Ribbed Checker Chew Tube Crochet Free Pattern
Ribbed Checker Chew Tube Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This Ribbed Checker Chew Tube is a thick, sturdy crochet toy made especially for big dogs who love to carry, toss, and gnaw on something satisfying. It is worked in a simple front-post and back-post ribbing that gives the tube a deep, springy texture dogs can really sink their teeth into. The teal and coral bands stack up the length of the tube like a cheerful checkerboard, so it looks as good as it feels. If you can single crochet and double crochet, you can make this toy — it is a wonderful beginner project that works up quickly in plush chenille yarn.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6) chenille plush yarn, 100% polyester — 2 skeins teal (approx. 80 yds each) and 2 skeins coral (approx. 80 yds each).
- Hook: 8 mm (US L-11).
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Finished size: Approx. 12 inches (30 cm) long x 4 inches (10 cm) diameter.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- fpdc — front post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch from the front, pushing the hook behind the post
- bpdc — back post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch from the back, bringing the hook in front of the post
- rep — repeat
- sts — stitches
- rnd(s) — round(s)
Gauge
8 sts and 8 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in the front/back post rib pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in the rib pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- When you join the starting chain into a ring, check carefully that it is not twisted — a twist here will spiral all the way up the tube.
- Keep your tension firm and even; a dense fabric makes a tougher, longer-lasting chew toy.
- Always work the fpdc around the previous fpdc and the bpdc around the previous bpdc so the vertical ribs stay straight and the texture stays deep.
- Change colors at the join of the round, and carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the tube so it stays hidden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tube (worked in rounds)
Setup: With teal, ch 25, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around, join with sl st to first sc (24 sc).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to first fpdc (24 sts).
Rnds 3-6: Ch 1, *fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around next bpdc; rep from * around, join with sl st to first fpdc (24 sts).
Color change: Change to coral.
Rnds 7-12: Rep Rnd 3 (24 sts).
Color change: Change to teal.
Rnds 13-18: Rep Rnd 3 (24 sts).
Color change: Change to coral.
Rnds 19-24: Rep Rnd 3 (24 sts).
Color change: Change to teal.
Rnds 25-30: Rep Rnd 3 (24 sts).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Edging (optional, worked on both ends)
End 1: With teal, join yarn at any st on one end, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc (24 sc). Fasten off.
End 2: Rep End 1 on the other end (24 sc). Weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
There is no seaming — the tube is worked in one piece in joined rounds. Weave in all yarn tails on the inside of the tube so they cannot be chewed loose. Gently steam or lightly mist and shape the tube by hand to even out the ribbing, then let it dry completely before giving it to your dog.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the color order or use two solid colors of your choice for a different checkerboard look.
- Add an extra single crochet edging round in a contrasting color for a bolder finish.
- Make a shorter version (fewer color bands) for a smaller dog or a toss-friendly toy.
