Life-size skeleton leg

This pattern includes the 3 long bones of the human body, as well as the patella bone. It also includes a description of the ligaments used to connect the long bones together, as well as those used to attach the leg to the feet. The pattern for the feet can be found here.

Difficulty:

Medium

You will need:

• A 2.5mm crochet hook
• A 2mm crochet hook
• A 1mm crochet hook
• Rico essentials dk cotton in white (approx. 3 balls)
• Anchor creativa fino crochet cotton in white
• Rico essentials #10 crochet cotton in silver-grey
• A life-sized crocheted foot
• Barbecue skewers or a length of bamboo
• Polyester toy stuffing
• A darning needle

For the right femur:
Use a 2.5mm hook and rico essentials dk crochet cotton

For the head:
Make a magic loop with 6sc
Round 1: make 2sc in each st (12sc)
Round 2: (sc, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (18sc)
Round 3: (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (24sc)
Round 4: (sc3, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (30sc)
Round 5: sc2, 2sc, (sc4, make 2sc in the next st) 5 times, sc2 (36sc)
Round 6: (sc5, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (42sc)
Round 7: (sc6, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (48sc)
Rounds 8 - 11: (4 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 12: (sc6, sc2tog) 6 times (42sc)
Round 13: (sc5, sc2tog) 6 times (36sc)
Round 14: Sc2, (sc2tog, sc4) 5 times, sc2tog, sc2 (30sc)
Round 15: (sc3, sc2tog) 6 times (24sc)
Rounds 16 - 18: (3 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 19: (sc7, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (27sc)
Round 20: sc4, 2sc, (sc8, make 2sc in the next st) twice, sc4 (30sc)
Round 21: sc2, 2sc  (sc9, make 2sc in the next st) twice, sc7 (33sc)
Round 22: make 2sc in the first st, sc5, hdc5, make 2hdc in the next st, hdc5, sc5, make 2sc in the following st, slip10 (36sts)
Round 23: Sc3, make 2sc in the next st, sc3, hdc5, make 2hdc in the following st, hdc5, sc3, make 2sc in the next st, sc3, slip11 (39sts)
Fasten off neatly

For the body of the bone:
Ch9
Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook, then sc in each of the next 6 chain sts. Make 3sc in the first chain st you made, then sc in the back of the previous 6 chain sts. Make 2sc in the first chain st you crocheted into (18sc)
Round 2: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc6, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts (24sc)
Round 3: Sc in each st
Rounds 4 - 5: (2 rounds) Sc, hdc9, sc3, slip9, sc2
Round 6: Sc in each st
Round 7: make 2sc in each of the first 2sts, hdc9, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc, slip9, sc (28sc)
Round 8: Sc, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc, hdc9, sc, make 2sc in each of the following 2sts, sc12 (32sc)
Round 9: Sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc2, hdc10, sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc14 (34sc)
Rounds 10 - 11: (2 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 12: Sc4, sc2tog, sc15, sc2tog, sc11 (32sc)
Round 13: Sc3, sc2tog, sc14, sc2tog, sc11 (30sc)
Round 14: Sc3, sc2tog, sc13, sc2tog, sc10 (28sc)
Rounds 15 - 16: (2 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 17: make 2sc in the first st, sc20, make 2sc in the next st, sc6 (30sc)
Round 18: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog, sc10, sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the next st, sc6 (30sc)
Round 19: make 2sc in the first st, sc23, make 2sc in the next st, sc5 (32sc)
---
Round 20: make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc23, make 2sc in the next st, sc5 (36sc)
Round 21: Sc in each st
Round 22: Sc11, sc2tog, sc8, sc2tog, sc13 (34sc)
Round 23: Sc, sc2tog 3 times, sc5, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc5, sc3tog, sc5 (27sc)
Round 24: Sc in each st
Round 25: Sc, sc3tog, sc23 (25sc)
Rounds 25 - 103: (79 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 104: Sc4, make 2sc in the next st, sc11, make 2sc in the following st, sc8 (27sc)
Round 105: Sc in each st
Round 106: Sc6, make 2sc in the next st, sc12, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (29sc)
Round 107: Sc in each st
Round 108: Sc7, make 2sc in the next st, sc13, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (31sc)
Round 109: Sc23, make 2sc in the next st, sc7 (32sc)
Round 110: Sc8, make 2sc in the next st, sc15, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (34sc)
Round 111: make 2sc in the first st, sc8, make 2sc in the next st, sc7, make 2sc in the following st, sc7, make 3sc in the next st, sc8 (39sc)
Round 112: Sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc9, make 2sc in the following st, sc8, make 2sc in the next st, sc8, make 3sc in the following st, sc9 (44sc)
Round 113: Sc4, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc9, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc6, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc12, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc3 (54sc)
Round 114: Sc4, 2sc 3 times, sc8, 3sc, sc23, 3sc, sc6, 2sc 3 times, sc4
Round 115: Sc4, 2sc, sc4, 2sc, sc44 , 2sc, sc4, 2sc, sc4
Rounds 116 - 120: (5 rounds) Sc in each st
Rounds 121 - 122: (2 rounds) Slip4, sc27, slip6, sc29, slip2
Rounds 123 - 124: (2 rounds) Slip4, sc25, slip8, sc26, slip4
Round 125: Sc11, sc2tog 3 times, sc4, sc2tog 3 times, sc15, sc2tog 3 times, sc4, sc2tog 3 times, sc8
Round 126: Sc8, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc13, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc3
Round 127: Sc6, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc8, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4
Round 128: Sc6, (sc2, sc2tog) 3 times, sc8, (sc2, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4
Round 129: Sc8, sc2tog 4 times, sc10, sc2tog 4 times, sc2
Round 130: Sc8, sc5tog, sc9, sc5tog, sc2
Fasten off

Sew the head of the femur in place. Make sure the hdc stitches are on the lower side. Bend the head upwards slightly and sew in place, as can be seen in teh last image

For the left femur:
Same up to ---
Round 20: Sc24, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc5 (35sc)
Round 21: Sc in each st
Round 22: Sc9, sc2tog, sc8, sc2tog, sc14 (33sc)
Round 23: Sc5, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog 3 times, sc2 (27sc)
Round 24: Sc in each st
Round 25: Sc22, sc3tog, sc2 (25sc)
Rounds 26 - 104: (79 rounds) sc in each st
Round 105: Sc4, make 2sc in the next st, sc11, make 2sc in the following st, sc8 (27sc)
Round 106: Sc in each st
Round 107: Sc6, make 2sc in the next st, sc12, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (29sc)
Round 108: Sc in each st
Round 109: Sc7, make 2sc in the next st, sc13, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (31sc)
Round 110: Sc23, make 2sc in the next st, sc7 (32sc)
Round 111: Sc8, make 2sc in the next st, sc15, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (34sc)
Round 112: Make 2sc in the first st, sc8, make 3sc in the following st, sc7, make 2sc in the next st, sc8, make 3sc in the following st, sc7 (40sc)

---???
Round 113: Sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc9, make 3sc in the following st, sc8, make 2sc in the next st, sc9, make 2sc in the following st, sc8 (46sc)
Round 114: Sc4, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc12, 2sc twice, sc6, 2sc twice, sc10, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc3 (54sc)
Round 115: Sc4, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc9, make 3sc in the following st, sc24, 3sc, sc6, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc3 (64sc)
Round 116: Sc5, make 2sc in the next st, sc4, 2sc, sc44, 2sc, sc4, 2sc, sc3 (68sts)
Rounds 117 - 121: (5 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 122: (Slip4, sc27, slip6, sc29, slip2) twice
Rounds 123 - 124: (2 rounds) Slip4, sc25, slip9, sc26, slip4
Round 125: Sc11, sc2tog 3 times, sc4, sc2tog 3 times, sc15, sc2tog 3 times, sc4, sc2tog 3 times, sc10 (56sc)

Round 126: Sc8, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc13, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc3, sc2tog (49sc)
Round 127: Sc6, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4, sc2tog, sc4, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc3 (42sc)
Round 128: Sc6, (sc2, sc2tog) 3 times, sc8, (sc2, sc2tog) 3 times, sc3 (36sc)
Round 129: Sc8, sc2tog 4 times, sc10, sc2tog 4 times, sc2 (28sc)
Round 130: Sc8, sc5tog, sc9, sc5tog, sc (20sc)

Fasten off

For the fibula:

With a 2mm hook and 4ply yarn make a magic loop with 4sc

Round 1: (sc, make 2sc in the next st) twice (6sc)

Round 2: (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) twice (8sc)

Round 3: make 2sc in the first st, sc, make 2sc in the following st, sc5 (10sc)

Round 4: sc , make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc6 (13sc)

Round 5: sc, (sc, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times, sc6 (16sc)

Round 6: sc, (make 2sc in teh next st, 2sc) 3 times, sc6 (19sc)

Rounds 7-8: (2 rounds) sc in each st

Round 9: sc4, (sc, sc2tog) 3 times, sc6 (16sc)

Round 10: sc7, sc2tog, sc7 (15sc)

Round 11: sc in each st

Round 12: sc6, sc2tog, sc7 (14sc)

Round 13: sc6, sc2tog, sc6 (13sc)

Round 14: sc in each st

Round 15: sc2, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc2 (11sc)

Rounds 16 - 17: (2 rounds) sc in each st

Round 18: sc2tog, sc9 (10sc)

Rounds 19 -23: (5 rounds) sc in each st

stuff the head of the bone

Rounds 24 - 67:  (44 rounds) sc in each st

Round 68: Sc2tog, sc8 (9sc)
Rounds 69 - 100: (32 rounds) sc in each st
Round 101: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, make 2sc in the following st, sc3 (11sc)
Round 120: Sc, make 3sc in the next st, sc5, make 3sc in the following st, sc3 (14sc)
Round 103: Sc2, make 3sc in the next st, sc7, make 3sc in the following st, sc4 (18sc)
Rounds 104 - 106: (3 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 107: Sc, sc2tog, sc11, sc2tog, sc3 (16sc)
Round 108: Sc2tog, sc11, sc2tog, sc2 (14sc)
Round 109: (More than 1 round) Sc13, sc3tog (12sc)
Stuff and insert bamboo skewers

Round 110: Sc, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc3 (10sc)
Round 111: Sc, sc2tog, sc4, sc2tog, sc2 (8sc)
Round 112: Sc in each st
Round 113: (Sc, sc2tog) 3 times (5sc)
Fasten off

For the tibia:
2.5mm hook and dk yarn
Ch5
Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 2 chain sts. make 3sc in the first chain st you made. Sc in the back of the previous 2 chain sts you made, then make 2sc in the back of the first chain st you crocheted into (10sc)
Round 2: Make 2sc in the first st, sc2, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc2, make 2sc in both of the last 2sts (16sc)
Round 3: sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc2, (sc, make 2sc in the following st) 3 times, sc2, (sc, make 2sc in the next st) twice (22sc)
Round 3: sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc2, (sc2, make 2sc in the following st) 3 times, sc2, (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) twice (28sc)
Fasten off neatly



Ch5
Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 2 chain sts. make 3sc in the first chain st you made. Sc in the back of the previous 2 chain sts you made, then make 2sc in the back of the first chain st you crocheted into (10sc)
Round 2: Make 2sc in the first st, sc2, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc2, make 2sc in both of the last 2sts (16sc)
Round 3: sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc2, (sc, make 2sc in the following st) 3 times, sc2, (sc, make 2sc in the next st) twice (22sc)
Round 3: sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc2, (sc2, make 2sc in the following st) 3 times, sc2, (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) twice (28sc)
Row 4: Slip2, sc in the back loop of the next 8sts. Ch1, turn
Row 5: Sc8. Ch2, turn
Roe 6: Hdc2, sc4, hdc2. Ch1
Round 7: Sc between this row and the previous one, sc between the previous row and the one before, sc in the same st as you crocheted into in round 4 (see images).
Sc in the next 20sts around
Sc3 up the side of the next 3 rows (see photo)
Sc in the 9th st from the new st you created when fastening off neatly on the other section. Sc in the next 19sts
(46sc)

Rounds 8 - 10: (3 rounds) Sc in these last 46sts
Round 11: Sc10, sc2tog, sc2, sc2tog, sc18, sc2tog, sc2, sc2tog, sc6 (42sc)
Round 12: Sc14, sc5tog, sc10, sc5tog, sc8 (34sc)
Round 13: Sc13, sc3tog, sc9, sc3tog, sc6 (30sc)
Round 14: Sc in each st
Round 15: Sc13, sc2tog, sc9, sc2tog, sc4 (28sc)
Round 16: Sc in each st
Round 17: Sc2, sc2tog, sc14, sc2tog, sc8 (26sc)
Rounds 18 - 22: (5 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 23: Sc3, sc2tog, sc12, sc2tog, sc7 (24sc)
Rounds 24 - 27 (4 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 28: Sc2tog, sc22 (23sc)
Rounds 29 - 32: (4 rounds)
Round 33: Sc11, sc2tog, sc10 (22sc)
Rounds 34 - 37: (4 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 38: Sc6, sc2tog, sc14 (21sc)
Rounds 39 - 49: (11 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 50: Sc4, sc2tog, sc15 (20sc)
Rounds 51 - 55: (5 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 56: Sc13, sc2tog, sc5 (19sc)
Rounds 57 - 66: (10 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 67: Sc9, sc2tog, sc8 (18sc)
Rounds 68 - 77: (10 rounds) Sc in each st
Round 78: Make 2sc in the first st, sc9, make 2sc in the following st, sc7 (20sc)
Round 79: Sc in each st
Round 80: Sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc10, make 2sc in the following s, sc7 (22sc)
Rounds 81 - 84: (3 rounds) sc in each st
---
Round 85: Sc8, make 2sc in the next st, sc13 (23sc)
Round 86: Sc in each st
Stuff and insert cocktail sticks
Round 87: Sc in each st
Round 89: Sc5, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc16 (25sc)
Round 90: Sc in each st
Round 91: Sc6, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc17 (27sc)
Round 92: Sc6, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc11, make 2sc in each of the following 2sts, sc6 (31sc)
Round 93: make 2sc in the first st, sc7, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc7, make 2sc in the next st, sc6, make 2sc in the following st, sc6 (36sc)
Round 94: Sc9, make 2sc in the next st, sc3, make 2sc in the following st, sc22 (38sc)
Round 95: Sc23, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times (35sc)
Round 96: Sc23, (sc, sc2tog) 4 times (31sc)
Round 97: Sc, sc2tog, sc19, (sc, sc2tog) 3 times (27sc)
Round 98: (Slightly over one round) Sc, sc2tog, sc16, (sc, sc2tog) 3 times (23sc)
Stuff the base of the bone, and insert more skewers to stabilise the base
Round 99: Sc, sc2tog, sc13, (sc, sc2tog) twice, sc, sc2tog, sc, sc2tog, sc9, (sc, sc2tog) twice (16sc)
Round 100: Sc, sc2tog, sc2, hdc5, sc2, sc2tog twice (13sc)
Round 101: Sc2tog twice, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc4 (8sts)
Round 102: Hdc2tog (7sts)

Fasten off

For the left tibia:
Same up to ---
Round 85: Make 2sc in the first st, sc21 (23sc)
Round 86: Sc in each st
Stuff an insert cocktail sticks
Round 87: Sc in each st
Round 88: Sc15, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc6 (25sc)
Round 89: Sc in each st
Round 90: Sc17, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc6 (27sc)
Round 91: Sc5, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts, sc11, make 2sc in each of the following 2sts, sc7 (31sc)
Round 92: Sc6, make 2sc in the next st, sc6, make 2sc in the next st, sc7, make 2sc in each of the following 2sts, sc7, make 2sc in the next st (36sc)
Round 93: Sc23, make 2sc in the next st, sc3, make 2sc in the following st, sc8 (38sc)
Round 94: (Sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc23 (35sc)
Round 95: (Sc, sc2tog) 4 times, sc23 (31sc)
Round 96: (Sc, sc2tog) 3 times, sc19, sc2tog, sc (27sc)

Round 97: (Sc, sc2tog) 3 times, sc16, sc2tog (23sc)
Stuff the base of the bone, and insert more skewers to stabilise the base

Round 98: (Slightly more than 1 round) (Sc, sc2tog) twice, sc13, sc2tog, sc, sc2tog (19sc)

Round 99: (Slightly over 1 round) Sc, sc2tog twice, sc9, sc2tog, sc, sc2tog (15sc)
Round 100: Sc2tog twice, sc2, hdc5, sc2, sc2tog, sc (12sts)
Round 101: Sc2tog, Hdc4, hdc2tog 3 times, sc2tog twice (6sts)
Fasten off

For the patella:

With a 2mm hook and 4ply yarn make a magic loop with 6sc
Round 1: (sc, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (9sc)
Round 2: (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (12sc)
Round 3: (sc3, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (15sc)
Round 4: (sc4, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (18sc)
Round 5: (sc5, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (21sc)
Round 3: (sc6, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (24sc)
Round 7: (sc7, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (27sc)
Round 8: (sc8, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times (30sc)
Round 9: Sc in each st
Round 10: (sc3, sc2tog) 6 times (24sc)

Round 11: (sc2, sc2tog) 6 times (18sc)

Round 12: (sc, sc2tog) 6 times (12sc)

Stuff

Round 13: sc2tog 6 times (6sc)

Fasten off

For the patellar cartilage:
With yellow #10 cotton make a magic loop with 6sc
Round 1: make 2sc in each st (12sc)
Round 2: (sc, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (18sc)
Round 3: (sc2, make 2sc inthe nest st) 6 times (24sc)

Round 4: (sc3, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (30sc)
Round 5: (sc4, make 2sc in the next st) 6 times (36sc)
Round 6: Sc, make 2hdc in each of the next 2sts, hdc6, make 2hdc in each of the the following 2sts, sc11, make 2hdc in the next st, hdc2, make 2hdc in the next st, sc10 (42sts)
Round 7: Sc, hdc, make 2hdc in the next st, hdc4, make 2hdc in the following st, hdc4, make 2hdc in the next st, hdc, sc5, slip5, sc3, make 2hdc in the following st, hdc2, make 2hdc in the next st, sc3, slip5, sc3 (47sts)
Fasten off
Flatten and sew this to the back of the patella

For the ankle ligaments:

Position the right foot and tibia as shown below. The big toe should be closest to you, along with the talus. Position the tibia so that the tip (where you fastened off) is closest to you, and resting on the talus

For the medial collateral (deltoid) ligament:
There are many different interpretations of this.

For the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament:
ch5

Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 2 chain sts. Make 3sc in the first chain st you made, then sc in the back of the previous 2 chain sts you crocheted into. Make 2sc in the back of the first chain st you crocheted into (10sc)

Round 2: sc in each st

Round 3: sc2, hdc5, sc3

Round 4: sc3, hdc5, sc2

Round 5: sc2tog, sc2, sc3tog, sc, sc2tog

Fasten off

Stuff lightly, then sew the thicker end of this (where the hdc sts are) to the tip of the tibia, slightly to the left of the centre, as shown below

Sew the other end to the talus, to the centre of the side currently facing you.

Note: this should be sewn further down the talus than is shown in this image - see the image on the left foot for the correct placement.

For the deep anterior tibiotalar ligament:
ch5

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook, then sc in each of the next 3sts. ch1, turn

Row 2: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew one end of this to the tibia, just to the left of the posterior ligament you just attached. The other end should be sewn to the talus, about 1cm to the left of the attachment of the posterior ligament.

For the tibionavicular ligament:
ch10

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 8 chain sts. ch1, turn (9sc)

Row 2: slip3, sc3, hdc3. ch1, turn

Row 3: hdc3, sc3, slip3. ch1, turn

Row 4: slip3, sc3, hdc3. ch1, turn

Row 5: hdc3, sc3, slip3

Fasten off

Sew the thinner end of this to the talus, overlapping where the anterior tibiotalar ligament is attached. Sew the other end to the navicular, overlapping where the talonavicular ligament is attached.

For the tibiocalcaneal ligament:
ch12

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st and the next 10sts. ch1, turn (11sc)

Row 2: hdc4, sc3, slip4. ch1, turn

Row 3: slip4, sc3, hdc4. ch1, turn

Row 4: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew the thinner end of this to the tibia in the same place as you attached the posterior tibiotalar ligament. The other end should be sewn to the sustentaculum tali of the calceneus.

For the superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament:
ch9

Row 1: Make 2sc in the 2nd chain st from hook, then sc in each of the next 7 chain sts. ch1, turn (8sc)

Rows 2 - 3: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 4: sc in each st
Fasten off

Sew one end of this to the tibia, a little to the right of where you attached the previous ligament. Sew the other end to the talus, as shown in the image below.

Turn the foot over. Position the fibula in front of the tibia, so that the curved side of the end rests on the talus.

For the anterior tibiofibular ligament:
ch9

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 7 chain sts. ch1, turn (8sc)

Row 2: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc3, sc2tog, sc3. ch1, turn (7sc)

Row 4: sc3, sc2tog, sc2 (6sc)

Fasten off

This between the tibia and fibula so that the cast-off edge is facing upwards (away from the foot). The ligament should be sewn so that one edge is attached just back from the right-hand side of the side facing you looking at it in its current position. The other side of the ligament should be sewn to the fibula around the part where the bone starts to widen out into the base.

For the posterior tibiofibular ligament:

For the deep region:

ch4

Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next chain st. Make 3sc in the first chain st you made, then sc in the back of the previous chain st you crocheted into. Make 2sc in the back of the first chain st you crocheted into (8sc)

Round 2: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew the cast-on edge closed.

Turn the tibia over so the curved side of the base is facing towards you, then sew one face of this ligament just above this curve (as shown below).

Turn the tibia back around and sew the other face of the ligament to the tibia.

For the superficial region:
ch8

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st and the next 6sts. ch1, turn (7sc)

Row 2: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog. ch1, turn (7sc)

Row 3: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st. ch1, turn (7sc)

Row 4: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog

Fasten off

Sew one side of this to the left-hand edge of the tibia, so that the ligament extends downwards slightly (as shown below). Sew the other side to the fibula.

For the fibulotalocalcaneal ligament:

This is formed from 3 separate sections

For the calcaneofibular ligament:
ch6

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 4 chain sts. ch1, turn (5sc)

Row 2: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew one end of this to the tip of the fibula, and the other end to the calcaneus, as shown below.

For the anterior talofibular ligament:
ch8

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 6 chain sts. ch1, turn (7sc)

Row 2: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew one end of this to the right-hand side of the base of the fibula. The other side should attach to the talus, just to eh right of the curved surface (as shown below).

For the posterior talofibular ligament:

ch7

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st and the next 5sts. ch1, turn (6sc)

Row 2: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew one edge of this to the left-hand side of the fibula, and the other end to the centre of the right-hand face of the talus (i.e. above the heel of the foot).

Now we will move up to work on the knee:

Position the femur above the tibia and fibula as shown below

For the tibial lateral collateral ligament:

ch24

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 22 chain sts. ch1, turn (23sc)

Row 2: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in each st

Row 4: sc2tog between this same st and the gap between the end of rows 1 and 2 (see below)

Fasten off

Sew the fasten-off end to the left-hand side of the tibia, about 1cm further down than the head of this bone (as shown below)

 

Sew the other end to the left-hand side of the femur, about halfway between the base and where the base narrows into the trunk of the bone.

For the fibula collateral ligament:
ch16

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 14sts. ch1, turn

Row 2: sc in each st

Fasten off 

Sew one end of this to the tip of the fubula. Sew the other end to the right-hand side of the femur, about halfway between the base and where the base narrows into the trunk of the bone.

I have left out the articular cartilage for the minute - we will add that in later

For the posterior cruciate ligament:
ch12

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 10 chain sts. ch1, turn (11sc)

Row 2: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew one end of this ligament to the centre of the top of the tibia, to the side facing you.

The positioning of the other end is best demonstrated by turning the leg over and bending the knee. (note that the leg should remain this way round until otherwise stated) This will create a little groove, and the other and of the ligament should be sewn to the right-hand side of this, as shown below.

Front of leg (extended)

For the anterior cruciate ligament:

ch12

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 10 chain sts. ch1, turn (11sc)

Row 2: sc in each st. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in each st

Fasten off

Sew one end of this ligament to the middle of the head of the tibia, on the opposite side as you sewed the posterior cruciate ligament.

Bend the knee as you did when attaching the other end of the posterior cruciate ligament, then sew the other end of the anterior cruciate ligament to the left-hand side of the groove formed.

For the anterior fibular ligament:
ch3

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st and the next chain st. ch1, turn (2sc)

Rows 2 - 5: (4 rows) sc in each st

Row 6: sc in both sts

Fasten off

Sew on edge of this to the right-hand side of the head of the fibula. The other edge should be sewn to the left-hand side of the head of the tibia, as shown below.

Turn the leg back over to the side it was originally on.

For the posterior fibular ligament:

ch3

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st and the next chain st. ch1, turn (2sc)

Rows 2 - 4: (3 rows) sc in each st

Row 5: sc in both sts

Fasten off

Sew one edge of this to the left-hand side of the fibula head (just a little in front of where the anterior fibular ligament is attached), and the other edge to the right-hand side of the tibia head.

Now we will attach the patellar. Turn the leg over again.

For the patellar tendon (ligament):

ch14

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 12 chain sts. ch1, turn (13sc)

Row 2: sc7, hdc6. ch1, turn

Row 3: hdc7, sc6. ch1, turn

Row 4: sc7, hdc6. ch1, turn

Row 5: hcd7, sc6. ch1, turn

Row 6: sc13

Fasten off

Sew the larger end to the pointy end of the patella.

Place the patella on the base of the femur, then sew the other end of the ligament to the position in which it naturally falls (it should be around the position of the bottom of the head of the tibia, in the centre)

For the quadriceps tendon:
Tendons are essentially the same as ligaments, but they attach to bones only on one end, and to muscles at the other end. In this skeleton I have attached this tendon to the bone. I am planning to extend the skeleton at a later date to add muscle to it, so have attached it fairly loosely to the femur (so that I can detach it at a later date to connect it to the muscle)

ch15

Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and the next 9 chain sts. hdc in each of the next 4sts. ch1, turn

Row 2: hdc3, sc3, slip8. ch1, turn

Row 3: sc10, hdc4. ch1, turn

Row 4: hdc3, sc3, slip8. ch1, turn

Row 5: sc10, hdc4. ch1, turn

Row 6: hdc3, sc3, slip8. ch1, turn

Row 7: sc10, hdc4. ch1, turn

Row 8: hdc3, sc3, slip8. ch1, turn

Row 9: sc10, hdc4

Fasten off

Sew the larger edge of this to the top of the patella. Sew the other edge to the femur, as shown below.

For the interosseous membrane:
With a 1mm hook and grey #10 crochet cotton ch6

Round 1: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, sc2tog (6sc)
Round 2: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st

Round 3: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, sc2tog
Round 4: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st

Round 5: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, sc2tog
Round 6: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st

Round 7: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, sc2tog
Round 8: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st

Round 9: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, sc2tog
Round 10: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st

Round 11: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, sc2tog
Round 12: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st
Round 13: make 2sc in the first st, sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc2tog (7sc)
Round 14: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st (7sc)
Round 15: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 16: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 17: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 18: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 19: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 20: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 21: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 22: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 23: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 24: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 25: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 26: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 27: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 28: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 29: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog

Round 30: sc2tog, sc3, make 2sc in the last st
Round 31: make 2sc in the first st, sc3, sc2tog
Round 32: sc2tog, sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc, make 2sc in the last st (8sc)
Round 33: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog (8sc)
Round 34: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 35: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 36: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 37: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 38: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 39: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 40: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 41: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 42: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 43: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 44: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 45: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 46: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 47: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 48: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 49: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 50: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 51: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 52: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 53: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 54: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 55: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 56: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 57: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, sc2tog
Round 58: sc2tog, sc4, make 2sc in the last st

Round 59: make 2sc in the first st, sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc, sc2tog (8sc)
Round 60: sc2tog, sc5, make 2sc in the last st (8sc)
Round 61: make 2sc in the first st, sc5, sc2tog

Round 62: sc2tog, sc5, make 2sc in the last st
Round 63: make 2sc in the first st, sc5, sc2tog

Round 64: sc2tog, sc5, make 2sc in the last st
Round 65: make 2sc in the first st, sc5, sc2tog

Round 66: sc2tog, sc5, make 2sc in the last st
Round 67: make 2sc in the first st, sc5, sc2tog

Round 68: sc2tog, sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc2, make 2sc in the last st (9sc)
Round 69: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog (9sc)
Round 70: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 71: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 72: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 73: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 74: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 75: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 76: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 77: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 78: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 79: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 80: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 81: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 82: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st

Round 83: make 2sc in the first st, sc6, sc2tog
Round 84: Sc2tog, sc6, make 2sc in the last st
Fasten off

Sew this in between the tibia and fibula, as shown below

For the lower articular cartilage (make 2):

With yellow #10 cotton annd a 1mm crochet hook ch7
Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and in the next 4 chain sts. Make 3sc in the first chain st you made, then sc in the back of the previous 4 chain sts you crocheted into. Make 2sc in the back of the first chain st you crocheted into (14sc)

Round 2: make 2sc in the first st, sc4, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc4, make 2sc in each of the last 2sts (20sc)
Round 3: sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc4, (sc, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times, sc4, (sc, make 2sc in the next st) twice (26sc)
Round 4: sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc4, (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times, sc4, (sc2, make 2sc in the next st) twice (32sc)

Round 5: sc3, make 2sc in the next st, sc4, (sc3, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times, sc4, (sc3, make 2sc in the next st) twice (38sc)

Round 6: sc4, make 2sc in the next st, sc4, (sc4, make 2sc in the next st) 3 times, sc4, (sc4, make 2sc in the next st) twice (44sc)

Round 7: Sc in each st
Round 8: sc4, sc2tog, sc4, (sc4, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4, (sc4, sc2tog) twice (38sc)
Round 9: sc3, sc2tog, sc4, (sc3, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4, (sc3, sc2tog) twice  (32sc)

Round 10: (Note that this is slightly over 1 round) Sc3, sc2tog, sc4, (sc2, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4, (sc2, sc2tog) twice (26sc)
Round 11: sc, sc2tog, sc4, (sc, sc2tog) 3 times, sc4, (sc, sc2tog) twice (20sc)

Fasten off neatly

Sew these to the head of the tibia, so that the cast-off edge is visible, as shown below

For the upper articular cartilage (make 2):
With yellow #10 cotton and a 1mm crochet hook ch22
Round 1: sc in the 2nd chain st from hook and in the next 19 chain sts. Make 3sc in the first chain st you made, then sc in the back of the previous 19 chain sts you crocheted into. Make 2sc in the back of the first chain st you crocheted into (44sc)
Round 2: make 2sc in the first st, sc19, make 2sc in each of the next 3sts, sc19, make 2sc in each of the next 2sts (50sc)
Round 3: sc, make 2sc in the next st, sc19, (sc, make 2sc in the following st) 3 times) sc19, (sc, make 2sc in the next st) (56sc)
Round 4: Sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc19, (sc2, make 2sc in the following st) twice, sc, hdc, make 2hdc in each of the next 2sts, hdc, sc4, slip7, sc4, hdc, make 2hdc in each of the next 2sts, hdc, sc2, make 2sc in the next st, sc (64sts)
Round 7: Sc3, make 2sc in the next st, sc5, hdc9, sc5, (sc3, make 2sc in the following st) twice, sc2, hdc, make 2hdc in each of the next 3sts, hdc, sc, slip13, sc, hdc, make 2hdc in each of the next 3sts, hdc, sc4, make 2sc in the following st, sc (74sts)
Round 8: Sc3, make 2sc in the next st, slip5, hdc15, slip5, (make 2sc in the following st, sc3) twice, sc, hdc, make 2hdc in each of the next 3sts, hdc, sc, slip15, sc, hdc, make 2hdc in each of the next 3sts, hdc, sc5, make 2sc in the following st, sc3 (84sts)
Round 9: Sc2, make 2sc in the next st, slip6, sc, slip2, sc, hdc10, sc, slip2, sc, slip6, make 2sc in the next st, sc5, make 2sc in the following st, sc3, (make 2hdc in the next st, hdc) twice, make 2hdc in the next st, sc, slip17, sc, (make 2hdc in the next st, hdc) twice, make 2hdc in the following st, sc3, make 2sc in the next st, sc5, make 2sc in the following st, sc2 (95sts)
Round 10: Sc4, make 2sc in the next st, sc10, hdc9, sc10, make 2sc in the following st, sc6, make 2sc in the following st, sc6, (make 2hdc in the next st, hdc) twice, make 2hdc in the following st, sc2, slip19, sc2, (make 2hdc in the next st, hdc) twice, make 2hdc in the next st, sc6, make 2sc in the next st, sc6, make 2sc in the following st,(106sc)
Round 11: (less than 1 round) Slip12, sc4, hdc11, sc4, slip12
Fasten off


Sew to the base of the femur, as shown below

That's all from this pattern! If you have any questions please let me know, either by leaving a comment below, via my Instagram or Ravelry page, or by emailing lhodginscrochet@gmail.com (best if you have a more in-depth question or want a speedy reply). You are very welcome to sell finished products, but please don't re-post this pattern or claim it as your own. Thank you!