Bring a touch of the countryside to your next crochet project with this charming pig-themed square. Featuring a textured, solid background, perky fold-over ears, and a classic curly-q tail, this design is both whimsical and beginner-friendly.
It is perfectly sized to mix and match into an animal-themed nursery blanket, a playful tote bag, or a cozy throw.
If you are aiming for a reversible, extra-plush blanket, consider making two identical squares and stitching them back-to-back!
Materials Needed
- Medium Weight Yarn (Size 4):
- Light Pink (for the main square background)
- Vibrant Medium Pink (for the border, snout, ears, and tail)
- Scrap Black Yarn (for the nostrils and eyes)
- Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, and optional 12mm safety eyes
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
1. The Main Background Square
Using Light Pink yarn.
- Foundation: Chain 21.
- Row 1: Single crochet (SC) into the second chain from your hook and into every remaining chain across. Chain 1 and turn your work. (20 stitches)
- Rows 2–23: SC in each stitch across the row. Chain 1 and turn at the end of every row.
- Squaring Off: Do not fasten off after Row 23. Turn your work sideways and SC evenly down the three raw edges of the square, placing 2 chains in each corner to smoothly turn the bend. Join to the first stitch.
- The Border: Switch to your Vibrant Medium Pink yarn and fasten off the light pink. SC into every stitch around all four sides of your square, making sure to place 2 SC into every corner stitch. Fasten off and weave in your loose ends.
2. Perky Pig Ears (Make 2)
Using Vibrant Medium Pink yarn.
- Foundation: Chain 5.
- Row 1: SC into the second chain from your hook and in the next 3 chains. Chain 1, turn. (4 SC)
- Row 2: SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (4 SC)
- Row 3 (Increase): Work 2 SC into the very first stitch, SC in the next 2 stitches, and work 2 SC into the final stitch. Chain 1, turn. (6 SC)
- Rows 4–6: SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (6 SC)
- Row 7 (Decrease): Single crochet two together (SC dec), SC in the next 2 stitches, then SC dec across the last two stitches. Chain 1, turn. (4 SC)
- Row 8: SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (4 SC)
- Row 9: Work two SC dec across the row. Chain 1, turn. (2 SC)
- Row 10: Work one final SC dec. Chain 1, then continue with SC evenly around the entire perimeter of the ear to give it a clean edge, placing 2 SC in the bottom corners.
Assembly Note: Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Stitch the base of the ears to the upper left and right corners of your square. You can leave them standing straight up or fold the tips over for a floppy look.
3. The Snout
Using Vibrant Medium Pink yarn.
- Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, and work 10 SC into the ring. Pull tight to close and join with a slip stitch to the first SC. Chain 1.
- Round 2: Work 2 SC into every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch, chain 1. (20 stitches)
- Round 3: Work 2 SC in the first stitch, then 1 SC in the next. Repeat this pattern all the way around. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Details: Thread a tapestry needle with black yarn. Sew two vertical parallel lines onto the center of the snout to create the nostrils. Stitch the completed snout directly onto the center of your main square.
4. Curly-Q Tail
Using Vibrant Medium Pink yarn.
- Foundation: Chain 15.
- Row 1: Work 2 SC into the second chain from your hook and 2 SC into every single chain down the line. As you add stitches, the fabric will naturally twist and coil into a spiral.
- Assembly: Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Securely sew the base of the coiled tail to one of the bottom corners on the back or side of your square.
Final Touches
To bring your piglet to life, add the eyes. You can secure 12mm plastic safety eyes just above the snout, or use your black scrap yarn and tapestry needle to embroider two simple closed or open eyes.
Weave in any remaining loose ends on the back of the square, and your piglet block is ready to be blocked and assembled!
