Happy New Year my crafty friends!
I'm finally back after a much needed vacation! It's always good to find some time to slow down, unplug for a while, dedicate time to whom and what matters the most!
...anyway, today I'm back with my usual Tuesday Free Pattern - and I'm happy to present you all an adorable creature I designed some months ago in collaboration with DHG Shop (Italian fiber and textile company that offers all you need for your felt, hand spinning, knitting and handcrafting projects).
My cute Blue Hippo is worked with a soft, warm, and fluffy yarn made of 100% merino wool - DHG PIUMA yarn.
The result is extremely soft and cuddly - a perfect toy for the little ones!
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You can purchase the PDF pattern here on my Etsy page - you will find over 30 explanatory step-by-step pictures and tips to guide you through the making process.
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Here's the FREE pattern!
YARN: Bulky (5) DHG Piuma - Paradise, Ireland
MATERIALS: 4.5 mm Hook, Two 10 mm Black Plastic safety Eyes; Poly Stuffing
DIMENSION: 10” x 7” (24 x 16 cm)
ABBREVIATIONS: magic ring (mr), stitch (st), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), back loop only (BLO), front loop only (FLO), fasten off (F/O)
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
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HEAD (paradise yarn)
Rnd 1: 7 ch, 1 sc inc in the 2nd ch from the hook, 4 sc, 2 sc inc into the last ch, keep working on the other side of the foundation chain, 4 sc, 1 sc inc in to the last ch (16)
Rnd 2: 2 sc inc, 4 sc, 4 sc inc, 4 sc, 2 sc inc (24)
Rnd 3: 1 sc inc, 1 sc, 1 sc inc, 6 sc, (1 sc inc, 1 sc, 1 sc inc) rep twice, 6 sc, 1 sc inc, 1 sc, 1 sc inc (32)
Rnd 4: 2 sc inc, 12 sc, 4 sc inc, 12 sc, 2 sc inc (40)
Rnd 5 - 9: sc even (40)
Rnd 10: (8 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (36)
Rnd 11: sc even (36)
Rnd 12: (7 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (32)
Rnd 13: (6 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (28)
Rnd 14: (5 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (24)
Rnd 15: 16 sc, 6 sc inc, 2 sc (30)
Rnd 16: (4 sc, 1 sc inc) rep around (36)
Rnd 17: (5 sc, 1 sc inc) rep around (42)
Rnd 18 - 23: sc even (42)
Insert the safety eyes between rnds # 15-16, 5 sts apart
Rnd 24: (5 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (36)
Rnd 25: sc even (36)
Rnd 26: (4 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (30)
Rnd 27: (3 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (24)
Rnd 28: (2 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (18)
Rnd 29: (1 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (12)
Rnd 30: sc dec around (6)
Embroider the MOUTH in line with the foundation chain.
Embroider the NOSTRILS between rnds # 6-8, 8 sts apart.
Embroider the EYEBROWS between rnds # 18-20, 7 sts apart.
EARS (paradise yarn; make two)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr (6)
Rnd 2: (2 sc, 1 sc inc) rep twice (8)
Rnd 3: sc even (8)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, 1 sc dec) rep twice (6)
Rnd 5: (1 sc, 1 sc dec) rep twice (4); F/O and leave a long strand of yarn to sew the ear to the top of the head between rnds # 23-25, 4 stitches apart. Do not stuff the ears.
BODY (ireland and paradise yarn)
Make two:
Rnd 1: starting off with ireland yarn, 6 sc in a mr (6)
Rnd 2: sc inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 sc inc) rep around (18)
Rnd 4: working in BLO, sc even (18)
Rnd 5: switch to paradise yarn, and work in both loops now, sc even (18)
Rnd 6 - 7: sc even (18); F/O
Do not cut the yarn once you have completed the 2nd leg, ch2 instead.
Merge the two legs together
Rnd 8: join the yarn to the FLO of the 1st stitch of the 1st leg, crochet 18 sc around, continue working on the chs between the two legs, crochet 2 hdc, keep working on the 2nd leg, crochet 18 sc, continue working on the chs between the two parts, 2 hdc (40); start stuffing
Rnd 9: 15 sc, 3 sc inc, 2 sc, 3 sc inc, 15 sc, 2 sc inc (48)
Rnd 10 - 18: sc even (48)
Rnd 19: (6 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (42)
Rnd 20 - 21: sc even (42)
Rnd 22: (5 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (36)
Rnd 23: sc even (36)
Rnd 24: (4 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (30)
Rnd 25 - 26: sc even (30)
Rnd 27: (3 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (24)
Rnd 28: sc even (24)
Rnd 29: (4 sc, 1 sc dec) rep around (20); finish stuffing the body firmly
F/O and leave a long strand of yarn to sew the body to the head (between rnds #23-24).
ARMS (ireland and paradise yarn; make two)
Rnd 1: starting off with ireland yarn, 6 sc in a mr (6)
Rnd 2: sc inc around (12)
Rnd 3: working in BLO, 12 sc (12)
Rnd 4: switch to paradise yarn and work in both loops now, 12 sc (12)
Rnd 5: sc even (12)
Rnd 6: 4 sc, 2 sc dec, 4 sc (10)
Rnd 7 - 8: sc even (10)
Rnd 9: 3 sc, 2 sc dec, 3 sc (8)
Rnd 10: sc even (8); stuff the arm lightly
Rnd 11: flatten the arm and work through both layers now, 4 sc (4); F/O and leave along strand of yarn to sew the arm to the side of the body between rnds # 25-26.
TAIL (beaver yarn)
Rnd 1: 4 sc in a mr (4)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, 1 sc inc) rep twice (6)
Rnd 3: sc even (6)
Pull the initial strand of yarn on out, trim it and open up the yarn fibers.
Rnd 4: flatten the tail and crochet through both layers 3 sc (3); F/O and leave a long strand of yarn to sew the tail to the back of the body between rnds # 14-15.
I can't wait to see your version of my BLUE HIPPO! Feel free to tag me (@elisascrochet) in your photos on Instagram or Facebook if you'd like!
Elisa
This pattern is an original pattern by Elisa Sartori of Elisa's Crochet. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for your own personal use but please DO NOT sell the pattern or distribute it.
You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Elisa Sartori of Elisa's Crochet. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you!