Hello fellow crochet enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a delightful project to create a charming crocheted hen decoration. This guide will walk you through each step, allowing you to craft your own adorable hen using simple crochet techniques.

Materials You Will Need:

  • Yarn: Choose your preferred colors for the hen's body, comb, wattle, and any decorative edging. The tutorial uses different colors for a vibrant look.
  • Crochet Hook: A 4mm crochet hook is recommended. However, you can adjust the hook size based on your yarn weight and desired fabric density. A larger hook will create a looser weave and a bigger hen, while a smaller hook will result in a tighter weave and a smaller hen.
  • Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
  • Tapestry Needle: For weaving in yarn ends.
  • Small Black Bead (Optional): For the hen's eye.

Creating the Hen's Body (Make Two Pieces):

We will begin by creating two identical circular pieces that will form the main body of the hen.

Round 1:

  1. Magic Loop: Create a magic loop.
  2. Chain 3: Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
  3. Double Crochet 11: Work 11 more double crochet stitches into the magic loop (total of 12 double crochets).
  4. Close the Loop: Gently pull the tail of the magic loop to close the center ring tightly.
  5. Join: Slip stitch into the top of the initial chain 3 to join the round.

Round 2:

  1. Chain 2: Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet).
  2. Increase in Each Stitch: Work 2 double crochet stitches in each stitch around the round (total of 24 double crochets).
  3. Join: Slip stitch into the top of the initial chain 2 to join the round.

Round 3:

  1. Chain 2: Chain 2 and turn your work.
  2. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch.
  3. Repeat (1 Single Crochet, 1 Increase): Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then work 2 single crochet stitches in the following stitch (an increase). Repeat from * to * around the round (total of 36 single crochets).
  4. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round.

Round 4:

  1. Chain 2: Chain 2 and turn your work.
  2. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch.
  3. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch.
  4. Increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches in the following stitch (an increase).
  5. Repeat (2 Single Crochet, 1 Increase): Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, work 1 single crochet in the following stitch, then work 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch (an increase). Repeat from * to * around the round (total of 48 single crochets).
  6. Join: Slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round.

Creating the Hanging Loop:

On one of the two circular pieces you just created, we will now add a hanging loop.

  1. Continue from Last Round: Continue working on one of the finished circular pieces.
  2. Slip Stitch to Center: Slip stitch to move your hook approximately to the center of the round.
  3. Chain 10-12: Chain 10 to 12 stitches (this will form the hanging loop; adjust the number of chains to your desired loop size).
  4. Slip Stitch to Edge: Slip stitch back into the edge of the same round where your chain originated, securing the loop.
  5. Work Single Crochet Around Loop: Work single crochet stitches all the way around the chain loop to reinforce it.
  6. Slip Stitch to Join: Slip stitch to the initial slip stitch to join the round around the loop.
  7. Fasten Off: Chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Attaching the Two Body Pieces:

Now, we will join the two circular pieces together with single crochet stitches, leaving a small opening for stuffing (optional, but recommended for a 3D effect).

  1. Align Pieces: Hold the two circular pieces together, wrong sides facing each other.
  2. Join with Single Crochet: Attach your yarn and work single crochet stitches around the edges of both pieces, aligning the stitches as you go.
  3. Leave an Opening: Leave a small opening (approximately 2-3 cm) unstitched.
  4. Stuff (Optional): If desired, lightly stuff the hen's body through the opening with fiberfill.
  5. Close the Opening: Continue single crocheting to close the remaining opening.
  6. Fasten Off: Chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Creating the Comb:

We will now create the hen's comb using a contrasting color.

  1. Locate Corner: Find one of the small corners or points along the edge of the hen's body.
  2. Attach Yarn: Attach your new color yarn at this corner.
  3. Chain 3: Chain 3.
  4. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the first chain you made (creating a small loop).
  5. Chain 2: Chain 2.
  6. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the same stitch on the hen's body where you attached the yarn.
  7. Move to Next Point: Move to the next small corner or point along the edge (approximately three stitches away).
  8. Attach with Slip Stitch: Slip stitch to attach your yarn at this new point.
  9. Chain 3: Chain 3.
  10. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the first chain you made.
  11. Chain 2: Chain 2.
  12. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the same stitch on the hen's body.
  13. Repeat: Repeat steps 7-12 to create the desired number of comb points (the tutorial shows three points).
  14. Fasten Off: Chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Creating the Wattle:

Now, we will create the wattle using another contrasting color (often red).

  1. Locate Area: Find the area on the hen's body where you want to attach the wattle (below where the eyes will be).
  2. Attach Yarn: Attach your new color yarn.
  3. Chain 3: Chain 3.
  4. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the first chain you made.
  5. Chain 2: Chain 2.
  6. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the same stitch on the hen's body.
  7. Move to Next Point: Move to an adjacent stitch.
  8. Attach with Slip Stitch: Slip stitch to attach your yarn.
  9. Chain 3: Chain 3.
  10. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the first chain you made.
  11. Chain 2: Chain 2.
  12. Slip Stitch: Slip stitch into the same stitch on the hen's body.
  13. Fasten Off: Chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Creating the Decorative Edging (Optional):

The tutorial adds a decorative yellow edging around the bottom of the hen.

  1. Attach New Color: Attach your new color yarn (e.g., yellow) to any stitch along the bottom edge of the hen's body.
  2. Chain 1: Chain 1.
  3. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch.
  4. Single Crochet in Each Stitch: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around the entire bottom edge of the hen.
  5. Optional Picot Edge: For a more decorative edge, you can work a picot at intervals: Chain 3, slip stitch into the first chain, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around the edge.
  6. Join: Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join the round.
  7. Fasten Off: Chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Adding the Eye:

  1. Locate Eye Position: Decide where you want to place the hen's eye.
  2. Attach Bead (Optional): If using a bead, carefully sew it onto the hen's body using a needle and thread.
  3. Embroider Eye (Alternative): Alternatively, you can embroider a small black dot for the eye using black yarn and a tapestry needle.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends securely into the back of your work.
  2. Shape and Adjust: Gently shape your crocheted hen.

Congratulations! Your adorable crocheted hen decoration is now complete. This charming creation, with its double-layered body for durability, makes a delightful addition to any home or a thoughtful handmade gift. Enjoy your beautiful creation!