One of my favorite stuffed animals growing up was a penguin. “Pengui” the penguin is what my brother and I named her and it was one of four arctic stuffed animals that we took on countless adventures. Even now, I can’t help but find penguins incredibly amusing and adorable, so it was only a matter of time before I made one.
Here’s how to crochet this penguin!
Like most of my patterns, I wanted this to be a cute project that can work up relatively quickly. I also wanted this penguin to be small and round, hence their name (Pebble). Shout out to coquettexleonafor naming Pebble!
p.s. check out their little tail!
This pattern includes the following skills: Magic Circle, Single Crochet, Increase, Decrease (Invisible Decrease), Slip Stitch, Chain 1, Double Crochet, crocheting in Front Loop Only/Back Loop Only, and color changes. If you aren’t familiar with all of the skills, I do have my step-by-step tutorial where I go over everything. I highly recommend looking at the video if you need more clarification.
Follow the beginner step-by-step tutorial or find the free written pattern below!
This pattern was written to be crocheted in continuous rounds (or spirals), which is the common method used for crocheting plushies. The color changes take into account the slant that generally occurs when crocheting in continuous rounds. However, sometimes stitches shift differently for different crocheters, so please feel free to adjust the placement of the color changes by a stitch or two if needed.
Here’s the written pattern:
Terms of Use:
This crochet pattern is designed by me (The Mary Jay). Do not copy, sell, duplicate (to distribute) the contents of this crochet pattern in any format without permission.
If you’d like to share this pattern, please only do so by linking to this blog post or sharing where to find its original source. Do not claim the pattern as your own or copy any part of the pattern to post, share, or publish anywhere else without written permission.
You’re absolutely welcome to sell the plushies you make using this pattern provided that you give pattern credit to The Mary Jay (and/or @themaryjay). I’d also super appreciate if you’re able to include where to find this pattern (www.themaryjay.com) when possible.
Respecting these terms helps me to continue creating and offering free patterns like this to you, and I truly appreciate your support!
p.s. If you post your plushie, tag me @themaryjay on Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube etc. I’d love to see it and hype you up!
Skills and Abbreviations (In U.S. terms)
MR = Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
CH = Chain
SL ST or SS = Slip Stitch
SC = Single Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
INC = Increase
DEC = Decrease (or I recommend the Invisible Decrease)
FO = Fasten off
FLO = Front Loop Only
BLO = Back Loop Only
R = Round/Row
Changing Color
Sewing
Materials:
(Based on what I used to make the penguin in the photos)
Disclosure: The following links to the materials are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Your support means a lot and helps me continue to create free patterns for you!
Super Bulky Weight Yarn (#6) in blue, white, and yellow (or the colors of your choice)
The yarn I used to make this penguin was Bernat Baby Blanket in shades: Baby Blue, White, Buttercup
You can find most of the other materials on my Amazon storefront.
6.5 mm Crochet Hook (or a similar hook size)
Two 18 mm Safety Eyes (Warning: Safety eyes can be choking hazards and are generally not recommended when crocheting plushies for young children/pets. You can replace the “safety eyes” with an alternative.)
Stuffing
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Stitch Markers (Optional)
Pins (Optional)
The above eyes, yarn size, and hook size are recommendations based on what I used to make the penguin in the sample photo. Feel free to switch up the yarn, eyes, or hook size based on what you have available or your preference.
If you’re using a different yarn or hook size, don’t forget to make sure that the yarn and hook size work well together. For amigurumi, it’s often recommended to use a hook size that is 1-2mm smaller than the recommended hook size on the yarn label for tighter stitches and less holes in your project. However, different crocheters have their own preferences on hook size and you are welcome to follow your own preference.
Now let’s get into the pattern!
Body:
Using Blue
R1: 7 SC in a MR (7)
R2: [INC] x 7 (14)
R3: [SC, INC] x 7 (21)
R4: [2 SC, INC] x 7 (28)
R5: 28 SC (28)
R6: [3 SC, INC] x 7 (35)
In rounds 7 through 16, we‘ll be changing colors within the rounds to the belly color (labeled as “White”). If you need more help with changing color, please refer to the penguin tutorial or my changing color tutorial (method 1).
R7: 14 SC in blue, 2 SC in white, 3 SC in blue, 2 SC in white, 14 SC in blue (35)
R8: 13 SC in blue, 4 SC in white, 1 SC in blue, 4 SC in white, 13 SC in blue (35)
R9-10: 12 SC in blue, 11 SC in white, 12 SC in blue (35) 2 Rounds
R11-12: 12 SC in blue, 12 SC in white, 11 SC in blue (35) 2 Rounds
R13-14: 12 SC in blue, 13 SC in white, 10 SC in blue (35) 2 Rounds
R15: 13 SC in blue, 11 SC in white, 11 SC in blue (35)
R16: 14 SC in blue, 9 SC in white, 12 SC in blue (35)
The beginning of the next round forms the tail.
Back View of the Penguin with Tail (Picture Reference)
R17: In FLO of the first stitch, [SL ST, CH 1, DC].
In FLO of the second stitch, [DC, CH 1, SL ST]
Make 1 SC in the third stitch.
Make 1 DEC (combining the fourth and fifth stitch).
[3 SC, DEC] x 6 for the rest of the round.
For more clarification on R17, please refer to the video tutorial at timestamp: 43:40
R18: [2 SC, DEC] x 7 (21) *The first 2 SC of R18 are made in the 2 leftover back loops of Round 16 (beneath the tail, not on top of the stitches that form the tail in R17).
Attach the eyes between rounds 9 and 10 with each eye centered to each triangle shape on the face.
Using yellow, embroider on the beak between rounds 10 and 11 (or one row beneath the eyes) and two stitches wide.
Begin stuffing.
R19: [ SC, DEC] x 7 (14)
R20: [DEC] x 7 (7)
FO leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finish stuffing if needed.
Use the leftover yarn tail to sew the body closed.
Flippers: (Make 2)
Using Blue
R1: 6 SC in a MR (6)
R2: [SC, INC] x 3 ( 9)
R3: [SC, DEC] x 3 ( 6)
FO leaving a long tail for sewing.
Feet: (Make 2)
Using Yellow
6 SC in a MR (6)
FO leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly:
If you need more clarification on assembly, please visit 1:05:50 of the video tutorial.
Flippers
Do not stuff the flippers. Sew them on flat.
Sew the flippers onto each side of the belly between rounds 10 and 11. They should start where the white meets the blue of the body.
Optional: Sew down the second to bottom rows of the flippers as well to have them lay more flatly to the body.
Feet
Sew the feet between rounds 17 and 18 (or one row beneath where the white meets the blue). Each outer corner of the feet should start one stitch to the side of where the white ends on Round 16 of the body. If you need more clarification on how to attach the feet, please visit 1:09:16 of the video tutorial.
And that’s it! Yay!!! You’ve finished your penguin!
Let me know what you named your penguin in the comments! If you have any questions or find any mistakes, please don’t hesitate to let me know as well!
I love seeing your plushies! Follow and tag my socials! Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube: @themaryjay
Thank you so much for following my pattern!! I hope you adore your little penguin!!
Find more free patterns here!
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