All over the internet, we see photos of premature babies holding an Earlybird. The strings on the tail remind the babies of the umbilical cord and prevent them from pulling out their feeding tube or IV. Holding onto the strings lowers their heart rate and calms them down; they feel safe. The photographer who comes to take the photos gives the cuddly toy to the baby (or babies). In short: a wonderful initiative by the Earlybirds Photography Foundation. Want to crochet an Earlybird yourself? Then it’s important to read the safety guidelines beforehand. The type of yarn is also very important. The yarn must not shed, and it must not contain any Acrylic or Wool.
These yarns can be ordered from Yarnplaza.com and have been approved by the Earlybirds Foundation:
Earlybird Crochet Pattern
Corset
Row 1: Magic ring with 6 single crochets (6) (or make a ring with 4 chain stitches and crochet 6 single crochets into it)
Row 2: 2 single crochets in each single crochet (12)
Row 3: (increase, single crochet) Repeat 6 times (18)
Row 4: (1 single crochet in the next 2 single crochets, increase) Repeat 6 times (24)
Row 5: (increase, 1 single crochet in the next 3 single crochets) Repeat 6 times (30)
Row 6: (1 single crochet in each of the next 4 single crochets, increase) Repeat 6 times (36)
Row 7: (increase, 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 single crochets) Repeat 6 times (42)
Rows 8 through 13: 1 single crochet in each of the 42 single crochets (42)
Row 14: (increase, 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 single crochets) repeat 6 times (48)
Rows 15 and 16: 1 single crochet in each of the 48 single crochets (48)
Row 17: (decrease, 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 single crochets) repeat 6 times (42)
Row 18: (1 single crochet in each of the next 5 single crochets, decrease) Repeat 6 times (36)
Row 19: (decrease: 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 single crochets) Repeat 6 times (30)
Row 20: (1 single crochet in the next 3 single crochets, decrease) Repeat 6 times (24)
Row 21: (decrease: 1 single crochet in the next 2 single crochets) Repeat 6 times (18)
Row 22: (1 single crochet in the next single crochet, decrease) Repeat 6 times (12). Stuff the bodice with stuffing inside a pantyhose (not too tightly); if possible, tie a button in the pantyhose.
Row 23: Repeat the decrease 6 times (6) DO NOT CUT THE YARN but continue with the tail
Tail
Chain 50 chain stitches. Crochet 2 or 3 half double crochets into each chain stitch. Start in the third chain stitch from the Crochet Hook. The tail will curl because you’re working multiple stitches into each chain stitch; the more stitches you work, the more it will curl. The final result should be no more than 20 cm long when stretched. Crochet a strand of the tail into each of the 6 remaining single crochets on the bodice. You can choose to use a different color for each strand. If you’re working with a thicker yarn, you can also choose to crochet 4 strands. Sew the remaining hole closed securely.
Beak
Magic ring with 6 single crochets
Row 1: 2 single crochets in each single crochet (12). Cut a long tail to secure the beak. Pull the tail through all the stitches and tighten. Sew the beak onto Row 1.
Wing (make two)
Magic ring (crochet all the stitches listed below into the magic ring; the heart is only 1 round): 3 chain stitches, 2 double crochets, 3 single crochets, 1 chain stitch, 1 double crochet, 1 chain stitch, 3 single crochets, 2 double crochets, 3 chain stitches. Close the round with 1 slip stitch.
Put on the magic ring.
Single crochet the wings all around the bodice.
Eyes
Embroider 2 stitches for the eyes; the stitch should not be larger than 1 row. If the stitch is embroidered across two rows, a cross stitch must be added over it.
Every Earlybirdje is unique, and that's great! Make sure to single crochet all the threads very tightly before cutting them off!
Good luck with your crocheting! Have you crocheted an Earlybird? Send us a photo of your little bird (info@yarnplaza.com), and who knows—your creation might soon be featured alongside the rest in our Wool of Fame.
