How to Crochet Multipurpose Easter Egg Toys

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Form the egg base

Start by chaining 28 stitches with your worsted weight cotton yarn, then join the chain with a slip stitch to form a circle. This foundation chain sets the width for the rounded bottom of the egg, so keep your tension even across all 28 stitches to avoid puckering or an uneven shape once the egg is stuffed.

Step 2 — Work the first round

Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 19 single crochet stitches around the circle. Slip stitch to join to the top of the starting chain to close the round, then finish off and weave in the ends before moving on to the next stage. This first round establishes the small, rounded bottom of the egg.

Step 3 — Add the increase rounds

Chain 4, then slip stitch into the fourth chain from the hook to begin the next round. Work 6 single crochet stitches around, then increase by working two single crochet stitches into the next stitch — for this first increase round, that's the fifth chain from the hook. Slip stitch to join to the top of the starting chain-4, finish off, and weave in ends. Repeat this process over several more rounds, adding one additional increase each time: increase in the 8th chain from the hook on the next round, the 12th chain on the round after that, then the 16th, and finally the 20th chain from the hook. These gradual increases are what give the egg its characteristic widening, rounded shape.

Step 4 — Expand the egg to your desired size

Once the increase rounds are complete, continue working plain single crochet stitches around the circle without further increases, building up the height of the egg until it reaches your desired size — approximately 3 to 4 inches tall is a good guide for a classic small Easter egg toy. Finish off and weave in the ends once you've reached the height you want before moving on to stuffing.

Step 5 — Stuff the egg

Fill the egg with batting or poly-fil, packing it firmly enough that the rounded curve of the egg becomes clearly visible from the outside. If you'd like to make a cat toy version, this is also the point to tuck a little catnip in among the stuffing. If you're adding any cross stitch or embroidery details to the surface, it's easiest to add those before the egg is fully stuffed and closed.

Step 6 — Close the egg and finish

With the egg stuffed, work single crochet stitches around the circle for approximately 4 to 5 more rounds to gradually close the top opening. Using a yarn needle, sew up any remaining holes or gaps and reinforce the final stitch at the top as needed for a secure finish. To close the egg fully, insert the yarn needle down through the middle of the egg and push it out through the bottom where you originally started, then pull the tail firmly to draw the egg closed. Trim the yarn and smooth the stuffing from the outside to help the egg settle into a round base with a neat, pointed top. Repeat the whole process to make as many eggs as you like in different colours for a colourful Easter collection.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to crochet Easter egg toys?
You will need a size G (2.5mm) crochet hook, worsted weight cotton yarn in your chosen colours, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and stuffing material such as batting or poly-fil. Catnip and embroidery floss are optional extras if you want to add details or make the eggs into cat toys.

How do I form the base of a crochet Easter egg?
Start by chaining 28 stitches and joining with a slip stitch to form a circle. Work 19 single crochet stitches around starting from the second chain from the hook, then slip stitch to join to the top of the starting chain, finish off, and weave in ends.

How do I add increases while crocheting the Easter egg?
Chain 4, slip stitch into the fourth chain from the hook, then work 6 single crochet stitches around, increasing by making two single crochet stitches in the next stitch. Repeat this across several rounds, adding one more increase each time — for example in the 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th chain from the hook in successive rounds — to gradually shape the rounded body of the egg.

How do I stuff and close a crochet Easter egg?
Stuff the egg with batting or poly-fil until the curved shape is visible, then work single crochet stitches in the round for about 4 to 5 rounds to close the top. Use a yarn needle to sew up any holes or gaps, then insert the needle down through the middle of the egg and out through the bottom where you started, pulling the tail to close the egg before trimming the yarn and smoothing the filling to form a round base and pointed top.

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