Free Crochet Sloth Pattern

Sloths are just the cutest things!  Taking life slow and easy in the treetops, they are fascinating to watch.

And, lets face it, we all feel like a sloth at times.  Just don't want to get into any hurry.

I've been working for some time on a cute sloth pattern.  Through trial and error, I worked and reworked the pattern until it suited my idea of what a cute sloth should be.  A sloth that could be a real buddy to any child.

Materials:

  Worsted weight yarn (Dark and light color)

   Size 4mm  (G) crochet hook

   Stuffing of your choice

   Velcro for paws (optional)

   10mm Safety eyes or buttons (or embroider eyes if desired)

Crochet terms:

   MC - magic circle

   SC - single crochet

   Hdc - half double crochet

   Sl. st. - sllip stitch

   Inc. - 2 stitches in one stitch

   Dec -  make 1 stitch over 2 stitches

   Ch - chain

   F/O - finish off

   With tail - leave about a 10 inch strand of yarn attached to                             

    sew components together.

    Instructions between ** are to be repeated to end of round 

   Sc1, inc or number of times specified. 

Notes:

    This pattern is worked in the round.  The head and body are worked in one piece.  When working the arms and legs, stop after the first few rounds and attach the fingernails by pulling the yarn ends to the inside of the piece one nail at a time  and tying them securely together to keep them in place.

Be sure to seperate the ends by leaving a stitch between them when you pull them through.

    I sewed velcro patches to the palms of the paws so the sloth could hang on to things.

    Embroider the nose and mouth onto the face before you attach the face to the sloth.  I also place the eye patches and eyes at this time.

     If you want your sloth to have movable arms and legs, this website will tell you how to do it!  Wish I had run across this sooner!    https://kristitullus.com/blogs/news/tutorial-three-ways-to-attach-jointed-limbs

I like to use a running stitch marker to keep track of rounds.  Now, let’s get started!

Head and Body:

Sc 6 into a magic circle.  (6)

 Inc. X’s 6.  (12)

*Sc 1, inc.*  (18)

 *Sc 2, inc.*  (24)

 *Sc 3, inc.*  (30)

*Sc 4, inc.*  (36)

 *Sc 5, inc.*  (42)

*Sc 6, inc.*  (48)

9-14.  Sc in each stitch.  (48)

15.  *Sc 6, dec.*  (42)

16.  *Sc 5, dec.*  (36)

17.  Sc in each stitch.  (36)

18.  *Sc 4, dec.*  (30)

19.  Sc in each stitch.  (30)

20.  *Sc 3, dec.*  (24)

21. *Sc 2, dec.*  (18)

 Continue on to the body.  You may stuff the head at this point if you wish.

22.  Sc in each stitch.  (18)

23.  Increase in each stitch.  (36)

24- 45  Sc in each stitch.  (36)

46.  *Sc 4, dec*  (30)

47.  Sc in each stitch.  (30)

48.  *Sc 3, dec.*  (24)

49.  *Sc 2, dec.*  (18)

50.  *Sc 1, dec.*  (12)

F/O leaving a long tail. Stuff. Thread yarn needle and weave  through the remaining 12 sc and pull closed.  Secure and hide yarn end by pulling it to the inside of the sloth body.

Face:

 Chain 5  Sc in 2nd ch. from hook and next 2 chains.  3 sc in end ch.  Turn work.  Working on opposite side of chain, sc in 2,  3 sc in last st.   (11)

Sc in 3,  inc X’s 3,  sc in 3,  inc x’s 2.  (16)

Inc 1,  Sc in 3,  inc. X’s 3,  hdc in 5,  sc inc X’s 4, (24)

Sc inc., hdc inc. X’s 2.  sl. st. in next 2,  hdc inc X’s 2,  sc inc. X’s 3,  hdc 8,  sc X’s 6/ (32).

 sc 2,  sl. st.  F/O leaving long tail to sew to head.

Eye Patches:  (Make 2.)

  Chain 6.  Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 4 chains.  Turn work and sc in 5 chains.  F/O with tail.

Nails:  (Make 12)

  Leaving a 3 inch length of yarn at the beginning, chain 5.  Slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook.  Sc in next 3 chains.  F/O leaving 3 inch tail.  See notes on how to easily attach the nails to the finished arms and legs.

Arms:  (Make 2)

 Make 6 sc in a mc.  

Inc. X’s 6.  (12)

*Sc 1, inc*  (18)

Sc in each st.  (18)

*Sc in 4, dec.*  (15)

*Sc in 3, dec.*  (12)

Place nails at this point.

7.   *Sc 4, dec.*  (10)

8-9.  Sc in each stitch.

10.  *Sc 4, inc.*  (12)

11-24  Sc in each stitch.

F/O leaving a tail.  Stuff lower 1/3 of arm and attach to side of body about 2 rows below neck in the position you desire.

Legs:  (Make 2)

 Make 6 sc in a magic circle.

Inc. X’s 6.  (12)

*Sc 1, inc,*  (18)  

4-5.  Sc in each st.  (18)

Attach nails at this point.

6.  *Sc 1, dec.*  (12)

7-24.  Sc in each stitch.

Fasten off with tail. Stuff.  Stitch to bottom of sloth in the position you like best depending on whether you want your sloth to sit or stand.

HooRay!   Your sloth is finished!  Enjoy!

Blessings!
Reny

Sensory Cube Review...

Almost everyone I know has a loved one with sensory needs, whether they are impacted by autism spectrum disorder,  ADD/ADHD, SPD or a number of other developmental disabilities or delays.  These children seek and crave any number of tactile and spatial stimuli.  They tend to be very intelligent, super creative and have lots of curiosity.

That's what makes this 'Sensory Cube' so perfect for any child, but especially for those with sensory issues.

The cube is rather large for small infants, but has a nice carry handle.  Each side of the cube is a 6"X 6" square panel.   Each side features a different dimensional 'applique'.  Each is a different color.  The rings on the handle are made to slide.  A carrot and cloud dangle are attached to opposing corners at the top and I filled these two items with 'crackle' material.

Some of the sides were a bit fussy and time consuming, like the tree.  Each leaf is crocheted individually and then attached to the tree trunk as it is made.  I changed this a bit by doing the trunk separately and sewing it to the panel and then attaching the leaves one at a time to the panel. 

Each flower was also crocheted separately and then attached to the panel.

The cube is assembled after all the square panels are completed.  Although it is not called for, I lined the inside of the cube with plastic canvas squares to help define the shape.   I then filled the cube with polyfill and finished it off.  

The single crochet stitching attaching the panels together adds a nice contrast to all the colors and textures, defining each panel.  I added a cute face to the cloud.  This could be added to the sun and/or apple panels as well.

All in all, it took me about two weeks to complete this project.    I probably worked on it for about an hour each day.

The stitches are easy and the directions are clear.  Except for the repetition of the flowers and leaves, I found the whole project to be quite enjoyable!  

If I make another one, I think I will try to downsize it a bit and try some different appliques' that are not so fussy to complete.  I think one featuring jungle or farm animals would be cute.   Also different yarn textures would be neat, especially for things added to the finished panels.

I considered adding a musical component to the inside of the cube, but with the current coronavirus situation, decided it was not a good time to try to find just the right component.  Perhaps my next block will have some delightful chimes or a rattle inside.

If you would like to make one of these, you can find the free pattern here.   I highly recommend!   Crochet Sensory Cube

Enjoy!
Blessings!
Reny

Coronavirus And Crafting

Friends, things are uncertain right now.   While many of us are locked down to prevent the spread of this crazy virus, we finally have the opportunity to just craft!  A crafters dream come true, right?  

Perhaps that's the case for some, but for others this is a time of anxiety and worry.   And there are some legitimate concerns, since the control of this virus depends on the cooperation of everyone.

There will always be those who will not take this seriously and will go about life as usual.  They are not necessarily 'rebels', but they do not understand the ways and means of this particular virus.  We are just learning about this one, and until we know more, everyone is at risk.

So my best advice today is.....stay home.  Make it a goal to use up your stash of 'whatever' so you can replenish with all new stuff when this is under control.  (Our economy will thank you.)

Keep your finished projects in a place or container that will protect it from any surface contamination, as this is a real concern until we know more about how long this virus can live on a surface.

Beyond that, just enjoy what you love doing the most!  Better days are ahead!

Blessings!
Reny