Christmas-mouse-Crochet

[nverland]

Christmas Mouse
- not suitable for young children. small parts cause a choking hazard.
- size approximately 8cm or 3” tall not including ears.

Materials
- 3.5mm crochet hook– or other hook to give firm tension
- 8 ply/DK yarn in colours of your choice.
- 8mm toy safety eyes. You can also sew on small beads or sew on yarn eyes
- small piece of felt and matching sewing thread
- polyester stuffing
- wool needle and smaller sewing needle
-

Abbreviations
- dc = double crochet. for USA makers a double crochet is the same as a single crochet
- dec = decrease
- inc = increase
- st = stitch
- x = times
- anything between stars *..* is to be repeated given number of times in brackets after

starter ring:
o 3 chain and join back to first chain to make a circle
o 2 chain, then dc 5 times into the circle.
o Join back to the 2nd chain, insert marker after this and start the first round. you should now have 6 stitches
- you can substitute another starting method like the magic ring as long as you have 6 dc stitches when you begin the pattern.
- you can use purchased stitch markers but I just use an off cut of yarn. it goes in between the last stitch of a round and the first stitch of the next round.
- all pieces are worked in continuous spiral rounds.

Body
- use starter ring giving 6 stitches. add marker between last stitch and first stitch of next round below.
- *inc all stitches* (x6)(12st)
- *1dc, inc* (x6)(18st)
- *2dc, inc* (x6)(24 st)
- dc about 12 rounds. body should measure about 6cm or 2.5” from last increase round. if you want a taller mouse of course you can add more rounds.
- loosen last stitch you’re working on and remove hook. Be careful you don’t unravel your work.
- add on face
o place stalks of safety eyes between stitches. don’t put on backs till you’re happy with the position, once the backs go on the won’t come off again
o mouth is just a small cross stitch between the eyes
o stuff the mouse half way
- continue with crocheting by putting hook back through the loop and tightening
- *dec all stitches* (x12)(12st)
- finish stuffing body
- decrease all stitches until the hole is closed. Cut yarn about 10 cm or 4” so you can sew in end.

Feet -make 2
- use starter ring giving 6 stitches. Add marker between last stitch and first stitch of next round below.
- dc 1 round. Cut yarn about 15 cm or 6” so you can sew foot to body
- using a ladder or whip stitch and your large eyed wool needle sew your mouse’s tiny little feet to his body near the base.

Ears
- cut a small circle from the felt about 4 cm or 1.5” across. a 20 cent piece makes a great template to cut around.
- cut circle in half so you now have 2 semi circles.
- using the matching sewing thread and small needle sew a running stitch along the flat edge of the semi circle. pull thread so your flat edge is now bunched up.
- sew ear to the top of your mouse’s head with small stitched.
- try to hide any knots at the back of the ear where they won’t be seen.

Tail
- cut a 30 cm or 12” piece of yarn.
- using wool needle, take one end of the yarn under a crochet stitch and out the other side.
- even ends and knot close to the body.
- I’ve continued to knot every 2.5 cm or 1” along the length for about 10 cm or 4” cut the far end off neatly.
*** you could also use 3 pieces of yarn and plait the tail

Extra Ideas
- you could also sew on a small ribbon loop tot the top of the mouse’s head in matching
ribbon so he can be hung as an ornament
- sparkly tinsel pipe cleaners are perfect to make small halos. match with a small pair of wings and you have a mouse angel
- you could also embellish your mouse with sequins and beads.
- for an everyday mouse just use grey yarn and matching grey felt.