Nicco The Lion is quite the acrobat! Twist and knot the long stripy body and see what shapes he can make - this project makes a fun toy for the little ones or a cosy neck warmer for the grown-ups.

Combining crochet details with a long knitted body tube creates a nice contrast in texture, the knit section adds extra flexibility to the body. There is also an option for an all-crochet body in centre single crochet stitch (csc) that gives a firmer fabric with a knit-like look!

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and standard knitting terms for the knit option on the body. There are step by step photos detailing how to make the pieces and finish the toy. When made with Aran weight yarn (sample made in Drops Sky held double) and 4.50mm hook the finished lion will measure about 78cm/30in long, adjust the length as you prefer when making the body.

You’ll need to know how to:

・make a Magic Ring
・work in a round
・single crochet
・increase/decrease
・chain stitch
・slip stitch
・half double crochet
・double crochet
・centre single crochet (csc) aka waistcoat st
・bobble ( worked as dc4tog in 1 st)

You will need the following materials:

Yarn: Drops Sky- 74% baby alpaca, 8% merino, 18% polyamide - 50g/190m/207yds
1 ball of each colour: Curry, Hazelnut Mix, White and Light Mint.
Small amount pink 4-ply yarn for the tongue
4.5mm crochet hook
4.5mm DPN or small circular needles (optional)
10mm Black Safety Eyes
Toy Stuffing
Tapestry Needle
Scissors