Appliques are one of the most versatile and rewarding additions to any crochet project. Whether you're embellishing a baby blanket, personalizing a tote bag, or adding character to a cozy sweater, appliques transform simple pieces into one-of-a-kind creations. The best part? They're quick to make and even quicker to attach. You can secure your finished applique using a yarn needle and thread for a traditional sewn finish, or speed up the process with fabric glue or a hot glue gun for instant adhesion. This flexibility makes appliques perfect for crafters of all skill levels.
Ready to explore more adorable applique designs? Browse our full collection of crochet applique patterns to find the perfect accent for your next project.
Materials You'll Need
Yarn: Medium, worsted weight, size 4, acrylic (Red Heart Super Saver Solids recommended)
- Color A: White, 1 oz.
- Color B: Dusty Gray, 1 oz.
- Color C: Black, 1 oz.
Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.25mm)
Additional Supplies:
- Small glass beads for eyes
- Yarn needle
- Sewing needle and thread
- Hot glue gun (optional, for assembly)
Finished Size: Approximately 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide
Abbreviations
- Ch = chain
- Slst = slip stitch
- Sc = single crochet
- Hdc = half double crochet
- Dc = double crochet
- Htr = half treble crochet
- Tr = treble crochet
- St = stitch
- Sp = space
Special Stitch: Htr = Yarn over twice, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and draw through two loops on the hook, yarn over and draw through all three loops on the hook.
Step-by-Step Pattern
Face
Round 1: Using color A, make a magic circle or slipknot circle. Ch 3 (counts as a dc st), 9 dc into circle, slst to top of ch 3 to join. 10 dc total. Continue working in the same direction.
Round 2: Ch 4, Tr in same st, (htr, dc) in next st, (hdc, sc), (2 sc), (sc, hdc), (dc, htr), (2 tr), change to color B, (htr, 2dc), (2 hdc), (2dc, htr), slst to top of ch 4 to join. You will be making ears in the next step. Turn work and go in the opposite direction.
Round 3: Ch 4, TURN WORK, slst in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch st, hdc in next ch st, skip next st and slst ear to the head, sc, sc, sc, slst, ch 4, slst in 2nd from hook, sc in next ch st, hdc in next, skip next st and slst ear to the head. Fasten off.
Eyes
Round 1: Using color C, ch 10, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each stitch till end. Fasten off.
Nose
Using color C, ch 3, hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Fasten off.
Body
Work the body in rounds without turning. Continue working in the same direction for every round.
Round 1: Using color A, ch 7, 3 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 4 dc), dc, dc, 4 dc, work now on the opposite side of the foundation ch, dc, dc, slst to top of ch 3 to join. 12 dc total.
Round 2: Change to color B, ch 3 (counts as a dc), dc in same st as ch 3, 2 dc in each of next 3 sts, dc, dc, 2 dc in each of next 4 sts, dc, dc, slst to top of ch 3 to join. 20 dc total.
Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as a sc st), sc in same st, 2 sc in each of next 7 sts, sc, sc, 2 sc in next 8 sts, sc, sc, slst to top of ch 2 to join. Fasten off. 36 sc total.
Arms
Step 1: Using color B, make a magic circle or slipknot circle. Ch 2, sc, 2 hdc, 4 dc, 2 hdc, sc all into circle, slst to first sc to join. Change to color C.
Step 2: Ch 2, 5 hdc in same st, ch 2 and slst into same st. Fasten off. Make two arms.
Foot
Using color C, make a magic circle or slipknot circle. Ch 3, 2 dc, hdc, 4 sc all into circle, slst to top of ch 3 to join. Fasten off. Make two feet.
Tail
Using color B, ch 12, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in the next 4 ch sts, htr, htr, tr, tr in last. Fasten off. Using yarn needle and black yarn, create five stripes on the tail.
Assembly
Step 1: Sew eye spots on face. Sew small glass seed beads for eyes. Sew nose onto middle of face. Use yarn needle and black yarn to make stripes on head and a mouth.
Step 2: Attach arms to the body. Attach feet to the bottom of the body. Attach tail behind the body.
Step 3: Attach the head to the top of the body. Secure all loose ends.
Pro Tip: Use fabric glue and apply a very small amount of glue to nicely secure all parts of the applique before you sew it onto your crochet project.
We'd love to see your adorable raccoon applique! Share a photo of your finished project on Instagram and tag @torreyatreasures. Your creations inspire us and help our community discover new ideas.