I’m a little late to the party, but it was Chinese New Year on Friday (February 16, 2018), and this year is the Year of the Dog! I knew that I wanted to make something for this, especially since I am also a Dog in the Chinese Zodiac.

• 1/50 skein of Caron Simply Soft — a worsted (4) weight yarn (colour A: Bone)
• 1/100 skein of Caron Simply Soft — a worsted (4) weight yarn (colour B: Off White)
• 10g Loops and Threads Classic FibreFill
• 2 safety eyes (8.00 mm)
• 3.00 mm hook

Pattern by Sheep Of Delight
MODIFICATIONS by tick-tock hobbies

I ended up using the head and ear pattern from Sheep of Delight, and then coming up with my own pattern for the body and limbs, because I wanted my dog to be in a “sitting” position.

(abbreviations: SC = single crochet; INC = two single crochet into a single stitch; DEC = one single crochet over two stitches)

BODY

1. Using the magic circle technique, start off with six SC. (6 stitches)
2. INC in each stitch around the circle. (12 stitches)
3. *SC in one stitch and INC in the next.* Repeat from * to * five more times. (18 stitches)
4. *Do two SC, then INC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * five more times. (24 stitches)
5. SC in each stitch around the circle. (24 stitches)
6. *Do four SC. DEC across the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * three more times. (20 stitches)
7. *Do three SC. DEC across the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * three more times. (16 stitches)
8. *Do two SC. DEC across the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * three more times. (12 stitches)
9. *Do one SC. DEC across the next two stitches.* Repeat from * to * three more times. Cut the yarn and leave a long tail for sewing the body to the head. (8 stitches)

ARMS

1. Using the magic circle technique, start off with four SC. (4 stitches)
2. *SC in one stitch and INC in the next.* Repeat from * to * one more time. (6 stitches)
3. SC in each stitch around the circle. (6 stitches)
4. Repeat step 3. Cut the yarn and leave a tail for sewing the arm to the body. (6 stitches)
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the other arm.

LEGS

1. Using the magic circle technique, start off with six SC. (6 stitches)
2. *Do two SC, then INC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * one more time. (8 stitches)
3. SC in each stitch around the circle. (8 stitches)
4. Repeat step 3. Cut the yarn and leave a tail for sewing the leg to the body. (8 stitches)
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the other leg.

Isn’t this little puppy so cute as he poses with a red envelope? Before I added the nose, I had a huge dilemma about whether or not this little guy truly looked like a dog. I actually even made it into a poll on Instagram, since I wanted to hear what other people thought. Most people thought he did look like a dog, but other people weren’t convinced either. He was almost a bunny-dog hybrid, but after I added the nose, I was sold. It’s crazy how big of a difference such small details can have!

I ended up making two of these puppies because my Mom wanted to give them as gifts to some of her co-workers who are expecting babies this year! They say that those born in the Year of the Dog tend to be loyal and honest, which are good traits to have. Hopefully, these little babies can form lots of strong friendships, just like these little guys!

How do you celebrate Chinese New Year? Do you have other cultural holidays that are significant to you and your family? I’d love to hear about them.

Until next time, happy crafting!

This pattern is an original pattern by June Cheung at Tick-Tock Hobbies – please do not claim this pattern as your own or reprint it on another site or any other format. If you want to share this pattern (and I’d love it if you do!), just link to this pattern and give me the proper credit. You may keep a copy of the pattern for your own personal use, but please DO NOT sell this pattern. Permission is NOT granted for any finished products to be sold for profit, or for mass production, or for factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you so much for your respect and understanding!