Bongo Horn Amigurumi - 5cm

A tiny, sturdy bongo horn amigurumi about 5cm long when finished. Worked in single crochet in continuous rounds. Perfect as a keychain charm, doll accessory or tiny instrument for toy animals. This pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Finished size

Approx 5cm / 2.0 in long (from bell edge to mouthpiece). If your gauge differs, work to measurement rather than strictly to rounds.

Materials

• Yarn: Small amount of fingering / 4-ply cotton or cotton-blend (smooth, tightly spun yarn works best). Approximately 10-25 yards / 9-23 meters (you will need under one 25g skein). Use a contrasting color for optional rim or stripes.
• Hook: US B-1 (2.25 mm) / UK 12 (old sizing) / 2.25 mm metric. Use a slightly smaller hook than recommended on the yarn label to achieve a tight fabric. Optional: US C-2 (2.75 mm) / 2.75 mm if you want a looser fabric (adjust stuffing).
• Stuffing: small amount polyester fibrefill (very small pinch)
• Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving ends
• Stitch marker (or scrap yarn) for marking round start
• Optional: small length of thin craft wire or keyring hardware if making as keychain (wrap wire in yarn before inserting)
• Safety note: This horn is very small. If making for young children, avoid small detachable parts such as metal rings or exposed wire.

Abbreviations

• sc = single crochet (US)
• inc = 2 single crochet in same stitch
• dec = single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• MR = magic ring (adjustable ring)
• [] xN = repeat the bracketed sequence N times

Gauge & tension

No strict gauge required. Aim for a tight fabric with minimal holes so stuffing does not show. If your stitches are loose, drop hook size until fabric is firm.

Notes

• Work in continuous rounds (spiral), do not join unless specified.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
• Stuff lightly and frequently to hold shape; overstuffing will widen the horn.

Pattern

Make a magic ring.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
2. Round 2: inc in each st around (12)
3. Round 3: [inc, sc] x6 (18)
4. Round 4: [inc, sc2] x6 (24) <-- begin bell flare
5. Round 5: [inc, sc3] x6 (30) <-- bell edge formed
6. Rounds 6-13: sc around (30) <-- straight section; length here gives most of the horn's body (8 rounds)
7. Round 14: [sc3, dec] x6 (24) <-- begin taper toward mouthpiece
8. Round 15: [sc2, dec] x6 (18)
9. Round 16: [sc1, dec] x6 (12)
10. Round 17: dec around (6) <-- almost closed; leave opening for stuffing
11. Round 18: sc around 6 if needed to adjust length or finish immediately with closing. Fasten off leaving a long tail for closing.

Stuffing & shaping

Stuff lightly after rounds 6-8 to help keep bell shape. Stuff more firmly toward the mouthpiece area so the horn tapers nicely. Do not overstuff the bell; a little give helps maintain the flared edge.

Closing

Thread the tail through tapestry needle. For a neat, invisible close, run the needle through the front loops of the 6 sts and pull tight to close the hole (drawstring method). Weave the tail inside and trim. If you prefer a clean circular mouthpiece, you can use the tail to whipstitch the hole closed and then hide the end inside.

Optional finishing details

• Rim: Before stuffing, you can work a contrasting round at R5: slip stitch in each st around to create a defined rim. Work this with the right side out, then continue.
• Stripes: Change color at the start of a round, carry yarn inside to create narrow rings down the horn.
• Keyring: Thread a small metal ring through the mouthpiece or create a tight yarn loop at the mouthpiece, securing it with tight stitches and extra weaving.
• Bendable horn: Insert a short length of craft wire wrapped in tape or yarn into the body before stuffing so it can be posed slightly; secure wire ends well so they do not poke out.

Finishing care

Weave in ends firmly. Hand wash gently in cool water and reshape while damp. Cotton yarns can be ironed lightly with a cloth between iron and piece if needed (avoid metal parts).

Troubleshooting & tips

• If bell is too flat: increase R4 or R5 by adding one more increase round (eg. [inc, sc4] x6) to make a wider flare.
• If horn is too short: add extra sc rounds in the 30-st section until you reach desired length, then follow taper rounds.
• If the fabric is holey: use a smaller hook and stuff more tightly in small increments.

Variations

• Mini Bongo Set: Make two horns in different colors and attach to a small chain or miniature strap to mimic bongos as accessories.
• Decorative beads: Sew tiny beads around the bell edge for a festive look; secure beads with extra thread.

Support & credits

Designer: purljam at purljam.verde.uk. For support email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with the community tag #purljam.

Pattern and images (if any) are for personal use only; please credit purljam if you share or sell finished items.

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

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