Project introduction
This is a pattern overview, not a full tutorial, so you will not find row by row instructions here. The Whale Applique by Raffaella Tassoni of Raffamusa Designs is a crochet applique and embellishment worked as a one piece design. The written pattern uses US terminology and includes phototutorial support. It offers two whale sizes, making it a sweet finishing touch for baby items, summer accessories, and other yarn projects.
This guide summarizes the supplies, sample yarn, finished dimensions, and gauge notes from the source listing, plus practical access details. For the complete instructions, photos, and any updates, please use the Original designer’s pattern and instructions link directly from the designer.
Whale Applique
The whale is constructed as a single piece applique, which keeps finishing simple. The source describes a written pattern with step by step photographs, presented in US terms. Two versions are included, a big whale and a little whale, so you can match the motif to your project. These little whales are meant to be sewn or attached as decorative embellishments rather than standalone toys.
Gather these supplies before you begin. The list below reflects the source materials exactly, with the sample hook shown in metric plus US and UK equivalents. Choose any yarn you like, then pair it with a hook that suits it.
- Yarn of choice; the sample uses sport weight cotton.
- Crochet hook to suit your yarn; the sample uses 2.5-mm (C/2 US, 12 UK).
- Black embroidery thread, a short length, for stitching the eyes and mouth.
- Light blue yarn or embroidery thread, a short length, for the water splash detail.
- Embroidery needle.
- Tapestry needle.
- Sample colorway: Schachenmayr Catania, color A in blue and color B in white.
Size depends on your yarn and hook. With sport weight yarn and a 2.5-mm hook, the source gives these finished dimensions. The motif is small, so the designer notes that gauge cannot be determined accurately. Use the table as a planning guide.
| Whale | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Big Whale | 2.5” (6 cm) | 1.5” (3.8 cm) |
| Little Whale | 2” (5 cm) | 1” (2.5 cm) |
The source yarn reference names sport weight cotton, specifically Schachenmayr Catania, and the pattern page also lists Lammy Yarns Rio. Both are 100% cotton, 137 yards per 50 grams. Community activity includes 19 projects and 52 queues, with an overall rating of 4.6 from 5 votes and a clarity rating of 5.0. The Ravelry download is listed at €3.00 EUR, and a free version is also available through the pattern website.
If you enjoy small decorative motifs, keep exploring the site. Readers who like quick appliques may also enjoy the Crochet Cardinal Applique or Pocket Pal Amigurumi: Pattern Overview and the Red Delicious Apple Applique: Pattern Overview, which are presented in the same overview style.
