create the starting ring using a size H hook and 2-3 strands of yarn held together
crochet 3 chains; slip stitch last chain to first chain to make a loop or ring
work between 10-15 single crochets into the starting ring, which becomes chain 2
slip stitch the last single crochet to the top stitch in the chain 2 that started this round
on chain 2, single crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then do 2 single crochets into the next stitch, single crochet into the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch
so on around the circle
slip stitch your last single crochet into the top of the chain 2 that started this round
repeat until your circle is at least 3 inches (you can make your nest with a bottom from 3 to 6 inches)
once you have made the bottom of the 3- 6 inches, from all rounds thereafter crochet one single crochet into each stitch (you will see how your ‘sides’ begin to form)
crochet until the sides are about 2-3 inches high
bind off
weave into loose ends
Baby Bird Nest (Knitting)
Materials
several yards of worsted weight yarn
size H hook
Tips
to make sure the nest is tight and washable, use washable yarn
use 2 different colors to make counting stitches easier
use 3 strands if the yarn is very fine
use double-pointed needles-just about any size from 5 through, depending on the weight of the yarn
you can use circular needles if you prefer
when doing K2tog, it seems to be easier to knit through the back loops rather than the front
if you are still having problems with K2 tog, try using a crochet hook to pull the yarn through
only decrease to the point where you have a small, easily close gap in the bottom of the nest, otherwise there can be a bump on the bottom that can make the nest unstable
these instructions are for nests that are about 4 inches across
cast on fewer stitches for smaller nests
they knit up so quickly, it’s easy to experiment (if the nest is much smaller, start the decrease with K6, K2tog)
the yarn should not be fuzzy because the birds’ toes will get caught
Instructions
cast 54 stitches; divide evenly among 4 dpns
work in stockinette stitch (or K stitch) until the nest is approximately 3 inches tall
purl one row; then start to decrease:
K7, K2tog-repeat to end
K6, K2tog-repeat to end
K5, K2tog-repeat to end
K4, K2tog-repeat to end
K3, K2tog-repeat to end
K2, K2tog-repeat to end
K1, K2tog-repeat to end
cut yarns, leaving a 6 inch tail
slide yarn on needle
draw tight to close up end (put a few stitches across the gap if need be)
