Creating a “flat dead squirrel carcass” crochet pattern can be a unique project! Here’s a beginner-friendly guide with detailed steps, tips, and visual ideas to help you along the way.
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Materials Needed for flat dead squirrel carcass pattern
- Yarn: Light brown or gray for the body, and a bit of black or darker yarn for detailing.
- Crochet Hook: Size E-4 (3.5 mm) or size that matches your yarn.
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful).
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends.
Basic Stitches Used for flat dead squirrel carcass pattern
- Chain (ch)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Increase (inc): 2 single crochets in the same stitch.
- Decrease (dec): 1 single crochet over two stitches.
Let’s start with the body, followed by tail, limbs, ears, and face details.
Step 1: Crochet the Body
- Magic Ring with 6 sc:
- Start with a magic ring (a way to begin crochet in the round by creating a loop).
- To make a magic ring, wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a loop, insert the hook, yarn over, and pull through. Chain one to secure it.
- Now, make 6 single crochets (sc) inside the ring. Pull the tail of the ring tight to close the circle.
2. Round 1 (Increase in each stitch):
- In each stitch, do an increase (2 sc in one stitch). This will double the stitches from 6 to 12.
- Mark the first stitch of this round with a stitch marker to help keep track.
3. Round 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next), repeat around:
- Work one sc in the first stitch, then an increase (2 sc in the same stitch) in the next. Repeat this pattern around for a total of 18 stitches.
4. Round 3: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next), repeat around:
- This round adds 1 more stitch between each increase. Work one sc in each of the first 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the third stitch. Repeat around (24 stitches in total).
5. Rounds 4-10 (Adding Size)
- Continue this pattern, adding one more sc between each increase for each round. As you go, this will make the body wider. Stop increasing once your circle measures about 4 inches across.
6. Flat Shape (for Length)
- To keep the body flat, work even rounds (no increases or decreases) for 3-4 rounds. This will give it a bit of length, about an inch more.
Step 2: Crochet the Tail
- Magic Ring of 6 sc:
- Start the tail with a magic ring and make 6 sc.
2. Row 1-10 (Tail Shape):
- Now, switch from working in a circle to working back and forth in rows to give the tail a flat look.
- Make a chain at the beginning of each row, turn, and work single crochets across. Each row should have around 10-12 stitches, depending on how wide you want the tail.
- Repeat this for about 10 rows, or until it’s around 3 inches long, to get a flat, “furry” look.
3. Attaching the Tail:
- Use your tapestry needle and a tail of yarn to sew the tail onto the end of the body.
Step 3: Crochet the Limbs
- Magic Ring of 4 sc:
- Start each limb with a magic ring and make 4 sc inside it. Pull the loop tight to close.
2. Rounds 1-3:
- For the limbs, work in continuous rounds (no turning) and add no increases to keep them short and stubby.
- This will create a small tube for each limb, approximately an inch long.
3. Attaching the Limbs:
- Sew two limbs at the front (near the head end of the body) and two at the back. Position them so that the limbs stick out a little, giving it a “flattened” look.
Step 4: Crochet the Ears
- Magic Ring of 4 sc:
- Make a small magic ring with 4 sc for each ear. This should be small and flat.
2. Fasten Off and Attach:
- After completing the 4 stitches, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Attach each ear near the head area on either side. Place them close together to give the squirrel a realistic look.
Step 5: Add Facial Details
- Eyes:
- Use black yarn and a tapestry needle. Create small X-shaped stitches for simple, “cartoonish” eyes about halfway up the head.
2. Nose:
- Stitch a small triangle or line shape with black yarn at the tip of the head end for the nose.
Final Touches
- Flattening the Shape:
- Lightly press the body so it lies flat. This adds to the “flattened” effect, giving it a lifeless look.
2. Weave in Ends:
- Use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends from attaching parts or changing yarns. Trim any excess yarn for a clean finish.
If you have any questions, comment down below: