1: Picot for beak. 2: Second round complete. 3: Single crochet decrease to close gap below beak. 4: A completed head. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

Hello my crochet friends. This time, I chose a cute little project that can be used all year, but will be most popular during “bunny” time.

I worked the project using worsted weight yarn and an H size hook, but it can easily be made using a double strand of yarn or blanket yarn using a matching hook.

You will also need some stuffing and a yarning needle, plus a small amount of contrasting yarn for eyes. The peep can also be left hollow and the bottom of the crochet piece left open to allow a plastic egg to hide under it.

STITCHES: ch = chain. SC = single crochet. DC = double crochet. SL ST = slip stitch. SC inc = single crochet increase. DC inc = double crochet increase. SC dec = single crochet decrease. DC dec = double crochet decrease. FPSC = front post single crochet. Picot = ch3, slip stitch in first chain to create a bubble.

Front Post Single Crochet Increase and Underside options. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

NOTES

1: The project starts at the top of the head.

2: The project is worked in rounds, which can sometimes shift the first stitch of each round a bit.

3: The picot is the beak, and if it lands crooked on the peep, move it over a stitch or two by crocheting it a stitch or two before or after the placement listed.

4: The round at the bottom of the belly before the base is worked by making a full round of single crochet increases in the front post so that the next round will stick out as a solid “poofy” base.

Two completed peeps. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

5: First single crochet of round can be worked without a chain.

6: First double crochet = ch2 = beg DC.

7: Directions in ( …) will be completed in stitch or space listed.

8: Eyes can be stitched on either after Round4 -OR- after completing the project.

DIRECTIONS: Ch4, sl st to form ring. RND1- Beg DC, 11 DC in ring, sl st to join. RND2: 5SC, (SC,DC) in next st, picot, (DC, SC) in next st, 5SC, join. RND3: 5SC, 2SC Dec, 5SC join. RND4: 4SC, 2DC Dec, 4SC, join. Rnd5: 3SC, (Sc, Dc) to increase in next st, (3DC in next st) twice, (DC, SC) to increase in next st, 3SC, join. RND6: 6SC, DC Inc, (3DC in next st) twice, DC Inc, 6SC, join. RND7: Beg CH2, DC around, join (st total: 22DC). RND8: Sc around, join. RND9: This round was mentioned in the NOTES, Front Post Sc Inc around, join. RND10: Beg CH2, DC around. RND11: Work Beg CH2, but ignore it, DC Dec around, join. If leaving peep hollow, fasten off leaving yarn tail to hide… if not, stuff with filling and continue closing. RND12: Repeat last round. RND13: Sc Dec around. Fasten off leaving yarn tail to sew hole closed and hide end.

I hope you enjoy creating these chick peeps. They can be made in any color and have details added to allow them to be festive year-round. If you desire, some ideas of holiday cuteness could be: bunny ears, pom-pom for a firework, Hawaiian lei, witch hat, chains or beads for Mardi Gras, or even a Santa hat can be added… but just a simple chick is super cute.

Until next time, have fun crocheting.