Meet Bali the Lion Rattle: A Roaringly Cute Crochet Pattern for Baby
Attaching the Lion to the Ring
Sew the finished lion head to the covered wooden ring. Position the lion so that the ring sits at the bottom, like a handle for baby to hold. The face should be centered and facing forward.
Embroidering the Face: Eyes and Nose
Now for the sweetest part—giving Bali his peaceful expression!
Feel free to embroider the eyes and nose however you like: closed eyes, open eyes, smiling, serious… any way you choose will look beautiful!
Recommendation: Use one or two strands of thread at most so the embroidery doesn’t become too thick.
For a sleepy, peaceful expression (as shown in the photos):
- Closed Eyes: Embroider two curved lines that look like sleepy, closed eyes—a gentle downward curve or a “U” shape on its side.
- Nose: Embroider a small triangle or oval nose in the center of the face, just below the eyes.
Your Bali the Lion Rattle Is Complete!
Congratulations, dear crocheter! You’ve just created the most precious gift for a special little one. Give yourself a huge round of applause—Bali is absolutely beautiful!
I love how this pattern combines texture, sound, and visual appeal into one wonderful toy. The fluffy bobble stitch mane is so satisfying to make and even more satisfying to touch. The peaceful embroidered face gives Bali such a gentle, calming presence—perfect for nap time, car rides, or quiet cuddles. And that wooden ring? It’s not just adorable—it’s practical, giving baby an easy-to-grasp handle that’s safe and natural
This rattle is perfect for:
- Baby shower gifts—so unique and handmade with love
- Newborn presents—safe, soft, and sensory-rich
- Easter baskets or first birthdays
- Selling at craft fairs—this one will fly off your table
- Your own little one—because every baby deserves a handmade lion friend
Tips for Success
- Bobble Stitch Practice: If you’ve never made a bobble stitch before, practice on a swatch first! The key is keeping all 4 loops at the same height and tension. The designer has a video tutorial on her YouTube channel “Dale Vida” if you need visual guidance.
- Counting Bobbles: You’ll need 42 bobble stitches in the first mane round. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round and count as you go!
- Mane Waves: Remember that the second mane round is worked in the SPACES between bobbles, not in the stitches themselves. This is what creates that beautiful fluffy, wavy effect.
- Ring Cover Fit: Everyone’s tension is different! Don’t worry if you need to adjust the number of chains or rows for your ring cover. The important thing is that it fits snugly around your wooden ring.
- Stuffing with the Rattle: When you stuff the head and insert the rattle, make sure the rattle is centered and surrounded evenly by stuffing. This prevents it from poking through and ensures a nice, even sound.
- Embroidery: Use just 1-2 strands of thread for the face details. Thicker thread can look bulky and distort the stitches. Simple, delicate embroidery is often the sweetest!
- Safety First: If giving this to a baby, make sure all parts are sewn on extremely securely. The eyes and nose should be embroidered (not safety eyes) for the youngest recipients. Double-check that the rattle is fully enclosed and cannot work its way out
A Final Word from Our Cozy Corner
There you have it, dear friends—Bali the Lion Rattle, ready to roar with cuteness! I hope this pattern brought you joy and that your finished lion brings even more joy to the little one who receives him.
There’s something so special about handmade baby gifts, isn’t there? Every stitch carries a little piece of your love, your hopes, and your wishes for the baby’s happiness and safety. This little lion will be shaken, chewed, cuddled, and loved—and through it all, your love will be right there with him.
Thank you for spending your precious crochet time with me. Now go give your lion a gentle shake and listen to that sweet little rattle sound—music for any baby’s ears!
Happy crocheting, and a huge hug
