Animal Head Lovey

Make a 12 inch crochet lovey with a little bunny or bear head sitting on one corner. The soft square is charted, so you can change the colors and the heart in the middle to any design you like, and the face is worked right into the crochet in color, with no buttons, beads or plastic eyes. Every row has a written instruction and a stitch count.

You'll need:

• Fine (sport) weight yarn in sage, cream, rose and cocoa: soft, smooth and washable
• Crochet hooks, about 3.0 mm for the body and one size smaller for the head and ears, or sizes to match gauge
• Polyester fiberfill, a yarn needle and scissors

Important Safety Notes#

Not for the sleep area: Keep this out of the crib, bassinet and play yard with a baby under 12 months, and do not use it for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises a "firm, flat sleep surface" and a "fitted sheet only", with nothing else in the crib.

No small parts: Do not add buttons, beads, plastic eyes, charms or bells. Make faces and details in color as the chart shows, or in embroidery stitched through the fabric, and tug them firmly before use.

Stuffing: Stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill. No stuffing may show between stitches, so use a hook one or two sizes smaller. Close every opening with a firm seam and tug the seams hard before giving the item to a baby.

Yarn and care: Use soft, smooth, washable yarn that does not shed or fuzz, and wash a swatch first. Weave in every end and check inside the finished item for loose strands, which can wrap around a baby's fingers or toes. Wash inside out.

Close stitches: Work a firm, closely stitched fabric. Gaps and lacy openings can catch small fingers and toes.

If you sell what you make: Children's products sold in the US must meet CPSC rules, including testing, a Children's Product Certificate and a tracking label. Start at cpsc.gov.