Mother Goose

Mother Goose: Mummy Duck and Ducklings by Sachiyo Ishii

What is Being Made

This crochet pattern creates a charming family of ducks featuring one larger mother duck measuring 23cm and smaller ducklings measuring 9cm. The design is part of the Mother Goose toy collection and is ideal for creating soft, cuddly amigurumi-style toys suitable for children or as decorative pieces.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a crochet project classified as intermediate difficulty. The pattern employs fundamental amigurumi construction methods, working in joined rounds rather than continuous spirals. Each round is completed by joining with a slip stitch to the first double crochet after finishing, with stitch markers used to clearly identify the start of each new round. This structured approach ensures clean, defined shaping throughout the toy construction.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used

• Chain (ch) - Used to create foundation stitches and increase stitches
• Double crochet (dc) - The primary stitch throughout the pattern, referred to as single crochet in US terminology
• Double crochet two together (dc2tog) - A decrease technique created by inserting the hook into the next stitch, drawing a loop through, and repeating this process twice before completing the stitch, allowing for shaping and reducing stitch counts
• Slip stitch (sl st) - Used to join rounds seamlessly

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The project uses DK (8-ply) weight yarn in a blend of colors from the Cygnet DK range (298 meters per 100g, 100% acrylic). Specific yarn quantities include:

• [A] 30g Cygnet DK White (208)
• [B] 20g Cygnet DK Buttercream (161)
• [C] 25g Cygnet DK Candyfloss (229)
• [D] 10g Cygnet DK Barley (4884)
• [E] 5g Cygnet DK Aqua (211)

Tools and Notions

Construction requires a 3mm crochet hook paired with DK weight yarn for proper gauge and finished sizing. Additional supplies include:

• A stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
• Toy stuffing for filling the completed pieces
• A chenille needle for weaving in long yarn ends left during assembly
• An all-purpose sewing needle for attaching beads and other embellishments
• Two pairs of 6mm black beads for eyes
• One pair of 8mm black beads
• Cotton thread for bead attachment
• A 2cm button

Assembly and Finishing Notes

The pattern requires assembly of multiple crocheted pieces. Leave long yarn ends on parts that will be joined together, allowing these tails to be used for secure stitching during assembly. If using safety eyes with washers, these should be attached before stuffing the head pieces. The pattern uses UK crochet terminology, so crocheters familiar with US terms should note that UK double crochet equals US single crochet. Practical tips are included throughout the pattern to guide makers through the construction process.