Creating a crochet fox applique is a delightful and creative project that can add a charming touch to various items like blankets, clothing, bags, and more. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial along with a free pattern to guide you through the process:

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Worsted weight yarn in orange, white, black, and a small amount of beige or light brown.
  • Crochet hook appropriate for your chosen yarn (usually between US H/5mm to US G/4mm).
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
  • Scissors.

Abbreviations:

  • ch: chain
  • st: stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • hdc: half double crochet
  • dc: double crochet
  • sl st: slip stitch

Pattern:

Head:

  1. Begin with orange yarn.
  2. Create a magic ring (adjustable ring).
  3. Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, pull the ring tight, join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sc)
  4. Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with a sl st. (12 sc)
  5. Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, repeat * to * around, join with a sl st. (18 sc)
  6. Round 4: Ch 1, sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st, repeat * to * around, join with a sl st. (24 sc)
  7. Rounds 5-8: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st. (24 sc)
  8. Change to white yarn.
  9. Round 9: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st. (24 sc)
  10. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Ears (Make 2):

  1. With orange yarn, ch 4.
  2. Row 1: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc, hdc, dc, turn. (3)
  3. Row 2: Ch 1, dc in the first st, hdc in the next st, sc in the last st, turn. (3)
  4. Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, hdc in the next st, dc in the last st, fasten off leaving a tail for sewing.

Assembly:

  1. Attach the ears to the top of the head, positioning them slightly towards the sides.
  2. With black yarn, embroider eyes using French knots or small satin stitches.
  3. With beige/light brown yarn, embroider a small triangular shape for the nose.
  4. Optionally, you can add a tiny mouth using black yarn.

Your crochet fox applique is now complete! You can sew or attach it to your desired item, whether it’s a garment, accessory, or home decor. Remember that you can adjust the size of the applique by using thicker or thinner yarn and a corresponding crochet hook. Happy crocheting!