How to Crochet a Panda Plushie

1. 1

   Step 1: Start with a Magic Ring

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   Begin the head with your white yarn. Make a magic ring and work 8 single crochet stitches into it, then pull the tail to cinch the ring closed. That gives you a tidy little disc with no hole in the middle.

   This ring is the top of the panda's head. Everything after it spirals outward from here, so take your time and keep the stitches snug against the chunky yarn.

   Tip:

   Watch this step If the ring keeps loosening, hold the tail down with the same finger you crochet with. A firm magic ring means no gap for the stuffing to peek through later.

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   Used in this stepergonomic crochet hook setwhite chunky yarn

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2. 2

   Step 2: Increase into a Ball

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   Now build up the sphere. Round 2 is 8 increases to get you to 16 stitches, and you keep increasing evenly around each following round until the head reaches its widest point.

   A spiral has no clear seam, so slide a stitch marker into the first stitch of every round. When you come back around to it, you know the round is done and you can start counting again.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Count your stitches at the end of each round. Catching a missed increase now is a lot easier than ripping back six rounds later when the ball looks lopsided.

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   Used in this stepamigurumi stitch markers

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3. 3

   Step 3: Decrease and Stuff the Head

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   Once the ball is as wide as you want it, switch to decrease rounds to curve the top of the head back inward. Round 11 works 3 single crochet then 1 decrease, repeated around, and the rounds after keep pulling it closed.

   Stuff the head with polyester fiberfill while the opening is still wide enough to reach into. Pack it firm so the panda holds a round shape and the eyes have something solid to grip.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Add the stuffing in small pinches rather than one big lump. Little bits let you push filling right into the top and sides so there are no soft, empty pockets.

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   Used in this steppolyester fiberfill stuffing

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4. 4

   Step 4: Set the Safety Eyes

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   Push a black safety eye through the fabric between rounds 9 and 10, leaving about 5 stitches between the two eyes so they sit at a friendly distance. Line the second eye up the same number of stitches across.

   Slide the plastic washer onto each post from the inside and press it down until it locks. These eyes do not come back off once the washer is on, so double check the spacing before you commit.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Set the eyes before you finish stuffing and closing the head. Once the back is sewn shut you can no longer reach in to clip on the washers.

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   Used in this stepblack plastic safety eyesamigurumi safety eyes assortment

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5. 5

   Step 5: Add the Black Popcorn Markings

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   Join your black yarn to build the panda's dark patches. Where the pattern calls for it, on rounds 14 and 17, you work black popcorn stitches instead of plain single crochet. A popcorn is a cluster of stitches gathered into one, so it bulges out from the surface.

   Those raised black bumps form the arms and the ring around the belly. Carry the white yarn along inside while you work the black, and pick it back up when the marking is done.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Keep an even tension on the popcorn stitches. If you gather them too tight they flatten out, and too loose they flop, so aim for a firm little bobble that stands proud.

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   Used in this stepblack chunky yarn

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6. 6

   Step 6: Make and Attach the Ears and Arms

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   The ears and arms are small pieces you make separately in black yarn. Each round ear is a quick cluster worked with chain 1, 2 half double crochet, chain 1, and a slip stitch to join.

   Mark the ear spots first so they sit level. Pin them on round 4 with about 9 stitches between the two pins, then sew each ear on with your yarn needle. Stitch the little arms onto the sides the same way.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Pin both ears before you sew either one. Seeing them in place lets you nudge the spacing until the panda looks right, and only then do you commit with the needle.

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   Used in this steptapestry yarn needlesblack chunky yarn

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7. 7

   Step 7: Embroider the Face and Finish

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   Time to give the panda its expression. Thread your yarn needle with black yarn and stitch a small nose and a curved mouth just below and between the eyes. Keep the stitches short so the face stays sweet, not scary.

   Add a soft blush with a bit of pink or peach yarn on each cheek. Weave in every loose end, snip the tails, and your chunky panda is ready to sit on a shelf or go to a friend.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Sketch the nose position with a stitch you can pull out before you commit. Amigurumi faces live or die on placement, and a trial run saves you from unpicking the final stitches.

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   Used in this stepembroidery yarn needle setsmall craft scissors

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Keep going

How to Crochet a Mini Hedgehog

7 steps · about 18 minutes

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Tools we recommend

• Clover

  Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set (10 sizes)

  Soft, easy-grip handles that warm to the touch and a full size range in one case. The set most crocheters upgrade to and never look back.

• Lion Brand

  Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn

  Mercerized cotton with crisp stitch definition and a subtle sheen. Machine washable, and the go-to for amigurumi, bags, and dishcloths.

• Clover

  Clover Locking Stitch Markers (20-pack)

  Lock onto stitches so they never slip while you mark rounds, increases, and repeats. A dollar-store fix that actually holds.

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