Fish Dog Toy Pattern
Crochet Your Own Eco-Friendly Dog Toy (Using Scraps & an Old Squeaker!)
If you're like me, you probably have a stash of leftover cotton yarn just waiting to be turned into something. And if you're also a dog parent, this project is the perfect way to combine your love for crafting with your love for your pup — all while keeping waste out of the landfill.
Meet Your New Favorite Quick Crochet Project
This simple, satisfying crochet pattern walks you through making a soft and squeaky dog toy from scraps you already have. It's designed for using up leftover cotton yarn (because it’s gentler on those doggy teeth) and reusing a squeaker pulled from an old toy that's seen better days. Instead of tossing it out, you're giving it new life — and saving yourself a trip to the pet store.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
Eco-friendly: It’s all about making the most of what you’ve got — yarn scraps and rescued squeakers.
Beginner-friendly: If you know the basics of crochet, you can make this! It’s a quick project that’s perfect for an evening of crafting.
Pup-approved: It’s soft, fun, and squeaky. What more could a dog want?
Totally customizable: Since you're using leftover yarn, every toy comes out a little different. That makes each one extra special.
A Win-Win for You and Your Pup
Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, create thoughtful handmade gifts, or just spoil your furry friend with something you made yourself, this pattern checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s just fun to see your dog get excited over something you created from scraps!
Ready to get started?
You can grab the downloadable crochet pattern here on my Ravelry shop and start turning your yarn odds and ends into tail-wagging joy.
Or continue below to crochet here for free (powered by ad revenue, please do not distribute the pattern elsewhere).
Crochet Pattern - Easy
Yarns & Supplies
Color A - Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton - Sky
Color B - Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton - Navy
Polyfil or yarn scraps for stuffing
Squeaker - I tend to use the ones my dogs pull out of other toys to increase its longevity
Hook Used - 3mm / Size 5
Gauge not too important - my motifs were about 9” long by 4.25” wide
Motif - Make 2
Row 1
With Color A, Chain 17. Starting in second chain from the hook sc across (16)
Rows 2-7
1 Dec, sc in each st across until last two sts, 1 Dec
(14) (12) (10) (8) (6) (4)
Rows 8-9
1 sc in each st across (4)
Rows 10-17
1 Inc , sc until last stitch, 1 Inc (6) (8) (10) (12) (14) (16) (18) (20)
Rows 18-19
sc across (20)
Row 20
1 Inc , sc until last stitch, 1 Inc (22)
Rows 21-22
sc across (22)
Row 23
1 Inc , sc until last stitch, 1 Inc (24)
Rows 24-34
sc across (24)
Row 35
1 Dec , sc until last two stitches, 1 Dec (22)
Rows 36-37
sc across (22)
Row 38
1 Dec , sc until last two stitches, 1 Dec (20)
Rows 39-40
sc across (20)
Rows 41-48
1 Dec, sc in each st across until last two sts, 1 Dec
(18) (16) (14) (12) (10) (8) (6) (4)
Row 49
2 Dec (2)
Row 50
1 Dec (1)
Fasten off the first panel, make panel 2 in color B.
After last row on second panel - DO NOT FASTEN OFF
Put both panels together, sc around to combine panels.
At about 4-5” from sealing the toy, flip the toy inside-out
(Note: Tail can be difficult to flip, I use the opposite end of my hook as a point turner to help, don’t be afraid to use some force).
Fill with stuffing and squeaker, the working loop will be inside the toy after flipping, pull this loop through the first panel to continue with closing.
Slip stitch the remainder shut. Fasten off, hide the ends inside the toy. And enjoy (Caution: Always supervise doggy playtime, make sure to dispose of it once it gets too stringy for them and the squeaker comes out.)
