Gary the Gecko – Axolotl Mod | FREE

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a good variety of smaller items and patterns that you can offer at your markets for a lower price point. For me I like to focus on the $10 and $20 items and last year one of my best sellers in the $20 category were axolotls !

Now instead of coming up with an entirely new axolotl design to bring to market, I decided to take my existing Gary the Gecko pattern, which was already a fan favourite, and modify it slightly to transform it into an axolotl and I will outline the steps for you below ! This means that if you already have my Gary the Gecko pattern you can make Gary the Axolotl. 

The following steps are done using surface crochet. This is where you crochet into the front of a stitch instead of the top loop like we usually do. It is the exact same as typical crochet except where you insert your hook. 

You will need:

• A finished Gary the Gecko
• Yarn in a contrasting colour
• Crochet Hook
• Scissors 

Gills

We are going to start with the gills on either side of the head behind the eyes and will be making the left set of gills first. 

With the gecko facing towards you facing upwards, insert your hook into the stitch marked A in the photo below and attach your yarn. 

Once your yarn is attached, chain 4, starting in the second loop from the hook SLST 3 times back down the chain, SLST into the stitch marked B in the photo below. We are going to do this 2 more times in order to create 3 gills. 

Chain 4, starting in the second loop from the hook SLST 3 times back down the chain, SLST into the stitch marked C in the photo below. 

Chain 4, starting in the second loop from the hook SLST 3 times back down the chain, SLST into the stitch marked D in the photo below. 

Fasten off your yarn and make a final SLST to secure the end. Tuck the ends inside the body. 

You have now created one set of gills, do this same process behind the right eye to create the right set of gills. 

Tail Fin

Next we are going to create the tail fin of the axolotl. Take your Gary the Gecko and find the centre of the back marked E in the photo below. This spot is just behind the head. Attach your yarn to this stitch. 

We are going to be working towards the tail so have the head of the Gecko facing towards your right and chain 2. Place 1 HDC into each stitch along the back until you reach the end of the tail, then chain 2 to “jump over” our go past the MR at the end of the tail and continue to HDC on the underside of the tail until you reach the body, marked F in the photo below. 

Fasten off your yarn and make a final SLST to secure the end. Tuck the ends inside the body. 

And now you have successfully transformed your Gary the Gecko into a Gary the Axolotl !

I love seeing your makes so be sure to tag me on socials if you make either Gary the Gecko or Axolotl or any of my other designs! And if you ever have any questions feel free to send me a message on social media and I will be sure to get back to you! 

Aaron