🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern
4.7★ Rating
4-5 Hours Time Needed
2.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🐾

Charming Critter

Delightful animal designs with sweet details that capture the essence of your favorite woodland and farmyard friends.

About This Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

This Border Collie amigurumi pattern was lovingly designed to celebrate the release of the children's book 'Tip Counts to Ten,' based on a true story about a remarkable counting dog. The pattern captures the distinctive features of Border Collies with their iconic black and cream coloring, alert ears, and intelligent expression. Working in continuous rounds with color changes, you'll create a charming companion that sits approximately 9 inches long and 6 inches tall when lying flat.

Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The finished Border Collie features realistic proportions with a carefully crafted muzzle, expressive safety eyes, and limbs positioned for a natural lying pose. This pattern combines basic amigurumi techniques with thoughtful construction methods to achieve an authentic look.

Why You'll Love This Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this Border Collie pattern because it perfectly captures the sweet, intelligent nature of these incredible dogs in amigurumi form. The two-tone color scheme creates such a realistic effect, and I find the process of building the muzzle and attaching it to create that distinctive Border Collie face incredibly satisfying. What makes this pattern special is how the legs are positioned to allow the finished dog to lie flat naturally, giving it that relaxed, observant posture Border Collies are known for. I also appreciate how the pattern includes clear guidance on positioning each element, from the ear placement to the tail attachment, ensuring your finished dog has that authentic Border Collie charm. It's a project that feels rewarding at every step and results in a huggable companion that dog lovers will treasure.

Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this Border Collie pattern to create different looks and personalities! One of my favorite variations is adjusting the ear position - you can make them stand more upright for an alert puppy look or fold them differently for a more relaxed, mature dog appearance.

I've also had wonderful results using different yarn weights. While the pattern calls for worsted weight, I've created mini versions using sport weight yarn and a smaller hook, which results in an adorable 6-inch version perfect for keychains or desk companions.

Color variations are another fun way to personalize your Border Collie. I've made chocolate and white versions, tri-color combinations with tan accents, and even all-black versions. You could add white chest markings by changing colors partway through the body for extra authenticity.

For a more detailed finish, I sometimes embroider small details like toe separations on the paws or add a tiny felt tongue peeking out of the mouth. These small touches really bring personality to each dog and make every one unique.

If you're making this as a gift for a specific Border Collie owner, try matching the proportions and markings to their actual dog by adjusting where you place color changes. I've created custom versions that look remarkably similar to people's real pets, which makes incredibly meaningful gifts!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to stuff the head and body firmly enough before closing, which can result in a floppy finished piece that lacks proper shape and structure ✗ Placing the safety eyes too far apart or not centering them properly between rounds, creating an unbalanced facial expression that doesn't capture the Border Collie's alert look ✗ Neglecting to use stitch markers when working in continuous rounds, making it easy to lose your place and create uneven increases or decreases throughout the pattern ✗ Sewing the muzzle at the wrong angle or position relative to the eyes, which can dramatically alter the dog's expression and overall appearance ✗ Not flattening and closing the legs properly before attaching them, resulting in legs that don't allow the finished dog to lie flat as intended in the design

Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Create your own adorable Border Collie with this charming amigurumi crochet pattern! This delightful project brings to life the intelligence and beauty of this beloved herding breed in soft, huggable form. Perfect for dog lovers and amigurumi enthusiasts alike, this pattern features detailed instructions for crafting a realistic black and cream Border Collie complete with perky ears, a sweet muzzle, and an expressive tail. Whether you're making it as a gift for a Border Collie owner or adding to your own amigurumi collection, this pattern offers a rewarding crochet experience that results in a treasured keepsake measuring approximately 9 inches long.

Intermediate 4-5 Hours

Materials Needed for Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn in black - approximately 110 yards
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn in cream - approximately 110 yards

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size F (3.75 mm)
  • 02
    Stuffing
  • 03
    16 mm Safety eyes (2)
  • 04
    16 mm Safety nose (1)
  • 05
    Yarn needle
  • 06
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Head :

Round 1 :

Beginning at front of head with black, make a magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in ring. Pull yarn end to tighten ring. (6 sc) Do not join; Work continuously in rounds. Mark end of round with a short length of yarn in a contrasting color and move marker up as you work.

Round 2 :

2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Round 3 :

(Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (18 sc)

Round 4 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (24 sc)

Round 5 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (30 sc)

Round 6 :

(Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (36 sc)

Rounds 7-12 :

Sc in each sc around. (36 sc)

Round 13 :

(Sc in next 4 sc, sc dec) around. (30 sc)

Round 14 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, sc dec) around. (24 sc)

Round 15 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, sc dec) around. (18 sc)

Info :

Attach safety eyes. Sample had eyes attached through stitches of round 4, 5 stitches apart. Stuff head.

Round 16 :

(Sc in next sc, sc dec) around. (12 sc)

Round 17 :

(Sc dec) around. (6 sc)

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn. Weave yarn end through remaining 6 sc and draw to a close. Pull yarn end to inside of head to hide. Set aside.

— Muzzle :

Rounds 1-3 :

Beginning at front of muzzle with cream, work as per rounds 1-3 of head. (18 sc)

Rounds 4-6 :

Sc in each sc around. (18 sc) At end of round 6, join with sl st to 1st sc.

Info :

Continue working in rows:

Row 1 :

Ch 1, sc in same sp and in next 2 sc. Turn. (3 sc) (There is intentionally no ch-1 at the end of these rows.)

Rows 2-3 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (3 sc)

Row 4 :

2 sc in 1st sc, sc in next 2 sc. Turn. (4 sc)

Rows 5-10 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (4 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Infos :

Attach safety nose at center front of muzzle. Stuff muzzle and sew in place at front of head. The rounds of the muzzle are positioned directly below the eyes, with the rows positioned between the eyes, stretching up to the top of the head. Refer to photos for help with placement.

— Ears (make 2) :

Round 1 :

Beginning at tip of ear with black, make a magic ring, ch 1, 3 sc in ring. Pull yarn end to tighten ring. (3 sc). Do not join; Work continuously in rounds. Mark end of round with a short length of yarn in a contrasting color and move marker up as you work.

Round 2 :

2 sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 3 :

Sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 4 :

(Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (9 sc)

Round 5 :

Sc in each sc around. (9 sc)

Round 6 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (12 sc)

Round 7 :

Sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Round 8 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (15 sc)

Rounds 9-11 :

Sc in each sc around. (15 sc)

Round 12 :

(Sc in next sc, sc dec) around. (10 sc)

Round 13 :

Sc in each sc around. (10 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Infos :

Flatten and sew ear closed through stitches of round 13. Sew ear in place at side of head, leaving approximately 3 black stitches visible between ear and front of muzzle. Sew in place in line with top of muzzle. Fold ear down and tack in place at side of head in line with eyes. Sew in place securely, also tacking wider back part of folded ear to top and/or side of head to get desired look.

— Body – Part 1 :

Rounds 1-12 :

Beginning at front of body with cream, work as per rounds 1-12 of head. (36 sc) At end of round 12, join with sl st to 1st sc.

Info :

Continue working in rows:

Row 1 :

Ch 1, working in front loops only, sc in same sp and in next 8 sc. Turn. (9 sc) There is intentionally no ch-1 at the end of these rows.

Rows 2-9 :

Working through both loops, sc in each sc across. Turn. (9 sc)

Row 10 :

Sc in 1st sc, sc dec, sc in each sc across to last 3 sc, sc dec, sc in last sc. Turn. (7 sc)

Row 11 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (7 sc)

Row 12 :

Repeat row 10. (5 sc)

Rows 13-20 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (5 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

— Body – Part 2 :

Info :

Continue working in rounds – working into stitches of round 12 of body – part 1.

Round 13 :

Join black with sc in 1st remaining back loop of round 12, sc in remaining back loop of next 8 sc of round 12, sc in both loops of next 27 sc of round 12. (36 sc)

Rounds 14-26 :

Sc in each sc around. (36 sc)

Round 27 :

(Sc in next 4 sc, sc dec) around. (30 sc)

Round 28 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, sc dec) around. (24 sc)

Round 29 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, sc dec) around. (18 sc)

Info :

Stuff body.

Round 30 :

(Sc in next sc, sc dec) around. (12 sc)

Round 31 :

(Sc dec) around. (6 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn. Weave yarn end through remaining 6 sc and draw to a close. Pull yarn end to inside of body to hide.

Info :

Sew cream underside of body – part 1 in place on top of black body – part 2. End of cream underside should be positioned at center back of body. Refer to photo.

— Front Legs (make 2) :

Rounds 1-2 :

With cream, work as per rounds 1-2 of head. (12 sc)

Rounds 3-12 :

Sc in each sc around. (12 sc) At end of round 12, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Stuff leg. Flatten end of leg and sew closed. Sew leg in place at front of body so that it can lay flat. Refer to photos for help with placement.

— Hind Legs (make 2) :

Rounds 1-5 :

With cream, work as per rounds 1-5 of front legs. (12 sc) At end of round 5, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off.

Round 6 :

Join black with sc in any sc of round 5 and sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Rounds 7-12 :

Sc in each sc around. (12 sc). At end of round 12, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Stuff leg. Flatten end of leg and sew closed. Sew leg in place at back of body so that it can lay flat. Refer to photos for help with placement.

— Tail :

Round 1 :

Beginning at tip of tail with cream, make a magic ring, ch 1, 3 sc in ring. Pull yarn end to tighten ring. (3 sc)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 3 :

Sc in each sc around. (6 sc) Join with sl st to 1st sc and fasten off.

Round 4 :

Join black with sc in any sc of round 3 and sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 5 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) twice. (8 sc)

Rounds 6-7 :

Sc in each sc around. At end of last round, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Flatten top end of tail and sew closed. There is no need to stuff the tail unless you wish to stuff it lightly. Sew tail in place at top back of body.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the completed head to the body by sewing it securely in place at the front end of the body.
  • Position and sew the front legs at the front of the body so the Border Collie can lay flat naturally.
  • Attach the hind legs at the back of the body, ensuring they are positioned to allow the dog to rest in a natural lying position.
  • Sew the tail at the top back of the body, positioning it where it meets the cream underside section.
  • Make sure the cream underside panel is sewn smoothly onto the black body portion with the end positioned at center back.
  • Double-check that all limbs are securely attached and evenly placed for proper balance when the dog is lying down.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers consistently when working in continuous rounds to avoid losing your place and creating uneven stitches
  • 💡Pay close attention to the muzzle placement as it significantly affects the final expression of your Border Collie
  • 💡Stuff the head and body firmly but not too tightly to maintain the proper shape and proportions
  • 💡When attaching the ears, fold and tack them carefully to achieve the alert Border Collie ear position
  • 💡Take time to position and pin all parts before sewing to ensure correct placement and proportions
  • 💡The pattern uses invisible decreases to create smoother shaping, so make sure you understand this technique before starting

This delightful Border Collie amigurumi pattern celebrates these amazing dogs and the wonderful story behind 'Tip Counts to Ten.' With its realistic two-tone coloring and carefully crafted features, this pattern brings the intelligence and charm of Border Collies to life in huggable form. The finished dog measures a perfect 9 inches long and sits beautifully in a natural lying position. Whether you're a dog lover, amigurumi collector, or looking for a meaningful handmade gift, this pattern offers a rewarding project that results in a treasured keepsake. 🐾 Happy crocheting! 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What skill level is required for this Border Collie pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate level. You should be comfortable working in continuous rounds, making invisible decreases, attaching safety eyes and noses, and sewing amigurumi pieces together. Basic amigurumi experience is recommended.

Can I use different colors for this pattern?

Absolutely! While the pattern is designed for the classic black and cream Border Collie coloring, you can customize it with different color combinations to match your favorite Border Collie or create unique variations like brown and white or tri-color.

How do I position the muzzle correctly?

The rounds of the muzzle should be positioned directly below the eyes, with the rows stretching up between the eyes toward the top of the head. Pin it in place first before sewing to ensure proper placement. Refer to the pattern photos for visual guidance.

Why won't my Border Collie lay flat properly?

Make sure you've flattened the ends of all legs before sewing them closed, and position them carefully when attaching to the body. The legs should be sewn at angles that allow the body to rest naturally. Refer to the placement photos in the pattern for guidance.

Do I need to stuff the tail?

The tail can be left unstuffed or stuffed very lightly. A lightly stuffed or unstuffed tail will hang more naturally and maintain the characteristic Border Collie tail appearance.