Crochet Apple

Here's the pattern for the cute apples I made to accompany my Pirum Parum pears
(pattern by Tournicote). I am very happy with my apples' size and shape - I wanted
them to look like a real apple with a tapered bottom and a dimple at the top, and just the
perfect size to match the pears too. Using 8 ply (DK weight) yarn and a 4mm hook this
apple is approximately 13cm tall from the bottom to the tip of the leaf. Roughly the
same size as a real life large apple!
BODY
Rnd 1: Make 11sc into magic ring - 11 st
Rnd 2: inc 11 times 22 st
Rnd 3: *inc in next st, sc in next st; repeat from * around - 33 st
Rnds 48: Sc in each st around - 33 st
Rnd 9: *inc in next st, sc in next 10 sts; repeat from * around - 36 st
Rnd 10: *inc in next st, sc in next 11 sts; repeat from * around - 39 st
Rnd 11: *inc in next st, sc in next 12 sts; repeat from * around - 42 st
Rnd 12: *inc in next st, sc in next 13 sts; repeat from * around - 45 st
Rnd 13: *inc in next st, sc in next 14 sts; repeat from * around - 48 st
Rnd 14: *inc in next st, sc in next 15 sts; repeat from * around - 51 st
Rnds 15-19: Sc in each st around. Insert safety eyes (I used 7.5mm) between rounds 15
and 16 with 8 stitches between them. - 51 st
Rnd 20: *dec, sc in next 15 sts; repeat from * around - 48 st [TIP: for best results use
invisible decreases]
Rnd 21: *dec, sc in next 14sts; repeat from * around - 45 st
Rnd 22: *dec, sc in next 13sts; repeat from * around - 42 st
Rnd 23: *dec, sc in next 12sts; repeat from * around. Start stuffing with hobby fill or
similar. Continue stuffing firmly as you go. - 39 st
Rnd 24: *dec, sc in next st; repeat from * around26 st
Rnd 25: dec 13 times13 st. Finish stuffing, which should be quite firm.

Decrease 8 more times or until opening is small enough to close. Leave a 30cm yarn tail
and cut the yarn. Thread the yarn onto a long tapestry or doll making needle, and push it
through the top of the apple, all the way down through its middle, emerging at the
centre of the magic ring at the bottom. Pull the yarn all the way through, reverse and
push the needle back up all the way to the top. Tighten the yarn enough to form a nice
dimple form at the top of the apple (this is where you will attach the stem and leaf).
Take care you don't tighten too much or you may distort the bottom of your apple.
Weave in and fasten off.
STEM
Chain 10. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc in each chain (9sc). Fasten off,
leaving a 10cm yarn tail. Sew the stem onto the top of the apple.

LEAF
Rd 1 - Chain 11.
Rd 2 - Starting in the second chain from the hook, dc, dc, tr, tr, tr, tr, tr, tr, dc, 3dc in
same ch, turn around the corner without turning the piece over, dc, tr, tr, tr, tr, tr, tr, dc,
sc, stop work with 1 sl and fasten off, leaving a 10cm yarn tail. Sew the leaf onto the
apple next to the stem.

Embroider a mouth using black yarn or thread. Apply blush if desired. You can use a
beeswax crayon (apply with a scrap of cloth rather than directly, building up the colour
slowly) or non-toxic make up blush using a cotton bud.