Catnip Chicken

Models and pictures by Cathy Ruddy

Ch 13

rnd 1: Work 4 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each of next 9 ch, work 3 hdc in next ch for tail, then working in opposite edge of beg ch, work 1 hdc in each of rem ch to end, join with sl st to top of 1st hdc.

rnd 2: ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in each hdc around, join with sl st to 1st hdc.

rnd 3: ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in each of next 15 hdc, work 3 hdc in next hdc for tail, then work 1 hdc in each of rem hdc, join with sl st to 1st hdc.

rnd 4: Rep rnd 2 but with 3 hdc in tail. To make head: Ch 1, turn, sc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, turn, sc in 1st st, 2 hdc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, sc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, sc in next st, ch 1, turn.

To close head: Working through both sides of top of head, work 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, 1 sl st in each of last 2 sts, fasten off.

For chickens, instead of closing heads with same color, make comb as follows: Attach red in last sc, ch 1, turn then work sc in each of next 4 sts, 1 hdc in each of last 2 sts, fasten off.

Song birds can be worked all in one color or with contrasting color head--
bright yellow head and kiwi(Red Heart green yarn) body makes a nice parakeet with an orange beak.
Robins can be made with orange for rnd 1, then the rem rounds in brown.
Chickens in white, black or brown with red combs.

Beak: Attach orange or yellow to face with sl st, ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2 (or length of desired beak), sl st in next st and fasten off.

Tail: Cut 3 strands of yarn 4" long, fold in half and make a slip knot fringe in the tail end of body.

Trim. Note: omit for yarn-eating cats!! Also you could omit or embroider the beak.

Finishing: Roll catnip (pellets work best) in piece of batting,folding in all edges first and then rolling up the batting into a tube to fit the bird body. Stuff the head with another piece of batting, then insert the catnip roll and sew up the bird's back.
Bird does not need to be stuffed tightly.