African Flower Bone Tug Toy Crochet Free Pattern

Introduction

This African Flower Bone Tug Toy is a sweet little project for anyone who loves making something beautiful for their four-legged friend. It's designed for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet, magic rings, and joining motifs, but every step is written out clearly so you can follow along with confidence. The finished toy is a long, straight tube made from four joined African flower squares in cream with denim blue accents, finished with two round stuffed knobs at each end for a bone-like shape that's easy for small dogs to grip. The concentric cream-and-blue rings give it a calm, Japandi-inspired look, while the firm stuffing and sturdy seams make it a durable tug toy that's as pretty as it is practical.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic yarn — approximately 150 yards cream and 50 yards denim blue. Acrylic is recommended for durability and easy washing.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing the knobs, stitch marker (optional)
• Finished size: Approximately 12 inches (30 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• sl st — slip stitch
• sp — space
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• MR — magic ring
• inc — increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec — decrease (work 2 sc together)
• rep — repeat

Gauge

One African flower square measures 3 inches (7.5 cm) across after blocking. To check, crochet one complete square and measure it flat; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Work your magic ring snugly and pull the tail tight after Round 1 so the center of each flower stays closed and neat.
• Keep your tension even across all four squares so they match in size — this makes seaming much easier and keeps the tube straight.
• Stuff the knobs firmly but not rock-hard, so they hold their round shape while still being soft in your dog's mouth.
• Always supervise your dog with handmade toys, and check seams and stuffing regularly for wear.

Step-by-Step Instructions

African Flower Square (make 4)

Use A = cream and B = denim blue.

Rnd 1: With A, make a MR, 6 sc into the ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next sc; rep from * around, join with sl st to first dc (6 petals). Fasten off A.

Rnd 3: Join B in any ch-1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first dc (12 petals). Fasten off B.

Rnd 4: Join A in any ch-1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first dc (24 petals). Fasten off A.

Rnd 5: Join B in any ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, *sc in each of next 3 dc, sc in ch-1 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc (96 sc). Fasten off B.

Square measures 3 inches (7.5 cm).

Assembly of the Body

Arrange the 4 squares in a row with right sides facing. Join the squares with sc through both layers along each touching edge, using B. Fasten off and weave in ends.

End Knobs (make 4)

Work all knobs with A.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnds 4-6: sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill.

Rnd 8: dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Sew one knob to each end of the tube, positioning two knobs at each end (one on each side) to create a bone shape. Weave in ends.

Edging

With B, sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the bone, working through both layers of the tube and knobs where applicable. Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

Seam the four squares together as described above, then sew the knobs securely to each end of the tube with your tapestry needle and long tails, going around each knob twice for strength. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Lightly block the finished toy by misting it with water and shaping it flat, then let it dry completely before giving it to your dog.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the denim blue for a soft sage or mustard to change the look while keeping the same Japandi feel.
• Add a small squeaker inside one knob before closing it for extra play value.
• Make a longer tug by joining six squares instead of four — just add more yarn to your yardage.