Make Fall fun again with a funky Balafroga!

Keep away the cold with this unique balaclava: textured granny squares are seamed together and completed with a thick ribbed collar sporting a fun ruffled edge. Choose a wild variegated Rios colorway or opt for a more subtle heathered 220 Superwash colorway; the possibilities are endless!

I created this pattern both as an homage to the childhood franchise Frog and Toad, but also as an homage to the many endangered frogs and toads and other amphibians on our planet. Included in the pattern pages are 2 pages of information about climate change and its effects on amphibian populations. Please take a moment to read through and learn; together as an educated society we can protect the planet and all that live on it, including ourselves.

FOR ALL OF 2025, ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS PATTERN WILL BE DONATED TO THE AMPHIBIAN ARK!

DETAILS

skill level: intermediate/advanced beginner
I will not be teaching you how to crochet, but how to crochet this particular pattern. Many photos and detailed instructions are given, but prior knowledge of basic skills is needed.

There are 2 options for the ribbing: crochet or knit!

the balafroga is worked as separate granny squares that are then seamed. The collar and face opening are worked in the round.

dimensions: (when flat) 12 inches tall by 11 inches wide. Froggy eyes are not included in height.

crochet gauge dimensions: 1 puff granny square = 6.5 in x 6.5 in

your crochet gauge swatch is actually the first square of your balafroga!

knit gauge dimensions: 21sts = 4in in 2x2 rib

Stitches needed (US terminology):
slst - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
fpdc - front post double crochet
bpdc - back post double crochet
puff - puff stitch
k - knit
p - purl

MATERIALS

I used Malabrigo Rios for the original sample, but I have also made samples with Malabrigo Washted and Cascade 220 Superwash and all three lines made for lovely balafrogas. As long as you meet gauge and are happy with the fabric, please feel free to make substitutions as you wish.

about 238 yds Malabrigo Rios in colorway Ivy (Main color)
about 57 yds Malabrigo Rios in colorway Coco (Contrast Color)
several yards white scrap yarn (for eyes)

all yardage is given a “cushion” and has been increased by about 10% to ensure everyone has enough yarn
regardless of tension
(e.g. I only used about 216 yds of Ivy, but the yardage I list is 238 yds)

5mm/H hook
scissors
tapestry needle

this is my first ever pattern! I have tested extensively and had several others test (shoutout to Nina and Amy for testing this, thank you!!) but if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me and I’ll do my best to help you out! :heart: