Raccoon Grows a Garden — Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Designer: PurlJam  |  Finished size: approx 9 in (23 cm) tall seated. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk  |  Support: team@verde.uk  |  Socials: #purljam

Overview

A cuddly raccoon who loves to grow a tiny removable garden. The set includes the raccoon (head, body, arms, legs, striped tail, mask), a little planter pot, soil disk, carrot, lettuce leaf, flower and a seedling. The garden pieces are detachable so the raccoon can "tend" them. Worked in continuous rounds for a neat amigurumi finish.

Skill level

Advanced-beginner to intermediate: comfortable with single crochet in the round, invisible decreases, surface embellishment and simple shaping.

Materials

• Yarn: Medium/Worsted weight (US 4). Suggested: 100% acrylic or cotton-worsted for easy care.
• Yarn amounts (approx):
  • Main grey (MC): 150 yd / 137 m
  • Black (for mask stripes, tail rings, nose): 50 yd / 46 m
  • White (face & belly): 30 yd / 27 m
  • Accent pink (cheeks): 10 yd / 9 m
  • Brown (pot): 40 yd / 37 m
  • Green (leaves/seedling): 40 yd / 37 m
  • Orange (carrot): 15 yd / 14 m
• Hook & needle sizes (included as US, UK old, Metric):
  • Crochet hook (recommended for dense amigurumi): US D/3, UK 10, Metric 3.25 mm. Alternate slightly larger for softer fabric: US E/4, UK 9, Metric 3.5 mm.
  • Optional small blanket stitch/finishing needle: tapestry needle (US size not applicable).
  • Optional knitting needles for a tiny knitted planter cozy: US 6, UK 4, Metric 4.00 mm.
• Notions: 10 mm safety eyes (or 12 mm if you prefer larger), stitch marker, polyester fiberfill, small amount of floral wire or pipe cleaner for carrot stem (optional), 6 mm wooden bead for pot drain or decoration (optional), glue for securing safety eyes (optional, follow safety guidelines).
• Other: embroidery thread for eyelashes/eyebrows, fabric-safe glue or thread for attaching eyes if no safety eyes used.

Gauge

Not critical for amigurumi but for size consistency: 16 sc x 16 rows = 4” (10 cm) using 3.25 mm hook with worsted weight yarn. If your fabric is loose, use a smaller hook to get tight stitches so stuffing doesn't show.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet (US)
NOTE FIX
• inc = increase (2 sc in same st)
• dec = invisible decrease (sc2tog)
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• FO = fasten off
• MR = magic ring
• BLO = back loop only
• RS = right side, WS = wrong side

Safety

If making for small children, avoid small removable parts (safety eyes, beads). Securely embroider eyes and firmly sew all pieces. Use child-safe stuffing and comply with local safety guidelines.

Pattern Notes

• Work in continuous spirals unless rounds are specified to join; use stitch marker.
• Stuff firmly for best shape.
• Numbers in parentheses at ends of rounds indicate total stitches in that round.

Raccoon - Body & Head (worked seamlessly)

Colors: MC = grey, CC = white for belly, black for mask/stripes. Begin with MC.

Body (bottom-up, MC)

1. MR, R1: 6 sc in ring (6)
2. R2: inc around (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) around (18)
4. R4: (sc 2, inc) around (24)
5. R5: (sc 3, inc) around (30)
6. R6: (sc 4, inc) around (36)
7. R7-12: sc around (36) — 6 rounds to form base height
8. R13: (sc 4, dec) around (30)
9. R14: (sc 3, dec) around (24)
10. Change to CC for belly panel: R15: sc around (24) — mark belly area with contrasting yarn; continue to work body in MC leaving belly panel round intact as color change later for surface adds.
11. R16: (sc 2, dec) around (18)
12. R17: (sc 1, dec) around (12)
13. Start head: Do not FO; continue stuffing firmly and shape neck between body and head by tightening the next rounds.

Head (continue in MC)

1. R18: inc around (24)
2. R19: (sc 1, inc) around (36)
3. R20: (sc 2, inc) around (48)
4. R21-25: sc around (48) — build head height
5. Insert safety eyes between R23 & R24 approx 7 sts apart (adjust for expression). If using embroidered eyes, embroider AFTER stuffing slightly.
6. R26: (sc 2, dec) around (36)
7. R27: (sc 1, dec) around (24)
8. R28: dec around (12) — start closing, stuff firmly for a round head. FO and leave long tail for sewing.

Ears (make 2)

Work in MC, slightly flatten when sewing for semi-cupped ear.

1. MR, R1: 6 sc (6)
2. R2: inc around (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) around (18)
4. R4: sc around (18)
5. Fold in half and sc through both layers across to shape ear cup, FO leaving tail for sewing. Insert small scrap of stuffing if desired.

Arms (make 2)

1. MR, R1: 6 sc (6)
2. R2: inc around (12)
3. R3-8: sc around (12) — 6 rounds
4. R9: (sc 2, dec) around (9)
5. R10-12: sc around (9) — stuff lightly
6. FO leaving tail for sewing. Embroider small claw lines with black yarn at end of arm if desired.

Legs (make 2)

1. MR, R1: 8 sc (8)
2. R2: inc around (16)
3. R3-7: sc around (16) — turn rows optional to create foot shape
4. R8: (sc 2, dec) around (12)
5. R9-12: sc around (12) — stuff firmly
6. FO leaving tail for sewing; flatten toe area and sew a short line for toes.

Tail

The raccoon tail has rings. Work slightly tapered tube and change colors for rings.

1. MR, R1: 6 sc (6)
2. R2: sc around (6)
3. R3-6: sc around (6) — lengthen as desired for a bushy tail
4. Make 2-3 color changes: alternate MC/black every 3 rounds for rings. Stuff lightly and FO leaving long tail for attaching in position that looks natural over shoulder.

Mask & Face Detail

1. Mask: Using black, surface crochet or embroider the mask shape across the face centered between eyes. You can also crochet a flat oval: ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook to end, sc along opposite edge (approx 14 sc), FO and sew to face, then embroider edges to blend.
2. Nose: small black triangle worked as MR, 4 sc in ring, flatten and sew at tip of muzzle.
3. Muzzle/Belly: Add a small white wedge on muzzle by sewing a crocheted oval or embroidering with white yarn. Add blush with a tiny bit of pink yarn or fabric-safe chalk.

Garden Pieces

Planter Pot

1. With brown, MR, R1: 6 sc (6)
2. R2: inc around (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) around (18)
4. R4-6: sc around (18) forming pot height
5. R7: change to darker brown and sc around (18) to create rim; FO and weave in ends. Make bottom: ch 7, join to form flat circle or continue bottom increases then attach to pot tube to close base leaving small hole to insert soil disk if wanted.

Soil Disk

1. With dark brown or black, MR, R1: 6 sc (6)
2. R2: inc around (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) around (18)
4. R4: sc around (18) — FO. Insert into pot and glue or sew a few stitches to secure (or leave removable).

Carrot

1. With orange, MR, R1: 6 sc (6)
2. R2: (sc 1, inc) around (9)
3. R3-5: sc around (9), decrease gradually to form tip: R6: (sc 2, dec) around. Stuff lightly and close. Add a little green stem: ch 6, sl st back and attach to top; or use a small piece of green felt.

Lettuce/Leaf

1. With green, ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc across tail, FO and lightly gather the base by sewing a small running stitch to create a ruffled leaf. Attach to soil disk or leave loose.

Flower

1. With color A (petal color) ch 2, work 5 petals: each petal = (sc, hdc, dc) all in next ch, sl st to base. Center with small bead or yellow yarn.

Seedling

1. Small stem: with green, ch 6, sc back along chain to make a thin cylinder and attach two small leaves (ch 4, sc back) near top. Insert into soil disk; you can add a tiny dab of glue to hold.

Assembly

1. Sew head to body through a few rounds using ladder stitch to close gap and secure. Make sure head sits centered; adjust stuffing levels if needed.
2. Sew arms to sides about two rounds below the neck; use firm stitches and secure knots into the body. Position slightly forward so the raccoon can hold garden pieces.
3. Sew legs to base front sides so the raccoon can sit. Embed stitch through lower body for stability. If you want the raccoon to hold the carrot, position arms so hands meet in front and sew a small loop to attach carrot with a button or small piece of thread (detachable).
4. Sew ears on either side of head, slightly angled outwards. Flatten and tack a couple stitches at base to create the cupped ear look.
5. Sew tail to back lower body offset to one side; add extra stuffing if you want a plumper tail. Arrange rings so they show around the tail naturally.
6. Attach mask and muzzle: sew the small crocheted muzzle piece or embroider directly into place. Add nose and mouth with black yarn, using small zig-zag stitches for a smile.
7. Position safety eyes and secure backs. If you embroidered eyes, do that now and add eyelashes/eyebrows with embroidery thread.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends securely. If toy is for small child, knot ends inside body and avoid surface-glued elements.
• Block lightly if necessary (steam from distance or lay flat), but most acrylic yarns don’t require blocking.
• Spot clean only. Surface wash with damp cloth and mild soap; reshape and air dry.

Customization & Tips

• Size variation: use sport weight yarn and smaller hook for a smaller raccoon; use bulkier yarn and larger hook for a bigger toy.
• Expression: move eyes closer for a more mischievous look; embroider brows for more personality.
• Garden play: add other vegetables (tiny beets, mushroom) using the same small-cone technique as carrot. Make the pot base magnetic if you’d like the raccoon to place the elements and have them stick (use small craft magnets, take safety into account).

Stitch Map Summary (quick counts)

Body base approx 36 sts wide; head approx 48 sts at widest. Tail small tube 6 sts circumference. Arms 9-12 sts; legs 12-16 sts.

Troubleshooting

• Gaps in fabric: switch to a smaller hook or use a tighter tension.
• Wonky head position: add a flat felt disc inside the neck region and sew through it to anchor head angle.
• Safety eyes backing loose: add a dab of craft glue (secure and dry thoroughly) or use washers for extra hold.

Care & Gift Notes

Surface wash only. This set makes a great gift; include a small care card: "Spot clean; not a teether/chew toy if using small parts." If for a baby, substitute embroidered eyes and securely sew all pieces.

Pattern Licensing

For personal use and small handmade items for sale: credit PurlJam and include pattern reference or link to purljam.verde.uk. Do not copy pattern text for redistribution; translations require permission.

Need Help?

Contact: team@verde.uk. Join the conversation: #purljam

Happy stitching! — PurlJam

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