This cute crochet rat  is easy to make and would make a lovely addition to go with the book as a gift for a younger child. It is based on the cheeky, cake-stealing rat in Dog on Log.

The rat could be used as a tool for teaching prepositions (as per peek-a-boo rat ) or simply as a toy to love. 

It is approximately 12.5cm long (body length without tail).  A PDF version of the pattern is available here: DOL Crochet Rat Pattern

 

sc = Single crochet

dec = decrease

ss = slip stitch

BODY AND TAIL

You start at the nose. Using grey wool:

Chain 2

4 sc in 2nd chain from hook

(2sc in first sc, sc in next sc) repeat around (6 sc)

sc in each sc around (6 sc)

(2sc in first sc, sc in next sc) repeat around (9 sc)

sc in each sc around (9 sc)

(2sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc) repeat around (12 sc)

sc in each sc around (12 sc)

sc in each sc around (12 sc)

(2sc in first sc, sc in next 3 sc) repeat around (15 sc)

sc in each sc around (15 sc)

Embroider nose using black wool or thread. Add safety eyes. Using black cotton thread, add whiskers.

(2sc in first sc, sc in next 4 sc) repeat around (18 sc)

(2sc in first sc, sc in next 5 sc) repeat around (21 sc)

Change to red wool

Stitching in back stitch only – sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

Change to white wool

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

Change to red wool

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

Change to white wool

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

sc in each sc around (21 sc) ss last stitch

Change to red wool

(2sc in first sc, sc in next 6 sc) repeat around (24 sc) ss last stitch

sc in each sc around (24 sc) ss last stitch

Change back to grey wool

Stitching in front stitch only –  sc in each sc around (24 sc)

sc in each sc around (24 sc)

(sc dec, sc in next 4 sc) repeat around (20 sc)

(sc dec, sc in next 3 sc) repeat around (16 sc)

(sc dec, sc in next 2 sc) repeat around (12 sc)

Stuff the rat

(sc dec, sc in next sc) repeat around (8 sc)

sc dec , sc in next sc  (6 sc)

Do not finish off

Make sure you are in a good place for beginning of tail – preferably towards top of rat. If not then sc until you are in the desired place

Chain 28 (this will become the tail)

ss in 2nd chain from tail, and continue to ss in remaining chains towards the body. Finish off. Leave a strand of wool to close the hole and any gaps.

EAR (Make 2)

Chain 2

6 sc in 2nd chain from hook (6sc)

2 sc in each sc around (12 sc)

sc in next 6 sc.

Finish off leaving a strand of wool to attach to body. When sewing on ears, squeeze and pull into desired shape.