Overview
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Estimated Completion Time: 8-10 hours
- Final Measurements: 12 inches (30 cm) tall when standing
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) yarn:
- Main color (MC): Golden yellow/tan - 150g
- Contrast color 1 (CC1): Brown - 50g
- Contrast color 2 (CC2): White - small amount
- Contrast color 3 (CC3): Black - small amount
- Crochet hook: US size E/4 (3.5mm)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing - approximately 100g
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- 6mm safety eyes (2)
- Scissors
- Wire (optional) - for neck support
- Pipe cleaners (optional) - for legs
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- inc - increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec - decrease (invisible decrease: sc2tog)
- st(s) - stitch(es)
- sl st - slip stitch
- BLO - back loop only
- FLO - front loop only
- mr - magic ring
- ( ) - repeat instructions between parentheses
- [ ] - number of stitches in round
Important Notes
- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round
- The pattern is worked from the bottom up
- The giraffe is designed to stand on its own when completed
PART 1: HEAD
Head (in MC)
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) 6 times [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) 6 times [42]
Round 8: (6 sc, inc) 6 times [48]
Round 9-16: sc in each st around [48]
Round 17: (6 sc, dec) 6 times [42]
Round 18: (5 sc, dec) 6 times [36]
Round 19: (4 sc, dec) 6 times [30]
Round 20: (3 sc, dec) 6 times [24]
Begin stuffing the head firmly.
Round 21: (2 sc, dec) 6 times [18]
Round 22: (1 sc, dec) 6 times [12]
Round 23: sc in each st around [12]
Do not fasten off. Continue to the neck.
Neck (in MC)
Round 24-45: sc in each st around [12]
Note: For a sturdier neck, you may insert wire through the center of the neck before closing off the bottom. Make sure the wire is securely wrapped and cannot poke through the yarn.
PART 2: MUZZLE AND FACE DETAILS
Muzzle (in MC)
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times [24]
Round 5-7: sc in each st around [24]
Round 8: (2 sc, dec) 6 times [18]
Stuff lightly. Flatten the muzzle and sew it to the front of the head between rounds 12-19.
Ears (make 2, in MC)
Round 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Round 2: inc in each st around [8]
Round 3: (sc, inc) 4 times [12]
Round 4: sc in each st around [12]
Round 5: (1 sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 6: sc in each st around [18]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pinch the base of each ear and sew to the top sides of the head around rounds 6-8.
Horns (make 2, in CC1)
Round 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Round 2: sc in each st around [4]
Round 3: (sc, inc) 2 times [6]
Round 4-6: sc in each st around [6]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly and sew to the top of the head between the ears.
Giraffe Spots
Using CC1, embroider irregular oval shapes around the head and neck to create the characteristic giraffe pattern. Vary the size and spacing of the spots for a natural look.
Face Details
- Attach safety eyes between rounds 12 and 13, approximately 6-8 stitches apart.
- Using CC3 (black), embroider eyelashes above the eyes.
- Using CC3, embroider nostrils on the muzzle.
- Using CC2 (white), embroider small highlights in the eyes.
PART 3: BODY
Body (in MC)
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) 6 times [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) 6 times [42]
Round 8: (6 sc, inc) 6 times [48]
Round 9: (7 sc, inc) 6 times [54]
Round 10: (8 sc, inc) 6 times [60]
Round 11-20: sc in each st around [60]
Round 21: (8 sc, dec) 6 times [54]
Round 22: (7 sc, dec) 6 times [48]
Round 23: (6 sc, dec) 6 times [42]
Round 24: (5 sc, dec) 6 times [36]
Start stuffing the body firmly.
Round 25: (4 sc, dec) 6 times [30]
Round 26: (3 sc, dec) 6 times [24]
Round 27: (2 sc, dec) 6 times [18]
Round 28: (1 sc, dec) 6 times [12]
Continue stuffing firmly until the body is well-shaped. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the neck.
Giraffe Body Spots
Using CC1, embroider irregular oval shapes around the body to match the spots on the head and neck.
PART 4: LEGS (MAKE 4)
Legs (in MC)
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 4-5: sc in each st around [18]
Round 6: (7 sc, dec) 2 times [16]
Round 7-20: sc in each st around [16]
Round 21: (6 sc, dec) 2 times [14]
Round 22-25: sc in each st around [14]
For the feet: Round 26: Working in BLO, sc in each st around [14]
Round 27-28: sc in each st around [14]
Round 29: (5 sc, dec) 2 times [12]
Round 30: (4 sc, dec) 2 times [10]
Round 31: (3 sc, dec) 2 times [8]
If using pipe cleaners for leg support, insert them now. Stuff the legs firmly, focusing on the foot area for stability.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Hooves (in CC1)
Using CC1, embroider or surface crochet around the bottom of each foot to create the appearance of hooves.
PART 5: TAIL
Tail (in MC)
Round 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4] Round 2-15: sc in each st around [4]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tail Tuft (in CC1)
Cut 10-12 strands of CC1 yarn, each about 3 inches long. Fold the strands in half and use a hook to pull them through the end of the tail. Secure with a knot and trim to desired length.
PART 6: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
-
Attach Head to Body:
- Thread the yarn tail from the bottom of the neck.
- Position the neck at the center front of the body.
- Sew the neck to the body with small, tight stitches.
- Ensure the head can move slightly but is secure.
-
Attach Legs to Body:
- Position the front legs between rounds 15-20 of the body.
- Position the back legs between rounds 8-13 of the body.
- Space the legs evenly on each side.
- Sew each leg securely to the body with small, tight stitches.
-
Attach Tail:
- Sew the tail to the back of the body between rounds 21-23.
- Make sure the tail hangs naturally with the tuft at the end.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Check that all parts are firmly attached.
- Add any additional spots if needed.
- Brush or fluff the tail tuft if necessary.
Final Adjustments
-
Posture:
- Adjust the stuffing if needed to help the giraffe stand.
- If using wire in the neck, gently curve it to create a natural S-shape.
-
Expression:
- Check the position of the eyes and facial features.
- Add more embroidery details if needed to enhance the expression.
Care Instructions
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Air dry only, do not machine wash or dry.
- If using as a toy for small children, periodically check that all parts remain secure.
