Oh, No! Streelers!

Here's a free pattern for all you HP hookers out there. By that, of course, I mean Harry Potter fanatics that also crochet. :) I developed and debuted this pattern on my group on Ravelry, Harry's Happy Hookers. It's for a Streeler, which is a magical creature from the world of Harry Potter. Check out the links for more info.

On to the pattern!!

Oh, No! Streelers!

Streelers are giant magical snails from the world of Harry Potter. They have many unique properties that make them interesting, but their color-changing nature is what makes them fun to stitch up!

Materials List:
 as many scraps of variegated WW yarn as you can get your hands on and want to change through during the project. (I used four different colors for the dark Streeler and three for the light),
 a G hook,
 some stuffing,
 eyes of your choice (optional, I didn’t use any in my sample),
 a tapestry/wool/darning needle

Note: I don’t usually join rounds, so work in a spiral unless otherwise noted. A stitch marker is helpful to mark the 1st st in each row, so you know when to stop.

With color A:
Row 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Row 2: 2 sc {aka sc incr} in each st, around (12)
Row 3: (sc incr in next st, 1sc) around (18)
Row 4: (sc incr in next st, 2 sc) 5 times, then sc and dc in same stitch, dc, tc (24)

After Row 4:



* * From here you will begin to work in rows back and forth, as with a flat piece
Row 5-8: sc in every stitch (24), ch 1 at end of row, turn (after row 6, I changed to a new yarn)

After Row 8, the other side is completely open, with no spiraling back or anything:



From the open side, after Row 8:



* * From here, you will being to work in a spiral again, moving from this outside edge, toward the center.
Row 9: ch 4, dc, dc, sc around (24)

The beginning of Row 10, to start decr, you place your hook in the top of the ch 4 and just continue in a spiral:



Row 10: (sc decr, 2 sc) around (18)
Row 11: (sc decr, 1 sc) around (12)
Row 12: sc decr around (6)
Break yarn with a tail long enough to weave through the last six stitches to pull tight. Weave in ends or pull to middle and lightly stuff the first piece, just enough to give it shape, but not distend it or cause the stitches to stretch and show the stuffing.

Complete, first side:



Complete, other side:



Complete, from the bottom, shows opening:




With Color B (or C if you changed colors halfway through the first piece): Ch 2, in 2nd st from hook, 6 sc (again no joining, just spirals for me) (6)
Row 1: (sc incr, 1 sc) around (9)
Row 2-12: sc around (9)
It is easiest to stuff this as you go along, but remember to not stuff too tightly.
Row 13: (sc incr, 2 sc) around (12)
Row 14: (sc incr, sc) around (18)
Row 15: sc around (18)
Row 16: (sc decr, sc) around (12) If you are using safety eyes, place them now. Don’t forget to stuff!
Row 17: sc decr around (6)
Break yarn, leaving a long enough tail to weave through last six st and pull tightly to close. Weave in ends.

Both pieces, with ends woven in and stuffed.



Next, we will start putting the pieces together. First, sew the shell onto the back of the body, like this:



Continue sewing around the shell. When you get to the head, you will bend the head back, creating a curve in the body, and sew a little higher up on the shell to pull the head up.



When you’re done sewing it on, it should look like this:



Next, we are going to add a foot to our little guy. With your final color of yarn, you will pick up stitches along the bottom of the body. To determine where to pick up stitches, turn your toy over and find the center line of stitches; you will pick up stitches on either side of that line. To find where to start from the top, count down four rows from the first increase row in the head.



You will sc 9 stitches onto the body, going toward the tail, ch one, then sc 9 on the outside line of stitches, moving back toward the head. Ch 1, turn work. Working back along this line of stitches, work 2 hdc in each st, including the ch 1 in the middle. Here is how it looks once you are finished picking up stitches and ready to start with the hdc:



And here it is once you are finished with the foot, from the bottom:



Here’s our little guy so far!



One last step and he’s (or she’s) complete! Taking a piece of scrap yarn, ch 10 and tie of, clipping the ends close to the knots. Then, thread your hook between two stitches on the top of the head:



Use your hook to thread that chain through the top of the head to make his little antennae.



Finished! These little guys are so quick and fun! The bottom Streeler is made with sc around the foot. It’s up to you; both will make it stand.



Please note: I am in no way affiliated with JK Rowling or the world of Harry Potter (thought I wish I were!), and I am not profiting from this pattern, so please be kind and don’t use this pattern to sell, especially under the name of Streelers. Feel free to share this pattern, but link to my blog or the pattern card on Ravelry.

Thank you and Enjoy!
~Jeannie