purlJam

# Adorable Axolotl Amigurumi

**Designed for beginners** | A cute little axolotl plushie featuring simple shapes and easy assembly

## FINISHED SIZE
Approximately 5 inches (13 cm) long and 2.5 inches (6 cm) tall

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in:
  - Pink (main color - MC): approximately 50 yards
  - Dark pink or coral (gills - CC): approximately 10 yards
  - Small amount of black for embroidered details (optional)

**Suggested yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic (Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice)

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Two 6mm black safety eyes OR black embroidery thread for eyes
- Pins for assembly (optional but helpful)
- Scissors

## GAUGE
Not critical for this project, but approximately:
- 5 stitches and 5 rounds = 1 inch in single crochet
- Work tightly for best amigurumi results with no stuffing visible

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrasting color
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted; do not join rounds
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- Stuff firmly as you go for best results
- All pieces are worked in MC (pink) except gills which use CC (dark pink/coral)
- Use invisible decrease method for smoothest finish

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form ring, pull up loop, chain 1 (does not count as stitch), work stitches into ring, pull tail to close.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook into front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (including head and tail - one continuous piece)

Work in MC (pink).

**HEAD:**

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 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

Rnds 6-9: sc in each st around [30]
*4 even rounds to create rounded head shape*

**If using safety eyes, insert now between rounds 6 and 7, approximately 6 stitches apart.**

Rnd 10: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**BODY:**

Rnds 11-19: sc in each st around [24]
*9 even rounds create the body length*

**Begin stuffing head and body firmly. Continue to add stuffing as you work.**

**TAIL:**

Rnd 20: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 21: sc in each st around [18]

Rnd 22: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 23: sc in each st around [12]

Rnd 24: (2 sc, dec) around [9]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats, 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

Rnd 25: sc in each st around [9]

**Stuff tail lightly (less firmly than body).**

Rnd 26: (sc, dec) around [6]
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats, 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

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### LEGS (make 4)

Work in MC (pink).

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

Rnds 3-6: sc in each st around [12]
*4 rounds create stubby axolotl legs*

**Stuff lightly.**

Rnd 7: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing. Do not close the opening.

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### GILLS (make 6)

Work in CC (dark pink/coral).

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]

Rnds 2-4: sc in each st around [4]
*3 short rounds create finger-like gills*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 10 inches) for sewing. Do not stuff.

**Note:** Gills should be thin and stick out from the head. Do not overstuff or close ends.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Preparation:** Lay body flat with head at top and tail extending down. Pin pieces before sewing for best placement.

**LEGS:**
1. Position front legs on either side of body at rounds 11-12 (where head meets body)
2. Position back legs on either side of body at rounds 16-17
3. Using the long tail and yarn needle, sew legs onto body using whip stitch around the opening
4. Legs should angle slightly downward and outward
5. Weave in ends securely

**GILLS:**
1. Position 3 gills on each side of head at rounds 5-7
2. Arrange in a fan pattern: one pointing up, one pointing out, one pointing slightly down
3. Space gills approximately 2 stitches apart
4. Using long tail and yarn needle, sew base of each gill firmly to head using several stitches
5. Gills should stick out horizontally from head
6. Weave in ends securely

**TIP:** For extra security, stitch through each gill 2-3 times at the base.

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## FINISHING

**EYES:**
- If using safety eyes: Already inserted and secured
- If embroidering: Using black yarn and yarn needle, create two small circles or French knots between rounds 6 and 7, approximately 6 stitches apart

**MOUTH (optional):**
- Using black yarn or embroidery thread, create a small smile with a curved line below the eyes
- Alternatively, use dark pink to create a subtle "w" shape for a cute axolotl smile

**FINAL TOUCHES:**
1. Weave in any remaining ends
2. Reshape and fluff your axolotl
3. Gently pull gills to ensure they fan out nicely
4. Check that all pieces are securely attached

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Color Variations:**
- White/leucistic axolotl: Use white for body, light pink for gills
- Golden axolotl: Use yellow or gold for body, orange for gills
- Wild type: Use dark brown/gray for body, dark red for gills

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller (3-4 inches):** Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook
- **Larger (7-8 inches):** Use bulky weight yarn with 5.5mm hook, or add 1-2 more increase rounds to head and body

**Embellishments:**
- Add small spots with embroidery or fabric paint
- Create toes by stitching small lines at end of each leg
- Add a small smile with pink embroidery thread

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- Spot clean with damp cloth
- If machine washing is necessary, place in mesh bag and wash gentle cycle
- Air dry flat
- Do not bleach or iron

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Stuffing shows through stitches
**Solution:** Work more tightly, or use a smaller hook (try 3.0mm)

**Problem:** Body is lumpy or misshapen
**Solution:** Distribute stuffing more evenly; add small amounts at a time

**Problem:** Legs won't stay in place
**Solution:** Use more stitches when attaching; consider sewing through leg and body multiple times

**Problem:** Gills droop
**Solution:** Don't stuff gills; attach more firmly at base; use slightly stiffer yarn for gills

**Problem:** Lost your place in the pattern
**Solution:** Count stitches in current round; compare to stitch count in brackets; use stitch marker consistently

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## PATTERN TESTING NOTES

This pattern has been designed for absolute beginners using only basic amigurumi techniques. All increases follow standard formulas:
- Round 2: 6 → 12 (inc every st)
- Round 3: 12 → 18 (inc every 2 sts)
- Round 4: 18 → 24 (inc every 3 sts)
- Round 5: 24 → 30 (inc every 4 sts)

Decreases follow the reverse pattern for smooth shaping.

**Estimated time to complete:** 3-4 hours for beginners

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**Thank you for choosing this pattern! Tag your finished axolotls—I'd love to see your creations!**

**Pattern difficulty:** ⭐ Beginner Friendly
**Techniques used:** Magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases, basic assembly