Oh, my dears, I have something truly special to share with you today! You know how much I adore bringing a little bit of story into my crochet projects, and Henri, my spirited French Rooster, is absolutely no exception. This whole adventure began after a truly magical summer trip through the French countryside. Every morning, the sound of a proud rooster crowing would wake me, full of life and zest, and I just knew I had to capture that magnificent energy in yarn. I wanted to create a little fellow that embodied that vibrant, confident spirit, but with that undeniable amigurumi charm we all love. It was a journey of delightful stitches, a few unravels (we all have those, right?), and so much joy. And now, he's ready to bring a touch of that rustic, joyful French farm life right into your home. He’s more than just a pattern; he’s a piece of my heart from that wonderful journey.

The Story Behind Henri

The Spark of Inspiration

The idea for Henri truly hatched (pun intended!) during my last summer vacation. Imagine, if you will, waking up to the gentle cluck of hens and then, a glorious, booming 'cock-a-doodle-doo!' from the grandest rooster you ever did see. His plumage was a riot of colors, his comb a vibrant red, and he strutted with such undeniable confidence. I remember sketching him in my travel journal, already picturing how his little yarn version would look. It's those little moments, isn't it? The ones that just scream 'turn me into crochet!' This isn't just a pattern, it's a little memory, a little piece of France, stitched with love.

Why Henri? A Little Confession

Naming him Henri felt so natural. It's a classic French name, strong and characterful, just like our feathered friend. And honestly, it perfectly fits his proud little stance and that knowing look in his safety eyes! Crafting him was an absolute delight, even the moments of 'oops!' when I realized a stitch count was off – you know, those little challenges that make the final piece even more rewarding. I learned so much about shaping and adding personality with just a few well-placed details. He truly came to life on my hook, round by painstaking, joyful round. He’s become quite the conversation starter on my crafting shelf, and I just know he’ll do the same for you.

More Than Just a Pattern: A Gift from the Heart

I've poured so much care into making these instructions as clear and enjoyable as possible, almost as if I'm sitting right beside you, guiding your hands. Whether you're making Henri for a little one who loves farm animals, or for a friend who cherishes unique handmade gifts, or simply for yourself (because we all deserve a treat!), he’s destined to be adored. He stands about 18cm tall, a perfect little desk companion or a charming addition to a nursery. Get ready to fall in love with his quirky charm – I certainly did!

Henri the French Rooster Amigurumi Pattern

Materials You'll Need

• Worsted weight yarn in Red, Blue, White, Yellow, Orange
• 3.0mm (D) crochet hook
• 6mm safety eyes
• Polyester fiberfill
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Head (White yarn)

1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
2. R2: 6 inc (12)
3. R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
6. R6-R10: 30 sc (5 rounds)
7. Insert safety eyes between R8 and R9, approximately 6-7 stitches apart.
8. R11: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
9. R12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
10. Start stuffing firmly. Continue to stuff as you go.
11. R13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
12. R14: 6 dec (6)
13. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave through remaining 6 sts and pull to close.

Body (Blue yarn)

1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
2. R2: 6 inc (12)
3. R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
6. R6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
7. R7-R13: 36 sc (7 rounds)
8. R14: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
9. R15: 30 sc
10. R16: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
11. Start stuffing firmly. Continue to stuff as you go.
12. R17: 24 sc
13. R18: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
14. R19: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
15. R20: 6 dec (6)
16. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave through remaining 6 sts and pull to close.

Comb (Red yarn - make 1)

1. Ch 10.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sc, hdc, dc, (tr, dc in same st), tr in next st, (dc, tr in same st), dc, hdc, sc, sl st into the last ch.
3. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Wattles (Red yarn - make 2)

1. Ch 4.
2. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sl st in last ch.
3. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Beak (Yellow/Orange yarn - make 1)

1. R1: 4 sc in MR (4)
2. R2: (1 sc, inc) x 2 (6)
3. R3: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
4. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Wings (White yarn - make 2)

1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
2. R2: 6 inc (12)
3. R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. R4-R5: 18 sc (2 rounds)
5. Fold the piece flat and sc through both layers 9 times to close the opening.
6. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Yellow/Orange yarn - make 2)

1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
2. R2-R5: 6 sc (4 rounds)
3. To create toes:
4. Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch. Sl st into the next stitch on the leg opening.
5. Repeat the 'Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, sl st' sequence two more times for a total of 3 toes.
6. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tail Feathers (Red, Blue, White yarn - make 1 of each color)

1. Ch 8.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc.
3. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly Steps

1. Securely sew the Comb to the top of Henri's head, slightly forward between the eyes.
2. Attach the two Wattles below the Beak, on either side of his face.
3. Sew the Beak onto Henri's face, centered between the eyes and just above the Wattles.
4. Carefully sew the Head to the Body, ensuring it's centered and upright. Use the invisible seam method for a neat finish.
5. Attach the Wings to the sides of the Body, around rows R13-R15, slightly towards the back.
6. Sew the Legs to the bottom of the Body, making sure Henri can stand stably.
7. Arrange the three colorful Tail Feathers at the back of the Body, fanning them out slightly, and sew them securely in place.