How to Crochet a Cute Turkey for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start prepping your home decor. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by crocheting an adorable turkey? With just a bit of yarn, a crochet hook, and a simple pattern, you can create a festive friend to display or gift In this article, we’ll walk through the basics for crocheting your own turkey

Choose a Pattern

First things first – you’ll need to select a crochet turkey pattern that matches your skill level Here are some beginner-friendly options

• For a flat, two-dimensional turkey, try this applique pattern. It uses simple stitches like single crochet and picots to create the shapes.

• Make a plush 3D turkey with this amigurumi pattern. It builds the turkey in separate pieces like the body, beak, and feathers to later sew together.

• For a vintage-inspired turkey, check out this granny square pattern. Join squares in fall colors for the feathers.

• If you want a turkey decoration, try making it into a dishcloth, coaster, or bunting flag.

Gather Supplies

Once you’ve selected a pattern, take inventory of the required materials. Most turkey crochet patterns call for the same basics:

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn in fall colors like brown, orange, yellow, red.

• Crochet hook: Size needed varies, but H, I, and J hooks are common. Check your pattern.

• Stuffing: Polyfill stuffing for 3D parts like the body.

• Needle: Yarn needle for weaving ends and assembling pieces.

• Embellishments (optional): Googly eyes, small pom poms, felt for features.

• Scissors: For cutting yarn as you work.

Master the Basic Stitches

Before you start hooking your turkey, take time to practice any stitches used in the pattern that you aren’t familiar with. Common stitches for crochet turkeys include:

• Single crochet (sc): The most basic stitch and used in every project.

• Half double crochet (hdc): An easy stitch giving a bit more height.

• Double crochet (dc): Creates taller, tighter fabric than sc or hdc.

• Increases/decreases: Used to shape 3D parts like the body.

• Front/back loops: Crochet into one loop to create texture.

• Picots: Tiny loops adding decorative shape.

• Bobbles: Small round puffs of yarn used for feathers.

Spend a few minutes making swatches with these stitches so they feel comfortable when you begin your turkey. Refer to stitch guides as needed.

Crochet the Body

Once your stitches are polished, it’s time to crochet your turkey! The body is often the starting point for amigurumi patterns. Key tips:

• Crochet in a spiral, working in rounds without joining or chaining between rounds. Use a stitch marker to track rounds.

• Follow stitch counts provided in the pattern, increasing and decreasing where indicated. This gives the rounded shape.

• Begin stuffing the piece with polyfil when the pattern specifies, adding a little at a time.

• When complete, weave the end through the last round and pull tight to close the hole.

Add the Head and Other Parts

The techniques used for the body will be repeated for other turkey pieces like the head, tail, feet, wattle, and more. Follow the same steps, referring to the pattern for stitch counts, color changes, and shaping:

• Crochet each piece as a flat round in a spiral.

• Stuff firmly as you go to achieve the right sculpted shape.

• Finish off and weave the yarn end through the last round to close.

Once all pieces are complete, it’s time for assembly!

Put It All Together

Refer to the pattern instructions for how to assemble your turkey. Here are some common methods:

• For amigurumi, pin pieces in place then whipstitch together using yarn and a darning needle.

• For applique and decoration patterns, you may glue or stitch pieces onto a base fabric.

• Add details like eyes, beaks, and snoods (the turkey’s dangly bit on its beak) using yarn, felt, or other embellishments.

• Insert pipe cleaners into the wings and tail to give them poseable shape.

Fluff, arrange, and primp your turkey until it looks just the way you want!

Show Off Your Turkey

Once your crocheted turkey friend is all put together, it’s time to find a special spot to show it off! Display options include:

• Place it on your Thanksgiving table as a centerpiece.

• Have it greet guests by your front door.

• Make turkey bunting or garland for over the mantel.

• Use mini turkeys as napkin rings.

• Give turkey potholders to aunt Ethel.

• Add turkey hats to your other fall decor.

However you choose to show off your crochet skills, a handmade turkey is sure to impress. So grab those hooks and yarn skeins to crochet yourself some Thanksgiving spirit!