Are you a fan of the concept of Elf of the Shelf, but totally creeped out by his sinister grin? Try setting up cute Christmas scenes with an Armadillo on the Pillow instead! A fan of “Friends” looking for your own part-Jewish holiday armadillo? As Santa’s representative to the southern States and Mexico, Rudyard is the perfect candidate! In need of a cute pal for your kids (or yourself, I won’t judge!) who matches a storybook character? He goes perfectly with Rudyard Kipling’s “The Beginning of the Armadillos”, which is free online and is one of my very favorite children’s stories!

Stuff you need:

• G (4mm) and H (5mm) hooks, or two other hooks one millimeter apart
• Worsted weight yarn in tan and beige, plus some scrap yarn in your chosen colors if you would like to make his optional yarmulke
• Eyes or yarn to embroider as eyes (I used 12mm safety eyes)
• Stuffing (such as Polyfil)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker for working in rounds (or scrap yarn if you’re cheap like me)

Things you need to know:

• How to make and crochet in a magic circle
• How to chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, increase and decrease, work in the front loop only, and make front post double crochet stitches (American terms)

I’ve included several photos to help with part making and assembly. The finished product stands about 10 inches tall and can stand on his own without any support.