Stripes, facial features, and a mane add character to a simple, stuffed pillow. The pocket on the back can be used to hide a gift or to keep a book safe during travels. This is the first pattern in CAL Central’s second annual Softie Crochet Along. Get the complete schedule and find out how to enter to win one of five great prizes here on Underground Crafter.

This pattern is available for FREE on my blog here.

The free version is supported by advertising on my website. The downloadable PDF for sale on Ravelry includes the full pattern in one printable file without advertisements.

Skills Used
Basic crochet stitches: chain, single crochet, slip stitch
Crocheting flat in rows (for Panels and Ears), crocheting in the round (for Eyes, Muzzle, and joining/Mane)
Increasing, seaming, changing colors

Skill Level
Easy

Finished Size
Pillow: 10” (25.5 cm) wide x 12” (30.5 cm) tall before stuffing.

Materials
Red Heart Super Saver yarn (100% acrylic, 7 oz/198 g/364 yd/333 m) – 1 skein each in 311 White (CA) and 312 Black (CB), or approximately 228 yd (208.5 m) in CA and 300 yd (274 m) in CB in any medium weight yarn.

US Size F-5/3.75 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.

Fairfield Poly-Fil Crafter’s Choice Dry Polyester Fiber Fill, 20 ounce bag.

15 mm black safety eyes - 1 pair.

13 mm heart craft nose in pink - 1 piece.

Yarn needle.

Clover Quick Locking Stitch Marker Set, or 8-12 locking stitch markers.

Gauge
18 sc x 20 rows = 4” (10 cm). Exact gauge is not critical for this pattern but stitches should be small so that fiber filling doesn’t show.