World Lion Day

The lion is one of the most recognizable and most loved animals in the world. From the artwork of ancient Egypt to coats of arms of European countries to present day movies, the lion has represented royalty, strength, and even the supernatural. Hollywood often depicts lions as man eaters. Although not common, there have been documented cases of lions hunting man.

For crafters, the lion is a common theme and so much fun to make. I recently made a Lion Toy for my pug Bruno. He loves to play tug of war, so I added a handle to the bottom of a lion to make his favorite game easier on me.

Please be aware that all dogs are different; some will eat a toy within a day. Bruno will chew on a toy for about 3-4 months before it’s ready for the trash. Regardless of how long it takes them to finish the toy, cotton yarn and cotton stuffing are best because they can be digested by the dog.

Materials:
Cotton worsted weight yarn:
40 yards yellow
25 yards variegated
5 yards brown
1 yard black
Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
Yarn needle
Cotton stuffing
Squeaker insert

Finished toy measures approximately 6” tall.

Gauge: 5 rows = 1”, 5 sc = 1”

HEAD:
Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnds 4-5: Sc in each st.
Rnd 6: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 7: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 8: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnd 9: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc).
Rnds 10-11: Sc in each st.
Rnd 12: Working in BLO, sc in each st.
Rnds 13-14: Working in both lps, sc in each st.
Before starting dec rnds, use black yarn to embroider eyes, nose and mouth (see photo for placement).
Rnd 15: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat 5 times (36 sc).
Rnd 16: *Dec, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat 5 times (30 sc).
Rnd 17: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat 5 times (24 sc).
Stuff face, add squeaker, add more stuffing.
Rnd 18: *Dec 3 times, *sc in next 4 sts, dec,* 3 times (18 sc).
Rnd 19: *Dec, sc,* repeat 5 times (12 sc). Finish stuffing.
Rnd 20: Dec 6 times (6 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off and close Rnd 20.

MANE:
Mark center top of head at Rnd 12. Count back 16 sts before marker. Attach brown yarn with sl st. *Sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st,* repeat 7 times. Fasten off brown.

HANDLE:
Rnd 1: With variegated yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc).
Repeat Rnd 2 until piece measures approximately 7”. Stuff handle but not too firmly. Leave it loose enough so that the handle will bend.
Last rnd: Dec 6 times. Fasten off yarn and close last rnd.
Sew each end of handle to bottom of lion. Make as many sts as needed to firmly connect the handle to the head.

PDF Download is available at: Lion Dog Toy Crochet Pattern

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