October is here, which means #Halloween is just around the corner. While it's not something that is traditionally celebrated in Australia, it is slowly becoming a more recognised and accepted yearly event. Which is good for me, because my children love it! (and if I am perfectly honest.... so do I :)! )
Thankfully we live in a community that fully embraces All Hallow's Eve and all its associated spookiness. Many of our local streets decorate their front lawns and there are always plenty of children running around in costumes scoring lollies (candy) from willing participants. While it is still a far cry from the exuberance we see on American tv shows, we love to get out and enjoy the community atmosphere the celebration brings.
In celebration of Halloween, I would like to share my pattern for Da the Zombie. Da was affectionately named by my children and was the end result of a bad colour choice for a dolls head. Instead of unraveling the work, or throwing it in the never to be finished box, I figured a sickly grey looking colour would be perfect for the undead. Many zombies have proceeded and I hope you enjoy making your own.
Da the Zombie Crochet Pattern
Supplies:
4 mm crochet hook
Yarn 8 ply
* Main colour (mc) 50 g
Approx. 2m lenghts of:
* White
* Black
* Red
Polyester fiberfill
Embroidery needle
Scissors
Abbreviations:
I have used the US terminology for this post.
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
sc = single crochet (dc if using UK terms)
sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together (decreasing stitch)
Instructions:
Head
Round 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2: 2sc into each stitch around (12)
Round 3: *1sc into next stitch, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (18)
Round 4: *1sc into the next 2 stitches, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (24)
Round 5: *1sc into next 3 stitches, 2sc into next stitich* repeat around (30)
Round 6 *1sc into next 4 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch* repeat around (36)
Round 7 - 14 sc in each stitch around
Round 15: *1sc into next 4 stitches, sc2tog* repeat around (30)
Round 16: *1sc into next 3 stitches, sc2tog* repeat around (24)
Round 17: *1sc into next 2 stitches, sc2tog* repeat around (18)
Round 18: *1sc into next stitch, sc2tog* repeat around (12)
Round 19: sc2tog (6)
Fasten off
Body
Round 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2: 2sc into each stitch around (12)
Round 3: *1sc into next stitch, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (18)
Round 4: *1sc into the next 2 stitches, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (24)
Round 5: *1sc into next 3 stitches, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (30)
Round 6 - 14 sc in each stitch around
Round 15: *1sc into next 3 stitches, sc2tog* repeat around (24)
Round 16: *1sc into next 2 stitches, sc2tog* repeat around (18)
Round 17: *1sc into next stitch, sc2tog* repeat around (12)
Round 18: sc2tog (6)
Fasten off
NB: Body is slightly smaller than the head
Arms (make 2)
Round 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2: *1sc into next stitch, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (9)
Round 3: sc in each
Round 4: sc in each
Round 5: *1sc, sc2tog* repeat around (6)
Round 6 -10 sc in each
Fasten off and stuff hand with fiberfill
Feet (make 2)
Round 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2: 2sc into each stitch around (12)
Round 3: *1sc into next stitch, 2sc into next stitch* repeat around (18)
Round 4: Working in backloops - sc in each stitch around
Round 5 - 7 sc in each stitch
Row 8 *1sc into next stitch, sc2tog* repeat around (12)
Fasten off
Eye (make 1) in white
Round 1: Work 8 sc into a magic ring (8)
Fasten off
Assembly
Fill head and body with fiberfill and sew head to body
Sew arms to the side of body diagonally at rows 15 to 17
Sew feet to body around rows 4 - 7 about 4 stitches apart - Fill with fiberfill before closing.
Sew eye to head around row 10
Adding detials
Starting with about a 2 metre length of red yarn, secure under eye between eye and head
Diagram 1 - Create a French knot in the middle of the eye
Diagram 2 - Embroider a sprial shape around outer edge of eye then pass yarn through head to left hand side of head around row 5
Diagram 3 - Create a long stitch that covers approximately 4 rows
Diagram 4 - Create a 'stitch' by working 3 or 4 small intersecting stitches over long stitch then pass yarn through head to above and slightly to the right of the eye
Diagram 5 - Create an 'open wound' by embroidering over one stitch 5 or 6 times. Then pass the yarn through the head and body to the middle of the body on the right hand side
Diagram 6 - Create another 'stitch' (one long stitch with several small intersecting stitches). Pass yarn through body to left foot where it has been attached to the body
Diagram 7 - Create 3 French knots around the leg join to make it look like the leg has been sewn on
Secure yarn somewhere inconspicuous, pass through body and finish off.
Now using a 2 metre length of black yarn, secure somewhere in head and pass through to approximately 4 stitches to the right of the left eye
Diagram 8 - Embroider a cross for the right eye then pass the yarn between the eyes
Diagram 9 - Embroider two horizontal (ish ) stitches to create nose - then pass yarn approximately two stitches under left eye
Diagram 10 - Embroider a mouth shape
Diagram 11 - Embroider intersecting stitches to create mouth 'stitch'. Pass yarn through head to left bottom of 'open wound' created in red yarn
Diagram 12 - Embroider a cross over the open wound then pass the yarn through the head to the right hand side of head
Diagram 13 - Create a 'stitch' (long stitch with small intersecting stitches). Pass yarn through head to left hand side of body
Diagram 14 - Create a 'stitch' then pass yarn through body to right foot
Diagram 15 - Create a 'stitch' then pass yarn throught body to left foot were it is attached to the body
Diagram 16 - Create French knots in between red knots , then secure yarn and finish off.
Your zombie is now complete! Let me know how you go by tagging me on Instagram @amberjadelilycrochet