🧶 THE ARTISAN FOX: A Chibi Crochet Project 🧶

Dearest Maker,

There is something profoundly special about crocheting a creature who is, in their own little world, a maker too. This design captures the quiet joy of a Sunday afternoon spent with yarn. We are not just making a doll; we are crafting a little spirit who understands the patience of our art. He is “The Artisan,” and he is ready to sit on your shelf and keep you company while you work.

About The Artisan Fox This little fox isn’t merely dressed; he is curated. Wearing a “Berry Red” dress reminiscent of vintage pinafores and a “Graphite” cardigan with faux-cable stitching, he embodies the cozy creative. Note the fluffy collar—a tactile echo of his own soft muzzle. He carries a basket of yarn, forever working on a tiny project of his own.

Project Snapshot: 📊 Difficulty: Intermediate (Texture work required) ⏰ Est. Time: 6–8 Hours 📏 Size: 20cm (Standing) “The magic lies in the tension. Keep your stitches tight, but your heart soft.” — Patricia

Materials & Tools Needed 🧶 Yarn (Matte Cotton DK): Fox Orange, Berry Red, Slate Grey, Graphite Grey, Beige, White. ☁️ Yarn (Fluffy/Eyelash): White (for muzzle and collar). 🪡 Hook: 2.5mm (or size needed for tight gauge). ✨ Other Materials: 12mm Safety Eyes, Polyfill, Toothpick (for the mini hook), Tapestry Needle.

Abbreviations & Stitches Used ch: chain sl st: slip stitch sc: single crochet hdc: half double crochet dc: double crochet inc: increase dec: decrease FLO/BLO: front loop only / back loop only FPdc: Front Post double crochet (for the cable look)

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THE COMPLETE CHIBI FOX PATTERN

Phase 1: The Foundation (Head & Body)

The Head (Fox Orange) We begin with the signature oversized head.

1. Magic Ring, 6 sc (6)
2. Inc in each st (12)
3. 1 sc, inc repeat around (18)
4. 2 sc, inc repeat around (24)
5. 3 sc, inc repeat around (30)
6. 4 sc, inc repeat around (36)
7. 5 sc, inc repeat around (42)
8. 6 sc, inc repeat around (48)
9. 7 sc, inc repeat around (54)
10. 8 sc, inc repeat around (60) 11–22. Sc around (60) for 12 rows.
11. 8 sc, dec repeat around (54)
12. 7 sc, dec repeat around (48) Insert safety eyes between rows 18-19, about 11 stitches apart.
13. 6 sc, dec repeat around (42)
14. 5 sc, dec repeat around (36)
15. 4 sc, dec repeat around (30)
16. 3 sc, dec repeat around (24) Fasten off, leave long tail. Stuff firmly until round and hard.

The Fluffy Muzzle Patch (White Fluffy Yarn) This is the heart of the face.

1. Ch 7.
2. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across (6). Turn.
3. Dec, 2 sc, dec (4). Turn.
4. Sc across (4). Turn.
5. Dec twice (2). Turn.
6. Dec (1). Fasten off. Sew this diamond shape onto the lower center of the face, under the eyes. Place the nose button in the center of the patch.

The Chibi Body (Fox Orange)

1. Magic Ring, 6 sc (6)
2. Inc in each st (12)
3. 1 sc, inc (18)
4. 2 sc, inc (24)
5. 3 sc, inc (30) 6-10. Sc around (30)
6. 3 sc, dec (24) 12-13. Sc around (24)
7. 2 sc, dec (18) Fasten off. Stuff firmly.

Phase 2: The Wardrobe (All Crocheted)

The Berry Red Dress Worked from the waist down.

1. Ch 25 (connect to form circle).
2. Sc around (25).
3. 4 sc, inc around (30).
4. 5 sc, inc around (35). 5-9. Sc around (35).
5. Sl st, ch 1, dc in same st, sk 1 (Shell edge). Artisan Note: Embroider small white daisies with yellow centers randomly on the skirt using a tapestry needle.

The Heirloom Cardigan (Graphite Grey & Fluffy White) This uses texture to mimic heavy wool.

1. Ch 21.
2. (Row 1) Sc across (20). Turn.
3. (Row 2) 1 sc, 1 FPdc into row below repeat to create “cables.”
4. (Row 3) Sc across.
5. Repeat Rows 2-3 until piece measures 5cm.
6. Collar: Switch to Fluffy White yarn. Sc along the top edge and neck. Fold over to create a thick lapel.

The Artist Beret (Slate Grey)

1. Magic Ring, 6 sc.
2. Inc in each st (12).
3. 1 sc, inc (18).
4. 2 sc, inc (24).
5. 1 sc, inc (36) — Rapid increase for “flop”. 6-8. Sc around (36).
6. 4 sc, dec (30).
7. 3 sc, dec (24). Fasten off. Make a fluffy white pom-pom and attach to top.

Mary Jane Shoes (White)

1. Magic Ring, 6 sc.
2. Inc in each st (12).
3. 1 sc, inc (18).
4. BLO sc around (18).
5. Sc around.
6. Front 8 stitches: dec 4 times. Back 10 stitches: sc.
7. Chain 4 to create the strap, secure to opposite side.

Phase 3: The Accessories

The Mini Basket (Beige)

1. Magic Ring, 6 sc.
2. Inc around (12).
3. BLO sc around (12). 4-5. Sc around (12).
4. Ch 6 (handle), skip 5, sl st. Fill with scrap yarn balls.

Assembly & Final Touches ➡️ Sew the Head to the Body securely. ➡️ Sew the Ears (standard triangles) to the top of the head after placing the Beret to ensure they poke out correctly. ➡️ Dress the Fox: Shoes first, then Dress, then Cardigan. ➡️ Tack the basket to one hand so he never drops his supplies.

Tips & FAQs Q: The fluffy yarn is hard to see! A: Feel for the stitches rather than looking for them. If it’s too difficult, carry a strand of thin white cotton alongside the fluffy yarn to give it structure.

Q: Can I brush the tail? A: Absolutely. Use a pet slicker brush on the tail yarn to make it look like real fur!

A Final Word Your Artisan Fox is now complete. May he remind you that every stitch is a moment of time well spent. I cannot wait to see your version of him.