I would like to introduce Leo the Lion! Leo is the second addition to the Safari Collection! After making Ziggy the Zebra I was really excited to make a Lion! As soon as I started I could not help but watch the Lion King! (Favourite childhood movie!). This gave me so many more ideas to go with. Make sure you keep an eye out for more Safari animals to come!
This pattern is for personal use only. Feel free to make as many items as you wish or give them as gifts. If you would like to sell items, please recognise Blue Dinosaur Crochet as the designer. DO NOT share, reproduce or sell this pattern. This pattern belongs to Blue Dinosaur Crochet.
What you will need:
3.5mm Crochet Hook
4 Seasons Stallion in White
4 Seasons Stallion in Yellow
4 Seasons Stallion in Dark Brown
(Can use another yarn)
Small amount of Black Yarn – For Eyes. (Can use Safety eyes for Children over three)
Stitch Markers
Hobby fill/ Stuffing
Sewing Pins
Needle for sewing pieces together
Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms):
MC – Magic Circle
SC – Single Crochet
st – Stitch
sl st – Slip Stitch
BLO – Back Loop Only
SC INCR – Increase (two stitches in the same stitch)
SC DECR – Decrease (combine two stitches together, to decrease amount in row)
W – White Yarn, Change colour to white yarn
Y – Yellow Yarn, Change colour to yellow yarn
B – Brown Yarn, Change colour to brown yarn
Please stuff each piece as you go, leaving a long tail to sew pieces together or closed. I have not stuffed the tail for the Lion. This is because I felt it didn’t need it.
Body:
Round 1) In a MC, SC 6
Round 2) SC INCR in each around. (12)
Round 3) SC, SC INCR. Repeat around. (18)
Round 4) SC 2, SC INCR. Repeat around. (24)
Round 5) SC 3, SC INCR. Repeat around. (30)
Round 6) SC 4, SC INCR. Repeat around. (36)
Round 7 – 17) SC in each around. (30)
Round 18) SC 4, SC DECR. Repeat around. (30)
Round 19) SC 3, SC DECR. Repeat around. (24)
Round 20) SC 2, SC DECR. Repeat around. (18)
Round 21) SC, SC DECR. Repeat around. (12)
Round 22) SC DECR around. (6)
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.
Head (Starting in White):
Round 1) In a MC, SC 6
Round 2) SC INCR in each around. (12)
Round 3 – 4) SC in each around. (12)
Round 5) Y – SC, SC INCR. Repeat around. (18)
Round 6) SC 2, SC INCR. Repeat around. (24)
Round 7) SC 3, SC INCR. Repeat around. (30)
Round 8) SC 4, SC INCR. Repeat around. (36)
Round 9 – 11) SC in each around. (36)
Round 12) B – SC in each around. (36)
Round 13) SC BLO in each around. (36)
Round 14) SC 4, SC DECR. Repeat around. (30)
Round 15) SC 3, SC DECR. Repeat around. (24)
Round 16) SC 2, SC DECR. Repeat around. (18)
Round 17) SC, SC DECR. Repeat around. (12)
Round 18) SC DECR. Repeat around. (6)
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.
Mane (Brown):
The mane will be worked onto the head through the back loops in Round 13 of the head.
Round 1) Attach Brown Yarn into the First BLO through a Sl St. SC in same SC as Sl St. SC in each around. (36)
Round 2) SC, Sk next SC, DC 5 into next SC space, SK next sc, SC. Repeat around. Sl St into last SC.
This will give you a total of seven shells for the Lion’s mane, ending in a Sl St for the last SC space.
Legs (In yellow):
Round 1) In a MC, SC 4.
Round 2) SC INCR in each around. (8)
Round 3) SC BLO in each around. (8)
Round 4 – 7) SC in each around. (8)
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.
Tail (Starting in Brown):
Round 1) In a MC, SC 4.
Round 2) SC INCR in each around. (8)
Round 3) SC in each around. (8)
Round 4) SC DECR. Repeat around. (4)
Round 5 – 13) Y – SC in each around. (4)
Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.
Before sewing together I recommend pinning each of the pieces into place with sewing pins. This will allow you to see your final product before beginning the sewing process, and also allow you to make sure that your Lion can stand up 😊
I have chosen not to stuff the tail, as I felt that it did not need it. I also have chose to sew the lions eyes on instead of using safety eyes. This is because I have a lot of children under the age of three using all of my crochet creations. This DOES NOT mean that you can’t use safety eyes.
Once you have finished your Lion don’t forget to comment a picture or send one through email! I would love to see your creations! 😊
