Ribbed Raccoon Bib with Ears: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This ribbed raccoon bib is a sweet, cozy little project for anyone expecting a baby or looking for a handmade gift for a new arrival. The post-stitch ribbing gives the fabric a soft, vertically ridged texture that looks just like fluffy raccoon fur, and the natural undyed DK merino feels gentle and warm against delicate skin. Two pointed ears at the top corners, a striped tail patch on the lower half, and simple embroidered eyes and nose turn a plain rectangle into a charming woodland friend. It works up quickly with basic stitches, so it is a wonderful first project for a beginner who wants to try post stitches.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (light worsted), 100% merino, 50 g / 120 yd per skein:
  • Color A (natural undyed): 1 skein (main bib, neck strap, ears)
  • Color B (dark grey): small amount for tail stripes
  • Color C (black): small amount for eyes and nose
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
• Notions: tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, blocking pins and mat
• Finished size: Width 7 inches (18 cm) at widest, height 8 inches (20 cm) from neck to bottom; neck strap 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide; fits 0–6 months (head circumference 14–16 inches)

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• FPdc – front post double crochet: work a dc around the post of the stitch below, from the front
• BPdc – back post double crochet: work a dc around the post of the stitch below, from the back
• inc – increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec – decrease: work 2 sc together into 1 stitch
• sts – stitches
• [ ] x – repeat the instructions in brackets the number of times shown

Gauge

18 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in post-stitch ribbing pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in the pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed.

Tips Before You Start

• Post stitches are worked around the post of the stitch below, not into the top loops, so keep your tension relaxed to avoid a stiff fabric.
• Always work the first FPdc or BPdc of a row around the post of the turning chain's stitch so the ribbing stays even at the edges.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each row, since post stitches can make the row start hard to see.
• Keep the ears and tail patch small and flat when sewing so they lie smoothly against the bib.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bib Body (Color A)

Row 1: Ch 33, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across (30 dc).

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, [FPdc, BPdc] across, ending with FPdc (30 sts).

Rows 3–24: Repeat Row 2 (30 sts). Do not fasten off.

Rows 25–40: Ch 2, turn, FPdc in first 10 sts, BPdc in next 10 sts, FPdc in last 10 sts (30 sts). Fasten off.

Neck Strap (Color A)

Join yarn at the top right corner of the bib.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc evenly along top edge to top left corner (30 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (30 sc).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (30 sc). Fasten off.

Ear (make 2, Color A)

Row 1: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook (3 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in each sc (6 sc).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, [sc, inc] x3 (9 sc).

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc (9 sc).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, [sc, dec] x3 (6 sc).

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, dec x3 (3 sc). Fasten off.

Tail Patch (Colors B and A)

Row 1 (B): Ch 7, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across (5 dc).

Row 2 (B): Ch 2, turn, dc in each dc (5 dc).

Row 3 (B): Ch 2, turn, dc in each dc (5 dc). Change to A.

Row 4 (A): Ch 2, turn, dc in each dc (5 dc).

Row 5 (A): Ch 2, turn, dc in each dc (5 dc). Change to B.

Row 6 (B): Ch 2, turn, dc in each dc (5 dc).

Row 7 (B): Ch 2, turn, dc in each dc (5 dc). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the ears to the top corners of the bib, 1 inch from the side edges. Sew the tail patch centered on the bottom half of the bib. With color C, embroider the eyes as 2 French knots 1 inch apart, 1 inch below the top edge. Embroider the nose as 1 horizontal straight stitch centered below the eyes. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by pinning the bib to shape, misting with water, and letting it dry flat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the natural merino for a soft cotton blend for an easier-to-wash bib for everyday use.
• Make the tail patch longer or add an extra stripe for a bolder raccoon look.
• Use a slightly larger hook for a looser, drapier fabric if you prefer a softer bib.