Free Pattern: Toy Leash

After a recent three-hour wait in a public place, during which time I baby-wiped #2's toys a zillion times, I made this to keep her toys from falling on the ground.  This is a good alternative to using play links, as they can be clunky or too heavy for the baby to play with the toy.

User assumes all risk.  Use only under direct adult supervision.  Never leave child alone with toy leash.  Please use common sense and keep your baby safe from strangulation!


Supplies:
Small amount of medium weight yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice because I had it left over from a recently completed Christmas present, and it’s nice and soft.  Cotton would also be a good choice.)
Hook appropriate for your yarn (I used a 6mm J/10 hook)
Yarn needle
One Medium to Large button
One Toy link

Abbreviations:
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Sl st – slip stitch
Fsc – foundation single crochet (there are lots of great tutorials out there for the fsc, including this one from The Crochet Spot blog)

Instructions:
Ch 6
Row 1: Dc in third ch from the hook.  Dc across (4 dc).  Ch 2, turn
Row 2: Dc across (4 dc).  Ch 2, turn
Row 3-9: Repeat Row 2
Row 10: Dc across (4 dc).  Ch 1, turn
Row 11: sl st in first dc, 20 fsc. (For a shorter leash, fsc 10.  After some field-testing with #2, a shorter leash is probably advisable, since the chain is stretchy.)  Finish off with a long tail.

Finishing: Using the tail on the end, sew the final fsc to the fourth fsc back, making a loop.  Slide toy link through loop.
Sew button to cuff on the fsc chain end, in the center between rows 9 and 10.  Use holes between dcs as button holes.

To use: Clip toy onto link.  Wrap cuff around stroller, highchair or baby’s wrist to keep the toy from hitting the ground when the baby inevitably drops it.

©2010 Alli Hyer, all rights reserved. You may not sell items made with this pattern. You may not sell this pattern or claim it as your own.  You may publish or post a link to this pattern, but you may not publish or post this pattern in whole or in part.