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Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.0K Made This
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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.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a sweet Border Collie amigurumi named Tip with classic two-color markings and a sculpted muzzle. The design uses worsted weight yarn and simple single crochet shaping to form the head, muzzle, ears, body, legs and tail. Clear placement notes and finishing steps make assembly straightforward for makers who follow photo references.

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

Includes stitch counts for every round and short-row instructions for the muzzle and body shaping. Perfect as a handmade gift or a charming addition to any toy collection.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple amigurumi shaping with charming details like the sculpted muzzle and folded ears that give Tip loads of personality. I enjoy how quickly the project comes together using worsted weight yarn and a single hook size, making it satisfying to finish in a weekend. The clear round-by-round counts and placement notes make it easy for me to follow and reproduce consistent results. I also love that the pattern encourages referencing photos for placement so each finished dog looks just right.

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 how easy it is to customize Tip by changing yarn colors; you can make different dog breeds by swapping the placement of black and cream panels or using browns and tans.

I sometimes use sport or DK weight yarn with a smaller hook to make a smaller, mini version perfect for keychains or shelf buddies.

If you want a chunkier, cuddlier dog I will use bulky yarn and a larger hook for a soft, oversized effect that kids adore.

I often add embroidered eyebrows or a stitched mouth to change Tip's expression and give each dog a unique personality.

Try felt or embroidered patches instead of safety eyes for a child-safe version; I recommend securely stitching felt pieces in place.

For a posable toy, I sometimes insert thin wire into the legs before stuffing; this lets you pose the limbs while keeping them firmly attached.

Make a matching set by altering the size or color for mother and puppy versions; I like pairing contrasting trims for a coordinated look.

I enjoy adding tiny crocheted accessories like a scarf, collar, or bow that can be removed or swapped out for play.

Play with texture by using boucle or fuzzy yarn for a fluffy coat effect; I would test gauge first to keep proportions balanced.

Finally, I recommend experimenting with eye placement and muzzle size on a scrap piece before attaching permanently so you can achieve the exact character I want.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the marker and working continuous rounds without marking the end can lead to lost stitch counts; always mark the end of each round with a short length of contrasting yarn and move the marker up as you work. ✗ Attaching safety eyes too late or in the wrong round can give incorrect spacing; place eyes as instructed (sample attached through sts of rnd 4, 5 sts apart) and check placement before stuffing and closing the head. ✗ Understuffing or overstuffing shapes like the head and body will distort proportions; stuff gradually, shaping as you go and aiming for firm but slightly yielding filling to maintain shape. ✗ Not weaving the long tail through remaining sts when closing can leave a messy finish; follow the instructions to weave the yarn end through the remaining stitches, draw to close, then pull the yarn end to the inside to hide.

Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

Make an adorable Tip the Border Collie amigurumi with this friendly, photo-referenced crochet pattern. You will create a cuddly, two-color dog using simple rounds and a few short row sections — perfect for gifting or keeping. The pattern includes full stitch counts, placement notes for eyes, and clear finishing instructions to help you assemble a polished toy.

Beginner Friendly 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Tip The Border Collie Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) in black - approx. 110 yards
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) in cream - approx. 110 yards

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size F (3.75 mm)
  • 02
    Stuffing (polyester fiberfill)
  • 03
    16 mm safety eyes (2 pieces)
  • 04
    16 mm safety nose (1 piece)
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends

Progress Tracker

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— General :

Infos :

Materials: Worsted weight yarn in black and cream – approx. 110 yards each color. Crochet hook size F (3.75 mm). Stuffing. 16 mm Safety eyes (2). 16 mm Safety nose (1). Yarn needle. Finished Size: approx. 9" long (nose to tip of tail); 6" tall lying flat. Gauge: 4 sc & 4 rows = 1". Special Stitches: Invisible Single Crochet Decrease (sc dec) – Insert hook under front loop only of 1st sc, insert hook under front loop only of 2nd sc, yo, pull yarn through both sts, yo, pull through all loops on hook. Pattern is written in standard American crochet terms.

— 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 :

Rounds 1-3 :

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

Rounds 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)

Rounds 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 :

Rounds 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.

— 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. 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 safety eyes through the stitches of round 4 on the head, spacing them approximately 5 stitches apart, before stuffing the head.
  • Stuff and sew the muzzle to the front of the head so that the rounds of the muzzle sit directly below the eyes and the rows sit between the eyes, stretching up toward the top of the head.
  • Flatten and sew each ear closed through the stitches of round 13, then position and tack the folded ear at the side of the head in line with the eyes and top of the muzzle for the desired look.
  • Sew the cream underside (body part 1) onto the top of the black body (part 2), positioning the end of the cream underside at the center back of the body as shown in photos.
  • Sew front legs to the front of the body so they lay flat and sew hind legs to the back of the body so they can lay flat, ensuring symmetrical placement by referencing photos.
  • Flatten the top end of the tail, sew closed, and attach the tail at the top back of the body; tail stuffing is optional and may be lightly stuffed if desired.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a stitch marker or short length of contrasting yarn to mark the end of each round and move it up as you work to avoid losing your place.
  • 💡Stuff firmly but not overfilled for best shaping; add stuffing gradually and shape with your fingers to maintain smooth curves.
  • 💡Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing and weave the tail through remaining stitches when closing openings to create a neat finish.
  • 💡Refer to the photos for placement of eyes, muzzle, ears and body pieces to ensure correct alignment and symmetry.

This delightful Tip the Border Collie was designed to celebrate a special children’s book release and bring a sweet handmade friend to life. The pattern uses simple shaping with clear instructions so you can create a polished, cuddly pup in your favorite yarn. Whether you gift Tip or keep them at home, this little dog is sure to bring smiles and cozy cuddles. 🧶🐶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 9 inches long (nose to tip of tail) and about 6 inches tall when lying flat using the recommended worsted weight yarn and 3.75 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use a different yarn weight but it will change the final size; choose an appropriate hook for the yarn and be aware that stitch counts may produce a differently proportioned toy.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly, so basic knowledge of single crochet and working in rounds is helpful, along with the ability to follow short-row instructions and invisible decreases.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this project in about 5-7 hours, though time will vary depending on experience and how much time you spend on assembly and finishing.