Crochet Dog & Lovey pattern info
Updated: Nov 29, 2019
This is my take on the "Dylan the Dog" crochet patterns found here. One is an Amigurumi crochet dog stuffed animal, and the other is a crochet dog lovey blanket.
If you're not familiar with these terms, Amigurumi basically means 3D crochet. It's not as intimidating as it seems. If you've worked in the round, you can do it. If you haven't, it's not hard to learn! Instead of turning at the end of a row, you just keep going around in a circle.
A lovey is a small blanket that babies and toddlers usually hang on to and with them being so small, they can bring them with in the car or to run errands. Adding animals or other features just make them super fun and cute.
Yarn:
I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn in aspen colorway. It's gender neutral and a unique twist on the colors traditionally seen on stuffed animals.
Hooks:
The yarn label said to use a 5mm hook, and the pattern called for a 5mm and a 4mm. I stuck with what the pattern said. I typically go down a hook size from the label when doing Amigurumi. The tighter stitching helps give it a firmer stance and holds the stuffing in better. I use these Boye hooks. It's totally personal preference, but I have a tighter tension and like how metal hooks slide in and out. The hook ends are also more rounded, so don't snag as much.
Eyes:
I sewed the eyes on, as this was before I started using safety eyes. Now that I've tried them, I'm done embroidering them on. They're such a time saver and just look so much more realistic than I'm able to do with yarn. Just make sure they're safety eyes specifically made for use in toys for young children, like these. There are a variety of sizes and colors, plus noses, so they work for tons of different amigurumi projects.
Stuffing:
I use polyester fiber fill. Fairfield's poly-fil can be found here. They're the original, it's inexpensive and machine washable.
I've done many other patterns from that designer and have honestly loved them all. To see more from my crochet gallery, click here. To buy this adorable dog lovey or dog stuffie, or other fiber arts, click here.
Variations:
One of things I love about this book is the fact that you can switch up the patterns so easily. Most of the animals have similar heads and bodies, with the facial features varying. The lovey blankets are available in a variety of patterns so you can pick and choose which style would look best with the yarn you've chosen. To see a cat I made from the same book, click here.
