First Aid Kit/Briefcase Rattle

First Aid Kit/Briefcase Rattle by Lisa Ferrel

What is Being Made

This is a crocheted toy rattle designed to resemble a small briefcase or first aid kit. The finished piece features a taco-shaped case with a handle, creating an engaging plaything for infants and toddlers. The rattle incorporates a rattle insert and fiberfil stuffing to produce sound and texture, making it an interactive sensory toy.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses crochet as the primary construction method. The designer creates the briefcase structure through a combination of flat rows and circular shaping, demonstrating intermediate-level crochet skills. The construction involves working in established loops and shaping techniques to achieve the distinctive taco-like silhouette of the case.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches suitable for toy construction:

• Single crochet (sc) — the primary stitch used throughout the case, edging, and handle components
• Chain stitches (ch) — used to create foundation rows and circular rounds
• Back loop only (BLO) working — applied in Row 16 of the case to create textural definition
• Joining techniques — used to transition between flat and circular sections, particularly in the handle construction

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern specifies the following materials and equipment:

• Yarn: Sport weight yarn in a main color (MC), with approximately 1 ounce needed for completion
• Crochet Hook: Size F (3.75 mm) hook
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Stuffing and Sound Element: Fiberfil polyester fiberfill for padding and shaping, plus a rattle insert to create the auditory component

Construction Overview

The briefcase rattle is assembled in three main sections. The case begins with a foundation chain of 20 stitches, worked in single crochet for 15 rows to establish the body. Row 16 uses back loop only technique to create definition before continuing with standard single crochet rows through Row 34. This creates the flat, structured base of the briefcase shape. The edging is constructed separately with a chain-5 foundation, single crocheted across to create 4 stitches, then repeated until the strip is long enough to wrap around the three open sides of the case (approximately 9-1/2 inches). This edging is then sewn in place to enclose the sides and top. The handle is created in the round, beginning with a chain-8 foundation joined into a circle, then worked with single crochet stitches. The second round increases to 8 stitches using the 2-single-crochet-in-each-stitch technique to shape the handle properly.

Assembly involves inserting the rattle insert and fiberfil stuffing before closing the final seam, ensuring the toy produces sound when shaken while remaining safely enclosed within the crocheted structure.