The Autumn Ember Dog Collar: A Textured Crochet Free Pattern

Wrap Your Pup in Autumn Warmth: The Autumn Ember Dog Collar

There's something special about a handmade accessory that matches the season. The Autumn Ember Dog Collar brings the rich, cozy hues of fall to your furry friend's wardrobe. With its textured post stitches and a charming pumpkin appliqué, this collar is both stylish and comfortable for those crisp autumn walks. The combination of pumpkin orange, cinnamon brown, and cream creates a warm, rustic look that's perfect for small to medium-sized dogs. Best of all, this free crochet pattern is designed with beginners in mind, so you can create a beautiful, custom-fit collar with confidence.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will help you achieve the best results, but feel free to substitute with similar worsted weight yarns.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn in three colors:
  • Color A: Pumpkin Orange (approximately 25g)
  • Color B: Cinnamon Brown (approximately 15g)
  • Color C: Cream (approximately 10g)
  Total yarn needed: approximately 50g.
• Crochet Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, one button (approximately ½ inch diameter) or a sew-on snap/buckle

Gauge

16 stitches and 10 rows in single crochet = 4 inches (10 cm). Making a gauge swatch is recommended to ensure your collar fits correctly, but this pattern is forgiving due to the adjustable chain length.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This collar is worked in two parts: the main band and the decorative pumpkin appliqué. The main band uses a textured stitch pattern, and the appliqué is sewn on at the end. Important: Adjust the starting chain length to fit your dog's neck measurement, adding 2 inches for overlap. For example, if your dog's neck is 12 inches, chain for 14 inches of length.

Main Band (worked flat in rows)

The main band is a rectangle that forms the body of the collar. The textured pattern alternates between single crochet rows and rows with front post double crochet, creating a ribbed, cozy look.

1. Foundation: With Color A (Pumpkin Orange), chain 8 + 2 (for turning). The 8 chains form the width of the collar. If you want a wider or narrower collar, adjust this number in multiples of 2.
2. Row 1: Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. You should have 8 sc stitches.
3. Row 2: Chain 2 (this counts as your first half double crochet, hdc), skip the first stitch (the one directly below the chain 2), *front post double crochet (fpdc) around the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * across the row. Turn. You will end with an hdc in the last stitch.
4. Row 3: Chain 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (8 sc)
5. Row 4: Chain 2 (counts as first hdc), skip first stitch, *fpdc around next stitch, hdc in next stitch* repeat from * to * across. Turn.
6. Row 5: Chain 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (8 sc)
7. Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 2-5 until the collar measures your desired length (minus 2 inches for the overlap). For a 12-inch neck, work until the band measures 10 inches. Fasten off Color A, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving.
8. Edging: Join Color B (Cinnamon Brown) with a slip stitch to the first row of the band (the starting chain edge). Single crochet evenly around the entire rectangle, working 3 sc in each corner to make neat turns. When you reach the starting point, join with a slip stitch to the first sc of the edging. Fasten off Color B and weave in the end.

Pumpkin Appliqué (make 1)

This small, round appliqué is worked in the round and then decorated to look like a pumpkin. It will be sewn onto the center of the main band.

1. Start: With Color A (Pumpkin Orange), make a magic ring. If you're not familiar with magic rings, you can chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
2. Round 1: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the ring closed tightly. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (6 sc)
3. Round 2: Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (12 sc)
4. Round 3: Chain 1, *sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. Join. (18 sc)
5. Round 4: Chain 1, *sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sc)
6. Round 5: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. Join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing the appliqué onto the collar.
7. Pumpkin ridges: Thread your yarn needle with Color B (Cinnamon Brown). Embroider vertical lines from the center of the circle to the edge, creating 6-8 segments. To do this, insert the needle from the center to the edge, then back to the center, pulling gently to create a slight indentation. Repeat around the circle.
8. Stem: With Color C (Cream), chain 4. Slip stitch in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each remaining chain. Fasten off, leaving a 4-inch tail. Using the yarn needle, sew the stem to the top of the pumpkin (the side where you fastened off). Weave in the stem's starting tail.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring the collar together. Take your time with the sewing to ensure a neat, professional finish.

1. Attach the appliqué: Position the pumpkin appliqué in the center of the main band (on the side that will face outward). Using the long tail from the appliqué, sew it securely to the band with small, even stitches around the edge of the circle. Weave in the end.
2. Create the closure: Decide which end of the band will overlap. Sew a button to the wrong side of one end (the end that will be on the inside when wrapped). On the other end, create a button loop: with Color B or A, join yarn to the edge of the band at the point where the button will align. Chain 6-8 stitches (enough to fit around your button), then slip stitch back to the band at the same point. Fasten off and weave in ends. Alternatively, you can sew on a sew-on snap or a small buckle for a different closure.
3. Final touches: Weave in all remaining ends using your yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn close to the work.

Your Autumn Ember Dog Collar is complete! The textured band and charming pumpkin appliqué make it a standout accessory for your furry friend. Adjust the size easily by changing the starting chain length, and feel free to experiment with different fall color combinations. Happy crocheting!