I've always found bullfinches to be the most charming winter visitors, and this little guy captures that plump, cheerful spirit perfectly. You'll love how the colors pop, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday tree or a sweet gift for a bird-loving friend. The construction is clever but approachable, keeping things interesting as you watch the bird take shape right before your eyes. It's a satisfying project that brings a bit of the outdoors inside, no matter the season.
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— 1. Head :
Info :
Start with black yarn and work in continuous rounds. Use a marker to track the beginning of each round.
Round 1 :
Create a magic ring and work 6 sc into it (6)
Round 2 :
Work 1 inc in each of the next 6 stitches (12)
Round 3 :
Repeat (1 sc, 1 inc) 6 times (18)
Round 4 :
Repeat (2 sc, 1 inc) 6 times (24)
Round 5 :
Work 1 sc in every stitch around (24)
Round 6 :
Work 1 sc in every stitch around (24)
Round 7 :
Work 1 sc in every stitch around (24)
Info :
Keep the black yarn attached but secure the loop with a marker. Do not use the invisible color change here; simply start the red yarn in the next stitch.
— 2. Front Body (Red Section) :
Info :
Switch to red yarn. This part is worked in rows rather than rounds.
Row 8 :
3 sc, 7 inc, 2 sc (19)
Row 9 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 10 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 11 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 12 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 13 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 14 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 15 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 16 :
ch 1, turn, 19 sc (19)
Row 17 :
ch 1, turn, 4 sc, repeat (1 dec, 3 sc) 3 times (16)
Row 18 :
ch 1, turn, 16 sc (16)
Row 19 :
ch 1, turn, repeat (4 sc, 1 dec) 2 times, then 4 sc (14)
Row 20 :
ch 1, turn, 6 sc, 1 dec, 6 sc (13)
Info :
Place a marker in the final loop of the red yarn and do not cut the thread.
— 3. Back Body (Grey Section) :
Info :
Return to the black loop left at the end of the head. Join grey yarn into that same stitch, then cut and tie off the black yarn.
Row 8 :
ch 1, turn, 12 sc (12)
Row 9 :
ch 1, turn, repeat (3 sc, 1 inc) 3 times (15)
Row 10 :
ch 1, turn, 15 sc (15)
Row 11 :
ch 1, turn, repeat (2 sc, 1 inc) 5 times (20)
Row 12 :
ch 1, turn, repeat (3 sc, 1 inc) 5 times (25)
Row 13 :
ch 1, turn, 25 sc (25)
Row 14 :
ch 1, turn, repeat (7 sc, 1 dec) 2 times, then 7 sc (23)
Row 15 :
ch 1, turn, 10 sc, 1 dec, 11 sc (22)
Row 16 :
ch 1, turn, 22 sc (22)
Row 17 :
ch 1, turn, repeat (6 sc, 1 dec) 2 times, then 6 sc (20)
Row 18 :
ch 1, turn, 20 sc (20)
Row 19 :
ch 1, turn, 20 sc (20)
Row 20 :
ch 1, turn, 20 sc (20)
Info :
Keep the grey yarn attached for the next section.
— 4. Body Finishing & Closing :
Info :
Now we join the grey and red sections to work in rounds. Use 1 sl st to connect the edges.
Round 21 :
Work 33 sc around the joined pieces (33)
Round 22 :
23 sc, then repeat (1 dec) 5 times (28)
Round 23 :
Repeat (5 sc, 1 dec) 2 times, then 4 sc, then repeat (1 dec) 5 times (21)
Round 24 :
Repeat (1 dec) 10 times, 1 sc (11)
Round 25 :
Repeat (1 dec) 5 times (5)
Info :
Cut the yarn and use a needle to close the remaining hole at the bottom.
— 5. Wing Base (Make 2) :
Info :
Start with grey yarn. Work in continuous rounds.
Round 1 :
Work 6 sc into a magic ring, then work 1 inc in each stitch (12)
Round 4 :
Switch to white yarn and work 12 sc (12)
Info :
Flatten the piece and leave a long tail for sewing.
— 6. Long Feather (Make 2 for Wings, 2 for Tail) :
Info :
Start with black yarn. Work in continuous rounds.
Round 1 :
Work 6 sc in a magic ring, then repeat (1 sc, 1 inc) 3 times (9)
Round 5 :
Switch to grey yarn and work 9 sc (9)
Round 6 :
Repeat (1 sc, 1 dec) 3 times (6)
— 7. Short Feather (Make 2 for Wings) :
Info :
Start with black yarn. Work in continuous rounds.
Round 1 :
Work 6 sc in a magic ring, then repeat (1 sc, 1 inc) 3 times (9)
Round 3 :
Switch to grey yarn and work 9 sc (9)
Round 4 :
Repeat (1 sc, 1 dec) 3 times (6)
— 8. Beak :
Info :
Use grey lace yarn and the 1.5 mm hook.
Round 1 :
Work 10 sc into a magic ring (10)
Info :
Fasten off and leave a tail. Do not stuff the beak.
— 9. Feet (Make 2) :
Info :
Use brown yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
Step 1 :
ch 4, then sl st into the 2nd ch from the hook and the following 2 chs to make the first toe.
Step 2 :
ch 4, sl st into the 2nd ch from the hook and the following 2 chs for the second toe.
Step 3 :
ch 4, sl st into the 2nd ch from the hook and the following 2 chs for the third toe.
Step 4 :
sl st into the very first starting ch to join the toes together.
Step 5 :
ch 4, sl st into the 2nd ch from the hook and the following 2 chs for the final toe, then fasten off.
I really hope you enjoy bringing this little bullfinch to life! There's something so peaceful about working on a project that celebrates nature. Whether he's perched on your desk or hanging from a branch, I know he'll bring a smile to your face every time you see him. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades of red or even blue for a varied look. Happy crafting, and I can't wait to see your finished birds! 🧶 ✨