Tutorial: Tree frog
For full instructions with detailed pictures please download PDF : Download treefrog.pdf
You’ll need –
• 2 big eyes (mine were 1 pair of 16.5mm amber cat safety eyes from craftbits.co.uk)
• 2 pipe cleaners
• A very small amount of cotton dk / light worsted yarn in 3 colours (green, white and orange)
• A little stuffing
• A trusty 3.5mm crochet hook
Back legs (x2)
• In green chain 27, the 27th is the turning stitch.
• Crochet a single stitch in each chain, so that you have 26 single stitches, turn.
• Crochet a second row of green single sts, then two rows of white single sts, retaining 26 sts on each row by using a turning st on each row.
Front legs (x2)
• In green chain 17 , the 17th is the turning stitch.
• Crochet a single stitch in each chain, so that you have 16 single stitches, turn.
• Crochet a second row of green single sts, then two rows of white single sts, retaining 16 sts on each row by using a turning st on each row.
Putting the legs together
• Sew each leg around a pipe cleaner, lengthwise, using blanket stitch and yarn needle, with some of the white cotton yarn. Leave one end open and sew the other neatly shut.
Head
• In green, do a magic circle with 8 single crochet sts, seal with a slip st.
• Row 1: Chain 1 and single crochet in the next 5 sts, chain 1 and turn.
• Row 2: Crochet 2 single sts in the first st, then 1 single crochet in the second, 2 singles in the third, 1 single in the fourth, and 2 singles in the fifth. Chain 1 and turn.
• Row 3: Crochet 1 single st in the first st, 2 in the second, 1 in the third, 2 in the fourth, 2 in the fifth, 1 in the sixth, 2 in the seventh, and 1 in the eighth. Chain 1 and turn.
• Row 4: Crochet 1 in the first, 2 in the second, 1 in sts 3 – 10, 2 in the eleventh, and 1 in the twelfth. Chain 1 and turn.
• Row 5: Crochet 1 in each st.
• Single crochet around the edges of the head to create a neat edge.
Affix eyes.
• Chain 12 sts and join st 12 to 1 with a slip st. Sew around the eye and repeat for the other eye.
Body (underside)
• In white chain 9, the 9th st is the turning st.
• Crochet 11 rows of single st, retaining 8 on each row by using a turning st on each row.
• Without using a turning st, crochet a further 5 rows, allowing the body to gradually taper.
• (the frog’s underbody should be 16 rows long, with 8 sts in the first 11 rows, 7 in the 12th, 6 in the 13th, 5 in the 14th, 4 in the 15th and 3 in the 16th).
• Crochet all around the frog’s body to neaten the edge and give a slightly domed shape.
Back feet (x2)
• In orange chain 7 and single crochet in the remaining 6 sts.
• Repeat this again, chaining down 7 and crocheting back for the 6 stitches, twice more, to make 3 toes, and knot the two lengths of yarn to pull together the foot.
Front feet (x2)
• In orange chain 6 and single crochet in the remaining 5 sts.
• Repeat this again (as with the back feet) to make 3 toes, drawing together and knotting the yarn to form the foot.
Suckers (x12)
• In orange make a 7 stitch circle using a magic circle, close with a slip st.
Making feet
• Weave in all the loose ends and sew a sucker onto the end of each toe. (I found using a regular needle and thread made the best effect).
• Stitch the back feet to the back legs, and the front feet to the front legs; again, I’d use regular needle and thread, rather than yarn.
Making frog
• Sew the green head to the green body, matching the back of the head to the bigger end of the body.
• Match the front of the head to the tapered end of the white body, then sew it in place. (pic1)
• Add a little stuffing, then position the front and back legs before sewing into place on one side. (pics 2 & 3)
• Position the other legs, add more stuffing and sew the frog closed. (pic 4)
Finishing
• Bend frog into shape, with front legs going one way and the back legs going the opposite way; so the knees and elbows pretty much touch, like this ><
• Ribbit…
