Dachshund in a Hot Dog Bun

Dachshund in a Hot Dog Bun Crochet Toy

Project Overview

This is a charming stuffed crochet toy designed by Tammy Mehring that features a dachshund dog nestled inside a hot dog bun. The finished toy measures approximately 13 inches from tail to nose, stands 5 inches tall from floor to tail, and reaches 4½ inches from floor to the dog's back. This intermediate-level crochet project combines multiple colored yarn sections to create a whimsical finished piece perfect for children or as a decorative novelty item.

What Is Being Made

The pattern creates a three-dimensional stuffed toy consisting of a dachshund dog positioned within a hot dog bun. The design includes detailed components such as the dog's body, head, legs, ears, and tail, along with a bun base and condiment details including ketchup and mustard. The toy incorporates safety eyes and a button accent to enhance its finished appearance.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate project employs fundamental crochet techniques including working in the round using a magic ring method, increasing stitches to create dimensional shaping, and decreasing stitches to form tapered sections. The pattern uses back loop only (BLO) stitching in select areas to create texture variation. Stuffing is incorporated throughout the construction process to achieve a three-dimensional, plush toy form.

Stitches and Abbreviations

• Single crochet (sc) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern for building structure and creating fabric density
• Chain (ch) – used for foundation and transitional stitches
• Decrease (dec) – two single crochets worked together to reduce stitch count and shape the toy
• Two single crochets in one stitch (2sc) – used for increasing stitches and creating the rounded, dimensional form
• Back loop only (BLO) – worked in specific rounds to add textural detail
• Magic ring – the starting technique for working in the round; an alternative chain method is provided for those unfamiliar with this technique
• Fasten off (F/O) – used to secure yarn at completion

Materials and Supplies

This pattern requires worsted weight yarn in multiple colors to construct the various components. The yarn colors specified are light brown for the dog's body, head, and legs; dark brown for the ears and tail; tan for the hot dog bun; black for the nose; burgundy for the hot dog itself; and red and yellow for the ketchup and mustard details respectively. An E crochet hook is used throughout the project. Additional supplies include fiberfill stuffing to fill the toy and create its plush form, 10mm safety eyes for the dog's face, and a 1-inch button for an accent detail.

Construction Method

The toy is constructed using modular crochet techniques, with the body being the primary component. The body begins with six single crochets worked into a magic ring, then progresses through strategic increases over the first five rounds to establish the base shape. Subsequent rounds maintain the stitch count while the piece is stuffed, followed by decrease rounds to taper and shape the form. This round-by-round construction method allows for precise shaping and dimensional control throughout the project.