This panda rattle crochet pattern is easy to follow, and the finished item works up quickly, making an adorable last-minute gift for a new baby.

The handle of the rattle is about 11 cm long, and is easy for little hands to grasp. A large bell inside the head (with two smaller bells placed inside) makes a jingle noise when the rattle is shaken. A loop for the tail is a nice ‘feely’ detail for babies to hold and play with.

The pattern calls for a 3.50 mm crochet hook, black and white yarn, as well as seven different yarn colours, to create a rainbow effect: a shade of dusty pink, pale orange, pale yellow, mint green, turquoise, pale blue, and lilac.

Gauge is not important for this pattern.

Additional materials required are:

• darning needle
• teddy filling
• large bell, approximately 20 mm in diameter
• two small bells, approximately 10 mm in diameter
• very small zip lock plastic bag