I recently attempted making a baby comforter. It was a half thought through idea, I knew what I wanted to make but didn't really have a pattern. I had various photos and parts of patterns which I liked but I didn't have a complete pattern.
In the end I decided that the only way to recreate what I had pictured in my head was to create my own crochet owl pattern. He is now my little rainbow owl friend. I wanted something simple in shape and easy to crochet up. I wanted the impact to come from the rainbow stripes.
So, here it is. It's my first effort at sharing a pattern so apologies if it doesn't read well. It is very simple to make.
This is written based on the UK crochet terms and the stitches used are:
sc - single crochet
ss - slip stitch
dc - double crochet
tc - treble crochet
htr- half treble crochet
Hook: 4mm
Yarn: I used stylecraft special double knit in various colours that I had left over. You could work this in just one or two colours or in a rainbow of colours as I have done. I needed my colours to be unisex.
Body (worked from the base up)
I knew roughly the shape I wanted to create, an oval base with straight sides.
Note: the first 6 rounds are worked in a spiral in a single colour.
Rnd 1 - ch 10. 1 dc in 3rd chain from hook (and mark this st with a stitch marker), 1 dc in each of next 6 ch. 3dc in next ch, then work down the other side of the length of ch, with 1dc in each of the next 7 ch and 3 dc in the space made by the 2 missed ch you started with. (20 sts)
Rnd 2 - * 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, 2dc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * once again (26 sts)
Rnd 3 - * 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, (2dc in next st, 1dc in next st) 3 times, rep from * once again (32 sts)
Rnd 4 - * 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, (1dc in each of next 2sts, 2dc in next st) 3 times, rep from * once again (38 sts)
Round 5 - dc around
This is the width of the base of the body made, we now need to work on the height so we will stop increasing the number of stitches in the rounds.
You can now either continue working in the same colour and work in a spiral or you can change colour and work in the round.
If working in rounds start each new round with a chain 1 and your first dc in the same stitch as your chain 1, continue the round as per the pattern below and then slip stitch to the chain 1 and break off your yarn. The great think about this is the ends all just get tucked into the inside meaning less sewing in to do at the end.
Rnd 6-24- dc around
Line (you can use fabric or an old tight foot) and stuff your owl. (the top will still be open for now). Its always best to put a bit more stuffing in that you think necessary.
Wings (make 2)
I used the same shape as for the beginning of the body but I just made it on a smaller scale.
Rnd 1 - ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd chain from hook (and mark this st), 1dc in each of next 3 ch. 3dc in next ch, then work down the other side of the length of ch, with 1dc in each of the next 4 ch and 3dc in the space made by the 2 missed ch you started with. (14sts)
Rnd 2 - * 1dc in each of next 3 sts, 2dc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * once again (20sts)
Rnd 3 - * 1dc in each of next 3 sts, (2dc in next st, 1 dc in next st) 3 times, rep from * once again (26 sts) slip stitch to the next stitch and finish off.
Join your next colour up with a slip stitch into the last stitch of the previous round and continue with round 4.
Rnd 4 - * 1dc in each of next 3 sts, (1dc in each of next 2sts, 2dc in next st) 3 times, rep from * once again (32 sts) slip stitch to the next stitch and finish off leaving a long tail of yarn for joining together.
Eyes (make 2)
Rnd 1 - Using a dark colour, chain 2 and made 5tr into a magic circle and slip stitch together to the top of your chain 2.
Rnd 2 - Join light colour and slip stitch into the first tc of the magic circle, then work 2dc into each st (12 sts) slip stitch into the next stitch and finish off leaving a long tail for joining together.
Beak
Rnd 1 - make a magic circle, ch 3 and then work 5 tr into the magic circle, join with a slip stitch to the top of the ch3.
Rnd 2 - * 1tr in next st, 2tr in next st, rep from * to end (9 sts)
Rnd 3 - 1dc in each st around (9 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail of yarn for joining together.
Making up
Sew on the beak, eyes and wings.
Using the same colour that row 24 of the body was worked in and working through both layers of the top of the owl ch2, 1tr in next 2 sts, 1htr, dc to last 4 sts, 1htr, 1tr in each of last 3 sts, fasten off and weave in ends.
I attached my owl to a large granny square with a boarder of double crochet but there is all sorts you could do with this cute little owl.
Do let me know it you find any mistakes in the pattern as this is my first attempt at writing one.
I would also love to hear if you have made an owl and see pictures of your creations. Feel free to leave links to your creations in the comments.
Mummy to Snaffles and Munchie. Usually found near cake, coffee or crochet.
Blogs at: Snaffles Mummy
Twitter: @snafflesmummy