cut the white yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull gently to close the opening.
- Weave in the yellow and orange tails by passing through several nearby stitches. Trim extra yarn. Optionally, use black yarn to add two tiny stitched eyes.
Notes
This project does not require blocking because the shape comes from stuffing rather than flat fabric. Keep safety in mind if you use the piece around babies. Avoid placing in a crib or car seat as loose décor is unsafe for young children.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
