Crocheted Cranky Pig

There is a man in my life who is currently infatuated with Angry Birds. This man happens to be all of 5 years old.  So, in honor of his recent birthday I created some special gifts for him, but I've been asked to call them "Mad Birds". These are done amigurumi style - which is a Japanese crochet meaning "in the round". Basically, you crochet continuously without joining each round.  
When I decided to do these, I didn't even bother to look for a pattern because I'm cheap creative like that.  To begin, I found a picture online.

http://gadgetsin.com/angry-birds-green-pig-plush-toys.htm

Then I just started crocheting, but this time I remembered to write down the pattern as I went along. I typically forget to do that. Oops.


Voila, here is my artistic interpretation of the pig for you. Please note that this pattern has not been tested by anyone, so if you want to try it out I would love to hear back from you.

Cranky Pig

Materials:

• Size ‘G’ hook
• 4-ply worsted weight yarn in green.  I used some leftover Red Heart Kids in Lime – approximately 1 ounce. For the snout, I had some leftover Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Seaspray Mist.  Just select two similar shades of green. 
• White and Black craft felt – small amount
• Fiberfill stuffing – small amount
• Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE:

Exact gauge is not essential to this project.

STITCH EXPLANATION:

sc2tog (sc decrease) Insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook – 1 st decreased.

NOTES:

Work in continuous rnds; do not join or turn unless otherwise instructed.

Body

Make Magic Circle

Rnd 1: Make magic circle and work 6 sc; place a marker to indicate beg of round; move marker up as each round is completed.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around – 12 sts.

Rnd 3: *sc in next st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 18 sts.

Rnd 4: *sc in next 2 st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 24 sts.

Rnd 5: *sc in next 3 st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 30 sts.

Rnd 6: *sc in next 4 st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 36 sts.

Rnd 7: *sc in next 5 st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 42 sts.

Rnd 8-12: sc around – 42 sts.

Rnd 13: *sc in next 5 st; sc2tog (sc decrease) in next st* rep between * around – 36 sts.

Rnd 14: *sc in next 4 st; sc2tog (sc decrease) in next st* rep between * around – 30 sts.

Rnd 15: *sc in next 3 st; sc2tog (sc decrease) in next st* rep between * around – 24 sts.

Rnd 16: *sc in next 2 st; sc2tog (sc decrease) in next st* rep between * around – 18 sts.

~Stuff~

Rnd 17: *sc in next st; sc2tog (sc decrease) in next st* rep between * around – 12 sts.

Rnd 18: sc2tog (sc decrease around –6 sts. 

Finish off leaving long enough tail to weave in and pull tight.

Snout

Rnd 1: Make magic circle and work 6 sc; place a marker to indicate beg of round; move marker up as each round is completed.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around – 12 sts.

Rnd 3: *sc in next st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 18 sts.

Rnd 4: *sc in next 2 st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 24 sts.

Rnd 5: sc around – 24 sts.

Finish off and leave long enough tail to sew onto body (6-10 inches)

Ears (make 2)

Rnd 1: chain 2, 5 sc into 2^nd chain

Rnd 2: 2sc around – 10 sts

Rnd 3: *sc in next st; 2 sc in next st* rep between * around – 14 sts.

Finish off and leave long enough tail to sew onto body (6-10 inches)

Finishing

Sew on ears using yarn tail.

Sew on snout using yarn tail stuffing lightly before making final seal.

Cut felt to make eyes, nostrils, and ears – sew on

Don’t feel like your felt pieces need to be perfect..these characters are charming because of their odd shapes

  

Next Friday, I'll post the Mad Bird.  Please leave me a comment if you decide to take the pattern - this will encourage me to post more!  Have happy crafty weekend!

My entry into Strut Your Stuff sponsored by Appliances Online and the Bosch Washing Machines