purlJam

# 3-Inch Amigurumi Loon

A simple beginner-friendly amigurumi pattern for a cute miniature loon! This pattern uses basic shapes and easy construction techniques perfect for those new to amigurumi.

## Materials

- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn in:
  - Black (main color - body and head): approximately 25 yards
  - White (accent - belly markings): approximately 5 yards
  - Gray or Dark Gray (beak): approximately 2 yards
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Other Supplies**:
  - Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
  - Yarn needle for weaving and assembly
  - Stitch marker
  - Small amount of white felt or embroidery floss for eyes (optional)
  - Pins for assembly

## Abbreviations

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

## Pattern Notes

- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified; do not join or turn
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round
- Stuff firmly as you go for best shape
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through
- All pieces are worked in black unless color change is specified
- Pattern uses US crochet terminology

## Gauge

Approximately 5-6 sc per inch with worsted weight yarn and E-4 (3.5mm) hook when worked in amigurumi style (tight tension)

Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size.

## Finished Dimensions

Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long from beak to tail

## Instructions

### BODY (make 1 in black)

The body is an elongated oval worked from bottom up.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnds 4-8**: sc in each st around [18]
*5 even rounds for body length*

**Rnd 9**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly now**

**Rnd 10**: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (12 inches) for sewing to head. Do not close the hole yet - this will attach to the head.

**Optional White Belly Markings** (add after assembly):
With white yarn and yarn needle, embroider a small oval shape on the belly area (rounds 3-5 of body) using satin stitch or surface slip stitch.

### HEAD (make 1 in black)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnds 4-6**: sc in each st around [18]
*3 even rounds for head shape*

**Rnd 7**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Begin stuffing head firmly now**

**Rnd 8**: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (10 inches) for assembly. Close the hole by weaving tail through remaining 6 sts and pulling tight.

### BEAK (make 1 in gray or black)

**Rnd 1**: 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2**: sc in each st around [4]

**Rnd 3**: sc in each st around [4]

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for sewing. Do not stuff - beak should remain flat/pointed.

### WINGS (make 2 in black) - Optional

These simple wings add character but can be omitted for absolute beginners.

**Rnd 1**: 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [6]
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats, 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc in each st around [6]

**Rnd 4**: sc in each st around [6]

Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail for sewing. Flatten and stuff very lightly (just enough to give slight dimension).

## Assembly

**Step 1 - Attach Head to Body**:
- Pin the open end of the body (6-st hole at top) to the closed end of the head, positioning the head so it sits slightly forward
- Using the long tail from the body, whip stitch all around the connection, working through both pieces
- Add extra stuffing to neck area if needed before completing the seam
- Weave in end securely

**Step 2 - Attach Beak**:
- Position the beak on the front of the head, centered, about 2 rounds down from the top of head
- Using the tail from the beak, sew around the base of the beak to secure it to the head
- Weave in end

**Step 3 - Add Eyes**:
Option A: Cut two small circles (about 1/4 inch diameter) from white felt and glue or sew to either side of the head, above and slightly behind the beak
Option B: With white yarn, embroider two small circles using satin stitch
Option C: Use tiny French knots in white yarn

**Step 4 - Attach Wings (if made)**:
- Position wings on either side of the body at rounds 4-5
- Flatten wings and sew along the inner edge only, allowing outer edge to stand out slightly
- Weave in ends

**Step 5 - Optional Details**:
- Add white throat patch by embroidering a small white oval below the beak and on upper body
- Add white spots on back with white French knots or small embroidered circles for classic loon "necklace" pattern
- Shape the body gently with your hands to create a slightly streamlined, bird-like form

## Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends securely. Shape the loon gently, ensuring it can sit upright (body should be stable as a base). If desired, lightly steam or block to even out stitches, being careful not to flatten the stuffing.

## Care Instructions

Hand wash gently in cool water if needed. Reshape and air dry flat.

## Customization Ideas

- **Larger Loon**: Use bulky yarn with a larger hook (H-8/5mm) for a 5-6 inch loon
- **Simpler Version**: Skip the wings and white markings for the absolute easiest version
- **Baby Loon**: Use DK weight yarn with a smaller hook (C-2/2.75mm) for a 2-inch version
- **Realistic Details**: Add more elaborate white spotted patterns using white yarn and surface embroidery

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*This pattern is designed for personal use. The finished loon makes a perfect desk buddy, zipper pull, or gift for bird lovers!*