This website would simply be remiss without one axolotl pattern. Here is one I made for a mini axolotl to go on keychains or car mirrors.
Materials:
For smaller axolotl, Light/DK weight yarn (two colors) For larger axolotl, medium weight yarn (two colors) 4mm crochet hook- for worsted yarn 3mm crochet hook- for DK yarn Safety eyes Tapestry needle
How to read this pattern:
Abbreviations:
MR = magic ring
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
dec = decrease (or sc2tog)
inc = increase
sl st = slip stitch
f/o = fasten off
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology
Number in brackets at the end of line is the number of stitches in that round or row
How to do a popcorn stitch:
This stitch is a like a mix of a bobble and increase stitch.
Do 5 double crochets into the same stitch,
without fastening off, remove the loop from your hook,
reinsert your hook into the first dc of the popcorn stich, then put hook through the loop of the fifth dc, sl st
chain one, continue onto next stitch.
In the next round when you work into this stitch, work into the chain one. Make sure you don't skip the stitch that comes directly after it.
The Spruce Crafts has a good tutorial
If this is confusing or you find that you're skipping/adding stitches, a bobble stitch can suffice.
Body
R1) SC6 in MR [6]
R2) inc x6 [12]
R3) (SC, inc) x6 [18]
R4) (SC2, inc) x6 [24]
R5) SC2, popcorn, sc 6, popcorn, sc 14 [24]
R6-9) SC 24 For 4 rounds [24]
R10) SC2, popcorn, sc 6, popcorn, sc 14 [24]
R11-14) SC 24 for 5 rounds [24]
R15) (SC2, dec) x6 [18]
insert safety eyes in round 1, approximately 3-4 stitches apart
begin stuffing and continue as you progress
R16) SC 18 [18]
R17) (SC, dec) x6 [12]
R18) dec x6 [6], f/o
Photo A
Gills
Gills are made with surface crochet technique.
On the right side of the axolotls face, insert crochet hook pointing up (photo B) into the bottom stitch shown in photo A (round 10, two stitches away from the arm) and pull through yarn.
Gill 1) chain 5, turn, sk1, sl st 4, sl st into next stitch of body
Gill 2) repeat gill 1
Gill 3) chain 5, turn, sk1, sl st 4, f/o
sew end into stitch you were just working in
Photo B Photo C
For gills on the left side of the face, insert hook downwards into the 12 round, 2 stitches away from arm (see photo A and C)
Gill 1) chain 5, turn, sk1, sl st 4, sl st into next stitch of body
Gill 2) repeat gill 1
Gill 3) chain 5, turn, sk1, sl st 4, f/o
sew end into stitch you were just working in
picture of the axolotl before you sew in the yarn ends.
All done! Thanks so much for doing this pattern!
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