How to Crochet a Penguin (Amigurumi Pattern, Step by Step)

1. 1

   Step 1: Start the Body with a Magic Ring

   Watch this step · 0:26

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   The whole penguin begins with the body, and the body begins with a magic ring, which is just a loose slip knot. Chain 1, then work 6 single crochet into the ring and pull the tail to draw it closed.

   Watch how Donna does a yarn under for the first half of each single crochet instead of a yarn over. It feels odd at first, but it is what keeps your blue and white stitches sitting straight once the color changes start.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Keep the ring loose while you place the 6 stitches, then cinch it. A too-tight ring makes those first stitches a fight.

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   Used in this stepblue worsted yarn3.75mm crochet hooklocking stitch markers

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2. 2

   Step 2: Increase the Body in a Spiral

   Watch this step · 1:30

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   Now grow the base outward. Round two is two single crochet in each stitch to give you twelve. From there you add one plain stitch between the increases each round, so round three is increase-then-one, round four is increase-then-two, and so on until you have thirty stitches around.

   You are working in a spiral with no join, so nothing tells you where a round ends. Drop a stitch marker into the first stitch of every round and move it up as you go.

   Tip:

   Watch this step A different-colored scrap of yarn works as a marker in a pinch. Just loop it through the first stitch and pull it up each round.

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   Used in this stepblue worsted yarnlocking stitch markers

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3. 3

   Step 3: Change Colors for the White Belly

   Watch this step · 3:36

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   Once you hit thirty stitches, it is time to bring in the white. Change color mid-stitch: work the last blue single crochet up to the final pull-through, then finish it with white so the new color is on your hook. Work a block of white across the front, then switch back to blue at the far side the same way.

   Each round the white panel gets a couple of stitches wider - eight, then ten, then twelve - which shapes that classic pale penguin belly.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Carry the unused color loosely across the back of the work. Pull it too tight and the belly puckers.

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   Used in this stepwhite worsted yarnblue worsted yarn

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4. 4

   Step 4: Finish the Two-Tone Body

   Watch this step · 7:08

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   Keep repeating that white-front, blue-back round until the body is as tall as you want it. The stitch count stays the same now, so you are just building height with a straight tube of stitches.

   When the body is done, cut the white yarn and weave it in, but leave the blue yarn attached. That blue tail is what you will use later to close up the bottom, so do not snip it off yet.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Turn the body inside out for a moment to weave the white ends in under the belly stitches, where they will stay hidden.

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   Used in this stepwhite worsted yarnblue worsted yarn

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5. 5

   Step 5: Add the Eyes and Crochet the Beak

   Watch this step · 7:12

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   Give your penguin a face. Sew on the eyes using 9mm round black buttons, working the white tail from the body up between the stitches to hold them in place. Set them close together and a little above center.

   For the beak, take the orange yarn and make a magic ring of 6 single crochet, then work 2 single crochet in each stitch on the second round. Squish that small circle flat, run the tail along the edge to close it, and stitch it on just below the eyes.

   Tip:

   Watch this step If you are making this for a small child, skip the buttons and embroider the eyes with black yarn instead so nothing can pull loose.

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   Used in this step9mm safety eyesorange worsted yarnyarn needle

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6. 6

   Step 6: Make the Wings and Feet

   Watch this step · 8:48

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   The penguin needs four small pieces down here: two flipper wings and two feet, all made from the same little pattern. Start each with a magic ring of 4 single crochet, then work 2 single crochet in each stitch on the next round.

   After that, stop counting rounds and just work one single crochet in each stitch around, spiraling up until the piece is the length you want. Finish by working single crochet two together in the front loops only until the top closes, then leave a long tail for sewing.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Working the front loops only on the closing decreases keeps the tip smooth instead of bunchy. Make all four pieces before you sew any on so they match.

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   Used in this stepblue worsted yarn3.75mm crochet hook

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7. 7

   Step 7: Stuff, Close, and Assemble

   Watch this step · 10:30

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   Lightly stuff the body with polyester fiberfill. Do not pack it hard - a soft fill keeps the penguin cuddly and lets it hold its shape. Then use that blue tail to close the bottom, working rounds of single crochet two together to draw the opening shut, adding a last bit of stuffing before it seals.

   Sew the wings to the sides of the body and the two feet underneath so the penguin can stand. Weave in the ends inside, where you will never see them, and your penguin is finished.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Pin the wings and feet in place before you sew, then hold the penguin up and look at it. It is much easier to move a pin than to un-sew a flipper.

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   Used in this steppolyester fiberfill stuffingyarn needle9mm safety eyes

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Keep going

How to Crochet a Snowflake

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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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