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Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern
3.9★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.7K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🐥

Charming Critter

Delightful animal designs with sweet details that capture the essence of your favorite woodland and farmyard friends.

About This Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Tip the Border Collie is a free amigurumi pattern designed to celebrate the release of Tip Counts to Ten. Youll crochet a sweet, black-and-cream dog with distinctive facial markings using worsted-weight yarn. The pattern is written in standard American crochet terms with clear shaping and finishing instructions.

Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full instructions for head, muzzle, ears, body, legs and tail. Photos and placement notes help you assemble Tip with confidence.

Why You'll Love This Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it captures the true-to-life charm of a Border Collie with very simple stitches. I enjoy how the contrasting cream and black panels come together to create a striking face and markings. The design is thoughtful and forgiving, making it easy to adjust placement of eyes, muzzle and ears for different expressions. I also love that it was created to celebrate a childrens book, giving the finished toy a special story-driven meaning. Each piece sews together neatly, and I always feel proud gifting the finished pup.

Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing colors to make each pup unique; try swapping the cream for tan, grey, or pastel shades to change the mood.

I often make a mini version by using sport weight yarn and a smaller hook for a tiny keychain-friendly pup.

To make a chunkier, cuddlier dog I use bulky yarn and a larger hook, which gives you a plush toy with less sewing effort.

I sometimes embroider eyebrow marks or add little felt patches for a different facial expression and personality.

If you want posable limbs I add a short piece of wire inside each leg before stuffing and closing to allow a bit of shaping.

Add a tiny crocheted scarf or collar in contrasting yarn for a seasonal or gift-ready look.

I like to experiment with eye placement—moving them slightly closer or wider changes the expression dramatically, so pin before securing.

Try mixing textures by using a boucle or fuzzy yarn for the cream sections to create a soft, fluffy coat effect.

For a safety-conscious version for very young children, embroider eyes and nose instead of using safety parts.

I also enjoy creating small outfits or accessories like a bandana or little sweater to expand this pattern into a whole set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch marker while working continuously in rounds can cause you to lose track; place a marker at the end of each round and move it up as you work to keep counts accurate. ✗ Failing to stuff gradually will give you lumps and uneven shaping; stuff small amounts at a time and adjust filling as you close each part for a smooth finish. ✗ Attaching safety eyes too low or too close changes the look of the face; follow the placement notes and position eyes through the stitches of round 4, approximately 5 sts apart as suggested. ✗ Not leaving long yarn tails when fastening off makes sewing pieces difficult; leave longer tails for sewing so you have enough length to attach parts securely and weave ends inside. ✗ Neglecting to flatten and sew the ear closed evenly can leave a bulky seam; flatten the ear and sew through the stitches of the final round to create a neat fold and tack the wider back part for shape.

Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Create Tip, a lovable Border Collie amigurumi inspired by Lisa van Klaveren's childrens book Tip Counts to Ten. This pattern guides you step-by-step to crochet a sweet, poseable pup with distinct black-and-cream markings. Perfect for gifting or a cozy handmade companion, the design uses worsted-weight yarn and simple shaping techniques. Youll enjoy the clear instructions and charming finishing touches that bring Tip to life.

Beginner Friendly 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) - Black, approximately 110 yards
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) - Cream, approximately 110 yards

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size F (3.75 mm)
  • 02
    16 mm safety eyes (2)
  • 03
    16 mm safety nose (1)
  • 04
    Stuffing (polyester fiberfill)
  • 05
    Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Head :

Round 1 :

Beginning at front of head with black, make a magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in ring. Pull yarn end to tighten ring. (6 sc) Do not join; Work continuously in rnds. Mark end of rnd with a short length of yarn in a contrasting color and move marker up as you work.

Round 2 :

2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Round 3 :

(Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (18 sc)

Round 4 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (24 sc)

Round 5 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (30 sc)

Round 6 :

(Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (36 sc)

Round 7-12 :

Sc in each sc around. (36 sc)

Round 13 :

(Sc in next 4 sc, sc dec) around. (30 sc)

Round 14 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, sc dec) around. (24 sc)

Round 15 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, sc dec) around. (18 sc)

Info :

Attach safety eyes. Sample had eyes attached thru sts of rnd 4, 5 sts apart.

Info :

Stuff head.

Round 16 :

(Sc in next sc, sc dec) around. (12 sc)

Round 17 :

(Sc dec) around. (6 sc)

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn. Weave yarn end through remaining 6 sc and draw to a close. Pull yarn end to inside of head to hide. Set aside.

— Muzzle :

Round 1-3 :

Beginning at front of muzzle with cream, work as per rnds 1-3 of head. (18 sc)

Round 4-6 :

Sc in each sc around.(18 sc) At end of rnd 6, join with sl st to 1st sc.

Info :

Continue working in rows:

Row 1 :

Ch 1, sc in same sp and in next 2 sc. Turn. (3 sc) (There is intentionally no ch-1 at the end of these rows.)

Rows 2-3 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (3 sc)

Row 4 :

2 sc in 1st sc, sc in next 2 sc. Turn. (4 sc)

Rows 5-10 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (4 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Attach safety nose at center front of muzzle.

Info :

Stuff muzzle and sew in place at front of head. The rnds of the muzzle are positioned directly below the eyes, with the rows positioned between the eyes, stretching up to the top of the head. Refer to photos for help with placement.

— Ears (make 2) :

Round 1 :

Beginning at tip of ear with black, make a magic ring, ch 1, 3 sc in ring. Pull yarn end to tighten ring. (3 sc). Do not join; Work continuously in rnds. Mark end of rnd with a short length of yarn in a contrasting color and move marker up as you work.

Round 2 :

2 sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 3 :

Sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 4 :

(Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (9 sc)

Round 5 :

Sc in each sc around. (9 sc)

Round 6 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (12 sc)

Round 7 :

Sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Round 8 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (15 sc)

Round 9-11 :

Sc in each sc around. (15 sc)

Round 12 :

(Sc in next sc, sc dec) around. (10 sc)

Round 13 :

Sc in each sc around. (10 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Flatten and sew ear closed through sts of rnd 13.

Info :

Sew ear in place at side of head, leaving approx. 3 black sts visible between ear and front of muzzle. Sew in place in line with top of muzzle. Fold ear down and tack in place at side of head in line with eyes. Sew in place securely, also tacking wider back part of folded ear to top and/or side of head to get desired look.

— Body - Part 1 :

Round 1-12 :

Beginning at front of body with cream, work as per rnds 1-12 of head. (36 sc) At end of rnd 12, join with sl st to 1st sc.

Info :

Continue working in rows:

Row 1 :

Ch 1, working in front loops only, sc in same sp and in next 8 sc. Turn. (9 sc) There is intentionally no ch-1 at the end of these rows.

Rows 2-9 :

Working through both loops, sc in each sc across. Turn. (9 sc)

Row 10 :

Sc in 1st sc, sc dec, sc in each sc across to last 3 sc, sc dec, sc in last sc. Turn. (7 sc)

Row 11 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (7 sc)

Row 12 :

Repeat row 10. (5 sc)

Rows 13-20 :

Sc in each sc across. Turn. (5 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

— Body - Part 2 :

Info :

Continue working in rnds – working into sts of rnd 12 of body – part 1.

Round 13 :

Join black with sc in 1st remaining back loop of rnd 12, sc in remaining back loop of next 8 sc of rnd 12, sc in both loops of next 27 sc of rnd 12. (36 sc)

Rounds 14-26 :

Sc in each sc around. (36 sc)

Round 27 :

(Sc in next 4 sc, sc dec) around. (30 sc)

Round 28 :

(Sc in next 3 sc, sc dec) around. (24 sc)

Round 29 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, sc dec) around. (18 sc)

Info :

Stuff body.

Round 30 :

(Sc in next sc, sc dec) around. (12 sc)

Round 31 :

(Sc dec) around. (6 sc) Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn. Weave yarn end through remaining 6 sc and draw to a close. Pull yarn end to inside of body to hide.

Info :

Sew cream underside of body – part 1 in place on top of black body – part 2. End of cream underside should be positioned at center back of body. Refer to photo.

— Front Legs (make 2) :

Rounds 1-2 :

With cream, work as per rnds 1-2 of head. (12 sc)

Rounds 3-12 :

Sc in each sc around. (12 sc) At end of rnd 12, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Stuff leg. Flatten end of leg and sew closed. Sew leg in place at front of body so that it can lay flat. Refer to photos for help with placement.

— Hind Legs (make 2) :

Rounds 1-5 :

With cream, work as per rnds 1-5 of front legs. (12 sc) At end of rnd 5, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off.

Round 6 :

Join black with sc in any sc of rnd 5 and sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Rounds 7-12 :

Sc in each sc around. (12 sc). At end of rnd 12, join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing.

Info :

Stuff leg. Flatten end of leg and sew closed. Sew leg in place at back of body so that it can lay flat. Refer to photos for help with placement.

— Tail :

Round 1 :

Beginning at tip of tail with cream, make a magic ring, ch 1, 3 sc in ring. Pull yarn end to tighten ring. (3 sc)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 3 :

Sc in each sc around. (6 sc) Join with sl st to 1st sc and fasten off.

Round 4 :

Join black with sc in any sc of rnd 3 and sc in each sc around. (6 sc)

Round 5 :

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) twice. (8 sc)

Rounds 6-7 :

Sc in each sc around. At end of last rnd, join with sl st to 1st sc.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a longer length of yarn for sewing. Flatten top end of tail and sew closed. There is no need to stuff the tail unless you wish to stuff it lightly. Sew tail in place at top back of body.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the muzzle to the front of the head positioning the rectangular rows between and slightly below the eyes; sew securely using the longer tail left when fastening off.
  • Sew each ear to the side of the head in line with the top of the muzzle leaving approximately 3 black stitches visible between ear and muzzle, fold ear down and tack the back part to shape.
  • Sew the cream underside (body part 1) to the top of the black body (body part 2) with the end of the cream underside positioned at the center back of the body.
  • Attach front legs at the front of the body so they lay flat and sew hind legs at the back of the body so they can lay flat; stuff legs before flattening and sewing closed.
  • Flatten top of tail and sew to the top back of body; tail need not be stuffed or only lightly stuffed if desired.

Important Notes

  • 💡Pattern is written in standard American crochet terms; keep consistent tension for accurate gauge and sizing.
  • 💡Work continuously in rounds for head, ears and other rnd sections and move your stitch marker up as you go to track the end of rnds.
  • 💡Leave long yarn tails when fastening off to give you enough yarn for sewing pieces together securely and hiding ends inside the toy.
  • 💡Stuff parts gradually and check placement frequently against photos before sewing pieces permanently in place.

This Tip the Border Collie pattern brings a sweet storybook pup to life with simple stitches and thoughtful shaping. Whether you make one for a child or as a special gift, Tip is sure to be treasured. Happy crocheting and enjoy making your new furry friend! 🐶🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi is approximately 9 inches long (nose to tip of tail) and about 6 inches tall when lying flat using the recommended yarn and hook size.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but using a different yarn weight will change the final size; adjust your hook accordingly and make a gauge swatch to estimate differences.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly and uses basic single crochet, increases and decreases, but you should be comfortable working in rounds and sewing pieces together.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this project in about 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience and how much finishing and sewing you do.

What size safety eyes and nose are used?

The pattern uses 16 mm safety eyes (2) and a 16 mm safety nose (1) as specified in the materials list.