Jane's Chicken Sweater

It was -14 degrees this morning when we left at 8:30 to take Abby to school. It's just a wee bit warmer in the chicken coop at 14 degrees above zero. Jane had a little problem - no feathers from mating and too cold to get herself warm. So today's project was making Jane a chicken sweater. Here's how we pulled it together.

Materials: 

Pattons Classic Wool (just ends of a skein - we used maybe 1/8th of a skein)

2 large and 1 small button

Size H crochet hook

Note: Jane is a frizzle cochin, so this pattern is fitted for a small bantam breed. This pattern will not fit onto a laying hen without some major modification.

A very naked chicken who really needed a sweater.

Pattern:

Row 1: Chain 40

Row 2: Double Crochet into 38 stitches, Chain 1, Double Crochet into last stitch

Rows 3-10: Double Crochet

After row 10 break wool and weave in ends.

Straps: 

Row 1: Double Crochet into the first five stitches.

Row 2: Turn work and Double Crochet into Row 1

Row 3-10: Double Crochet

Row 11: Chain 6 and join chain to opposite side of strap (making a loop for a large button).

Repeat for a second strap on the last five stitches of the cape.

Button Tab:

In the middle 10 stitches of the cape, Double Crochet for 5 rows. Attach two large buttons to secure the loops.

I also chained a strap 6 stitches long to go around behind Jane's legs. She did not appreciate it, but the sweater stays on better.

It also is very helpful to have a three year old who will "sort" your buttons and play with the chicken in between fittings. Thanks Olivia!