Olive The Owl

Using color of choice

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial for the head.

R1: 4 sc into a magic circle {4 sts}

R2: (sc, 3sc) 2 times {8 sts}

R3: (sc, 3sc) 4 times {16 sts}

R4: sc in next 2 sts, (3sc, sc in next 3 sts) 3 times, 3sc, sc {24 sts}

R5: sc in next 3 sts, (3sc, sc in next 5 sts) 3 times, 3sc, sc in next 2 sts {32 sts}

R6: sc in next 4 sts, (3sc, sc in next 7 sts) 3 times, 3sc, sc in next 3 sts {40 sts}

R7: sc in back loop only in next 40 sts {40 sts}

Back through both loops.

R8-15: sc in next 40 sts {40 sts}

R16: (dec, sc in next 3 sts) 8 times {32 sts}

R17: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 8 times {24 sts}

R18: (dec, sc in next 10 sts) 2 times {22 sts}

R19: (dec, sc in next 9 sts) 2 times {20 sts}

Fasten off and leave an extra long piece of yarn (will need a long piece to whipstitch the piece closed later in the pattern).

Position the owl with R1 facing down and the open end facing up.

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial for eye placement.

Place 15 mm safety eyes between R13 and R14, leaving 5 stitches open between the eyes.

Make sure the ruffled part of the eye is facing out as pictured.

Secure the back of the safety eyes.

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial for the beak

Thread an 18 inch piece of contrasting colored yarn into a yarn needle and knot one end.

Insert the needle from the inside of the piece, between a stitch of R10 and R11 (centered between the eyes as pictured).

Embroider over 5 stitches between R12 and R13.

Repeat going up through R10 and R11.

And then going down through a stitch between R12 and R13.

Finish off by embroidering a horizontal line across the top.

Secure with a knot on the inside of the head.

Although the owl has a flat bottom, it doesn't sit perfectly straight. If you'd like, cut a small piece of cardboard to place on the bottom of the owl, before stuffing, to give it more stability.

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial to close the head.

Stuff the owl. Make sure not to overstuff if you want the bottom to lay somewhat flat.

Whipstitch the piece closed. I like to pull my fastened off stitch in by pulling my needle through the stitch next to it, as pictured.

Pull your needle through two stitches to start whip stitching.

Move over to the next two stitches and pull through.

Continue down the row.

The whipstitch naturally gives the owl the mini tips on the ends.

Weave in your remaining yarn.

NEXT: Wing

If you like Olive The Owl, make sure to check out my Sharlotte The Spider Free Crochet Pattern.