How to Crochet a Chicken: 6 Steps

Crocheting an amigurumi chicken is a delightful project that can add a touch of whimsy to your home or serve as a charming gift. This step-by-step guide will help you create your very own crochet chicken, perfect for beginners. We will also incorporate the Hicrochet technique, which emphasizes tighter tension and smaller hook sizes for a polished finish. Let’s get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Choose a medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) in your desired colors. You’ll need a main color for the body, a contrasting color for the beak and comb, and black for the eyes. Hicrochet offers a variety of vibrant colors to choose from.
• Crochet Hook: A size H (5.0 mm) or I (5.5 mm) hook is recommended for worsted weight yarn. If you opt for Hicrochet yarn, consider using a slightly smaller hook to achieve tighter stitches.
• Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
• Fiberfill: For stuffing the chicken.
• Safety Eyes (optional): If you prefer, you can use safety eyes instead of embroidering the eyes.

Step 1: Start with the Body

Create a Magic Ring

1. Make a Magic Ring: Begin by creating a magic ring. This will serve as the foundation for your chicken's body. If you're unsure how to make a magic ring, you can chain 2 and work your stitches into the second chain from the hook.
2. Round 1: Inside the magic ring, work 6 single crochets (sc). Pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the ring.
3. Round 2: Work 2 single crochets in each stitch around. You should have 12 stitches at the end of this round.
4. Round 3: Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. You will have 18 stitches at the end of this round.
5. Round 4: Work 2 single crochets in the first stitch, then 1 single crochet in the next 2 stitches. Repeat this pattern around for a total of 24 stitches.
6. Round 5: Work 3 single crochets in the first stitch, then 1 single crochet in the next 3 stitches. Repeat this pattern around for a total of 30 stitches.

Continue to Shape the Body

1. Rounds 6-8: For the next three rounds, work 1 single crochet in each stitch around (30 stitches). This will help build the height of your chicken.
2. Stuff the Body: As you reach the end of round 8, begin to stuff the body with fiberfill. Make sure to add enough stuffing to give your chicken a nice shape, but don’t overstuff it.

Step 2: Create the Head

1. Round 9: To form the head, continue working from the body. Work 1 single crochet in the first 5 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern for a total of 36 stitches.
2. Rounds 10-11: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around (36 stitches).
3. Round 12: Work 1 single crochet in the first 6 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern for a total of 42 stitches.
4. Round 13: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around (42 stitches).
5. Round 14: Begin decreasing to shape the head. Work 6 single crochets, then 1 decrease. Repeat this pattern for a total of 36 stitches.
6. Round 15: Work 5 single crochets, then 1 decrease. Repeat this pattern for a total of 30 stitches.
7. Round 16: Work 4 single crochets, then 1 decrease. Repeat this pattern for a total of 24 stitches.
8. Round 17: Work 3 single crochets, then 1 decrease. Repeat this pattern for a total of 18 stitches.
9. Round 18: Work 2 single crochets, then 1 decrease. Repeat this pattern for a total of 12 stitches.
10. Finish Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Pull the tail through the last loop to secure it.

Step 3: Create the Beak and Comb

Beak

1. Using Yellow Yarn: Start with a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into the ring. Pull tight to close.
2. Round 1: Work 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches).
3. Finish Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the beak onto the chicken's head between rounds 5 and 6.

Comb

1. Using Red Yarn: Start with a magic ring and work 5 single crochets into the ring. Pull tight to close.
2. Round 1: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch (5 stitches).
3. Finish Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the comb onto the top of the chicken's head.

Step 4: Create the Wings

1. Using White Yarn: Start with a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into the ring.
2. Round 1: Work 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches).
3. Round 2: Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern for a total of 18 stitches.
4. Finish Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the wings onto the sides of the chicken's body.

Step 5: Add Eyes

1. Using Black Yarn: You can either embroider the eyes or use safety eyes. If embroidering, sew two small black stitches onto the head between rounds 4 and 5.
2. If Using Safety Eyes: Attach them securely to the head before finishing off.

Step 6: Final Assembly

1. Stuff the Head: If you haven’t already, add a small amount of stuffing to the head to give it shape.
2. Sew Together: Use the tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends and secure all parts. Make sure everything is securely attached.
3. Final Touches: Adjust the stuffing as needed and ensure your chicken has a nice shape.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted your very own amigurumi chicken using the Hicrochet technique. This charming little creation can serve as a delightful gift, a decorative piece for your home, or a fun addition to your collection of crocheted toys. With practice, you can experiment with different colors and sizes, making each chicken unique. Enjoy your crocheting journey, and don't hesitate to share your creations with friends and family!