Crochet Cowardly Lion Toy

The Crochet Cowardly Lion Toy is truly a delightful and whimsical creation. Stitched with care and attention to detail, this charming toy brings a touch of nostalgia and fantasy into your world. With its soft yarn mane and endearing expression, the Crochet Cowardly Lion Toy will surely capture the hearts of both children and adults alike. Whether displayed as a decorative piece or embraced as a cuddly companion, this handmade treasure is sure to bring countless smiles and joy. Let this adorable toy whisk you away to the magical land of Oz, where courage and friendship reign supreme!

Worsted weight yarn in colors desired, G Hook and 9mm safety eyes

1. 6 sc in magic circle
2. 2sc around
3. *inc, sc in next sc* around
4. *inc, sc in next 2sc* around
5. *inc, sc in next 3sc* around
6-12. sc around
Place safety eyes between rounds 9-10
13. *dec, sc in next 3* around
14. *dec, sc in next 2* around
15. *dec, sc in next sc* around, make sure to stuff head and continue to stuff as you go
16. *inc, sc in next sc* around
17. *inc, sc in next 2sc* around
18-24. sc around
Stuff body
25. *dec, sc in next 2* around
26. *dec, sc in next sc* around
27. *dec around*, bind off and close up hole

Legs, make sure to stuff as you go
1. 6 sc in magic circle
2. 3sc in first st, sc in next 3sc, 3sc in next sc, sc in next sc
3. 2hdc in next 4sc then sc in next 6sc
4. hdc in next 8hdc then sc in next 2sc, dec, sc in next 2sc
5. *dec, sc in next* x3, sc in next 4sc
6. sc in next 3sc, dec, sc in next, dec, sc in next 2sc
7-14. sc around
15. sc in next 2, inc x2, sc in next 2, inc x2 (This round is optional as it should just be some inc in the front and back of the leg, but it does make sewing the legs on easier.) Bind off and sew onto body.

Arms, make sure to stuff hand, but lightly stuff arm
1. 6 sc in magic circle
2. *inc, sc in next sc* around
3-4. sc around
5. dec x2, sc in next 5sc
6-12. sc around. Bind off and sew onto body.

Muzzle
1. 6 sc in magic circle
2. sc around
3. *inc, sc in next sc* around
4. sc around. Bind off. Next using some black yarn sew on a nose by sewing through the center of the magic circle and 2 of the sc a few times. Make sure muzzle is stuffed and sew onto the face.

Ears
1. 6 sc in magic circle
2. *inc, sc in next sc* around
3. sc around
4. *dec, sc in next sc* around, bind off, do NOT stuff and sew onto head. It goes in line with the arm over rounds 4-6 of the head. Also I ran a running stitch up the middle of the ear to pinch it together in the middle a little.

Tail
Now, I wanted a long tail for what I had in mind. I remember most of the Cowardly Lion holding his tail and petting it, so not to make an obnoxiously long tail just wasn’t in me. You can make the tail shorter too if you would like. Also the sc makes for a pretty poseable tail, however if you would like you can always add a pipe cleaner to the inside. If doing that I would suggest closing the end of the tail.
1. 6 sc in magic circle leaving a long tail to sew onto the body. Also, do NOT pull tightly closed. Leaving it to be able to flatten against body.
2-20. sc around, bind off and do Not close. Sew onto body. Using mane color attach a few hairs (I did 12) about 3-4″ long to the end of the tail to each of the 6 sc. Trim as necessary.

Mane
This is the part that I always hate.. weaving in hair. It always seems like it takes forever. Cut a whole lot of yarn about 4″ or so long and get to weaving. Trim if you want and when you have it all into place and fluff it out a bit.