An Introduction from Patricia to Your Faithful Border Collie Companion
Hello, my dear friend and fellow creator! It’s Patricia, and I am simply over the moon to share this pattern with you. There's something so special about a Border Collie; their intelligent eyes and unwavering loyalty capture our hearts. When I first envisioned this amigurumi, I saw a patient friend, sitting calmly, its soulful gaze full of love. This pattern is designed to capture that very essence.
We'll be using classic, straightforward techniques to bring this faithful companion to life, making it a deeply rewarding project for anyone comfortable with the basics of amigurumi. I am so delighted to share this Classic Border Collie pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, by visiting my blog and sharing your creations, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these detailed patterns from the heart. Thank you, and let's create a friend for life.
Materials You'll Need for Your Border Collie
Creating the perfect texture and structure for this pup is key. Here’s what I recommend to achieve that classic, sturdy, and endlessly pettable look, just like the sweet friend we're making.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in two classic colors. The smooth texture of a good quality acrylic or cotton blend works beautifully here.
- Jet Black (Color A): Approx. 200 yards
- Pure White (Color B): Approx. 100 yards
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4). This size creates a tight, dense fabric so no stuffing shows through.
- Safety Eyes: 18mm to 20mm black safety eyes. The larger size is crucial for that wide-eyed, soulful expression.
- Safety Nose: A 25mm black plastic safety nose. This gives the muzzle a wonderful, prominent look.
- Stuffing: A generous amount of Poly-Fil or similar polyester fiberfill.
- Yarn Needle: For seamless assembly and weaving in ends.
- Scissors: For clean cuts, especially when making the fringe.
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- Poly-Pellets: A small pouch of these weighted pellets for the base of the body. This is my secret for giving seated amigurumi like our collie a lovely, stable weight so it won't tip over.
- Stiff White Felt: A small scrap to insert into the ears. It’s an optional step but makes a world of difference in helping the ears maintain that perfect, characteristic “tip-over” shape.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Your Border Collie
This pattern is ideal for an intermediate crocheter. While we use standard stitches, the magic is in the precise assembly and special touches that truly define the character.
- mr: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: single crochet increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec: single crochet decrease (invisible decrease is best)
- sl st: slip stitch
- ch: chain
- FLO: front loop only
- [...] * X: repeat the instructions in brackets X times
- (...): final stitch count for the round
Key Techniques You'll Master:
- Working in Continuous Rounds: The head, body, and limbs are all made this way to avoid a seam.
- Creating Flat Appliqué Pieces: The iconic white blaze on the face is crocheted as a flat piece and sewn on, which gives it a beautifully crisp and defined edge.
- The Fringe Method: We’ll use this simple but effective technique to create the collie’s signature fluffy neck ruff and tail tip. It's just a matter of looping strands of yarn on, but it creates a huge visual impact!
- Precise Assembly: The heart of this project is in the careful placement of each feature. We’ll pin everything in place before sewing to ensure our collie’s personality shines through perfectly.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Border Collie Companion
Remember, every handmade creation is a reflection of its maker's heart and hands. Your collie will have its own unique personality, and that is a beautiful thing! Embrace the small variations that make your creation one-of-a-kind.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Classic Border Collie Companion to life! The full pattern is right ahead.
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The Classic Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern
Please read through the entire pattern before beginning. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
Head
(Start with Color A - Jet Black)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] * 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] * 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] * 6. (30)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] * 6. (36)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] * 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] * 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] * 6. (54)
Rnd 10-17: Sc in each st around. (54) - 8 rounds
Rnd 18: [8 sc, inc] * 6. (60)
Rnd 19-21: Sc in each st around. (60) - 3 rounds
Rnd 22: [8 sc, dec] * 6. (54)
Rnd 23: Sc in each st around. (54)
Rnd 24: [7 sc, dec] * 6. (48)
Rnd 25: [6 sc, dec] * 6. (42)
Rnd 26: [5 sc, dec] * 6. (36)
Rnd 27: [4 sc, dec] * 6. (30)
Rnd 28: [3 sc, dec] * 6. (24) Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue to stuff as you go.
Rnd 29: [2 sc, dec] * 6. (18)
Rnd 30: [sc, dec] * 6. (12)
Rnd 31: Dec * 6. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Hide the end.
Muzzle
(Use Color B - Pure White)
Rnd 1: Ch 7. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, work 5 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain: 4 sc, inc in the last st. (14)
Rnd 2: Inc, 4 sc, inc * 3, 4 sc, inc * 2. (20)
Rnd 3: Sc, inc, 4 sc, [sc, inc] * 3, 4 sc, [sc, inc] * 2. (26)
Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc, 4 sc, [2 sc, inc] * 3, 4 sc, [2 sc, inc] * 2. (32)
Rnd 5-7: Sc in each st around. (32) - 3 rounds Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Blaze (Facial Marking)
(Use Color B - Pure White, worked in rows)
Row 1: Ch 3. Starting in 2nd ch, sc 2. Ch 1, turn. (2)
Row 2: Inc, inc. Ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 3-5: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (4) - 3 rows
Row 6: Inc, 2 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. (6)
Row 7-10: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (6) - 4 rows
Row 11: Dec, 2 sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 12: Dec * 2. Ch 1, turn. (2)
Row 13: Dec. (1) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sc evenly around the entire piece to create a clean edge.
White Eye Backing (Make 2)
(Use Color B - Pure White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] * 6. (18) Sl st to the first stitch and fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Ears (Make 2)
(Use Color A - Jet Black)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (6)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] * 3. (9)
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. (9)
Rnd 5: [2 sc, inc] * 3. (12)
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 7: [3 sc, inc] * 3. (15)
Rnd 8-12: Sc in each st around. (15) - 5 rounds
Rnd 13: [3 sc, dec] * 3. (12) Do not stuff. If using felt, cut a piece to size and insert it now. Fold the opening flat and sc across both sides to close (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Body
(Start with Color A - Jet Black)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] * 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] * 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] * 6. (30)
Rnd 6:
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] * 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] * 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [15 sc, inc] * 3. (51) - This creates the back haunches.
Rnd 10-15: Sc in each st around. (51) - 6 rounds
Rnd 16: [15 sc, dec] * 3. (48)
Rnd 17-25: Sc in each st around. (48) - 9 rounds
Rnd 26: [6 sc, dec] * 6. (42)
Rnd 27-28: Sc in each st around. (42) - 2 rounds
Rnd 29: [5 sc, dec] * 6. (36)
Rnd 30-31: Sc in each st around. (36) - 2 rounds If using poly-pellets, create a small fabric pouch, fill it, sew it shut, and place it at the bottom of the body. Begin stuffing the body firmly.
Rnd 32: [4 sc, dec] * 6. (30)
Rnd 33-34: Sc in each st around. (30) - 2 rounds
Rnd 35: [3 sc, dec] * 6. (24)
Rnd 36: Sc in each st around. (24)
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing the head to the body.
Front Legs (Make 2)
(Start with Color B - Pure White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [3 sc, inc] * 3. (15)
Rnd 4: Work in FLO, sc in each st around. (15) - This creates the paw bottom.
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (15)
Rnd 6: [3 sc, dec] * 3. (12) Change to Color A - Jet Black.
Rnd 7-15: Sc in each st around. (12) - 9 rounds Stuff the paw and lower leg lightly. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Hind Paws (Make 2)
(Use Color B - Pure White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] * 6. (18)
Rnd 4-5: Sc in each st around. (18) - 2 rounds
Rnd 6: [sc, dec] * 6. (12) Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Tail
(Start with Color A - Jet Black)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) Rnd 2: [sc, inc] * 3. (9) Rnd 3-15: Sc in each st around. (9) - 13 rounds Do not stuff. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Assembly Instructions for Your Border Collie
Patience and pinning are your best friends here! Taking the time to position each piece perfectly is what brings your collie to life.
- Face First:
- Pin the White Eye Backings to the head. The top edge should be around Rnd 18/19 from the top.
- Place the 18-20mm safety eyes through the center of the white circles and secure them to the head, about 12 visible stitches apart.
- Stuff the Muzzle lightly and pin it to the front of the face, just below the eyes. Sew it on securely. Before you finish sewing, insert the 25mm safety nose into the tip of the muzzle.
- Pin the Blaze so the wider end sits on top of the head and the narrow end tapers down to meet the top of the muzzle. Sew it neatly in place.
- Ears: Pin the Ears to the top of the head. Position them so they naturally fold forward, creating that iconic tipped ear. Sew them firmly.
- Head to Body: Using the long tail from the body, sew the head securely onto the body's opening. Ensure it is centered and facing forward.
- Legs and Paws:
- Sew the Front Legs to the upper front of the body, so the collie looks like it's sitting properly.
- Sew the Hind Paws onto the front of the body's haunches (the wider base area), so it looks like its back feet are tucked in.
- Tail: Attach the Tail to the lower back of the body.
- The Signature Ruff & Tail Tip:
- Cut many 3-inch strands of Color B (White) yarn.
- To create the Neck Ruff, take one strand, fold it in half, and use your crochet hook to pull the looped end through a stitch around the "neck" where the head joins the body. Pull the two loose ends through the loop and tighten to create a knot. Repeat this all the way around the neck until you have a full, fluffy ruff.
- Do the same for the last round or two of the Tail to create the white tip. Trim the fringe on both the ruff and tail to your desired length.
Tips & Tricks for Your Border Collie Companion
A few extra thoughts to make your project a joy from start to finish.
Troubleshooting Common Spots
- Wobbly Head? If the head feels unstable, don't be afraid to add more stitches connecting it to the body, or even insert a small dowel or chenille stems for support (be mindful if gifting to a small child).
- Fringe Looks Thin? The key to a lush fringe is density. Place your yarn strands in almost every stitch around the neck and tail tip for the fullest look.
- Paws Won't Sit Flat? Before sewing the legs/paws on, press them firmly to slightly flatten the bottoms. When sewing the hind paws, attach them so they angle slightly outwards.
Customization Corner
- Different Markings: Use felt to cut out custom spots, or embroider different blaze shapes to match a specific real-life dog!
- Fluffy Texture: For an extra fluffy ruff and tail, use a pet slicker brush to gently brush out the yarn fringe. This separates the fibers and creates a wonderful, soft effect.
- Add a Bandana: A simple crocheted triangle or a scrap of fabric tied around the neck can add a huge pop of personality and color.
Gifting Your Border Collie
- This amigurumi makes an incredibly heartfelt gift for any dog lover, especially Border Collie owners.
- Include a little "adoption certificate" with its name and "date of creation" for a charming personal touch.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions
- Q: Can I use different weight yarn?
- A: Absolutely! Just remember to adjust your hook size accordingly. A thicker yarn and hook will give you a larger dog, while a thinner yarn will create a miniature version. The process is the same!
- Q: My fringe keeps unraveling! What am I doing wrong?
- A: Make sure you are pulling the knot on each strand of fringe nice and tight. When you pull the two tails through the loop, give them a firm, even tug. This should lock the knot in place securely.
- Q: How do I make the ears stand up more before they tip?
- A: The stiff felt is the best trick for this. When you sew the ear to the head, add a few extra stitches at the base of the ear to reinforce its upright position before letting the top naturally flop over.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Companion
You’ve done it! You've crocheted more than just a toy; you've created a faithful friend, full of character and charm. Seeing your finished Border Collie come to life is truly the greatest reward for me as a designer. Your engagement with these patterns—your shares, your comments, your wonderful photos—is what makes it possible for me to continue offering these detailed designs for free. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For care, I recommend spot cleaning only to keep your collie looking its best for years to come.
Happy stitching, my friend!