Chameleon softie with spiral tail. This project requires quite a bit of concentration as the spiral tail is formed by stitchwork only using short rows (rather than stiff wire). Gauge is not critical; finished dimesions approx 30cm x 25cm.

Tools:

• 3mm (US 2 1/2) crochet hook for DK weight yarn (you may adjust this for yarn choice)
• 6 safety pins as stitch markers
• needle to attach and embroider eyes
• Pokey stick to push stuffing around e.g. 6mm (US 10/J) hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for sewing in ends


Materials:

• Double knitting wool in several colours, 100g total should be plenty, which is about 317 yards (290 meters). Alternately, use one colour of plain or self-striping wool.
• Polyester stuffing (under 100g).
• Small amount of white felt and black embroidery floss for eyes (other safety eyes may be subsituted)
• White sewing thread to attach eyes


Difficulty:
Intermediate. Although the stitches are basic (US slst and sc), there are over 100 yarn breaks and almost every pattern line is different: requires concentration and counting; you certainly can’t watch TV at the same time. There is a photo tutorial for the first 11 lines of the pattern to get you going. To get an idea of the techniques involved, see the free pattern hello stegosaurus which also uses yarn breaks in a similar way. I understand the testers found it challenging but rewarding :-)

Pattern is provided with both US and UK crochet terms.