Hello and welcome to the crochet pattern for Iris the Baby Giraffe! Iris was my entry for the Amigurumi dot com Rainbow contest! I had a hard time thinking of something where I could place a rainbow pattern while still looking realistic. Even though I dreaded the idea of sewing on each individual spot it was the only way I could think of to bring my idea to life. I am so glad I followed it through, as she was voted into seventh place! I'll forever remember how I felt seeing her pop up on the Amigurumi dot com's page. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your vote if you voted for her and thank you so much for your support in purchasing this pattern. I put a lot of care and love into designing this pattern and adding as many photos and additional instructions as I could. I hope that you enjoy following this pattern to make your own Iris. Thank you so much for your support. <3

This is an advanced level pattern. While the main body is mainly done in one piece by joining various pieces together as you go, there are many smaller pieces for the head, and each spot has to be individually sewn on. The size and tediousness of the pattern can cause it to be more difficult to complete. I recommend you take your time to make this doll such as to not hurt or overexert yourself. Additionally, for the more complicated stitches, I have provided various pictures and detailed instructions to help you make this pattern. You can also check out my YouTube channel where you can find video tutorials for some of the more confusing stitches.

You should be familiar with the following stitches and skills for this pattern:
Basic Stitches: slip knot, slip stitch, chain stitches, single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet decrease, half double crochet, half double crochet increase, half double crochet decrease, double crochet, double crochet decrease, fasting off
Special Crochet Stitches: color change, invisible single crochet decrease, invisible half double crochet decrease, double crochet decrease into a back loop only
How to make a cow hitch knot
Making a magic ring
Working in the round (spiral)
Making a chain
Working into a foundation chain
Turning and working into turned pieces
Able to differentiate between turning pieces clockwise and turning pieces counterclockwise.
Able to keep track of your stitches and your rows
Counting stitches and rows
Able to identify between back and front loops of a stitch
Working into front loops only and back loops only
How to perform a color change
Securing loose ends
Using stitch markers to mark and identify stitches
Working into previously marked stitches
Working into stitches of previous rows
Working into stitches of different pieces
Working two individual pieces together
Working into different sides of a chain
Working over loose ends
Using a whip stitch to sew pieces onto each other and/or together
Embroidering on small details
Sewing two sides together to close off gaps
Weaving in loose ends after sewing pieces together
Cutting and styling yarn to give the impression of fur

I have broken down some rows in this pattern to help walk you through certain step by step instructions. These rows will read as 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e and so on. These are all part of row 1 (or whichever number you see in front of the letter), they have just been broken down to allow for detailed step by step pictures of certain stitches or rows that may contain a more complicated step.
Sample row:
R6: (sc, sc-inc)x3, 3sc, (sc, sc-dec)x2, 2sc, sc-inc, (hdc-inc)x2, (sc-inc)x2, 2ss, ch1 [30]
This reads as: Row 6. Complete one single crochet plus one single crochet increase three times. Complete three single crochet. Complete one single crochet plus one single crochet decrease two times. Complete two single crochet. Complete one single crochet increase. Complete two consecutive half double crochet increases. Complete two consecutive single crochet increases. Complete two consecutive slip stitches. Complete a chain one. There are 30 stitches in this row (note how the ch1 does not count towards the final stitch count, but the ss do count towards the final stitch count).
The stitch count at the end of the row indicates the row has ended and there should be that number of stitches in that row.
When directed to fast off, cut the yarn at the specified length and pull the loose end through the last stitch.

Abbreviations
R: row
Mr: magic ring
Sk: slip knot
Ch: chain
St: stitch
Sts: stitches
Ss: slip stitch
Yo: yarn over
Sc: single crochet
Sc-inc: single crochet increase
Sc-dec: single crochet decrease
Hdc: half double crochet
Hdc-inc: half double crochet increase
Hdc-dec: half double crochet decrease
Dc: double crochet
Dc-dec: double crochet decrease
FLO: front loop only
BLO: back loop only
Cm: centimeter

Safety Warnings
I do not recommend the dolls made from this pattern be given to infants, toddlers or young children. This pattern uses doll safety eyes which can pose a choking hazard. This pattern also creates small pieces which may also pose a choking hazard. Always supervise children when playing with dolls made from this pattern.
Though all of the pieces should be securely sewn, always supervise children when playing with this toy as pieces may come loose with enough force and pose a choking hazard.
Use caution when using scissors as they have sharp blades. Keep fingers away from their cutting edges. Use only for their intended purpose and with care.
Sewing pins should be stored in a designated area or pincushion when not in use. Use caution when using pins such as to not prick yourself. Use sewing pins with caution and for their intended purpose.

Terms and Conditions
By Purchasing this pattern, you agree to the following terms and conditions. This is an original TonkiCrafts Pattern. This pattern, and all parts derived from it, are protected by copyright laws. You may not use or claim any of the pictures in this pattern as your own. Copying, filming, altering, redistribution or resale of this pattern (or any of its parts) are not allowed. This pattern is intended for personal use only. You may sell dolls made from this pattern as long as they are made by you and not mass-produced. Mass production of this pattern is not allowed. Dolls must be sold one at time. Using this pattern for "preorder" or "made to order" formats is not allowed. When selling your dolls, please credit me as the creator of the pattern. An appropriate way to do so is: "Pattern by TonkiCrafts". Tagging me or links to my sites are not necessary, but greatly appreciated in your finished products.

Make sure to tag me @TonkiCrafts and use the tags #TonkiCrafts and #IrisTheBabyGiraffe to share your finished projects with me.