Want to know a little secret?!! Today’s Simple Amigurumi Penguin was originally going to be a design for a cat! However, while I was fiddling around with how exactly I wanted to create the face, I looked down at it, and it was no longer a cat, it was a penguin! It begged to be a penguin. I obliged, and today we have the Simple Amigurumi Penguin!
It just amazes me sometimes how my creations evolve. I swear sometimes that they are in control and are just asking my maker hands to bring them to life. Can you relate?
Originally I had been working in grey, so of course I had to rework him in a black and white version as well! I do hope that you enjoy the pattern! Also, if you really would like a similar design, but in cat form, let me know! I already have several cat limbs designed now and sitting in a project bag that just didn’t work for our penguin friend, so it might be something fun to entertain again!
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Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Materials
- Crochet Hook, Size E/4 (3.5 mm)
- Stitch Marker(s)
- Scissors
- Stuffing
- Tapestry Needle
- Pins
- Safety eyes, 12 mm
- Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft (worsted 4-Medium, 100% acrylic, Approx 315 yds/288 m, 6 oz/170 g), Colors: Black, White, Mango, and Soft Pink
- Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft Heathers (worsted 4-Medium, 100% acrylic, Approx 250 yds/228 m, 5 oz/141 g), Colors: Grey Heather
- Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft Heathers (worsted 4-Medium, 100% acrylic, Approx 250 yds/228 m, 5 oz/141 g), Colors: Grey Heather
- Black and White Penguin: Color (A) Black, less than 1 skein, Color (B) White, less than 1 skein, Color (C) Mango, less than 1 skein
- Grey Penguin: Color (A) Grey Heather, less than 1 skein, Color (B) White, less than 1 skein, Color (C) Soft Pink, less than 1 skein
Gauge
Exact gauge is not essential to this project, but even tension should be maintained.
Finished Measurements
Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) penguins are approximately 9 inches (23 cm) tall by 4 inches (10 cm) at the widest point
Design Notes
- This pattern is written using US crochet terminology. I choose to use a size E/4 crochet hook. That said, the ultimate desired result is to achieve a tight crochet fabric that when stuffed will not allow the stuffing show through. If a different sized hook works better for you, then by all means, use it! Do note, however, that if you change the hook size or the type of yarn you are using, that this will have an effect on the size and look of your finished item.
- This pattern is written in rows.
- At the end of each row I will note in parenthesis how many stitches you should have once completed.
Abbreviations/Stitches Used
- ch – Chain
- Row(s) – Row(s)
- sc – Single crochet
- sc2tog – Single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- sl st – Slip stitch
- st(s) – Stitch(s)
Let’s Make Our Penguin!
Tummy Patch
For both penguins
Using Color (B), Make 1
The piece is worked from the top down
Turn and ch 1 at the end of every row
- Ch 9
- Row 1: working in the back bar of the chain to obtain a nice finished edge: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across (8sts)
- Row 2: sc in each st across (8sts)
- Row 3: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 6sts, 2sc in the last st (10sts)
- Row 4: sc in each st across (10sts)
- Row 5: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 8sts, 2sc in the last st (12sts)
- Row 6: sc in each st across (12sts)
- Row 7: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 10sts, 2sc in the last st (14sts)
- Row 8: sc in each st across (14sts)
- Row 9: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 12sts, 2sc in the last st (16sts)
- Rows 10-25: sc in each st across (16sts for 16 rows)
- Row 26: sc 2sts tog, sc in the next 12sts, sc2tog (14sts)
- Row 27: sc 2sts tog, sc in the next 10sts, sc2tog (12sts)
- Row 28: sc 2sts tog, sc in the next 8sts, sc2tog (10sts)
- Row 29: sc 2sts tog, sc in the next 6sts, sc2tog (8sts)
- Weave your first tail towards the back of your piece.
- Ch 1, sc around the top three edges. No need to do the bottom edge if you worked into the back bar on row 1. (sc, ch1, sc) on corners as needed to help to round them nicely.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach the patch to the front body panel.
Triangle on the Face
Only needed for the Black and White Penguin
Using Color (A)
The piece is worked from the bottom up.
Turn and ch 1 at the end of every row.
- Ch 3
- Row 1: working in the back bar of the chain to obtain a nice finished edge: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in last ch (2sts)
- Row 2: 2sc in each st across (4sts)
- Row 3: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the last st (6sts)
- Row 4: sc in each st across (6sts)
- Row 5: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 4sts, 2sc in the last st (8sts)
- Row 6: sc in each st across (8sts)
- Row 7: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 6sts, 2sc in the last st (10sts)
- Row 8: sc in each st across (10sts)
- Row 9: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 8sts, 2sc in the last st (12sts)
- Row 10: sc in each st across (12sts)
- Row 11: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 10sts, 2sc in the last st (14sts)
- Row 12: sc2tog, sc in the next 10sts, sc2tog (12sts)
- Row 13: sc2tog, sc in the next 8sts, sc2tog (10sts)
- Ch 1, sc around the two bottom edges. No need to do the top edge if you worked into the back bar on row 1. (sc, ch1, sc) on the corner if needed to help to round it nicely.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach the patch to the front body panel.
Beak
Make 1, needed for both penguins
Using Color (C)
The piece is worked from the bottom up.
Turn and ch 1 at the end of every row.
- Ch2
- Row 1: working in the back bar of the chain to obtain a nice finished edge: 2sc in the 2nd ch from the hook (2sts)
- Row 2: 2sc in each st across (4sts)
- Row 3: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the last st (6sts)
- Row 4: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 4sts, 2sc in the last st (8sts)
- Row 5: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 6sc, 2sc in the last sc (10sts)
>Design Note: I chose not to sc around the outer edge on the beak, but you can if you would like to! Also, it’s easy to increase or decrease the size of the beak if desired by decreasing the number of rows completed above, making a smaller beak, or continuing to follow the pattern sequence of increasing on both ends of a row to make a larger beak.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach to the face. Weave in the first tail.
Back Body Panel
Make 1, needed for both penguins
Using Color (A)
The piece is worked from the bottom up.
Turn and ch 1 at the end of every row.
- Ch 15
- Row 1: working in the back bar of the chain to obtain a nice finished edge: 2sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 12 ch spaces, 2sc in the last ch space (16sts)
- Row 2: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 14sts, 2sc in the last st (18sts)
- Row 3: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 16sts, 2sc in the last st (20sts)
- Row 4: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 18sts, 2sc in the last st (22sts)
- Row 5: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 20sts, 2sc in the last st (24sts)
- Row 6: sc in each st across (24sts)
- Row 7: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 22sts, 2sc in the last st (26sts)
- Row 8: sc in each st across (26sts)
- Row 9: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 24sts, 2sc in the last st (28sts)
- Rows 10-14: sc in each st across (28sts for 5 rows)
- Row 15: sc2tog, sc in the next 24sts, sc2tog (26sts)
- Rows 16-17: sc in each st across (26sts for 2 rows)
- Row 18: sc2tog, sc in the next 22sts, sc2tog (24sts)
- Rows 19-20: sc in each st across (24sts for 2 rows)
- Row 21: sc2tog, sc in the next 20sts, sc2tog (22sts)
- Rows 22-23: sc in each st across (22sts for 2 rows)
- Row 24: sc2tog, sc in the next 18sts, sc2tog (20sts)
- Rows 25-26: sc in each st across (20sts for 2 rows)
- Row 27: sc2tog, sc in the next 16sts, sc2tog (18sts)
- Rows 28: sc in each st across (18sts)
- Row 29: sc2tog, sc in the next 14sts, sc2tog (16sts)
- Rows 30: sc in each st across (16sts)
- Row 31: sc2tog, sc in the next 12sts, sc2tog (14sts)
- Row 32: sc2tog, sc in the next 10sts, sc2tog (12sts)
- Row 33: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 10sts, 2sc in the last st (14sts)
- Row 34: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 12sts, 2sc in the last st (16sts)
- Row 35: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 14sts, 2sc in the last st (18sts)
- Row 36: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 16sts, 2sc in the last st (20sts)
- Row 37: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 18sts, 2sc in the last st (22sts)
- Rows 38: sc in each st across (22sts)
- Row 39: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 20sts, 2sc in the last st (24sts)
- Row 40: sc in each st across (24sts)
- Row 41: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 22sts, 2sc in the last st (26sts)
- Rows 42-46: sc in each st across (26sts for 5 rows)
- Row 47: sc2tog, sc in the next 22sts, sc2tog (24sts)
- Rows 48: sc in each st across (24sts)
- Row 49: sc2tog, sc in the next 20sts, sc2tog (22sts)
- Rows 50: sc in each st across (22sts)
- Row 51: sc2tog, sc in the next 18sts, sc2tog (20sts)
- Rows 52: sc in each st across (20sts)
- Row 53: sc2tog, sc in the next 16sts, sc2tog (18sts)
- Row 54: sc2tog, sc in the next 14sts, sc2tog (16sts)
- Row 55: sc2tog, sc in the next 12sts, sc2tog (14sts)
- Row 56: sc2tog, sc in the next 10sts, sc2tog (12sts)
- Row 53: sc2tog, sc in the next 8sts, sc2tog (10sts)
- Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Front Body Panel
Make 1
If making the grey penguin the entire front body panel will be worked in Color (A)
If making the black and white penguin you will start working in Color (A) and change to Color (B) at Row 33. The change will be noted in the pattern.
The piece is worked from the bottom up
Turn and ch 1 at the end of every row
- Ch 15
- Row 1: working in the back bar of the chain to obtain a nice finished edge: 2sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 12 ch spaces, 2sc in the last ch space (16sts)
- Row 2: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 14sts, 2sc in the last st (18sts)
- Row 3: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 16sts, 2sc in the last st (20sts)
- Row 4: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 18sts, 2sc in the last st (22sts)
- Row 5: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 20sts, 2sc in the last st (24sts)
- Row 6: sc in each st across (24sts)
- Row 7: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 22sts, 2sc in the last st (26sts)
- Row 8: sc in each st across (26sts)
- Row 9: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 24sts, 2sc in the last st (28sts)
- Rows 10-14: sc in each st across (28sts for 5 rows)
- Row 15: sc2tog, sc in the next 24sts, sc2tog (26sts)
- Rows 16-17: sc in each st across (26sts for 2 rows)
- Row 18: sc2tog, sc in the next 22sts, sc2tog (24sts)
- Rows 19-20: sc in each st across (24sts for 2 rows)
- Row 21: sc2tog, sc in the next 20sts, sc2tog (22sts)
- Rows 22-23: sc in each st across (22sts for 2 rows)
- Row 24: sc2tog, sc in the next 18sts, sc2tog (20sts)
- Rows 25-26: sc in each st across (20sts for 2 rows)
- Row 27: sc2tog, sc in the next 16sts, sc2tog (18sts)
- Row 28: sc in each st across (18sts)
- Row 29: sc2tog, sc in the next 14sts, sc2tog (16sts)
- Rows 30: sc in each st across (16sts)
- Row 31: sc2tog, sc in the next 12sts, sc2tog (14sts)
- Row 32: sc2tog, sc in the next 10sts, sc2tog (12sts)
If making the black and white penguin switch to Color B
- Row 33: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 10sts, 2sc in the last st (14sts)
- Row 34: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 12sts, 2sc in the last st (16sts)
- Row 35: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 14sts, 2sc in the last st (18sts)
- Row 36: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 16sts, 2sc in the last st (20sts)
- Row 37: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 18sts, 2sc in the last st (22sts)
- Rows 38: sc in each st across (22sts)
- Row 39: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 20sts, 2sc in the last st (24sts)
- Rows 40: sc in each st across (24sts)
- Row 41: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 22sts, 2sc in the last st (26sts)
- Rows 42-46: sc in each st across (26sts for 5 rows)
- Row 47: sc2tog, sc in the next 22sts, sc2tog (24sts)
- Rows 48: sc in each st across (24sts)
- Row 49: sc2tog, sc in the next 20sts, sc2tog (22sts)
- Rows 50: sc in each st across (22sts)
- Row 51: sc2tog, sc in the next 18sts, sc2tog (20sts)
- Rows 52: sc in each st across (20sts)
- Row 53: sc2tog, sc in the next 16sts, sc2tog (18sts)
- Row 54: sc2tog, sc in the next 14sts, sc2tog (16sts)
- Row 55: sc2tog, sc in the next 12sts, sc2tog (14sts)
- Row 56: sc2tog, sc in the next 10sts, sc2tog (12sts)
- Row 53: sc2tog, sc in the next 8sts, sc2tog (10sts)
- DO NOT fasten off.
- Determine the desired location of the safety eyes and attach. I helped to determine this by placing (but not attaching) the other facial pieces (the beak and/or the triangle piece) on the face and seeing where I wanted the eyes to be.
Body Panel Assembly
Place the Front Body Panel on top of the Back Body Panel, ch1 and sc the two pieces together around the entire outer edges. Make sure that you’re catching both pieces with each stitch. Also, make sure that you have added your safety eyes! Stuff before completely closing. Sl st to join, fasten off and weave in ends.
Wings
Each of the wings is made up of two pieces. You will need a part 1 and a part 2 for each wing. Once each part is completed place one on top of the other and
>Design Note: When we sc Wing Part 1 and Wing Part 2 together at the end we’re going to want to make sure that the part that bumps out just slightly is facing in opposite directions. (This will make more sense as you make the pieces, but you should be aware of it.) Think about your own hands, palms facing down, and how they are exact opposites/reverse of each other. Your left hand has the thumb to the right and your right hand, to the left.
If you crochet both wings the same and stitch around them the same then you’re going to end up with essentially two of the same hands. When you go to sew them to your penguin’s body your outer sc stitching will be facing forward on one arm and backward on another. Yikes! Ok, let’s make it so this doesn’t happen! Less frogging is always happier!
Option 1: Crochet Wing Part 1 and Wing Part 2 two times each, fastening off each time. Then, making sure that Wing 1 and Wing 2 are paired together and both sets of pairs are in fact facing in opposite directions, take a new piece of yarn and sc around the outer edges. (Sc, ch1, sc) in the corner stitches if needed to help round corners nicely.
Option 2: Crochet one Wing Part 1 and one Wing Part 2 and set them aside. Now when you make Wing Part 1 again don’t worry about fastening off but pick up the Wing Part 2 you created previously, line it up appropriately, and now sc around the edge. (Sc, ch1, sc) in the corner stitches if needed to help round corners nicely. Now
Wing Part 1
Make 2 using Color (A)
Turn and ch 1 at the end of each row
- Ch3
- Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, 2sc in the last ch (3sts)
- Row 2: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 2sts (4sts)
- Row 3: sc in the next 3sts, 2sc in the last st (5sts)
- Rows 4-6: sc in each st across (5sts for 3 rows)
- Row 7: sc in the next 4sts, 2sc in the last st (6sts)
- Row 8: sc in each st across (6sts)
- Row 9: sc in the next 5sts, 2sc in the last st (7sts)
- Rows 10-11: sc in each st across (7sts for 2 rows)
- Row 12: sc in the next 6 sts, 2sc in the last st (8sts)
- Row 13: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 7sts (9sts)
- Row 14: sc in the next 7sts, sc2tog (8sts)
- Row 15: sc in each st across (8sts)
- Row 16: sc in the next 6sts, sc2tog (7sts)
- Row 17: sc in each st across (7sts)
- Row 18: sc2tog, sc in the next 5sts (6sts)
- Row 19: sc in the next 4sts, sc2tog (5sts)
- Row 20: sc2tog, sc in the next 3sts (4sts)
- Row 21: sc2tog, sc in the next 2sts (3sts)
- Row 22: sc2tog, sc in the next st (2sts)
Wing Part 2
Make 2 using Color (B)
- Ch3
- Row 1: 2sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the last ch (3sts)
- Row 2: sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in the last st (4sts)
- Row 3: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 3sts (5sts)
- Rows 4-6: sc in each st across (5sts for 3 rows)
- Row 7: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 4sts (6sts)
- Row 8: sc in each st across (6sts)
- Row 9: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 5sts (7sts)
- Rows 10-11: sc in each st across (7sts for 2 rows)
- Row 12: 2sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 6 sts (8sts)
- Row 13: sc in the next 7sts, 2sc in the last st (9sts)
- Row 14: sc2tog, sc in the next 7sts (8sts)
- Row 15: sc in each st across (8sts)
- Row 16: sc2tog, sc in the next 6sts (7sts)
- Row 17: sc in each st across (7sts)
- Row 18: sc in the next 5sts, sc2tog (6sts)
- Row 19: sc2tog, sc in the next 4sts (5sts)
- Row 20: sc in the next 3sts, sc2tog,(4sts)
- Row 21: sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog (3sts)
- Row 22: sc in the first
st , sc2tog,(2sts)
Further Assembly
You should already have the main body piece assembled with the instructions from above. We will now add all the other pieces. Place and pin all the other pieces until the desired placement is achieved and then securely attach them.
For the triangle face piece on the black and white penguin, I placed it so I could take a stitch from the back body panel and a stitch from the triangle so it seams like one continuous black piece over the top of the head. (See the picture below).
The beak is then placed just slightly over the bottom of this black triangle (on the black and white penguin), pinned, and attached.
The tummy patch is placed under the neck, positioned, pinned, and attached.
Wings are placed on the sides and attached.
>Design Note: I’ve designed the wings so that they can be attached to the body in either direction. There is no top or bottom to them. One direction the wing will taper in slightly, and if sewn the other direction will slightly expand out.
Extras
- Hair: Cut several lengths of yarn and loop them to the top of the head. I used two strands held together of Color (C) for the Grey Penguin.
- Would you like to add a bowtie or hair bow to your penguin?!! The Small Animal Collection: Bears has one in the pattern that looks super cute! In fact, I think that I’m going to add one to my black and white penguin!
Looking for more amigurumi patterns?
These may be of interest! 1. Small Animal Collection: Horse 2. Crochet Bobble Sheep 3. Fantastic Crochet Fox
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