For this cardinal, you will need:
1 skein of red embroidery floss
1 partial skein of black embroidery floss
1 partial skein of orange embroidery floss
Size 12 crochet hook
Keychain ring (optional)
Here is my pattern for my cardinal. I made the head and body pattern carefully, so it is pretty foolproof. However, I "winged it" with the tail and wings so the patterns are harder to follow.
Head & Body:
Using red
1: 4 sc in mc
2: Inc around - 8
3: Sc, Inc around - 12
4: 2 sc, Inc around - 16
5: 6 sc. In black, 4 sc. In red, 6 sc
6: 5 sc. In black, 6 sc. In red, 5 sc
7-8: 6 sc. In black, 5 sc. In red, 5 sc. Fo black
9: 2 sc, dec around - 12
10: 2 sc, Inc around - 16
11: 3 sc, Inc around - 20
12: 4 sc, Inc around - 24
13: 5 sc, Inc around - 28
14: 21 sc, move marker to next st.
15: Dec, 14 sc, dec,10 sc - 26
16: dec, 14 sc, dec, 8 sc - 24
17: dec, 14 sc, dec, 6 sc - 22
18: dec, 14 sc, dec, 4 sc - 20
19: dec, 14 sc, dec, 2 sc - 18
Being stuffing
20: 2 Dec, 8 sc, 3 dec- 13
21: dec around
Finish off. I pulled the tail to the middle of the stomach and used it to home the cardinal while making its wings and tail. Weave in the tail when you finish everything else.
Wings: make 2 with red
The rows will be done in the top loop of the previous row. (The loop on the outside facing part of the bird.)
Mark the middle of the back with a piece of thread.
Start at the side about 1 row below the head and:
1: Dc from the side to the middle of the back in a curve (see photo)
2: Ch 1, turn, sc across about 2/3 of the previous row
3: Ch 1, turn, sc, then dc across previous row
4: Ch 2, turn, skip 1st st, dc across the previous row.
At this point the wing should be tapering itself somewhat. If not, skip the final stitch to create the tapering effect.
5: Repeat row 4
Now there should only be a couple stitches in the row. If you want a more pointed wing, repeat row one more time before finishing off.
If the wing is the satisfactory length and shape, finish off and weave in tail.
Tail: in red
1 row from the end of the body, sc across from the inside edge of one wing to the inside edge of the other. (About 6 or 7 stitches)
Turn, ch 2, dc in top loop only across.
Repeat until desired length then finish off.
Beak: in orange
I didn't make the beak very scientifically. Next time I make it I will probably have to follow a different pattern. However, I am recording the following pattern for reference.
In the middle of the black, you will sc about 3 st in 1 stitch. This will create a fan effect. It should be a vertical fan rather than horizontal.
Turn, ch 1, 2 sc, sc, 2 sc.
After this, I finished off and used my extra thread to sew the outer edge down, making a cone shape.
Comb:
Start at the middle, front of the head and work your way to the back.
Pull a slip stitch through and knot. Here is a photo tutorial.
When you are finished, brush the "feathers" back and cut to the desired length.
Embroider eyes and add feet the same way you added hair.
Add a keychain if desired.
