Fuzzy The Accidentai Dog Toy By Jenna Wingate
This originally became a toy because Pilot the Rat Terrier puppy wouldn't leave the novelty yarn in the yarn cubbies! After he slobbered all over it, it was his, so I made it into an actual toy. It turned out to be a hit. Very simple, but the texture and sling-a-bility was perfect for a little terrier that naturally shakes his toys like he was bred to shake prey. At 3 1/2 he still loves them, as do all the dogs I have ever made one for. This is a great beginner project because there's no ends to sew in and it's a good use to re-purposed yarn from those early projects that didn't go quite right!
Materials:
Novelty Yarn (You won't need much) Coordinating medium weight yarns 1/9(5.50mm) hook Squeaker or other filler (see options) Stitch Marker Small amount of polyfil
Skill Level: Beginner
Stitches Used:
ch = chain sc= single crochet sc2tog= single crochet 2 together (draw up a loop in the next 2 stitches and pull through all three loops on hook) slst= slip stitch Please note that this is an older pattern and has never been tested. If you find any errors or have any problems, please Email me and we will sort it out! Thanks so much! Safety Warning: If you are making this for a new dog or any pet that you are not sure you can trust with smaller objects, and you won't be able to supervise them at all times, probably best to not put anything extra inside the toy. If you make this for a gift, warn the owner if you add something inside. If you are making these for a shelter or rescue, you may want to ask them first if they prefer squeakers or no squeakers.
Optional add-ins:
Squeaker - You can buy a package of 4 of these at most large chain pet supply stores for about a dollar. I usually buy them in bulk off EBay-you can get about 36 of the heavy-duty ones for about \$8. Plastic Easter Egg - with kibble inside. I get a couple packages at the dollar store every year. You can use a few dabs of hot glue or some tape to hold it shut. Jingle Cat Balls- another dollar store find. Probably more suited to a cat, but some dogs are okay with these, too. Catnip - Cats love these, too! I keep some Polyfil in a Ziploc with catnip all mixed in, ready to stuff toys! (Double bag that and hide it well if you have cats of your own as they will find it and rip it open!!)
Pattern:
Holding 1 strand of novelty yarn and 1 strand of ww(worsted weight) yarn together, and leaving a 6 inch beginning tail ch 4 and join to form a circle. Rd. 1- ch1, 6 sc in circle. Join with a sl st to first sc. Ch1. (6 sc) Rd. 2- 2sc in each sc. Ch1. (12 sc) Rd. 3- (2sc in next sc, 1 sc in next) around. Ch1. (18 sc) Rd. 4- (2sc in next, 1 sc in next 2) around. Ch1. (24 sc) Rd. 5-6- sc evenly around. Ch1. Rd. 7- (sc2tog, sc in the next) around. Ch1. (18 sc) Rd. 8- repeat round 7. FO, leaving 18 inch tail (12 sc) Note: Some novelty yarns are going to be fuzzier on the wrong side, because of the natural tendency to push the bulk behind your work. Turn you work wrong side out, if this is the case, and pull the beginning tail through to hide it in the middle. Pull that tail tight so the stuffing doesn't peak out!
Cut:
<24> 3ft lengths of yarn (l will use up what is left of the novelty yarn + coordinating color(s) OR just use whatever is handy for this- your choice) Using your hook, pull 2 strands through each stitch at the opening until they are doubled evenly. Stuff the toy with polyfil, adding any other things as desired. Divide the strands into (roughly) 4 sections. Knot the opposite sections tightly to close the opening. Repeat with the remaining. Divide total strands into 3 sections and braid. Knot, pulling the knot toward the end tightly. Trim if needed, leaving 1-2 inches of fringe. Call your dog, swing Fuzzy around in the air and let it go! Repeat. This pattern was originally published under the design name
Pattern Support Available via Email: jennawingatedesigns.com
Usage
For personal use, gifts, and charity only, please. Contact me first, please, if you wish to sell for rescue/shelter fund raisers. Email Facebook
