Murray the Squirrel

Murray the Squirrel Crochet Pattern

What Is Being Made

Murray the Squirrel is an 8-inch tall stuffed animal toy designed by Stacey Trock. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a cute, cuddly squirrel character perfect for children or as a handmade gift. The finished toy stands approximately 8 inches in height and was first designed in August 2012.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques to bring Murray to life. The design incorporates loop stitch work, which creates textured, dimensional surfaces ideal for representing fur and adding visual interest to the squirrel's body. Crafters will also use single crochet for foundational shaping and structure, along with single crochet 2 together (sc2tog) decreases to form the toy's contours and create proper shaping as sections are completed. The pattern uses standard chain stitches to begin sections and double crochet stitches where additional height and coverage are needed. Proper stuffing techniques are essential, as the toy requires filling with fiberfill to achieve its three-dimensional, huggable form.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): Foundation stitch for starting new sections
• Single crochet (sc): Primary stitch for structure and shaping
• Double crochet (dc): Used for sections requiring additional height
• Loop stitch (lp st): Creates textured fur-like surface details
• Single crochet 2 together (sc2tog): Decreases used for shaping and contouring

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern is designed to work with worsted weight yarn, with the sample crocheted in grey Ella Rae Classic yarn (color 123). Approximately 240 yards of main color (MC) grey yarn is needed, along with black yarn for contrast color details (CC1). A Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook is recommended for the worsted weight sample, though the pattern accommodates different yarn weights—crafters using bulky weight yarn for a larger, extra-cuddly version should consult the ball band for appropriate hook size and adjust gauge as needed.

Additional materials include a pair of 12mm black animal eyes (such as Suncatcher Eyes) for facial features, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and assembling pieces, and fiberfill stuffing to fill the toy and create its three-dimensional shape. A locking stitch marker is optional but helpful for tracking rounds and maintaining pattern accuracy throughout the project.

Yarn Weight Flexibility

While the pattern is calculated and tested using worsted weight yarn, it offers flexibility for crafters wishing to work with different yarn weights. By selecting the hook size recommended on the yarn ball band and adjusting gauge accordingly, Murray can be created in various sizes. Bulky weight yarn will produce a larger, extra-cuddly version, though this requires more yardage than the worsted weight recommendation. This adaptability makes the pattern accessible to crafters with different yarn stashes and desired finished sizes.