The Year of the Rat - Crochet Rat Pattern

Christmas might seem like a distant memory, but there’s still one more big celebration to go. The Chinese New Year is again upon us, this year taking place on Saturday 25 January. For those familiar with Chinese New Year animals, 2020 sees a return of the rat.

This provides plenty of inspiration for knitting enthusiasts and gave us the excuse to crochet a little rat!

According to tradition, the rat represents the beginning of a new day. It was also once considered a sign of wealth in ancient China, this little rat can be your lucky charm! 

Notions:

5mm Hook 

Chunky/Bulky yarn (1 Skein of Big Merino Chunky!)

Wading (or scrap yarn) 

Safety eyes (or fingering weight yarn to sew on eyes)

Abbreviations:

Ch- Chain 

SS - Slip Stitch

St - Stitch 

Sc - Single Crochet 

SC2tog - Single crochet two stitches together 

YO - Yarn Over

 

NOSE

 1 - Create SS, Ch 2

 2- Work 3 Sc into 1st Ch ST

 3- Join 3rd St to 1St using SS

 

5- Ch 2 *Sc next 2 Sts , 2 Sc in next St, repeat from * SS into the chain space of Ch2 (4 st)

6- Ch 2 *Sc next 3 Sts, 2 Sc in next St. Repeat from *, SS into the chain space of Ch2 (6st)

7- Ch 2 *Sc next 4 Sts, 2 Sc in next St. Repeat from *, SS into the chain space of Ch2  (8st)

8- Ch 2 *Sc next 5 Sts, 2 Sc in next St. Repeat from *, SS into the chain space of Ch2 (12st)

9- Ch 2 *Sc next 6 Sts, 2 Sc in next St. Repeat from *, SS into the chain space of Ch2 (14st)

 

BODY

10- Ch 2 and Sc in all Sts except one closest to Ch2. SS SS into the chain space of Ch2. 

11- Repeat step 9 until desired length (we did 5 rows)

 12- Once at desired length we start to decrease to make the bum. Ch 2 *Sc in next 3 St, Sc2tog. Repeat from * miss St closest to Ch2, SS into the chain space of Ch2

 This is a good time to apply safety eyes if using and to stuff the body with wading. Once quite compact continue on.

 

13- Ch 2 *Sc in next  2 St, Sc2tog. Repeat from * miss St closest to Ch2, SS into the chain space of Ch2

Add the rest of the wading now.

14- Insert hook through St on opposite side of circle, YO and SS to close body. Ch 10-15 depending on desired length of tail and fasten off.

EARS

Pom Pom time!!

Construction:

Sew on Ears and eyes if not using safety eyes use fingering weight yarn to sew eyes on.

Enjoy your little New Year Rat!

QF 

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