In true “Friend” tradition, we are appealing to the generous hearts of our readers to make the Love Darg 2019 a resounding success.
Once more we are asking you to help support the work of Cats Protection by knitting or crocheting a cat toy or comforter and donating them for cats in their care or to sell in their charity shops.
Why not crochet the above toy . . .
Just follow these simple directions.
You can also download these instructions by clicking here.
Materials
1 2.5 oz/70.9-gram ball of Lily Sugar ‘n Cream DK in each of Batik Ombre (02446) or Robin’s Egg (01215) M, Hot Orange (01628) or Hot Green (01712) A and White (00001) B (this will make several toys).
One 3.75 mm crochet hook, toy stuffing, bell (optional), large-eyed embroidery needle (optional).
If you have difficulty obtaining the yarn locally, you can order it from www.readicut.co.uk, tel: 01162 713759.
Size: Approx. 7.5 cm (3 ins) in diameter excluding fins.
Tension
16 dc and 19 rows to 10 cm using 3.75 mm crochet hook.
Abbreviations
ch – chain;
dc – double crochet;
dcp – double crochet picot;
dc2tog – draw up a loop in each of next 2 sts, yoh and draw through all loops on hook;
rep – repeat;
rnd – round;
sl st – slip st;
sp – space;
st(s) – stitches;
tr – treble;
yoh – yarn over hook.
Important Note
Figures in square brackets [ ] are worked the number of times stated.
When writing to us you must enclose an SAE if you would like a reply.
To make
With A make 2 ch.
1st rnd – 8 dc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st to first dc.
2nd rnd – 1 ch, working in back loops only, [dc2tog, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc] twice, join M with sl st to first dc, break off A – 6 dc.
3rd rnd – With M, 1 ch, working in back loops only, 2 dc in each dc around, join with sl st to first dc – 12 dc.
4th rnd – 1 ch, ★2 dc in next dc, draw up a loop in next st, [yoh and draw through 1 loop on hook] 3 times, yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook – 1 dc picot (dcp) made – rep from ★ around, join with sl st to first dc – 18 sts.
5th rnd – 1 ch, ★2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dcp in next st, rep from ★ around, join with sl st to first dc – 24 sts.
6th – 8th rnds – 1 ch, ★1 dc in each of next 3 sts, 1 dcp in next st, rep from ★ around, join with sl st to first st.
9th rnd – ★Dc2tog, 1 dc in next st, 1 dcp in next st, rep from ★ around, join with sl st to first st – 18 sts.
10th rnd – 1 ch, ★dc2tog, 1 dcp in next st, rep from ★ around, join with sl st to first st – 12 sts.
Stuff body lightly, inserting bell in the middle if using.
11th rnd – 1 ch, ★dc2tog, rep from ★ around, join with sl st to first st – 6 sts.
Fasten off.
To complete
Tail – Folding last rnd of body flat and working through both thicknesses, join A with sl st to first dc.
1st row – 1 ch, 1 dc in same sp as last sl st, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, turn.
2nd row – 3 ch (counts as 1 tr), 2 tr in first dc, 3 tr in each of next 2 dc.
Fasten off.
Fins (2) – With A, make 4 ch. 1st row – 4 tr in 4th ch from hook.
Fasten off.
Eyes (2) – With B, make 2 ch. 1st rnd – 5 dc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first dc. Fasten off.
To Make Up
Sew fins and eyes to body very securely using the photograph as a guide and securing the ends of the yarn in the ball.
With M, embroider pupils using french knots or satin stitch in centre of eyes (optional).
Click the tag below for more on the Love Darg 2019.
For information on how to donate your makes, click here.
Liz O’Rourke I am part of the Features Team and my hobbies include knitting and crafts, reading and foreign travel – which are also my main responsibilities on the “Friend”. If you walk into the office you will soon spot my desk, it’s the one piled high with knitwear and balls of yarn!
