Create a charming musical chameleon with this detailed crochet pattern. You will learn color changes, short rows and how to insert a pull-string music box while shaping a cuddly, striped body. Clear photos and tutorials guide you step-by-step so you can make a playful keepsake for home or gift-giving. Enjoy creative color choices and a satisfying finish.
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— Head :
Info :
I highly recommend to use the x-shape sc for this pattern! It creates tight stitches which are standing much more on top of each other, compared to the v-shape sc.
Using color A :
make a magic loop
Round 01 :
sc 6 into the magic loop (6)
Round 03 :
[°sc 3°, sc 3] 3x (18)
Round 04 :
sc 1, °sc 3°, sc 5, °sc 3°, sc 5, °sc 3°, sc 4 (24)
Round 05 :
sc 10, °sc 3°, sc 13 (26)
Round 06 :
sc 2, °sc 3°, sc 8, °sc 3°, sc 8, °sc 3°, sc 5 (32)
Round 07 :
sc 14, °sc 3°, sc 17 (34)
Round 08 :
sc 3, °sc 3°, sc 11, °sc 3°, sc 11, °sc 3°, sc 6 (40)
Round 09 :
sc 18, °sc 3°, sc 21 (42)
Round 10 :
sc 19, °sc 3°, sc 22 (44)
Round 11 :
sc 20, °sc 3°, sc 23 (46)
Round 13 :
sc 21, [inc] 2x, sc 23 (48)
Round 15 :
sc-blo 23, inc-blo, sc-blo 24 (49)
Round 17 :
sc 23, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 23 (51)
Round 18 :
sc 51 (→ photos 01+02)
Info :
Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Starting in the first stitch of the rnd count 7 stitches forward (→ photo 03).
Round 19 :
(short row) Join color B (orange) with a slip knot into the 7th stitch (→ Tutorial D) into the 7th stitch (→ photos 04+05), sc 1 into the next stitch (→ photo 06), sc 35, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (→ Tutorial F).
Round 20 :
(short row) Join color B with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous orange row (→ photo 07), sc 27, slst 1, cut the yarn close the row invisibly.
Round 21 :
(short row) Join color B with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous orange row (→ photo 08), sc 18, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly. Pick up the main color loop.
Round 22 :
sc 6, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join (→ photos 10+11), sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd orange row, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 3rd orange row, sc 19. (You’ve reached the first closing stitch of a short row now. Insert the hook into both front loops, the one of the original stitch and the front loop of the sewn closing stitch above the original stitch and sc-flo 1 into the closing stitch.)
Round 23-24 :
(2 rnds) sc 51 (51)
Info :
Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Starting in the first stitch of the rnd count 8 stitches forward.
Round 25 :
(short row) Join color C (yellow 1) with a slip knot into the 8th stitch (→ photo 19), sc 36, slst 1, cut the yarn, close row invisibly (→ Tutorial F).
Round 26 :
(short row) Join color C with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 27, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly.
Round 27 :
(short row) Join color C with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 18, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly.
Round 28 :
sc 7, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd yellow row, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 3rd yellow row, sc 33 (51)
Round 29-30 :
(2 rnds) sc 51
Info :
Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Now take a short break fit in the music box insert and stuff the body.
— Music Box Insert :
Info :
Put the music box into the head. Use the crochet hook to draw the pull cord of the music box through the center of the magic loop (→ photos 20+21). On the outside, fasten the cord with a safety pin, stitch marker, or knot to stop it from slipping back inside the head.
Info :
Next, stuff the space in front of the music box well (→ photo 22). Make sure the tip of the head is stuffed well enough to hold the music box back, when you pull the cord to make it play.
Round 31 :
(short row) Join color D (yellow 2) with a slip knot into the 9th stitch, sc 36, slst 1, cut the yarn and close invisibly (→ Tutorial F).
Round 32 :
(short row) Join color D with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 27, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly.
Round 33 :
(short row) Join color D with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 7, [dec] 2x, sc 7, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (49)
Round 34 :
sc 8, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd yellow row, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 3rd yellow row, sc 7, dec, sc 21 (48)
Round 35 :
sc 24, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 19 (46)
Round 36 :
sc 25, dec, sc 19 (→ photo 25) (45)
Info :
Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Starting in the first stitch of the rnd count 10 stitches forward.
Round 37 :
(short row) Join color E (yellow 3) with a slip knot into the 10th stitch, sc 13, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 12, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (→ Tutorial F) (43)
Round 38 :
(short row) Join color E with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 9, dec, sc 8, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (42)
Round 39 :
(short row) Join color E with a slip knot into the 5th stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 2, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 2, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (40)
Info :
Pick up the main color loop.
Round 40 :
sc 1, [dec] 2x, sc 4, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd yellow row, sc 4, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 3rd yellow row, sc 2, dec, sc 16 (37)
Round 41 :
sc 18, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 14 (35)
Round 42 :
sc 1, dec, sc 15, dec, sc 15 (→ photos 26-28) (33)
Info :
Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Starting in the first stitch of the rnd count 8 stitches forward.
Round 43 :
(short row) Join color F (yellow 4) with a slip knot into the 8th stitch, sc 8, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 8, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (→ Tutorial F). (31)
Round 44 :
(short row) Join color F with a slip knot into the 3rd stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 6, dec, sc 6, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly. (30)
Round 45 :
(short row) Join color F with a slip knot into the 3rd stitch of the previous yellow row, sc 2, [dec] 2x, sc 2, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly. (28)
Info :
Pick up the main color loop.
Round 46 :
sc 7, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 2, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd yellow row, sc 2, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 3rd yellow row, sc 1, dec, sc 11 (27)
Info :
TIP: You’ll work slip stitches in rnd 47 and throughout. Slip stitches are very tight stitches. Crochet them very loosely so you can insert the hook easily in following rnds.
Round 47 :
sc 1, inc, sc 11, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 6, slst 3 (26)
Round 48 :
slst 8, sc 7, dec, sc 9 (→ photo 29) (25)
Info :
Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Starting in the first stitch of the rnd count 9 stitches forward.
Round 49 :
(short row) Join color G/G1 (white/violet) with a slip knot into the 9th stitch, sc 4, dec, sc 1, dec, sc 4, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (→ Tutorial F). (23)
Round 50 :
(short row) Join color G/G1 with a slip knot into the 3rd stitch of the previous white row, sc 1, [dec] 2x, sc 1, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly. (21)
Info :
Pick up the main color loop.
Round 51 :
sc 3, inc, sc 4, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 2, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd white row, sc 1, dec, sc 6 (21)
Round 52 :
slst 8, sc 4, [dec] 2x, sc 5
Round 53 :
sc 4, inc, sc 7, dec, sc 5 (→ photo 30) (19)
Info :
Remove marker, sc 1, slst 1. Starting in the first stitch of the rnd count 8 stitches forward.
Round 54 :
(short row) Join color G (white) with a slip knot into the 8th stitch, sc 2, [dec] 2x, sc 2, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (→ Tutorial F). (17)
Round 55 :
(short row) Join color G with a slip knot into the 2nd stitch of the previous white row, sc 1, dec, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly. (16)
Info :
Pick up the main color loop.
Round 56 :
slst 7 (pm in 1st slst = new beginning of following rnds), sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 1, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd white row, dec, sc 4 (15)
Round 57 :
sc 3, inc, sc 5, dec, sc 4
Round 58 :
sc 1, slst 6, sc 3, dec, sc 3 (→ photo 31) (14)
Info :
Remove marker, sc 3. Take the main color loop off the hook and safe it on a stitch marker. Starting in the next stitch of the rnd count 5 stitches forward.
Round 59 :
(short row) Join color G (white) with a slip knot into the 5th stitch, sc 2, dec, sc 2, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly (→ Tutorial F). (13)
Round 60 :
(short row) Join color G with a slip knot into the 1st stitch of the previous white row, sc 1, dec, slst 1, cut the yarn and close the row invisibly. (12)
Info :
Pick up the main color loop.
Round 61 :
sc 1, (pm = new beginning of following rnds), inc, sc 2, sc 1 in same stitch as slip knot join, sc 1 in same st like slip knot join of 2nd white row, dec, sc 3, slst 1 (12)
Round 62 :
slst 5, sc 2, dec, sc 3 (11)
Round 63 :
sc 2, inc, sc 4, dec, sc 2
Round 64 :
change to color G (white) (→ Tutorial B), slst 3 (pm in 1st slst = new beginning of following rnds), sc 3, dec, sc 3 (10)
Round 65 :
sc 1, inc, sc 3, dec, sc 3
Round 66 :
slst 1, change to main color, slst 2, sc 2, dec, sc 3 (9)
Round 67 :
sc 1, inc, sc 3, dec, sc 2 (8)
Round 68 :
sc 1, slst 3, sc 1, dec, sc 2 (8)
Round 69 :
sc 2, change to color G, inc, sc 2, dec, sc 1
Round 70 :
slst 3 (pm in 1st slst = new beginning of following rnds), sc 1, dec, sc 2 (7)
Round 71 :
sc 1, change to main color and cut yarn G, inc, sc 1, dec, sc 2 (6)
Round 72 :
sc 1, slst 3, sc 1, dec (6)
Round 73 :
sc 1 (pm = new beginning of following rnds), sc 2, dec, sc 1 (5)
Round 74-75 :
(2 rnds) sc 5 (→ photo 33)
Info :
Cut the yarn, leaving a very long tail and close the last rnd invisibly (→ Tutorial F). Thread a yarn needle with the main color yarn tail. Starting at the tip of the tail, roll up the chameleon tail as shown in photos 34+35. Fasten the curled up tail with a sewing stitch every second, or third row. When the tail is all curled up, sew in the ends (→ photo 36).
— Head Shield :
Round 01 :
Holding the body head down, join main color with a standing sc (→ Tutorial E) into the first remaining front loop of rnd 15 (→ photo 37), sc 21, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 22, inc (51)
Round 02 :
slst 1, sc 7, hdc 8, dc 6, [dc-inc] 3x, dc 6, hdc 8, sc 10, dec (53)
Round 03 :
sc 25, inc, sc 27 (54)
Info :
Cut the yarn and close the rnd invisibly (→ Tutorial F). (→ photos 38+39)
— Eyes MAKE 2 :
Using color G (white) :
make a magic loop
Round 01 :
sc 7 into a magic loop (7)
Round 03 :
[sc 1, inc] 7x (21)
Round 04-05 :
(2 rnds) sc 21
Info :
Slst 1 into the next stitch, cut the yarn with a very long rest and close the rnd invisibly (→ Tutorial F). Attach a black safety eye in the center of the magic loop. Make another eye the same way.
Info :
Pin the eyes in position as shown in → photos 40+41, between the bottom of rnd 06 and the top of rnd 13. Use the white yarn tail to sew the back loops of the stitches of the last round of the eye onto the body (→ photos 42-45). Before closing the last few stitches, put a little bit of soft stuffing into the eye – just enough to keep the shape. Then, finish the last stitches and weave in the ends. With a long strap of main color (sage) yarn sew a border around each eye. Therefore, sew around each front loop 3 times (→ photo 47) – repeat all the way around the eye. Take care to sew rather loosely and place the stitches evenly next to another!
— Legs MAKE 4 :
Piece A :
Using main color (sage), make a magic loop.
Round 01 :
sc 6 into a magic loop (6)
Round 02-03 :
(2 rnds) sc 6
Info :
Slst 1 into the next stitch, cut the yarn and close rnd invisibly (→ Tutorial F).
Piece B :
Repeat instructions as given for piece A until the end of rnd 03. Don’t cut the yarn this time, but hold piece A next to the hook.
Round 04 :
On piece A, sc 1 into the next stitch after the closing stitch (→ photo 48 / pm = 1st stitch), sc 4, skip the closing stitch on piece A and one stitch on piece B (→ photo 49), then sc 5 along piece B. (10)
Round 06 :
sc 1, sc3tog, sc 6 (8)
Round 07 :
sc3tog, sc 5 (6)
Info :
Close the open end flat with a row of sc stitches: Fold, so that 2 stitches line each other in 2 layers (→ photo 50). Go through both layers at once: sc 2. Cut the yarn with a long rest to sew the leg onto the body. Make another 3 legs the same way. Pin the legs into place (→ photo 52) and sew them onto the body, then weave in all ends.
— Fly :
Using color H (petrol) :
make a magic loop
Round 01 :
sc 6 into a magic loop (6)
Info :
Take a break to attach the fly to the pull string of the music box. Draw the end of the pull string through the center of the magic ring and place the fly next to the tip of the snout of the chameleon with a distance of 2–3 cm between the fly and the tip of the snout. Knot the end of the pull string near to the surface inside the body of the fly. Make sure the knot is big and fastened enough so it can’t slip back through the center of the magic loop when you pull the fly later.
Round 04-05 :
(2 rnds) sc 12 (12)
Round 06 :
[sc 1, dec] 4x, stuff the body (8)
Round 07 :
[inc-flo, sc-flo 1] 4x (12)
Info :
Attach the colored safety eyes (Ø10 mm) between rnds 08 and 09 (→ photo 55). Stuff the body lightly so the eyes fit snugly. Sew the wings and small details as described in the pattern.
Assembly Instructions
- Insert the mechanical pull-string music box into the head through the magic loop opening; draw the pull cord through the center and secure the cord on the outside with a safety pin or knot so it cannot slip back inside.
- Stuff the body well around the music box so the toy holds shape and the music box sits snugly; make sure the tip of the head is stuffed enough to hold the music box back when you pull the cord.
- Pin and sew the eyes between the bottom of rnd 06 and the top of rnd 13, sewing the back loops of the eye’s last round to the body and finishing with a decorative border of main color yarn around the front loops.
- Sew the legs onto the lower side of the body in the positions shown in the photos (refer to photo references in the pattern), using the yarn tails to attach them securely and then weave in ends.
- Attach the fly to the pull string at a distance of about 2–3 cm from the snout; knot the pull string inside the fly so it cannot slip through the magic loop when pulled.
- Sew the head shield into position over the front of the head, aligning the joining front loops as described, and close invisibly where indicated.
Important Notes
- 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds, especially during color changes and short rows.
- 💡Stuff firmly but not too tightly for the best shape and structure; overstuffing can distort the body around the music box.
- 💡Work slip stitches loosely to make it possible to insert the hook in following rounds without difficulty.
- 💡If making this for a child under 3, avoid using unsafe eyes; embroider the eyes or use securely attached alternatives.
This adorable Chameleon Conrad is a playful musical friend with a tiny fly on its tongue and colorful stripes. It combines shaping, short rows, and a hidden music box for a delightful handmade surprise. Make one as a special gift or a charming shelf companion — have fun! 🧶🎵✨
What size will the finished piece be?
If made from the recommended yarn the chameleon turns out a length of approx. 17 cm (6.7 inch) and a height of approx. 15 cm (6 inch).
Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?
Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the final size and the required music box fit; adjust the hook size accordingly and check gauge.
Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?
This pattern is rated intermediate and uses short rows, color joins and working in front/back loops — basic knowledge of crochet stitches and these techniques is recommended.
How long does this project typically take to complete?
Most crocheters complete this project in 8-10 hours, though time may vary depending on experience, colorwork choices and assembly complexity.
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