Amigurumi French Bulldog (Crochet) - Detailed Pattern

Designed for a cuddly, dense toy approximately 8" (20 cm) tall when finished. Worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless noted. Uses standard US crochet terms. Make a gauge-appropriate swatch and adjust hook size if needed.

Finished size

• Approx 8" (20 cm) tall, 6" (15 cm) wide across shoulders (measured after stuffing)

Materials

• Yarn (worsted/medium weight, US 4): main color (fawn/tan): 150 yards / 137 meters (~50 g); contrast white: 50 yards / 46 meters (~15 g); black (for nose/face details): 20 yards / 18 meters (~10 g). Typical yarn label: 200 yards / 183 m = 100 g (you will only need portions of a skein).
• Hook and needles (see sizes below): crochet hook for the amigurumi body; optional knitting needle sizes given for knitters attempting a knit version.
• Safety eyes: 9–10 mm recommended (smaller for a cuter look). Alternatively, embroider eyes if making for a child.
• Polyester stuffing (fiberfill)
• Embroidery floss or yarn for nose, mouth and wrinkles (black and dark brown)
• Sewing needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins
• Optional: felt for tongue/inner ear, fabric glue

Needle / Hook sizes (US, UK (old), Metric)

• Crochet hook (recommended for tight amigurumi fabric): US E/4 (3.5 mm) / UK 9 / Metric 3.5 mm. Alternative smaller hook for very dense fabric: US D/3 (3.25 mm) / UK 10 / Metric 3.25 mm.
• Knitting needles (optional knit variant): recommended US 5 / UK 8 / Metric 3.75 mm (use double-pointed needles or small circulars for small tubes).

Gauge

• Approx 16 sc x 20 rows = 4" (10 cm) using worsted weight yarn and 3.5 mm hook in single crochet (spiral). Gauge is not critical but affects final size; use smaller hook than recommended on the yarn label to produce a dense fabric.

Abbreviations (US)

• MR = Magic ring
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec = single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• ch = chain
• rnd = round
• FO = fasten off

Notes

• Work in continuous rounds unless stated; place a stitch marker at the first stitch of the round and move it each round if you want a visual start.
• Stuff firmly as you go to avoid gaps; use smaller amounts of stuffing frequently.
• Numbers at the end of rounds show total stitches for that round.

Pattern Overview

Make pieces: Head, Body, 4 Legs (2 front, 2 rear), 2 Ears (outer), 2 Ear linings (inner - optional felt or contrasting), Snout/Muzzle, Tail, Optional collar and tongue. Sew and embroider details after stuffing.

Head (worked in main color)

R1: MR6 (6)
R2: inc x6 (12)
R3: (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
R4: (sc2, inc) x6 (24)
R5: (sc3, inc) x6 (30)
R6: (sc4, inc) x6 (36)
R7-R12: sc36 (6 rounds) (36)
R13: (sc4, dec) x6 (30)
R14: (sc3, dec) x6 (24)
Insert safety eyes between R9 and R10, spaced about 6-8 sts apart (adjust for expression); place eyes symmetrically. Add a small stitch below eyes for cheek placement if desired.
R15: (sc2, dec) x6 (18)
R16: (sc1, dec) x6 (12)
Begin stuffing head firmly.
R17: (dec) x6 (6)
FO, leave a long tail for closing and sewing. Close remaining hole with tapestry needle and weave in end.

Snout / Muzzle (make 1, use contrast or main color)

R1: MR6 (6)
R2: inc x6 (12)
R3: (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
R4-R5: sc18 (2 rounds)
Flatten and sc through both thicknesses across the open edge to form a more defined muzzle if desired OR sew onto head leaving a small opening to stuff lightly before closing. Embroider nose and vertical wrinkles on top center. For a projecting snout, make a small oval: after R5 continue R6: (sc2, dec) x3 (15) then stuff and close as for head.

Ears (make 2)

Bulldog ears are batlike and stand up; make slightly stiffened triangles.

Outer ear (main color):
R1: ch6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (5), turn
R2: ch1, sc across (5)
R3: ch1, sc across (5)
R4: ch1, dec, sc1, dec (3)
R5: ch1, dec, sc1? (2) - adjust to a neat triangle
FO leaving long tail for sewing. Block slightly to flatten and make crisp with light steam or a tiny bit of watered glue on inner edge.
Optional inner ear (pink or lighter): make same shape 1 round smaller or cut from felt and glue/sew inside.

Body

Make in main color; stuff firmly; shape the chest and rump for a squat bulldog body.
R1: MR6 (6)
R2: inc x6 (12)
R3: (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
R4: (sc2, inc) x6 (24)
R5: (sc3, inc) x6 (30)
R6-R13: sc30 (8 rounds) - maintain cylinder for torso
R14: (sc3, dec) x6 (24)
R15: (sc2, dec) x6 (18)
R16-R18: sc18 (3 rounds) - leave an opening for attaching head later but do not close; you will join later to head by sewing at the neck.
FO leaving long tail for sewing. Do not close completely; stuff firmly. Shape chest slightly forward and flatten bottom so the dog can sit.

Legs (make 4, 2 front shorter than back)

Leg tube - identical for front and back except length.
R1: MR6 (6)
R2: inc x6 (12)
R3-R8 (front legs): sc12 (6 rounds) - about 1.25" of length; for back legs, work R3-R12: sc12 (10 rounds) to make slightly longer
Flatten end and sc2tog across first 6 sts to close foot (or create a rounded foot by decreasing gradually). Stuff lightly but firmly, especially foot area. FO leaving long tail for sewing.
Optional paw embroidery: with black yarn, add three small stitches for toes on front edge of foot.

Tail

Small stubby tail to match bulldog look.
R1: MR4 (4)
R2-R4: sc4 (3 rounds) - short and stout
FO leaving tail for sewing. Stuff a tiny bit or leave flat. Sew to rear of body slightly off center.

Assembly

1. Sew head to body: place head on body opening (align centers) and whipstitch through both layers using mattress or ladder stitch. Make sure the head is slightly tilted for personality if you like.
2. Attach legs: front legs are placed slightly forward on body sides between R3-R6 of the torso; back legs attach lower and further back. Pin placement before sewing helps ensure symmetry.
3. Sew ears to top sides of head: create a seam that helps ear stand by pulling the base slightly inward as you sew (creates a natural fold). If ears are floppy, add a small scrap of interfacing or felt inside the base for stiffness.
4. Sew snout onto lower front of head: center between eyes, slightly lower than midpoint for a bulldog face. Stuff lightly first if needed.

Face details and embroidery

• Nose: embroider a rounded triangular nose using black yarn/floss. Start with a small satin stitch area and outline for definition. Place nose on front of snout top center.
• Mouth and wrinkles: use backstitch or thin yarn to embroider vertical wrinkles above the nose (2–3 short parallel stitches). Add small mouth lines under the nose with a single stitch each side for jowls.
• Eyes: if using safety eyes set them before closing the head. If embroidering, use French knots or satin stitches for a soft toy-safe finish.
• Tongue (optional): small felt or crocheted tongue (ch6, 3 sc across, shape and sew) tucked under snout slightly for character.

Finishing touches

• Weave in all ends securely. Use short, tidy stitches for seams to prevent stuffing escaping.
• Optional collar: knit or crochet a short strip and add a small button (or embroidered tag).
• Lightly shape and adjust stuffing to create the squat bulldog silhouette: fuller chest, shallow neck, compact hindquarters.

Safety and care

• For toys for very young children, avoid safety eyes and small glued parts. Embroider eyes and sew all attachments securely. Use child-safe materials.
• Spot clean with damp cloth; do not machine wash if using felt or glued parts.

Variations & tips

• Color blocking: use white or black patches for a brindle or pied Frenchie. Crochet color changes or sew color panels for more realistic markings.
• Size: to make a larger or smaller dog, swap yarn weight and adjust hook size, maintaining the recommended smaller-than-label hook for firm fabric.
• Knit version: use US 5 / UK 8 / 3.75 mm needles, work in the round to create tubes for body/legs/head. Use similar increases/decreases to match stitch counts; aim for about 30–36 sts circumference for head/body depending on tension.

Stitch counts quick reference

• Head peak circumference: 36 sc (after increases)
• Body standard tube: 30 sc around
• Leg tube: 12 sc around

If you need pattern adjustments for a different finished size or a knitted-only set of instructions, reply with the target size and yarn you plan to use and I will provide adjusted stitch counts and needle recommendations.

Pattern by PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk • Support: team@verde.uk • Socials: #purljam

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

Disclaimer: Enjoy the fun! Accuracy of patterns cannot be guaranteed. Remember to use and share content responsibly when engaging with this AI-powered app.