Rattlesnake Finger Puppet Free Crochet Pattern

Rattlesnake Finger Puppet Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little desert-boho rattlesnake is the perfect pocket-sized friend for story time, puppet shows, or a quick handmade gift. Worked in soft DK yarn in a cool ice blue with a silver rattle base, it slips right over a child's or adult's finger and wiggles to life. The short curved tube tapers to a closed snout with a tiny forked tongue, while embroidered black diamonds run along the back for that classic rattlesnake look. It works up in under an hour, so it's a wonderful stash-buster and a great way to practice simple shaping, back-loop joins, and embroidery on crochet.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: (3) Light/DK weight, cotton or acrylic. Color A (ice blue): 15 yd. Color B (silver): 5 yd. Color C (black): small amount for eyes and tongue.
• Hook: 3.75 mm (F/5)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill is not needed (this is a hollow finger puppet).
• Finished size: Approx. 3.5 inches (9 cm) long from rattle base to snout, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, fits a child or adult finger.

Abbreviations

• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a round with no hole.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc – increase: work 2 sc into the same stitch.
• dec – decrease: work 2 stitches together into 1 sc.
• blo – back loop only: work into the back loop of each stitch, leaving the front loop free.
• ch – chain.
• sk – skip: miss the next stitch or chain without working into it.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through everything on the hook.
• sts – stitches.

Gauge

5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm). Work a small flat swatch in sc and measure across several stitches to check; if your stitches are larger, go down a hook size so the puppet fits snugly on a finger.

Tips Before You Start

• Work the rattle base first and keep the front loops of Round 4 free — that's where the body joins, so don't crochet over them.
• Use a stitch marker at the start of each round; the tube is small and it's easy to lose your place.
• Stuff nothing — the puppet stays hollow so a finger slides in through the rattle base opening.
• Embroider the eyes, tongue, and diamonds after the body is closed so you can position them evenly on the finished shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rattle Base (Color B)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: sc in blo (18 sts). Leave the front loops free for the body join.

Rnds 5-6: sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 8: dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off.

Body (Color A)

Rnd 1: Join A to the remaining front loops of Rnd 4 of the rattle base, sc in each loop around (18 sts).

Rnds 2-6: sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnds 8-10: sc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 11: [sc, dec] x4 (8 sts).

Rnds 12-14: sc in each st around (8 sts).

Rnd 15 (mouth opening): sc, ch 1, sk 1, sc in next 5, ch 1, sk 1, sc (8 sts).

Rnd 16: sc in each st and each ch around (8 sts).

Rnd 17: sc, dec, sc, dec, sc (6 sts).

Rnd 18: dec x3 (3 sts). Fasten off.

Head Shaping

With A threaded on a tapestry needle, sew a running stitch around Rnd 17, then pull tight to close the snout. Secure the thread and weave in the end.

Eyes (Color C)

Embroider 2 French knots with C at Rnd 16, positioned 2 stitches apart on the top of the head.

Tongue (Color C)

Row 1: ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st in same ch, ch 2, sl st in same ch. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the tongue to the underside of the snout at Rnd 16.

Diamond Markings (Color C)

With C, embroider 3 small diamonds along the back using straight stitches, placing them at Rnd 6, Rnd 9, and Rnd 12.

Rattle Tufts (Color B)

Cut 3 lengths of B, each 6 inches long. Tie each one in a knot around Rnd 2 of the rattle base, spacing them evenly. Trim the ends to 1/4 inch.

Assembly and Finishing

The rattle base and body are joined as you go, so no seaming is needed there. Weave in all remaining ends on the inside of the puppet. Shape the snout gently with your fingers so the running-stitch closure sits neatly. Lightly steam or mist block the puppet, shaping the tube and rattle base with your hands, and let it dry completely — this helps the diamonds and eyes sit flat and even.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Color swap: Try sandy tan or sage green for the body and keep the silver rattle for a different desert palette.
• Extra rattle: Add a tiny bead or a few extra yarn tufts at the base for a louder "rattle" look.
• Gift set: Work a second puppet in a contrasting color and pair them as a desert animal duo for party favors.