GUS THE SALTWATER CROCODILE

This beret-wearing croc by Alanna O’Dea is a real beaut!

YOU WILL NEED

■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 2 balls of Yarn A Silver Green (402)

■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 25g/62.5m) 1 ball of Yarn B Linen (505)

■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 10g/25m) 1 ball of each: Yarn C Silver Blue (528) Yarn D Bridal White (105) Yarn E Old Rose (408) Yarn F Topaz (179) Yarn G Deep Ocean Green (391) Yarn H Baby Blue (509)

■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook

■ 2 safety eyes, 12mm

■ Toy stuffing

■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en

TENSION

Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required

MEASUREMENTS

Crocodile measures approx 21cm (8 in) tall

ABBREVIATIONS

invdec (Insert hook through fl on next st) twice, yrh and pull through both sts, yrh and pull through both loops on hook split tr-cl *Yrh, insert hook in st 2 rounds below, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook; rep from * once more, **yrh, insert hook in next st 2 rounds below, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook; rep from ** once more, yrh and pull through all loops on hook

For a full list, see page 90 of Simply Crochet magazine, issue 122

With his sweet embroidered face, nifty hat and colourful scales, Gus the pot-bellied croc is the snazziest reptile we’ve ever met.

NOTES

Parts of this pattern are worked in the amigurumi style. Work stitches in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to mark the first stitch of the round, moving the marker up as you go. Stitch markers are used throughout the pattern to show the orientation of parts. Use this along with the images when joining the pieces together. If you are making this toy for a child under 36 months, do not use safety eyes; instead, embroider eyes with black stranded cotton.

CROCODILE HEAD

Using Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc in loop. [6 sts]

Round 2 (RS) 2dc in each st around. [12 sts]