Free Crochet Pattern: Teak the Turkey

I feel like Thanksgiving can be either a wonderful or incredibly stressful holiday. For me, it’s the one time a year where I get to see everyone I love and I cherish that time with my otherwise scattered family. I wanted to commemorate those years of tradition and great memories into one project, which is why I’m sharing this free crochet pattern: Teak the Turkey.

Teak is quirky little bird that loves showing off his tail feathers and waddling around. Just like no family or holiday is perfect, he’s not perfect, but he loves being around his loved ones.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the pattern!

©2021 cbfiberworks. This pattern or it’s parts are not allowed to be redistributed, copied or resold. Any items handmade by you from this pattern may be sold, but please credit me (cbfiberworks) as the designer.

Free Crochet Pattern: Teak the Turkey

Project Materials

• Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton (6 skeins)
  • Color A: Harvest (45yds)
  • Color B: Brown (130yds)
  • Color C: Buttercup (30yds)
  • Color D: Coral (45yds)
  • Color E: Antique Gold (25yds)
  • Color F: Ivory (25yds)
• D/3-3.25mm hook
• Stitch markers
• Poly-fill
• Yarn/Darning Needle
• 10mm Safety eyes 
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• 2-3 marbles (optional)

Stitch Abbreviations

(**) – See Project Notes section

• MR – magic ring (**)
• Sc – single crochet (**)
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Inc – increase (**)
• Dec – decrease (**)
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Ch – chain
• BLsc – back loop single crochet
• Sk – skip
• [ ] – anything enclosed is worked repeatedly the given number of times
• { } – anything enclosed is worked in the Back Loop only

Project Notes

• Final dimensions: H: 5.5in. x W: 6in. x L: 5.5in.
• This project is written in US terminology.
• Teak is worked in the round with several elements seamed together.
• Unless otherwise specified, work in continuous rounds without using a slip stitch to join rows.
• Move stitch markers up every row as you go.
• Magic Ring: Create a magic ring and work the specified number of single crochet into it (ex. MR6 = 6sc into the ring).
• Single Crochet: Unless otherwise specified, this project uses the yarn under technique. Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn under, pull up a loop (2 loops on your hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops.
• Increase: work 2sc into the same stitch.
• Decrease: Unless otherwise specified, use the invisible decrease method. Insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch, then insert your hook into the front loop of the following stitch, yarn over and pull through the first loop (3 loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.

Tester Photos

Pattern

The shaping of Teak’s head and body is a little tricky, but the ad-free, printable pdf has 60+ tutorial photos, access to a video assembly tutorial and bonus tips. You can find the premium version in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.

Head & Body

Use Color A.

Row 0: MR6 (Place your stitch marker in the first st)

Row 1: inc 6 times. (12)

Row 2: [inc, sc] 6 times. (18)

Row 3: [sc, inc, sc] 6 times. (24)

Row 4: [inc, 3sc] 6 times. (30)

Row 5: [2sc, inc, 2sc] 6 times. (36)

Row 6-11: sc around. (36)

Row 12: [2sc, dec, 2sc] 6 times. (30)

Row 13: sc, dec 4 times, [6sc, dec] 2 times, 5sc. (24)

The 4 decreases in Row 13 mark the center front of Teak’s face.

Row 14: [sc, dec, sc] 6 times. (18)

Place the eyes on the sides of the head between Rows 7-8. The eyes are about 9 sts apart. Start stuffing.

Row 15: [dec, sc] 6 times. (12)

Row 16: sc in each st around. (12)

Row 17: 2sc, dec, 4sc, inc 2 times, 2sc. (13)

Row 18: sc, dec, 4sc, [inc, sc] 2 times, sc, switch to Color B in the last sc. (14)

The rest of the body is worked in Color B. Fasten off Color A.

Row 19-21: sc around. (14)

Row 22: 7sc, inc, sc, inc 2 times, sc, inc, sc. (18)

Row 23: 8sc, [inc 2 times, sc] 3 times, sc. (24)

Row 24: 10sc, BL only {[inc, sc] 2 times, inc 2 times, [sc, inc] 2 times}, 4sc. (30)

Row 25: 8sc, inc, 2sc, inc, BL only {5sc, inc 2 times, 5sc}, [inc, 2sc] 2 times. (36)

Row 26: 10sc, inc, 4sc, BL only {inc, 4sc, inc, sc, inc, 4sc, inc}, 4sc, inc, 3sc. (42)

Row 27: 12sc, inc, 3sc, BL only {inc, 6sc, inc, 2sc, inc, 6sc, inc}, 3sc, inc, 4sc. (48)

Row 28: 10sc, inc, 3sc, inc, 2sc, BL only {7sc, inc, 6sc, inc, 7sc}, 2sc, inc, 3sc, inc, 2sc. (54)

Row 29: 17sc, inc, BL only {6sc, inc, 6sc,    inc 2 times, 6sc, inc, 6sc}, inc, 7sc. (60)

Row 30: 19sc, BL only {32sc}, 9sc. (60)

Row 31-33: sc around. (60)

Row 34: [4sc, dec, 4sc] 6 times. (54)

Row 35: [dec, 7sc] 6 times. (48)

Row 36: [3sc, dec, 3sc] 6 times. (42)

Row 37: [dec, 5sc] 6 times. (36)

While stuffing, insert a few marbles into the body between the middle base or slightly forward toward the front of the chest below the neck. This will later be a counter balance to the tail feathers.

Row 38: sc around. (36)

Row 39: [2sc, dec, 2sc] 6 times. (30)

Row 40: sc around. (30)

Row 41: [dec, 3sc] 6 times. (24)

Row 42: [sc, dec, sc] 6 times. (18)

Row 43: [dec, sc] 6 times. (12)

Row 44: dec 6 times. (6)

Fasten off with a long tail. Sew the hole closed and weave the remaining tail into the body.

This part (compressing the face) is optional.

Cut a long piece of Color A (about 20 inches). 

Starting right above one eye, insert the tapestry needle straight across to the top of the other eye. 

Following the front (side of the eye closest to the face) of the eye, repeat this process, inserting the needle straight across. Pull tight enough to slightly compress the front of the face.

Tie off and weave the tails into the head.

Beak

Using Color C.

Ch 18

Row 1: sc in the first ch to form a ring (place a stitch marker here), sc around. (18)

Row 2: dec, sc, dec, 13sc. (16)

Row 3: dec, 2sc, dec, 10sc. (14)

Row 4: dec 2 times, 10sc. (12)

Row 5: [dec, 2sc] 3 times. (9)

Row 6: [dec, sc] 3 times. (6)

Fasten off with a long tail, sew the remaining hole closed at a point. Then weave the tail back down through the beak and tie a knot along the original chain.

The remainder of the yarn you fastened off with will be used to sew the beak to the head later.

Feet x2

Using Color D.

Ch 6 

Row 1: sc in the second ch from the hook, 3sc, 3sc all in the next st, (working down the other side of the chain), 3sc, inc. (12)

Now working in the round, place your stitch marker in the next st (first st from Row 1). Remember not to sl st to join.

Row 2: sc around. (12) 

Row 3: [dec, 4sc] 2 times. (10) 

Row 4: sc around. (10) 

Row 5: [dec, 3sc] 2 times. (8) 

Row 6: [dec, 2sc] 2 times. (6) 

Row 7-11: sc around. (6) 

Fasten off with a long tail. Don’t stuff.

Wings x2

Since the wings are worked flat, use regular (yarn over) single crochet. 

Also use a regular decrease: insert your hook under both loops of the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Using Color B.

Ch 17 

Row 1: (working into the back bump of the ch) sc into the second ch from the hook, sc across. Ch 1, turn. (16)

Row 2: inc, sc across. Turn without ch 1. (17)

From Rows 3-9, the stitch counts to not include the sl sts. Some stitches on the following rows will be left unworked.

Row 3: sl st 2 times, 14sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. (16)

Row 4: 15sc, sl st. Turn without Ch 1. (15)

Row 5: sk sl st, 15sc. Ch 1, turn. (15)

Row 6: 12sc, sl st. Turn without Ch 1. (12)

Row 7: sk sl st, 10sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (11)

Row 8: 8sc, sl st. Turn without Ch 1. (8)

Row 9: sk sl st, 6sc, dec. (7).

Fasten off with a long tail (to sew 1 edge).

Wattle

Using Color D.

Row 0: MR4

Row 1: inc 4 times. (8)

Row 2: sc around. (8)

Row 3: dec 4 times. (4)

Rows 4-5: sc around. (4)

Rows 6-10 are worked flat so use the regular (yarn over) single crochet.

Row 6: sl st, Ch 1, turn. 2sc, sl st. (2)

Rows 7-10: Ch 1, turn. 2sc. (2)

Fasten off with a long tail.

Large Tail Feathers x5

Start with Color B.

Ch 11

Row 1: sc in the second ch from the hook, 8sc, 3sc in the last st, (working down the other side of the ch) 9sc. (21)

Fasten off Color B.

Pick up Color E. Attach the new color in the first st from Row 1 with a Ch 1.

Row 2: sc in the first st (same as the Ch 1 to attach), 8sc, inc 3 times, 9sc. (24)

Fasten off Color E. 

Pick up Color D. Attach the new color in the first st from Row 2 with a Ch 1. 

Row 3: sc in the first st (same as the Ch 1 to attach), 9sc, [inc, sc] 3 times, 8sc. (27)

Fasten off Color D.

Pick up Color C. Attach the new color in the first st from Row 3 with a Ch 1.

Row 4: sc in the first st (same as the Ch 1 to attach), 9sc, [inc, 2sc] 3 times, 8sc. (30)

Fasten off Color C.

Pick up Color F. Attach the new color in the first st from Row 4 with a Ch 1. 

Row 5: sc in the first (same as the Ch 1 to attach), 10sc, [inc, 3sc] 3 times, 7sc. (33)

Fasten off Color F.

Weave in any tails not worked over.

Small Tail Feathers x3

These feathers are worked in the exact same manner as the large tail feathers. 

-Always starting on the same side and fastening off on the other.

-Work over the tail of each new color.

-Always sc in the first st (same as Ch 1 to attach).

Start with Color B.

Ch 5

Row 1: sc in the second ch from the hook, 2sc, 3sc in the last st, (working down the other side of the ch) 3sc. (9)

Fasten off Color B.

Pick up Color E.

Row 2: 3sc, inc 3 times, 3sc. (12)

Fasten off Color E.

Pick up Color D. 

Row 3: 5sc, inc 3 times, 4sc. (15)

Fasten off Color D. 

Pick up Color C. 

Row 4: 5sc, [inc, sc] 3 times, 4sc. (18)

Fasten off Color C.

Pick up Color F.

Row 5: 6sc, [inc, 2sc] 3 times, 3sc. (21)

Fasten off Color F. 

Only weave in any tails not worked over from when the colors were attached.

Assembly

For the most part Teak’s assembly is straightforward, but attaching the feathers and wings can be confusing. If you’re having trouble, the premium pdf has access to a full assembly tutorial video. You can get the premium version in my Etsy or Ravelry shops.

Beak

The top of the beak is where the decreases were. Looking from the side, the top has a slight concave curve while the bottom is a slight convex curve.

Lightly stuff the beak.

Pin it to the center of the face between the eyes with the top of the beak at about Row 7 or 8. Use the yarn tail you fastened off with to sew the beak to the head and weave any remaining yarn into the head.

Feet

Pin the feet to the bottom of the body with Row 11 of the feet being more towards the tail/back.

Before sewing, set Teak on a flat surface and see if he sits up and is balanced. (If he tilts forward slightly, it’s ok, the tail feathers will even it out.)

Sew only Row 11 to the body. Weave any remaining tail into the body.

Wings

Pin the wings to the front chest of the body.

Be sure to position them at a slight downward angle because you want to leave the unworked front loops from the body section visible (this is where the tail feathers will attach).

The pins along the front chest mark where you’ll sew the wings to the body. Sew the wings to the body.

Large Tail Feathers

Back Row

Find the last row of unworked front loops on the body (should be Row 30).

Take 3 of the large tail feathers and pin them along these loops (if you’re facing Teak head on, two will frame the head and one feather will be behind the head.

Cut a long piece of Color B and starting from the outside edge of one of the tail feathers, sew each feather to the body, being sure to work into those unworked front loops. 

It’s ok if the feathers extend a tiny bit past these front loops on either side. They are intended as a guide.

Once finished, tie off and weave the remaining tail into the body. Take all the excess color tails and just run them through the body and cut off the extra.

Middle Row

Fold the row of feathers you just sewed down (towards the tail) so they’ll be out of the way. 

Take the last two large tail feathers and position them along Row 29 on the unworked front loops. These feathers should be off-set from the back row.

Once in place, cut a long piece of Color B and, starting from the opposite outside edge as the previous feather row, repeat the same process of sewing the feathers to the body.

Also run the excess color tails through the body and cut the extra.

Small Tail Feathers

Front Row

Fold the middle row of feathers back toward the tail to keep them out of the way. 

Position the 3 small tail feathers along Row 28 of the unworked front loops. These feathers will mirror the back row with one on each side and one in the middle. 

Cut a long piece of color B and, starting from the opposite outside edge as the previous feather row, repeat the same process of sewing and weaving in tails.

Wattle

Position the wattle underneath the beak along the center of the neck with the back side (where the flat part transitions into the ring) facing the body.

Starting along the edge directly under the beak, sew the wattle to the body, working in a rectangle. (Down the side to where it forms a ring, across the ring and up the other side. 

Tie off and weave the remaining yarn into the body.

Wrap Up

Finished! If you loved this pattern, be sure to Pin it for later and share it with your friends. Connect with me either at chanel@cbfiberworks.com or on social @cbfiberworks! I’d love to see your beautiful Teak!

Do you have any special family traditions that you cherish? Leave a comment below!

If you’re interested in other fall-themed patterns, be sure to check out the Popcorn Pumpkin, which is available for free on the blog!