UPDATE: This CAL has ended, you can find their free pattern here!

We are so close to finishing our farm friends! I love seeing all of your creations in the group! Each has their own personality and your color combinations are so fun to look through!

Today we will be making the bandana, mane and tail. Plus, we will sew our pieces together! 

If you are just joining in, it's not too late to start! Each part will remain free here on the blog so feel free to crochet at your own pace. You can find all of the details and links to each part here!

This CAL consists of 3 parts:

Part 1 - March 1 - Legs and Body

Part 2 - March 4 - Head, Ears, and Arms 

Part 3 - March 6 - Bandana, Mane and Tail (this post here!)

Pattern

Pin Part 3 here to save for later!

The full pattern is also available in an ad-free printable version in my Etsy or Ravelry shop!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern!

Part 3

Row 1: HDC in the 2nd chain from your hook and in each chain across, chain 1 and turn (20)

Row 2: HDC DEC, 16 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (18)

Row 3: HDC DEC, 14 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (16)

Row 4: HDC DEC, 12 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (14)

Row 5: HDC DEC, 10 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (12)

Row 6: HDC DEC, 8 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (10)

Row 7: HDC DEC, 6 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (8)

Row 8: HDC DEC, 4 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (6)

Row 9: HDC DEC, 2 HDC, HDC DEC, chain 1 and turn (4)

Row 10: HDC DEC twice, chain 1 and turn (2)

Row 11: HDC DEC (1)

Border-

1. Chain 1 and SC down the side.

2. When you reach the first corner chain 10 (add a few extra chains if you crochet tightly).

3. SC in the 2nd chain from your hook and back down the chain. SC across the bottom of the bandana.

4. When you reach the next corner chain 10 again (if you added a few chains above be sure to chain the same amount here). SC in the 2nd chain from your hook and in each chain back to the bandana. SC across the last remaining side. At this point you will have crocheted across all 3 sides and have created 2 ties on either side.

Weave in your ends.





Assembly –

1. I found it easiest to complete the mane once the head was sewn onto the body. Be sure to keep your facial features centered and continue to stuff the neck before closing. This will help ensure a strong neck.

TIP - I like to place the head onto the neck to see where I want to place it. Making a mental note of which round I'll follow as I sew. Using stitch markers (long sewing pins or safety pins will work too), place a few around to hold the head in place.

(Here's a picture for reference from the Berry Patch Bunny pattern)



2. Next, sew the arms onto the body centered with the head at round 46.





Mane –

With your accent color cut multiple strips of yarn approximately 9 inches long for the horse and 7 inches long for the donkey. You will need quite a few to fill in the mane.

- Taking 2 strands at a time and using your crochet hook, pull the strands through a stitch next to one of the ears to create a loop (picture 1).

- Next, pull your ends through the loop (picture 2) and pull tight (picture 3).

- Complete this step across the head to the other ear (picture 4).





Continue these steps to create extra rows working down the back of the head.

Donkey – Trim your mane to be approximately 2-3 inches long.

Horse – Trim as needed/ to your liking.













Tail –

With accent color cut 9 strips of yarn approximately 15 inches long. In similar fashion to our mane pull the loops of your strands through two stitches on the back of your horse/donkey. Pull the strands through your loop and pull tight. Trim your tail as desired, I kept mine about 2-3 inches long.








Lastly, tie your bandana around the neck and your horse and donkey are complete! Thank you so much for joining in on this CAL, I hope you had fun along the way!

Want to add a little extra detail to your farm friend? The bow/bow tie from The Berry Patch Bunny would be super cute! The small flower from this tutorial would also make a nice accessory!