On Saturday evening I finished this soft rattle toy I’ve been making for my lovely little nephew, Isaac.
I am really pleased with how it has turned out and I’m thinking of making a second one in more girly colours for Emma.
I hope Isaac enjoys playing with it when he’s a little bigger!
I am still very new to writing my own crochet patterns, so again I hope I haven’t made any errors and apologise in advance if I have!
I know many of you find photo tutorials really helpful and I would love to create one for you but I’m afraid I am just not organised enough. My crochet is carried out so sporadically through out the day it is amazing enough I can keep track of my designs!
That said, I did snap a couple of mid-point photos of this project on my phone in places I wasn’t sure would be clear enough but the quality is not great, sorry!
Materials:
various colours aran weight cotton yarn, I used Rico Creative Cotton Aran
3.5mm hook
needle
thread
polyester toy stuffing
rattle (I used a tiny plastic container with some beads, but little jingle bells would work well)
I’m using UK terminology, these are the stitches and abbreviations being used.
st(s) = stitch(es)
ch = chain
ss = slip stitch
dc = double crochet (single crochet U.S)
htr = half treble (half double U.S)
tr = treble (double crochet U.S)
[picot] = ch3, insert into 3rd ch from hook(2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
[dc2tog] = insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (2 loops on hook), insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull through (3 loops on stitch), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Body
ch44, ss in first ch to form a ring.
R1-2) ch1, 1dc in next ch, 1dc in next 42ch, ss in ch-1 to close round.
R3-4) Join new colour yarn, ch1, 1dc in next 43sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (44sts)
R5-6) Join new colour yarn, ch1, 1dc in next 43sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (44sts)
R7-8) Join new colour yarn, ch1, 1dc in next 43sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (44sts)
R9) Join new colour yarn, ch1, 1dc in next 43sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (44sts)
You have at this point created a shallow tube, press the sides together keeping ss joins at the right hand edge of what now should resemble a rectangle. See image below…
R10) ch1, 1dc in each of the next 11sts, turn your work, 1dc into the stitch opposite your last st (see image below), 1dc in the next 9sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (22sts)
R11) Join new colour yarn, ch1, 1dc in next 10sts, dc2tog, 1dc in next st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 6sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (20sts)
R12) ch1, 1dc in next st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 13sts, dc2tog, 1dc in last st, ss in ch-1 to close round. (18sts)
R13-46) Changing yarn colour every 2 rounds if striping. ch1, 1dc in next 17sts, ss in ch-1 to close round.(18sts)
R47) ch1, 1dc in next 5sts, 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 9sts, 2dc in next st, 1dc in last st, ss in ch-1 to close round. (20sts)
R48) ch1, 1dc in next 6sts, 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 9sts, 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 2sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. (22sts)
R49) ch1, 1dc in next 21 sts, ss in ch-1 to close round. Fasten Off. (22sts)
Start stuffing the tube with polyfill. Use a whip stitch to sew the tube end to the opening left for it, creating a ring. Continue to stuff fully, putting your rattling object in the top surrounded by stuffing. Whip stitch across the top to close. You may need to tease it into shape slightly.
Outer Eyes
(Make 2)
R1) Using a white yarn, make a magic circle, ch1, 8dc, ss in ch-1 to close. Pull the circle tightly closed.
R2) ch3, 1tr in the same st, 2tr in each of the next 8 sts, ss in the top of ch-3 to close. Fasten Off.
Inner Eyes
(Make 2)
R1) Make a magic circle, ch1, 5dc, ss in ch-1 to close, pull tight. Fasten Off.
Stitch the inner eye to the centre of the outer eye.
Beak
ch7
R1) 1dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in every ch, turn.
R2) ch1, dc2tog, 1dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog, turn.
R3) ch1, dc2tog, 1dc in next st, dc2tog, turn.
R4) ch1, dc2tog, dc2tog, turn.
R5) ch1, 1dc in first st, dc2tog, turn.
R6) ch1, dc2tog, Fasten Off. Darn in ends.
Wing
(Make 2)
ch12
R1) 1dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in next 9chs, 3dc in last ch, working back along the other side, 1dc in each of the next 10chs.
R2) Turn, ch1, 1dc in first st, 1htr in next 2sts, 1tr in next st, 3tr in next st, 2tr in next st, 1htr in next 2sts, 1dc in next st, ss into the next 2sts, picot, ss into the next 2sts, 1dc in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts, 2tr in next st, 3tr in next st, 1tr in next st, 1htr in next 2sts, 1dc in next st, ss into the last st. Fasten Off. Darn in ends.
Position the beak, eyes, and wings where you want them and stitch securely to the body. I decided to let the wings flap as it gives babies another place to grasp onto. I also chose to to stitch my eyes on in a contrasting embroidery thread to outline them.
Et voila!
Please feel free to let me know what you think if you try this pattern out, and if you have any questions I will do my best to answer them!
x x x X x x x
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely LOVE this little owl rattle and want to make it for my little baby who will be here in a matter of weeks! I am semi-new to crochet and just a wee bit confused … I understand the owl head is basically worked … but I don’t understand how it changes to the long tube for the handle/body. First one closes the head? then starts to work the handle/tube at the other end? Are these two separate pieces that are joined together in the end? I would love a tip or two if you don’t mind … I can’t wait to make this! Thank you so much for sharing! I really appreciate this colorful fun design!
Hi Becca,
xxx
Ahhh I was worried that bit wouldn’t be very clear! The head and body is all one piece. The head is R1-9, R10 is the start of the tube. It is worked so that instead of doing another full round, you work halfway up one edge (11sts) then turn the work and work back along the opposite edge. (The picture shows the work just after it has been turned) Effectively creating two openings instead of one. The following rounds are all worked on that smaller round creating the tube which is then bent round to meet the second smaller opening.
Has that helped any? I hope so! But feel free to ask any more questions
anxious to try making these for my expected grandchild Hope my limited crochedt knowledge will be enough
I am a knitter! but love this project
Adorable! One of my new favorites. Linking up tomorrow at Tangled Happy. Thanks so much for sharing this.
This is so cute!! I make and sell crocheted items at fairs and a percentage of my income goes to the local Children’s Developmental Center ( a pre-school for special needs children) I would like your permission to make and sell your adorable owl rattle. Of course, I would list you as the designer. Thank you!
Of course you can
Thankyou for asking and giving credit! xxx
Thanks Naomi! That clears it up quite a bit for me! I’lll let you now if I have any other questions. Thanks again for posting! Soooo cute!
Too cute! I’ve got it started but this is the first time I’ve crocheted stripes in a circle. How did you keep your color changes from forming a line spiraling around the tube?
Hi Janet,
The short answer is I didn’t! But I found that the line didn’t twist all the way round it was only a gentle curve, and by the time the tube is formed into the ring the seam is entirely on the back so not really a problem. xxx
This may be a bit difficult to type, but I will give it a try…. On the last stitch of each round, that *last* yarn over and pulling through both loops on the hook, instead of yarning over with the same colored yarn in the row I was working, I used my next colored yarn. Once this was pulled through, I slip stitched the round closed and pulled TIGHT, chained one and pulled tight again. Then, instead of going into the next stitch, I single crocheted (dc in UK terms) in the same stitch. Since those last two parts are pulled tight, then the sc (dc in UK) in the same stitch does not add any more stitches than necessary…you will still have 18 stitches in each row. This method also keeps that line less noticeable, though you can still see it when looking REALLY hard.
I love the look of this pattern!! Am going to try my hand at making some up and selling them on my website if that’s ok? Have been wanting to make something to sell which is baby related as I want to raise money for our local maternity unit and would give a percentage of thd proceeds to them – again would direct people to you as designer if that’s ok? X
Hi Lucy,
I only ask that the pattern itself is not reproduced or sold. xxx
That is fine, thankyou for asking! I am happy for anything made from my patterns to be sold with design credit given
Thanks Naomi! I’m carrying on but I keep having trouble with the tube increasing in stitches. I know it’s something I’m doing, maybe when I change colors but I can’t figure it out. It’s not the pattern…I’m new to crochet, I’m sure it’s something I’m doing. Any suggestions?
Hi Janet, I’m not sure why that could be. Did you manage to decrease the stitches in R11&12? If so there should be 18 sts in each round and its just single dc in each stitch, is it possible that you’ve put an extra stitch in somewhere?
If not it could be the way you join a new colour, there are a lot of different way of doing it but for the project I joined mine at the ss ending each round. So I Insert my hook into ch-1 as usual, but yarn over in the new yarn, pulling the new yarn through the 2 loops on the hook in the previous colour. This still closes the round but keeps the colour change neat. Cut the old yarn and work over the ends.
Other than that I really don’t know, sorry! xxxx
Hello it’s me again from Chalky’s . We have just been blessed with a little Grandson and I could not think of anything more perfect to make for him so thank you so much for writing this pattern for everyone to share.
I am just trying to think of other animals which could undergo the same treatment. Oh! What fun.
Kindest Regards Linda
Love this design. Made a very cute owl rattle from your pattern would love to be able to sell the items made. I would credit you as the designer and link to your blog. Please met me know if this is ok.
Hi Mel, Thankyou for asking, thats fine with me
Thanks for giving credit xxxx
SO CUTE! I whipped one up in about 3 1/2 hours. Here is a link to my finished project! http://asmatteringoflaura.blogspot.com/2012/06/re-invigorated.html .
Thanks for such a cute, easy to read, well written pattern!
Laura
isaac loves it !! than you so much xx
Oh I’m so glad!
xxx
I finished my owl rattle! I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out! Thank you again for a lovely pattern!
Here is the link to finished product: http://beccadoodle.blogspot.com/2012/07/baby-owl-rattle.html
Just wanted to thank you for a fab pattern! It was really easy to follow and my little boy loves his new owl! Will definitely be doing some for charity now x
So glad he likes it! xx
Thank you so much for this pattern – I’m fairly new to crochet but had a go at making one for my youngest daughter’s 1st birthday, and now my 3.5 year old and (almost) 5 year old both want one too. I made it slightly bigger than the pattern (started by chaining 60 and just adapted the pattern slightly from there) and it’s just fab. No idea if this will work but hopefully this will be a link to my attempt – she’s called Flo!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vindaloo286/7602638346/
Hi Emma, I love Flo! I’m so glad your little one’s are enjoying it! xxx
I love this pattern. I appreciate your willingness to share this with us. I made it for my sister-in-law whose about to have a boy and I think she’ll love it. I only made one boo-boo, where at the end of the tube I forgot to switch colors, so I cut the letter ‘c’ out of felt (his name will be conner) and glued it on, so it worked out great. Thank you so much again, truly
I’m so glad you like it
im gonna try this its looks interesting!!!
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for your great pattern!
Today I finished my owl rattle and put al little toutch of my own in it.
Here’s the link to my rattle; https://www.facebook.com/pages/VanSjoukje/298654290219288
Hello Naomi
Thanks for sharing your lovely pattern. I have just finished my own example and it was very easy to follow your decription. Now there is a lille rattle-owl i Denmark, belonging to a little boy – to be born first of November this year.
Alice
I’m glad you like it
xxx
Absolutely adorable can’t wait to make these for baby gifts! As well, I would love to sell similar ones at my local farmers market with permission of course, and I would credit you and your site of course….
Hi Myranda, I am quite happy for you to sell ones you make if my design is credited. Thank you for asking
xxx
very nice is this owl, I like it.
lg. Irmi
Thank you for writing this pattern and make it available for all of us. I’m about to finish my own version of it, little bit in a hurry, as my friend will be induced tomorrow and I want to take it to the hospital.
Unfortunately you have no other pictures of the wings, they don’t come out that nice for me. Greeting from the Netherlands, Sandra
OMG, I love this!! I’m doing my son’s room an owl theme, would you make this for me? I’ll pay you!! How much would you want to make this??
Hi Sarah, I’m so glad you like it, I will email you regarding your request
x
I love this pattern! I just finished a complete rattle that I started in July! (mother of 2, 2 and under- that should explain the long delay!) I was doubtful that I could make one as cute as yours, but I am very pleased with the result. I had no trouble understanding the pattern. I do have one question though: how do you sew the pieces on? In the pattern it seems that you sew the eyes, nose, and wings on after the owl is stuffed and closed up. I wasn’t sure how that would work, so I sewed them on before I sewed the owl closed. I’ve been crocheting for several years but I don’t have that much experience with stuffed animals and such, so I’m still trying to learn. Can you describe the technique you use?
Hi Leslie,
I totally understand, I only have one little girl to contend with and I barely find the time!
This was the first stuffed piece of crochet I had ever done myself and I was just making it up as I went along! I did sew the features onto the body after it was complete, I just hand stitched them with some embroidery floss in a matching colour using a basic straight running stitch… I think I doubled up, that is to say did a second row of stitching to make sure it was secure and safe enough for inquisitive little hands! To fasten off I ran the thread through the same spot a couple of times and then knotted it well so it couldn’t come loose, I then just poked the knot through to the inside of the owl where it can’t be seen.
Does that help? xx
Hi and thank you for sharing this lovely pattern! Just one question – I’m a beginner crocheter and my stitch counting does not always work as I wish it did: by “ch-1″ you mean you have to SS in the stitch bebore the chain starting each row?
Thank you so much!!
Hi Antonella,
At the end of each round you slip stitch into the first stitch of that round to close it, you then chain 1 to act as the first stitch of the next round. Does that help at all? x
Thanks Naomi, I think it’s working now, it would get a bit bumpy at each row change, but it’s probably because I was slip stitching in the wrong stitch…
Thank you again for your help and for sharing it all this with us.
A big “CIAO” from Italy and happy Xmas!!
Thank you , Naomi! Yes, that helps!
This pattern is adorable. I have listed it on crochetatplay.com!
we have over 9,000 free pattern links and growing every day. If you have any other free patterns you’d like listed feel free to submit them right on our main page.
Megan
I made this last night for my little girl who will be here in a week… We LOVE owls in our house and this pattern was great! Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi, I can’t wait to get started on some of these. You suggest cotton yarn. It there a specific reason? All I have on hand is acrylic.
Hi Ashley, I’m sure acrylic will be fine! I only listed cotton as it is what I had on hand and I like the feel and weight of cotton. The only thing to consider is whether your acrylic yarn is aran/worsted weight like my cotton as that is the only thing that will affect the end product size and the fabric density. (It needs to be a tightly woven fabric to stop stuffing being pulled out by tiny fingers!) xxx
You wrote your pattern very well, and I thank you for sharing it! I am loving the little owl your pattern made (http://institchgratification.blogspot.com/)! Thank you!!!!
Hello, I find your pattern on Ravelry and I like it very much. I would like to learn if I can sell items made of this pattern? I have a little home business. I will give you a credit as a designer, of course.
Gabriela
Hi Gabriela, You are welcome to sell items made from my pattern if I am credited as designer
It is only the pattern itself I object to being reproduced or sold. Thankyou xx
Thank you
I am whipping up one of these as a gift and am using cotton yarn. I think that is a good choice especially if it will end up in baby’s mouth. My question is for those who have made one already using cotton yarn, how much did it shrink in the wash? Thanks.
{ 1 trackback }