If you’re on the hunt for a sweet and cheerful design to brighten up your crochet projects, this free filet crochet rubber duck is just the thing! With its playful shape and simple stitches, it’s the perfect little motif to add a splash of joy to baby blankets, nursery décor, or even fun household accessories.
Worked in basic filet crochet (just chains and double crochets) it’s beginner-friendly and surprisingly satisfying to watch the duck shape appear as you go. Whether you stitch it into a single panel, repeat it for a larger project, or use it as a whimsical accent, this little duck is guaranteed to bring smiles.
So grab your yarn, pick your favorite colors, and let this charming duck paddle its way into your next creation!
Materials
For this cheerful little rubber duck square, I reached for Zeeman Royal in a soft yellow shade. It’s one of my favorite budget-friendly yarns. It’s easy to find here in the Netherlands, cozy to work with, and perfect for playful designs like this one. Each skein weighs 100 grams and gives you around 241 meters of worsted weight yarn. You’ll only need about half a skein to complete the square, so it’s a great stash-friendly project too!
I used a 5.0 mm crochet hook, which gave me a lovely balance between softness and stitch definition.
Want to switch things up? Feel free to use a different yarn if you have something else in mind! A DK (#3) yarn works beautifully for a slightly smaller version. Just remember to adjust your hook size to suit your yarn so your stitches stay neat and even.
You’ll also need:
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in those ends)
That’s it! Simple supplies, a splash of color, and a whole lot of charm. Let’s get stitching!
Abbreviations and Pattern Notes
Before we dive into the stitches, here’s a quick rundown of the abbreviations and notes you’ll need to follow along with this pattern. I’ve written everything in US crochet terms, so if you’re used to UK terms, just keep that in mind as you go.
Abbreviations:
- CH = chain
- SL ST = slip stitch
- SC = single crochet
- DC = double crochet
Notes:
– When you see “CH3” at the beginning of a round, it counts as your first DC.
– Any stitches placed between { } should be worked into the same stitch or space.
Finished Size
The rubber duck square works up to approximately 28 x 28 cm (11 x 11 inches).
Keep in mind, your final dimensions might vary depending on the yarn and hook you use. If you opt for a lighter yarn or a smaller hook, your square will naturally turn out a bit smaller. That’s the beauty of crochet: it’s easy to customize!
Feel free to adjust based on your project goals. Whether you’re aiming for a snug baby blanket or a larger statement piece, this little duck is ready to fit right in.
Disclaimer: This pattern is for your personal use only and cannot be sold, copied, or reproduced in any way without permission from the designers. You may sell finished objects made from this pattern in small quantities but please provide pattern credit back to crazycrochetstudio.com as the pattern designer when posting online. Do not use my photos when selling your finished items.
Rubber Ducky Square – Full Pattern & Border Instructions
Ready to bring this cheerful little duck to life? Below you’ll find the full pattern instructions for the filet crochet rubber ducky square.
The design is worked over 45 stitches and 30 rows of double crochet.
Start with a CH47.
Row 1:
DC in the fourth CH from the hook, 44DC. Turn. (45)
Row 2:
CH3, 9DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 10 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC. Turn.
Row 3:
CH3, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 25DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC. Turn.
Row 4:
CH3, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 27DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC. Turn.
Row 5:
CH3, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 13DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 2 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC. Turn.
Row 6:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC. Turn.
Row 7:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 8:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 15DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 9:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 16DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 10:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 17DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 11:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 26DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 12:
CH3, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 25DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 13:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 21DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC. Turn.
Row 14:
CH3, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 15DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 2 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 15:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC. Turn.
Row 16:
CH3, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 11DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 17:
CH3, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC. Turn.
Row 18:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC. Turn.
Row 19:
CH3, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 18DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 20:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 20DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 20DC. Turn.
Row 21:
CH3, 18DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 17DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 22:
CH3, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 16DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 19DC. Turn.
Row 23:
CH3, 17DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC. Turn.
Row 24:
CH3, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 18DC. Turn.
Row 25:
CH3, 17DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 15DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC. Turn.
Row 26:
CH3, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 14DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 19DC. Turn.
Row 27:
CH3, 19DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 11DC. Turn.
Row 28:
CH3, 11DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 21DC. Turn.
Row 29:
CH3, 22DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 3 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 13DC. Turn.
Row 30:
CH3, 44DC.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Adding the Border
Once your rubber duck square is complete, it’s time to give it a neat and polished finish with a simple single crochet border. This step not only frames your design beautifully but also makes it easier to join with other squares if you’re building a blanket.
Quick Note:
– Whenever you see stitches written between { }, that means they should all be worked into the same stitch or space. This is especially important for shaping the corners.
– When you’re done, you should have 45 single crochet stitches (SC) on each side.
Here’s how to work the border:
- With the right side facing you, attach your yarn to the top right corner stitch of the square.
- Work 44SC evenly across the top.
- In the first corner, work {1SC, CH2, 2SC} all into the same stitch.
- Crochet 42SC down the left side. To keep things even, alternate 1SC in the double crochet and {2SC} in the CH3 space.
- In the second corner, work {1SC, CH2, 1SC} into the same stitch.
- Work 43 SC across the bottom edge.
- In the third corner, work {1SC, CH2, 2SC} into the same stitch.
- Crochet 43 SC up the right side, again alternate 1SC in the double crochet and {2SC} in the CH3 space.
- Finish the round with CH2 and a slip stitch into the very first stitch to close the fourth corner.
Fasten off and use a tapestry needle to weave in your ends.
And just like that, your ducky square is framed and ready to shine. Whether it’s joining a blanket or standing proudly on its own!
Let’s Connect on Social Media!
I love seeing your beautiful creations come to life! If you’ve made the rubber duck filet crochet square, don’t be shy and tag me @crazycrochetstudio on Instagram so I can admire your work and share the joy with our crochet community.
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