Level: Easy
These rattles can be made in one color, multiple colors, or from a mottled yarn; each effect makes the rattle look a bit different. Imagination is the only limit.
Materials
- Light / baby weight yarn in choice of color
- Size G / 4mm crochet hook to obtain gauge of 5 sc = 1 inch
- Fiberfill or Scrap Yarn
- 9mm jingle bells
- Stitch marker
Notes
Weave in loose ends as work progresses. Join rounds with a slip stitch unless otherwise stated. Don’t join rounds; instead, use a stitch marker to mark rounds, and move it as work progresses.
The pattern below is for a basic, round baby rattle. Use embroidery floss to decorate it if desired; think smiley face, shapes, stars, and anything else that a baby might like to look at.
Pattern—Round Rattle Head
Round 1: Chain 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, place stitch marker (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc)
Round 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18 sc)
Round 4: [Sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24 sc)
Round 5: [Sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30 sc)
Rounds 6-8: Sc in each sc around.
Round 9: [Sc in each of next 3 sc, sc dec in next 2 sc] 6 times (24 sc)
Round 10: [Sc in each of next 2 sc, sc dec in next 2 sc] 6 times (18 sc)
Round 11: [Sc in next sc, sc dec in next 2 sc] 6 times (12 sc)
Round 12: [Sc in each of next 2 sc, sc dec in next 2 sc] 3 times (9 sc)
Stuff lightly with fiberfill or scrap yarn and insert 2 jingle bells into the center are of the fiberfill / scrap yarn.
Pattern—Wrist Strap
Rounds 13 - 42: Sc in each sc around. At the end of round 42, slip stitch in next stitch, leaving a length of yarn. Fasten off. Fold round-42 flat across and sew to end of round 12.
Finishing
The rattle can be left as is, or decoration can be added. For example, with a tapestry needle and some black embroidery thread, add a pair of eyes and a mouth to the rattle head; now, it’s a smiley-face rattle. If adding eyes, embroider them over round 5 with straight stitches.
As always, make sure the toy is safe for baby. Keep an eye on baby while she’s playing with it until you're positive the rattle is secure.
