Project introduction
This guide is a pattern overview, not a full tutorial. It walks you through what the Liberty crochet eagle involves, from supplies to finished size to how each piece is built. For the row-by-row instructions, visit the Original designer’s pattern and instructions at Crochet 365 Knit Too. Liberty is an amigurumi-style eagle and the newest bird in the designer’s flock, following Toby the Turkey and Carl the Cardinal. The designer describes this little bird as cute, squishy and fun to crochet.
The idea for Liberty came from an unexpected source. The designer spent weeks watching Jackie and Shadow, the well-known bald eagle parents of Big Bear Lake, California, as they cared for their eaglets, and the devotion of that family won over millions of viewers. That tenderness became the inspiration for this soft little eagle, a project the designer connects with simple reminders: take care of family, love others and work together.
Materials
Gather everything before you begin. The source lists every supply needed for Liberty, and the yarn amounts below are exactly as specified, with the sample’s colorways included so you can match the look if you wish.
- Super Bulky Weight #6 yarn in three colors: Brown, 429 yards (sample: Premier Parfait Chunky in Teddy Bear); Cream, 20 yards (sample: Premier Parfait Chunky in Cream); Gold, 3.5 yards (sample: Premier Parfait Chunky in Mustard)
- US H8/5.00 mm crochet hook
- 10 mm safety eyes (embroider the eyes instead when making the eagle for a baby or young child)
- Stitch markers to keep track of rows
- Fiberfill
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
That is the complete list. Careful shaping and thoughtful placement of the features do most of the work, so take time positioning the eyes, beak and feathers before sewing.
Gauge
The designer notes a gauge of 6 single crochet stitches to 2 inches, but adds that gauge is not important for this pattern. You may use other weights of yarn and simply adjust your hook size to suit the yarn you choose.
Crochet Abbreviations
The pattern uses US crochet terms and a short abbreviation key. Keep this list nearby while you work the pieces.
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch(es)
Finished Crochet Eagle Size
Liberty finishes at approximately 6 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide, a palm-sized bird that sits nicely on a shelf. Worked in super bulky yarn, the finished eagle has a soft, rounded presence with real shelf appeal.
How to Crochet a Bird
Construction starts at the top of the head. The head and body are worked as one continuous piece: you begin with the head, decrease to shape the neck, change color, then increase again to form the rounded body. After the main piece is stuffed and closed, the beak, wings, feet and top and tail feathers are crocheted separately and sewn into place.
Eagle Head and Body
The head and body begin in cream yarn with a magic ring, and the whole piece is worked in continuous rounds. Early rounds increase to shape the crown, then several rounds are worked even for the rounded head. Decreases narrow the neck, and the color changes to brown in the final stitch of that transition round. The 10 mm safety eyes are inserted between rows 6 and 7 with four stitches between them, and the head is stuffed before you continue.
From the neck, the body grows outward again with increase rounds before settling into even rounds that build the plump midsection, including a slightly fuller round at the tummy. Keep adding fiberfill as you work so the stuffing stays smooth. The final rounds decrease to close the base; the body is firmly stuffed at this point, then you fasten off, weave the yarn end through the last stitches and pull tight.
Beak
The beak is a tiny separate piece worked in gold yarn. It starts with a magic ring and is crocheted in rounds, then fastened off; the source notes you may use an invisible join if you prefer. Sew the beak between and below the eyes so it covers row 8 and parts of rows 7 and 9.
Top Feathers (Hair)
A little tuft finishes the top of the head. Worked in cream yarn, the top feathers are made with a short repeated sequence of chains and slip stitches, then fastened off and sewn to the crown.
Wings (Make 2)
Make two wings in brown yarn. Each wing begins with a magic ring and is worked in rounds that increase gently, followed by an even round that sets the shape. The piece is then folded in half and crocheted across the double thickness to flatten it. Fasten off leaving a long strand for joining, then sew one wing on either side of the body near the neck.
Tail Feathers
The tail is worked in brown yarn as three simple loops made with a repeated chain and slip stitch sequence. Fasten off and sew the loops to the lower back of the bird, fanning them slightly.
Feet (Make 2)
The feet are also made twice, this time in gold yarn. Each foot starts with a short chain rather than a magic ring. Three toes are formed with slip stitches worked into the chains, and the last slip stitch connects the toes back to the very first chain. Fasten off leaving a long strand for joining, then sew the feet to the body between rows 19 and 20.
Weave in any loose ends once all the pieces are attached. The source page also notes that an ad-free printable version of the eagle pattern is available for purchase; no price is given. The full row-by-row instructions live on the designer’s page linked above.
