Meet Daffodil the Duck, a cheerful creation that brings timeless charm to any space. Crocheted in a sunny yellow yarn and designed to resemble an old-fashioned pull toy, this sweet duck evokes memories of simpler days and vintage treasures. Whether displayed on a nursery shelf, adorning a mantel for spring, or brightening up a child’s playroom, Daffodil adds warmth and whimsy wherever she goes.
Complete with wooden wheels and a pull cord, this delightful design is a nod to classic childhood toys while remaining a modern, handmade masterpiece. Please note: Daffodil is intended as a decoration only. The wooden elements and cord may not be suitable for small children — so be sure to keep this charming friend where all can admire her safely!
A perfect project for springtime gifting or adding handmade décor to your home, Daffodil the Duck is sure to become a treasured piece that sparks joy for years to come.
Skill Level: Easy
Size: 10” tall, 8” long and 6” deep
Gauge: 14 sts and 20 rows = 4” [10 cm] in sc
Materials
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (100% Acrylic; 364 yards [333 meters]/198 grams): #324 Bright Yellow (C1, 1 skein), small amounts of #382 Country Blue (C2), #312 Black (C3), #254 Pumpkin (C4), #334 Buff (C5).
Hook: US size H/8 (5.0 mm)
Notions: Tapestry needle, 0.25” wood dowel, 4 wood wheels approximately 2.5” diameter and 0.75” thick, polyfiber, acrylic paint (orange or desired color), paint brush, wood glue
Special Stitches
Inc – Work 2 sts in the same st.
Dec – work a sc2tog over next 2 sts.
Pattern Notes
This is intended to be a decoration. The wood wheels and cord could be a safety concern for small children.
Pattern
Sides (make 2)
Row 1: With C1, ch 31, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (30 sc)
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across.
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 7 sc, ch 3, sk next 3 sc, sc in next 10 sc, ch 3, sk next 3 sc, sc in last 7 sc.
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc and ch across. (30 sc)
Rows 7-11: Ch 1, turn. Inc 1 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across, inc 1 sc in last sc. (40 sc at end of Row 11)
Rows 12-15: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across.
Row 16: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across, dec 1 over the last 2 sc in the row. (39 sc at end of Row 16)
Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Dec 1 over first 2 sc, sc in each rem sc on the row. (38 sc)
Row 18: Rep Row 16. (37 sc)
Row 19: Rep Row 17. (36 sc)
Row 20: Rep Row 16. (35 sc)
Row 21: Ch 1, turn. Dec 1 sc over the first 2 sc, sc in next 18 sc, leave rem sts unworked. (19 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across, dec over last 2 sc. (18 sc)
Row 23: Ch 1, turn. Dec over first 2 sc, sc in each sc across. (17 sc)
Row 24: Rep Row 22. (16 sc)
Row 25: Ch 1, turn. Sc across, inc 1 sc in last sc. (17 sc)
Row 26: Ch 1, turn. Inc 1 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across. (18 sc)
Row 27: Rep Row 25. (19 sc)
Rows 28-32: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across.
Row 33: Ch 1, turn. Dec over first 2 sc, sc in each rem sc. (18 sc)
Row 34: Ch 1, turn. Sc across.
Rows 35-38: Rep Rows 33-34 twice. (16 sc at end of Row 38)
Rows 39-42: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sc, sc across, dec over last 2 sc. Fasten off. (8 sc at end of Row 42)
Tail Section
Row 1: Sk the next 3 sts of the unworked sts from Row 20. Join yarn with sl st, ch 1, sc in rem sts. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc across, dec over last 2 sc. (11 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc across.
Row 4: Rep Row 2. (10 sc)
Row 5: Rep Row 2. Fasten off. (9 sc)
Trim
Starting at lower corner, hdc evenly around entire piece.
Base
Row 1: Ch 31, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Rows 2-8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. At end of Row 8. Fasten off.
Sew base to bottom of each side using photo as a guide.
Dowel Cover Piece
Note: Work these to face the inside of the toy.
Sc around opening on Row 5. Work even in sc for 8 rnds. Fasten off leaving a length of yarn and sew to opening on 2nd side. Work the same thing on the second opening.
Assembly
Cut 2 pieces of dowel 6.5” long.
Slide dowel in the dowel cover piece on Row 5.
Attach wheels to dowel and glue.
Starting at lower edge, sew the 2 sides together, stuffing duck firmly with polyfiber as you go. Be sure to have enough stuffing in before closing the opening.
Eyes (make 2)
With C3, ch 2, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st.
Fasten off leaving length of yarn to sew eyes in place, using photo as a guide.
Beak
With C4, ch 15, 3 dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each rem ch, 5 dc in last ch, working on opposite side of ch, dc in each ch, 2 dc in last st, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Fold beak in half and sew in place using photo as a guide.
Wings (make 2)
With C1, ch 17, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each rem ch across. (16 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, turn, dc in each dc across, dec over last 2 dc. (15 dc)
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, dec over first 2 dc, dc in each remaining dc across. (14 dc)
Row 4: Rep Row 2. (13 dc)
Row 5: Rep Row 3. Fasten off. (12 dc)
Sew Wings in place with longer edge on top, using photo as a guide.
Edge: Sc, *ch 3, sc in next st; rep from * around the unattached edges of the wings. Fasten off.
Bow Tie
Row 1: With C2, ch 15, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Rows 2-3: Ch 3, turn, dc in each dc across. Fasten off.
Gather center to form bow tie and tack in place at front of Duck.
Finishing
Top Knot for Head and Tail
Wind C1 around piece of cardboard about 3” wide 10 times.
Tie in center and tie to top of head and tail. Use photo as a guide.
Cord
With 2 strands of C5, make a ch about 36” long, sl st to form a loop about 12” down from the hook. Fasten off. Attach the beg end of ch to the base of duck, having the loop end at the top to hold.
Weave in rem ends.
I love this. So cute and bright. It would bring warmth to the room.