Every May 1st, we celebrate National Mother Goose Day—a charming occasion that invites us to revisit the whimsical world of nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and sing-song stories that have enchanted children for centuries. Whether it’s “Jack and Jill” or “Humpty Dumpty,” these rhymes aren’t just playful verses—they’re part of our cultural fabric and childhood memories.
The Origin of Mother Goose The term “Mother Goose” dates back to the 1600s in Europe, often referring to a fictitious author of nursery rhymes and fairy tales. The first English-language collection, Mother Goose’s Melodies, was published in the 18th century and included many rhymes still known today. Over time, “Mother Goose” became synonymous with storytelling for young children.
Why Celebrate? Mother Goose rhymes do more than entertain. They teach rhythm, language, memory, and even simple morals. Their repetition and rhyme structure make them ideal for early literacy and language development. Plus, they offer a comforting connection between generations—most of us were rocked to sleep or cheered up with these verses as kids.
On this National Mother Goose Day, I have compiled a few crochet patterns (most are free) to celebrate the simple joy of storytelling. Whether you’re sharing rhymes with your children or recalling them from your own childhood, it’s a day to honor the magic of words, rhythm, and imagination.
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!
Brighten up your bathroom with a splash of tropical flair! This Flamingo Toilet Paper Cover crochet pattern is a fun, quirky project that’s both decorative and practical. Whether you’re aiming for kitschy charm or a cheerful pop of color, this crochet flamingo will keep your spare roll stylishly under wraps.
What You’ll Need:
Worsted weight yarn in pink (225 yards), black (3 yards), and white (5 yards)
Base & Body The base is worked in rounds of crocodile stitches to form the flamingo’s “fluffy” cover and fit snugly over a large toilet paper roll.
Neck & Head The head and long neck are crocheted separately and lightly stuffed, then curved and sewn onto the body.
🌴 Tips & Customization:
Use a variegated pink yarn for a feathered effect.
Add a tiny bow or a flower crown for extra personality.
Make a matching flamingo-themed hand towel or rug!
📷 Share Your Creation!
We’d love to see your flamingo bathroom friend! Share your finished piece on social media with the hashtag #FlamingoTPCover and tag us so we can admire your work.
Gauge: 6 crocodile st rows = 4”
Special Stitches:
V-stitch: dc, ch 1, dc in same sp
Crocodile st: Working around the post of the first dc of V-stitch of previous rnd, work 5 dc around this post. Ch 1, turn to work on other side of V-stitch. Work 5 dc around 2nd post of V-stitch.
Rnd 1: With pink yarn, ch 66, join to form a ring. Be careful not to twist. Sc in each ch (66 sc). Join with sl st.
Rnd 2: Ch 4, dc in first st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around (22 V-stitches). Join with sl st in 3rd ch of ch-4.
Rnd 3: *Crocodile st in V-stitch, V-stitch in next V-stitch,* repeat around (11 crocodile sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 4, dc in center of V-stitch (counts as first V-stitch), V-stitch in center of crocodile st, V-stitch in next V-stitch,* repeat around (22 V-stitches).
Rnds 5-15: Repeat Rnds 3-4 until there are 8 rows of crocodile stitches (or length needed to cover roll of toilet paper), ending with Rnd 3.
Rnd 16: Ch 4, dc in first V-stitch, (*dc in crocodile st, V-stitch in V-stitch,* 2 time, V-stitch in crocodile stitch, sk V-stitch, V-stitch in crocodile st, v-stitch in V-stitch, V-stitch in crocodile stitch, sk V-stitch), repeat ( to ), V-stitch in last crocodile st, join with sl st (18 V-stitches).
Rnd 17: Repeat Rnd 3 (9 crocodile sts).
Rnd 18: Ch 4, dc in first V-stitch, *V-stitch in crocodile st, V-stitch in V-stitch, V-stitch in crocodile st, sk V-stitch,* 4 times, V-stitch in last crocodile st (14 V-stitches).
Rnd 19: Repeat Rnd 3 (7 crocodile sts).
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sk V-stitch, *V-stitch in crocodile st, V-stitch in V-stitch, V-stitch in crocodile st, sk V-stitch,* 3 times, V-stitch in last crocodile st (10 V-stitches). Join with sl st in first dc of first V-stitch.
Rnd 21: Repeat Rnd 3 (5 crocodile sts).
Rnd 22: Ch 4, dc in V-stitch, *V-stitch in crocodile st, sk V-stitch,* repeat around (6 V-stitches).
Rnd 23: Repeat Rnd 3 (3 crocodile sts). Join.
Rnd 24: Ch 1, 2 sc across each crocodile st. Join with sl st. Fasten off and close with ult fin.
HEAD:
Rnd 1: With black yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout head and neck.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts (4 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat once (6 sc).
Rnds 4-5: Sc in each st.
Rnd 6: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat twice (9 sc).
Rnd 7: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off black yarn.
Rnd 8: With white yarn, sc in each st.
Rnd 9: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).
Rnds 10-12: Sc in each st. Join with sl st at end of Rnd 12. Fasten off white yarn.
Rnd 13: With pink yarn, 2 sc in each st (24 sc).
Rnds 14-15: Sc in each st.
Rnd 16: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnds 17-19: Sc in each st.
Fold pipe cleaner twice so it measures approximately 3”. Insert into beak and stuff around it. Insert eyes at Rnd 15, 8 sts apart.
Rnd 20: *Inv dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 21: *Inv dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 22: Sc in each st.
Rnd 23: *Inv dec, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat around (15 sc).
Rnd 24: Sc in each st. Mark last st in rnd.
Repeat Rnd 24 until neck measures 5” from marker. Join with sl st. Fasten off pink leaving 12” length for sewing.
Trim curler to 4.5”. Insert into neck and stuff lightly around curler. Bend last 2” of neck and sew to center of body at Rnds 23-24.
Get 50% off of the newest design from Jo’s Crafty Hook, the Lacey Wrap Crochet Pattern until May 4, 2025 as part of Crochet Designer Community Weekly Featured Pattern.
This airy, lacy wrap would look beautiful using Spring or Summer colors of ombre or varigated yarn.
Copy and paste the link below to get the Coupon Code needed to get 50% off
To celebrate National Pet Appreciation Month 🐶 🐱 from May 1-15, 2025 you will find NEW pet crochet patterns daily FREE for 24 hours!
We have a GREAT group of crochet designers participating this year. You will find NEW designs that you can make to celebrate the love you receive from your pets.
Make sure you check out Jo’s Crafty Hook every day from May 1 to May 15 to get your freebie!!
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!
Every April 23rd, we’re encouraged to step out of our comfort zones and try something new—it’s National Take a Chance Day! Whether it’s finally trying that bold lipstick, signing up for a dance class, or starting a business, this day is all about possibility and courage.
But what if your big leap is a little closer to home—like on your couch, with a ball of yarn and a crochet hook in hand?
Take a Chance… On That Crochet Pattern You’ve Been Eyeing.
We all have that one pattern we’ve been saving for “someday.” Maybe it’s a delicate lace shawl, a plush amigurumi animal, or a complex tapestry crochet bag. National Take a Chance Day is the perfect excuse to stop waiting and start hooking.
👉 Tip: Start with something small but bold—like a new stitch technique or a color combo you wouldn’t normally choose.
Step Out of Your Comfort Yarn
Do you always reach for soft pastels or stick to worsted weight? Today’s the day to try a chunky wool, a bright neon, or even that fancy hand-dyed skein you’ve been hoarding. Life’s too short for boring yarn!
As I reflect on how I’ve taken leaps in my life, one that stands out is the day I stopped just following crochet patterns—and started designing my own.
It was equal parts exciting and terrifying. I had been crocheting for a while, following other people’s beautiful patterns, admiring their creativity, and thinking, “Maybe one day…”
Then one day, I did.
The First Stitch of Something New
I still remember the exact moment I decided to try designing. I had an idea for a horny toad plush toy, my favorite animal from my childhood. It wasn’t in any pattern I could find, so I thought, Why not try to make it myself?
Was it perfect? No. Did I rip it out a dozen times? Absolutely. But did I learn and grow and fall even more in love with crochet? 100% yes. It’s still my most popular pattern.
The Lessons I Learned
Taking the chance to design crochet patterns taught me a few important things:
You don’t have to be an expert to start. You just have to start.
Mistakes are part of the process. They lead to better ideas.
Your creative voice matters. Even if it feels small at first.
Designing taught me how to trust my instincts, play with stitches, and most importantly—believe that what I create can bring joy to others, too.
Since that first design, I’ve slowly started building a library of patterns—each one a reminder of that first brave step. Some are simple baby rattles, others are fun seasonal pieces, and I’m even dreaming up a few larger projects.
Every new design is still a chance I take. And it’s always worth it.
So today, grab that hook and go for it. Whether it’s a stitch you’ve never tried or a project you’ve been too nervous to start—take a chance. Crochet is more forgiving than you think, and every stitch brings you one step closer to something amazing.
What will you take a chance on today? Drop a comment or tag me in your project—I’d love to cheer you on!
Happy crocheting and happy National Take a Chance Day!
It’s a new week and that means a new Weekly Featured Pattern from the Crochet Designer Community!
Grab my Sleepy Baby/Angel Plush crochet pattern for 50% OFF Monday April 21st, ’til midnight(EST) on Sunday April 28th using the coupon code located on the Crochet Designer Community page.
“Create your own adorable Angel or Baby companion with this easy-to-follow pattern that provides detailed, low sew, instructions with helpful photos to bring your friend to life. Finished baby should measure approximately 8” tall but size will vary depending on yarn and tension & can be made with or without the wings.”
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!
It’s the end of June, so the Zoo Animal Blog Hop is coming to a close. This month has flown by in a complete blur, but it has been amazing. We ended up with a total of 100 animal designs! I would like to thank all the wonderful designers who contributed their designs to make this roundup so special.
I hope you have enjoyed all the wonderful animal crochet patterns. If you missed out on any of the days, no worries! Each day’s posting in June contains links to the other 29 days of the month.
Today we have another woodland creature for you to crochet – the fox. Last year we had a momma fox that would come through the back fence into our yard and bark at me. Often she would have her two pups with her, and once in a while the male would also join her. They would forage around the neighborhood and then return to an old barn on the property behind my house. Today’s designs include a Fox Amigurumi, a Fox Lovey, and a Fox Christmas Ornament.
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Teddy Bear
Easter Advent Crochet Patterns
