purlJam

# Felted Fair Isle Easter Eggs

**Pattern Type:** Crochet (Amigurumi Style)  
**Difficulty:** Beginner  
**Technique:** Tapestry Crochet & Wet Felting  

These charming Easter eggs are crocheted using 100% wool and then felted in your washing machine (or by hand) to create a fuzzy, seamless, solid fabric. The pattern uses "Tapestry Crochet," where you carry the unused colour inside your stitches, making the egg durable and perfect for felting.

## Materials & Tools

*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (10 ply) **100% Non-Superwash Wool**.
    *   *Note:* Do not use acrylic, cotton, or "Superwash" wool—they will not felt.
    *   **Main Colour (MC):** Cream or White (approx. 30m)
    *   **Contrast Colour (CC):** Bright Pink, Blue, or Yellow (approx. 15m)
*   **Hook:** 5.0mm or 5.5mm (this is larger than usual for worsted weight to allow fibres to shrink).
*   **Stuffing:** 100% Polyester fibre fill OR scraps of 100% wool yarn.
*   **Extras:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, washing machine (for felting).

## Measurements

*   **Pre-Felt Size:** Approx. 11cm tall.
*   **Post-Felt Size:** Approx. 7cm tall (standard large egg size).
*   *Note:* Shrinkage varies by yarn brand and water temperature.

## Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)

*   **dc (double crochet):** Insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops. (US equivalent: sc)
*   **inc (increase):** 2 dc in the same stitch.
*   **dec (decrease):** Invisible decrease preferred (insert hook in front loop of first st, insert in front loop of next st, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops).
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **yo:** yarn over
*   **MC:** Main Colour
*   **CC:** Contrast Colour
*   **[ ]:** Repeat instructions within brackets.

## Tension (Gauge)
**Pre-felt:** 16 sts and 18 rows = 10 x 10 cm in double crochet.
*Tension is not critical, provided the fabric is slightly loose before felting.*

---

## Colourwork & Notes
*   **Reading Charts:** Read charts from right to left for every round.
*   **Carrying Yarn:** Lay the unused colour along the top of the previous row and crochet over it (encasing it) with the active colour. Change colours in the final "pull through" of the previous stitch.
*   **Spiral:** Do not join rounds with a slip stitch; work in a continuous spiral. Use a stitch marker to mark the start of the round.

---

## CHARTS

**Instructions:** Choose **Chart A** OR **Chart B** for the centre section of your egg. The body of the egg has a circumference of 30 stitches.

### CHART A: Zig-Zag Band
*Repeat of 6 stitches. Fits 5 times around the egg (30 sts).*

```
Row 4: □□■■■□
Row 3: □■□□□■
Row 2: ■□□□□□
Row 1: □□□□□□
```
**Key:** □ = MC, ■ = CC
*Work Rows 1-4 twice.*

### CHART B: Polka Dots
*Repeat of 5 stitches. Fits 6 times around the egg (30 sts).*

```
Row 4: □□□□□
Row 3: □□■□□
Row 2: □□□□□
Row 1: ■□□□□
```
**Key:** □ = MC, ■ = CC
*Work Rows 1-4 twice.*

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

**Start (Bottom of Egg):**
Using MC and 5.0mm hook, make a magic ring (or ch 2 and work 6 dc in 2nd ch from hook).

**Round 1:** 6 dc into ring.
`[Math Check: 6 sts]`

**Round 2:** 2 dc (inc) in each st around.
`[Math Check: 6 * 2 = 12 sts]`

**Round 3:** [1 dc, inc] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 6 + 6 = 18 sts]`

**Round 4:** [2 dc, inc] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 18 + 6 = 24 sts]`

**Round 5:** [3 dc, inc] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 24 + 6 = 30 sts]`

**Rounds 6–13 (Colourwork Section):**
Begin working from your chosen Chart (A or B).
*   Follow the chart for 8 rounds total (repeating the 4-row chart twice).
*   Ensure you carry the non-working yarn inside the stitches to maintain consistent thickness for felting.
`[Math Check: 30 sts per round]`

**Round 14:** Using MC only, 1 dc in each st around. Cut CC yarn, leaving a short tail to tuck inside.
`[Math Check: 30 sts]`

**Round 15:** [3 dc, dec] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 30 - 6 = 24 sts]`

**Round 16:** [2 dc, dec] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 24 - 6 = 18 sts]`

**STUFFING STEP:**
Stuff the egg firmly with polyester fibre fill.
*Tip: If you stuff very firmly, the egg will hold its shape better. The wool will shrink around the stuffing.*

**Round 17:** [1 dc, dec] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 18 - 6 = 12 sts]`

**Round 18:** [dec] 6 times.
`[Math Check: 12 - 6 = 6 sts]`

**Finishing:**
Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Secure and hide the end inside the egg.

---

## FELTING INSTRUCTIONS

1.  **Preparation:** Place your crocheted eggs into a zippered pillowcase or a laundry bag (to prevent loose fuzz clogging your machine).
2.  **The Wash:** Put them in the washing machine with a pair of jeans or towels (to provide agitation/friction). Add a small amount of detergent.
3.  **Settings:** Run a hot wash cycle (approx. 40°C - 60°C) with a cold rinse. The temperature shock and agitation cause the felting.
4.  **Check:** Check the eggs after one cycle. If you can still see distinct stitches, run them through again. The fabric should look solid and fuzzy.
5.  **Shaping:** Remove from the machine. While the eggs are still damp, roll them in your hands to smooth them and squeeze them into the perfect egg shape. Let them air dry completely (this may take 24 hours).