Stan the Crochet Steller’s Jay
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There’s something about a crochet Steller’s Jay that’s just downright stunning. Maybe it’s those gorgeous shades of blue. Maybe it’s that dramatic little crest of feathers on top of its little head. Or maybe it’s the way this beautiful bird manages to look both a little mischievous and completely adorable all at once.
Whatever the reason, meet Stan the Steller’s Jay! He’s soft, squishy, and full of personality. Made with super bulky plush yarn, this crochet bird works up surprisingly fast and captures all that beautiful blue coloring in one irresistibly cuddly little package.
And there’s a little story behind how Stan came to be.
I absolutely love watching the eagle cam at the Big Bear eagle nest in California. There’s something so fascinating about getting a little glimpse into the lives of these magnificent birds. And, in fact, the nest inspired my crochet eagle pattern!
Well, this summer, while the eagles were off on their own adventures, a Steller’s Jay made an appearance on the nest camera. I was completely captivated.
And just like that, Stan was born!
I especially love his chubby little body, those two toned blue wings, and that adorable tuft of feathers on top of his head. He has all the charm of the real thing, just in a much softer, squishier version. And I have to say, I think he’s pretty darn cute!
And then, the next thing I knew, I researched birds specific to the west side of the United States and came up with a whole Pacific Northwest Bird Collection! Gosh.. I love crocheting these guys!
For this project, I’m using Premier Parfait Chunky yarn which is a chenille style #6 super bulky weight yarn. Pop over to Herrschner’s for the best pricing or Amazon. If you can’t locate a color, this Etsy shop seems to stock them all and has pretty fast shipping.
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The head and body is worked in 1 piece, starting with blue color yarn at the top of the head and then changing colors mid body. The tummy has a few extra stitches for the perfect amount of squish.
Like my other bird patterns, the details make all the difference when working with a bulky weight yarn. You’ll find the beak, feet, feathers have very few stitches, but very intentional placement. It’s so fun and quick to crochet these little elements.
Let’s crochet!
Crochet Steller’s Jay
Materials
- Premier Parfait Chunky, size 6 super bulky weight, 100% polyester, 131 yds/120m per 3.5 oz skein (try Herrschners, Amazon or Etsy)
- Charcoal (dark gray color): 28 yards
- Cornflower (Blue color): 27 yards
- Seal (light gray color): 3.5 yards
- US H8/5.00 mm crochet hook these are my absolute favorite hooks I recommend to everyone!)
- 10 mm safety eyes. NOTE: if making for a baby or young child, embroider eyes instead
- Stitch markers to keep track of rows
- Fiberfill
- Tapestry needle and scissors
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern: Crochet Abbreviations, US to UK Crochet Conversion Chart. Find links to stitches on the “Tutorial” menu: Getting Started will show basic stitches used in many patterns and Crochet Stitch Dictionary shows our growing collection of crochet stitch tutorials.
Gauge:
My gauge is 6 sc to 2 inches. However, gauge is not important in this pattern. You may use other weights of yarn. Adjust hook size to fit your needs.
Resources and crochet tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern: Crochet Abbreviations, US to UK Crochet Conversion Chart. Find links to stitches and basic crochet skills on the “Tutorial” menu: Getting Started will show basic stitches such as the slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet stitch and chain stitch used in many patterns and Crochet Stitch Dictionary shows our growing collection of crochet stitch tutorials.
Crochet Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch(es)
Finished Crochet Steller’s Jay Size
The crochet bird is approximately 6” tall x 4.5” wide.
How to Crochet a Steller’s Jay
The head and body of the crochet Steller’s Jay are worked in one piece, starting at the top of the head, decreasing at the neck and increasing to work the body, changing color along the way. Then we crochet the beak, wings, feet and top and tail feathers.
Bird Head and Body
Using dark gray yarn, make a magic ring.
R1: 6 sc into ring. Place stitch marker and work in continuous rounds. (6 st)
R2: 2 sc in ea st. (12 st)
R3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next. Repeat from * around. (18 st)
R4: *Sc in next 2 st, 2 sc in next. Repeat from * around. (24 st)
R5-8: Sc around. (24 st)
R9: *Sc in next 2 st, sc2tog. Repeat from * around (18 st)
R10: *Sc in next st, sc2tog. Repeat from * around. (12 st)
Insert safety eyes between rows 6 & 7, leaving 4 stitches in between them. Stuff head and continue to stuff body as you work.
R11: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next. Repeat from * around. (18 st)
R12: *Sc in next 2 st, 2 sc in next. Repeat from * around. (24 st)
R13: Sc around, changing to blue color in last stitch. (24 st)
R14: With blue, *Sc in next 5 st, 2 sc in next. Repeat from * around. (28 st)
R15-18: Sc around. (28 st)
R19: *Sc in next 5 st, sc2tog. Repeat from * around. (24 st)
R20: *Sc in next st, sc2tog. Repeat from * around (16 st) Firmly stuff body the rest of the way.
R21: *Sc2tog. Repeat from * around. (8 st) Fasten off, weave end through last stitches and pull tight.
Crochet Stellers Jay Beak
With light gray yarn, make a magic ring.
R1: 4 sc into ring (4 sts). Work in rounds.
R2: (Sc in next st, 2sc in next st) twice (6 st). Fasten off, using an invisible join if you prefer. Sew beak between and below eyes. Beak covers all of row 8 and parts of rows 7 & 9 (or as desired).
Top Feathers (Hair)
With dark gray yarn, *ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 st, repeat from * 2 more times. Fasten off and sew to top of head.
Wings (Make 2)
With blue yarn, make a magic ring.
R1: 4 sc into ring (4 sts). Work in rounds.
R2: (Sc in next st, 2sc in next st) twice. (6 st).
R3: (Sc in next 2 st, 2sc in next st) twice, changing to dark gray color in last stitch. (8 st)
R4: With dark gray, sc around. (8 st)
R5: Fold piece in half, then carefully sc across the double thickness. (4 st)
R6: Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice. (2 st) Fasten off leaving a long strand for joining.
Sew a wing on either side of the body near neck.
Tail Feathers
With blue yarn, *ch 7, sl st in next 1 st, repeat from * 2 more times (3 loops). Fasten off and sew to the lower back of bird.
Feet
With light gray yarn, ch 3
R1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook (1st toe made), *ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Repeat from * once (3 toes made). Then, sl st to very 1st chain in round to connect the toes back to the start. Fasten off leaving a long strand for joining.
Sew feet between rows 19 and 20 of body, or as desired.
Weave in any loose ends.
Final Thoughts on Stan the Steller’s Jay
I had so much fun designing Stan! I love how all those beautiful shades of blue come together and how that funny little crest gives him so much personality. And best of all? He’s a quick make too!
From his chubby little body to his two-toned blue wings and adorable little face, Stan has all the things I love most in an amigurumi project: simple stitches, easy construction, and a finished piece that makes you smile.
I especially love that Stan was inspired by a real bird that caught my eye during one of my Big Bear eagle nest watching adventures. It’s funny how inspiration can show up in the most unexpected places. One minute you’re watching eagles, and the next you’re dreaming up a new crochet pattern!
Whether you’re crocheting Stan for a bird lover, making him as a sweet little gift, or simply adding another feathered friend to your amigurumi bird collection, I hope you love every minute spent making him.
And don’t be surprised if Stan inspires you to crochet a whole flock of birds. Because once you start turning these beautiful little creatures into yarn, it’s awfully hard to stop at just one!
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this Crochet Steller’s Jay Bird pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @crochet365knittoo. If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Crochet 365 Knit Too Facebook page or pop over to the Crochet365KnitToo Club and share a photo! I’d love to see your work!
