Introduction
Hello, fellow crochet enthusiasts! Patricia here from TrendyDecos. I'm thrilled to share this utterly adorable baby penguin amigurumi pattern with you today. When I designed this little fellow, I wanted to create something that would delight beginners while still having enough character to satisfy more experienced crafters. This roly-poly penguin works up surprisingly quickly—I finished mine during a rainy Sunday afternoon with plenty of time left for tea!
What makes this penguin special is its perfectly balanced proportions and the simple color work that creates maximum visual impact with minimal effort. The contrasting black and white (with just a pop of orange) creates that iconic penguin look we all recognize and love. I've designed this pattern to use basic stitches and straightforward construction, making it an ideal first amigurumi project or a satisfying quick make when you need a handmade gift in a hurry.
This little waddle-worthy friend stands about 5 inches tall and has the most endearing expression that's sure to melt hearts. Let's gather our supplies and get started!
Materials
Yarn
- Main Color (MC): 50g Black or Navy Blue - Worsted Weight/Medium (4) yarn (approximately 80 yards) I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Black
- Contrast Color (CC): 25g White - Worsted Weight/Medium (4) yarn (approximately 40 yards) I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in White
- Accent Color (AC): 10g Orange - Worsted Weight/Medium (4) yarn (approximately 15 yards) I used Red Heart Super Saver in Carrot
Notions & Tools
- Crochet hook: 3.5mm (E/4 US size)
- Safety eyes: 2 black 9mm or 12mm safety eyes (or embroidery thread for embroidered eyes)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing (approximately 1.5oz)
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Optional: small amount of light blue yarn for cheek highlights
- Optional: black embroidery thread for detailing
Skill Level & Techniques
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Techniques Required:
- Magic ring (also called adjustable ring)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Increasing (inc)
- Decreasing (dec) - invisible decrease method preferred
- Changing colors
- Basic assembly (sewing pieces together)
- Simple embroidery (optional for facial features)
Time Estimate: 3-4 hours total (perfect for a weekend project)
Abbreviations & Terms
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease (decrease over 2 stitches)
- sl st: slip stitch
- rnd: round
- ( ): stitch count at end of round
- [ ]: repeat instructions within brackets
- MC: main color (black/navy)
- CC: contrast color (white)
- AC: accent color (orange)
- BLO: back loops only
- FLO: front loops only
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
Pattern Instructions
Head & Body (worked as one piece)
Starting with MC (Black/Navy):
- Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
- Rnd 2: [inc] around (12)
- Rnd 3: [inc, sc] around (18)
- Rnd 4: [inc, 2 sc] around (24)
- Rnd 5: [inc, 3 sc] around (30)
- Rnd 6: sc around (30)
- Rnd 7: sc around (30)
Place safety eyes between rounds 4 and 5, approximately 4-5 stitches apart.
- Rnd 8: sc around (30)
- Rnd 9: [dec, 3 sc] around (24)
- Rnd 10: sc around (24)
Color change to CC (White) for belly:
- Rnd 11: sc around (24)
- Rnd 12: [inc, 3 sc] around (30)
- Rnd 13: sc around (30)
- Rnd 14: sc around (30)
- Rnd 15: sc around (30)
- Rnd 16: [dec, 3 sc] around (24)
- Rnd 17: [dec, 2 sc] around (18)
Begin stuffing firmly at this point. Continue adding stuffing as you close the body.
- Rnd 18: [dec, sc] around (12)
- Rnd 19: [dec] around (6)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Thread tail through front loops of remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.
Flippers (make 2)
Using MC (Black/Navy):
- Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
- Rnd 2: [inc] around (12)
- Rnd 3: sc around (12)
- Rnd 4: sc around (12)
- Rnd 5: sc around (12)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 8 inches) for sewing. Flatten flipper (do not stuff).
Feet (make 2)
Using AC (Orange):
- Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
- Rnd 2: [inc] around (12)
- Rnd 3: sc around (12)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 8 inches) for sewing. Flatten foot (do not stuff).
Beak
Using AC (Orange):
- Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)
- Rnd 2: [inc] around (8)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 8 inches) for sewing. Flatten beak (do not stuff).
Assembly Instructions
- Prepare Eyes Area: If using safety eyes, ensure they are securely fastened before continuing with stuffing and assembly. If embroidering eyes, do this after the body is complete but before attaching other parts.
- Attach Beak: Position the flattened beak centered between the eyes, about 1 round below them. Use the long tail to sew around the edges of the beak, attaching it securely to the face. Weave in end.
- Attach Flippers: Position flippers at sides of body around rounds 12-13, which is where the black meets the white portion. They should angle slightly downward. Use the long tails to sew the top edge of each flipper to the body with a whip stitch. Weave in ends.
- Attach Feet: Position feet at the bottom of the penguin's body, angling them slightly forward for balance. The feet should be centered under the white belly portion. Sew in place using the long tails, then weave in ends.
Optional Details:
- Add small white or light blue highlights near the eyes using a small amount of yarn or embroidery thread
- Add a small tuft on top of the head using black yarn
- Embroider wing details on the flippers if desired
- Final Check: Ensure all pieces are securely attached and stuffing is evenly distributed. Check that the penguin stands stably on its feet.
Technical Tips
Tension Guidance
For amigurumi, tension should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through, but not so tight that you struggle to insert your hook. I recommend working with a hook one size smaller than recommended for your yarn – this 3.5mm hook with worsted weight yarn creates a nice, tight fabric.
Stuffing Techniques
Add small amounts of stuffing at a time, working it into all areas with your finger or a blunt tool like a chopstick. Pay special attention to the head, ensuring it's firmly stuffed to support the weight and maintain its round shape. The body should be sturdy but slightly softer toward the bottom for stability.
Color Change Tips
To change colors neatly, complete the last step of the last stitch in the old color (until you have two loops on your hook), then use the new color to yarn over and pull through those loops. This creates a clean color change.
Common Issues & Solutions
- Wobbly Penguin: If your penguin won't stand properly, check that the feet are positioned slightly forward and that the bottom of the body is stuffed firmly enough to create a stable base.
- Visible Holes: If you notice gaps between stitches, especially at the beginning rounds, try pulling your magic ring tighter and working your stitches closer together.
- Floppy Head: If the head seems to flop, add more stuffing to the neck area to provide better support.
Conclusion & Care Instructions
Your adorable baby penguin amigurumi is complete! The finished penguin stands approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide. It makes a wonderful gift for children (ensure all parts are securely attached for young ones) or a charming decoration for your home.
Care Instructions
- Spot clean with mild soap and cold water as needed
- Air dry only (never machine wash or dry)
- For light dusting, use a soft brush
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
Display Ideas
This little penguin looks adorable as part of a winter-themed display, perched on a bookshelf, or joining other amigurumi animals in a handmade zoo. You might even create a small family of penguins in varying sizes!
Customization Options
- Create a colorful fantasy penguin using bright colors instead of traditional black and white
- Add accessories like a tiny scarf, hat, or bowtie
- Scale up or down by changing hook and yarn size
- Create seasonal variations with holiday-themed colors or accessories
I hope you've enjoyed making this baby penguin as much as I enjoyed designing it! If you have any questions or want to share your creation, visit me at trendydecos.com or tag your project with #TrendyDecosPenguin on social media.
Happy crocheting!
Patricia Poltera
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm struggling with the magic ring. Is there an alternative?
A: Absolutely! If the magic ring is giving you trouble, you can chain 2 and work your first round of stitches into the first chain. This creates a slightly larger hole than the magic ring, but you can tighten it afterward by pulling the tail. For this penguin pattern, this alternative works well, especially for beginners.
Q: My penguin keeps tipping over. How can I fix this?
A: Balance issues usually stem from either foot placement or weight distribution. Try these fixes: 1) Reposition the feet slightly more forward on the body; 2) Make sure the bottom of the body is stuffed firmly enough to create a flat base; 3) Add a small weight (like a clean penny wrapped in yarn) to the bottom inside the stuffing; 4) Create a slightly wider foot base by adding an extra increase round to the feet.
Q: Can I make this penguin larger or smaller?
A: Yes! The simplest method is to change your yarn weight and hook size while following the same pattern. For a larger penguin (about 7-8 inches tall), use bulky (5) weight yarn with a 4.5mm hook. For a miniature penguin (about 3 inches tall), try fingering weight (1) yarn with a 2.0mm hook. Remember that smaller versions require more dexterity and may be challenging for beginners.
Q: How do I make the color change from black to white look neat?
A: For a professional-looking color change, complete the last stitch of the black round until you have two loops on your hook. Drop the black yarn, pick up white yarn, and use white to yarn over and pull through both loops. When you start the next round, work over both the black and white yarn tails for a few stitches to secure them before trimming.
Q: My decreases are very visible and creating obvious lines. How can I make them look neater?
A: For invisible decreases, insert your hook into the front loop only of each of the next two stitches, yarn over and pull through (you'll have 3 loops on your hook), then yarn over and pull through all loops. Space your decreases evenly around each round rather than placing them all next to each other. This distributes the reduction and creates a smoother shape.
Q: What's the best way to attach the flippers so they don't look lopsided?
A: Before sewing, pin both flippers in place to check their positioning. Make sure they're at the same height on both sides of the body and angled symmetrically. When sewing, use the same number of stitches on each side. I find it helps to mark the center points of both the body and the flipper with stitch markers before attaching them.
Q: Can I make this penguin child-safe for my baby?
A: For children under 3 years, I recommend these modifications: 1) Embroider the eyes with yarn instead of using safety eyes; 2) Make sure all parts are extremely securely attached by using extra stitches; 3) Consider using a tighter stitch tension to prevent stuffing from coming out; 4) Avoid any small detachable accessories. Always supervise young children with handmade toys.
Q: What's the best stuffing technique for getting the penguin's round belly just right?
A: For that perfect round belly, add small amounts of stuffing at a time, working from the bottom up. Use your fingers to push the stuffing toward the sides of the body, creating a rounded shape. Pay special attention to the area where the white belly meets the black upper body—this should be well-stuffed to maintain the characteristic penguin shape. Stuff the body firmly but not so tight that the stitches stretch apart.
Q: Can I use different colors to make a fantasy penguin?
A: Absolutely! While traditional penguins are black and white, you can create charming fantasy versions with any color combination. Some lovely options include: blue and light blue for an "ice penguin," purple and lavender for a "royal penguin," or even rainbow colors for a playful version. Just maintain the contrast between the main body color and the belly color to preserve the recognizable penguin silhouette.
Q: How do I prevent gaps between color changes?
A: When changing colors, tension is key. After changing colors, give a gentle tug on both the old and new yarn tails to tighten the stitch. For the first few stitches in the new color, work a bit tighter than usual. Also, when weaving in ends later, do so along the color change line to fill any small gaps that might have formed.
Copyright Notice
© Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com This pattern is for personal use only. You may make items to sell in small quantities, but please credit the design to "Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com". This pattern may not be reproduced, resold, or distributed in any form.
