I created this pattern using basic amigurumi techniques for crocheting in the round. The nests are needed by various wildlife rehabilitation groups. I originally put this pattern together for San Rafael’s WildCare, but feel free to use it for any group that needs small bird nests.

This uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn and a size H hook. The finished size should be 3 inches high and 4 inches wide. This should be stitched with a tight gauge so that there are no holes that the bird’s legs might get stuck in. A few crocheters have used this same pattern and used doubled worsted weight yarn and either a G or F hook. Obviously, everyone’s gauge varies, so keep this in mind.

You can start with magic ring, or I prefer to do what some people call a “sloppy slip knot.” I got this technique from Fresh Stitches, and it works well for making sure you don’t have a hole in the center when you crochet in the round. A stitch marker to keep count of each row that you increase in is very helpful. I also crocheted in the back loops (something else I learned from Stacey at Fresh Stitches). I find this helps for counting rows since you actually have lines on the nest by doing this.

ch 2
Round 1: sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook (6)
Round 2: sc twice in each st (12)
Round 3: * sc twice in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (18)
Round 4: * sc twice in next st, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (24)
Round 5: * sc twice in next st, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (30)
Round 6: * sc twice in next st, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (36)
Round 7: * sc twice in next st, sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (42)
Round 8 – 13: sc in each stitch
End with 1 slip stitch in the next stitch and pull yarn through top of next stitch.
Weave in all tails.