How to Crochet (or knit) a Lil' Chick

Greetings Friends!
What do you think of these little chickies?! Aren't they adorable?  I think so.  I'm so excited to be able to share them with you. They're perfect for Easter, or to celebrate spring.  Whatever reason you make them, they're guaranteed to generate smiles. There's a story that goes with them, and for me it makes them even more special.

Last year a member of the knitting club at the library came in with several she had made.  They were a huge hit, and when I discovered that they "laid" eggs I was smitten.  I was all ready to make a brood of my own when I realized that they were knit.  Credit for the original pattern goes to Mariann Herk.  It is actually a hand drawn sketch with a few instructions (similar to my fancy version to the left).  I probably could have figured out how to crochet one, but I wasn't that confident in my skills.  I ended up having to be content keeping a few of the chicks perched at the circulation desk. (Thanks to Kelsey's mom Juli.)

Fast forward to last Wednesday.  As I was showing off my crochet egg I remembered the chicks.  With my new knitting skills I knew that I would finally be able to make them myself!  Yippee!!

After looking over the pattern I realized that it would be a snap to covert to crochet. Isn't it something what a difference a year makes?  How cool that I would be able to make these available to anyone who wants to make them!! Now no one has to be left out!  As it happens, they are very easy to make no matter which technique you use.  I made both of these and the egg in one evening.  The ribbing on the knit version is snugger (is that a word?) so, to make the crochet ribbing tighter I ran a basting stitch around the bottom and pulled it in a little.  Problem solved!

Embellishing them was fun too.  At first I wasn't sure what to do.  Since I don't have chickens the picture that came to mind was Fog Horn Leg Horn (we're big Looney Tunes fans here!) Anyway, I found this fuzzy, furry yarn (which I've could never figure out what to do with), and sort of stitched it in loops. I think the effect is great!  I'm not crazy about the beaks though.  In fact the knit chick had a "beak job" because the original one made her look like some sort of prehistoric monster chick, okay I'm overreacting a bit but it did look funny.  Next time I might try a piece of felt instead. You really can let your imagination run wild or go for the simple look and make them in your favorite colors.  No matter what you do, I'm sure that they will look terrific.

I love that they sit atop the eggs.  For me that's why I found them so endearing.  I'm not sure what it is about little "surprises" like that make me say, "aaawwwhh", but I can't help myself!  They're a perfect fit for the crochet eggs, or you can fill a plastic egg with candy for a super sweet treat. 

I'm including a downloadable PDF of the crochet pattern that you might find useful as well as the egg pattern.  I didn't bother to write out the knit pattern.  I was able to follow the diagram, and I'm sure you can too.  With any of them, please let me know if you have questions.  I'm new to pattern writing, and apologize in advance for any mistakes or confusing instructions!

Crochet Chicks Pattern

Crochet Egg Pattern

Well my friends that's all for today.  Have fun with your creations!  I'd love to see pictures of your lil' chickies.  You can post them on my Facebook page and we can all "aaawwwhh" them together.
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!