purlJam

# Adorable Axolotl Amigurumi

A beginner-friendly crochet pattern for a cute axolotl plush! This pattern uses simple shapes and basic stitches to create an adorable underwater friend. Perfect for beginners learning amigurumi.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Length: Approximately 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
- Height: Approximately 2.5 inches (6 cm)

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
- **Worsted weight (4) yarn** in the following amounts:
  - Main Color (MC): 50-60 yards (pink, white, or purple recommended)
  - Contrast Color (CC) for gills: 15-20 yards (darker pink, purple, or red)
  - Small amount of black for eyes (if embroidering)

*Recommended yarns: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or any worsted weight acrylic*

### Hook & Notions
- **US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook** (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- **Optional**: 6mm black safety eyes (2)
- Scissors

## GAUGE
Not critical for this project, but aim for tight, even stitches with no gaps showing through.
- Approximately 5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing

## 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, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color
- [...] = total stitch count at end of round

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

### Magic Ring
Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round. Alternatively, ch 2 and work stitches into first chain.

### Working in Continuous Rounds
Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.

### 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. This creates a neater decrease than sc2tog.

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work all pieces in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results
- Leave long tails for sewing when fastening off

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (make 1 in MC)

The body is worked from tail end to head.

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Verify: 6 inc = 12 sts*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Verify: 6 repeats × 3 sts per repeat = 18 sts*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Verify: 6 repeats × 4 sts per repeat = 24 sts*

**Rnds 5-12:** sc in each st around [24]
*Work 8 rounds even - this creates the main body length*

**Rnd 13:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Verify: 6 repeats × 3 sts per repeat = 18 sts*

**Rnd 14:** sc in each st around [18]

**Rnd 15:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verify: 6 repeats × 2 sts per repeat = 12 sts*

**Begin stuffing body firmly now**

**Rnd 16:** sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 17:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Verify: 6 repeats × 3 sts per repeat = 18 sts - this creates the head bulge*

**Rnds 18-20:** sc in each st around [18]
*Work 3 rounds even for head*

**If using safety eyes, insert now between rounds 18 and 19, about 6 stitches apart**

**Rnd 21:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verify: 6 repeats × 2 sts per repeat = 12 sts*

**Stuff head firmly**

**Rnd 22:** dec around [6]
*Verify: 6 dec = 6 sts remaining*

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

### TAIL (make 1 in MC)

The tail is worked flat, then attached to the body.

**Row 1:** Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [7]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [9]
*Verify: 1 inc + 5 sc + 1 inc = 9 sts*

**Row 3:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [9]

**Row 4:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [9]

**Row 5:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 5 sts, dec, turn [7]
*Verify: 1 dec + 5 sc + 1 dec = 7 sts*

**Row 6:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec, turn [5]
*Verify: 1 dec + 3 sc + 1 dec = 5 sts*

**Row 7:** Ch 1, dec, sc, dec [3]
*Verify: 1 dec + 1 sc + 1 dec = 3 sts*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

**Optional Tail Edging:** With CC, work sc evenly around entire edge of tail, working 3 sc in the pointed tip. This creates a decorative ridge.

### LEGS (make 4 in MC)

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [9]
*Verify: 3 repeats × 3 sts per repeat = 9 sts*

**Rnds 3-5:** sc in each st around [9]
*Work 3 rounds even*

**Stuff lightly - don't overstuff or legs will be too stiff**

**Rnd 6:** dec, sc in next 7 sts [8]
*Verify: 1 dec + 7 sc = 8 sts*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the opening slightly.

### GILLS (make 6 in CC - 3 for each side)

These create the iconic frilly external gills of the axolotl.

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]
*Verify: 2 repeats × 3 sts per repeat = 6 sts*

**Rnds 3-6:** sc in each st around [6]
*Work 4 rounds even to create finger-like projections*

**Stuff very lightly - just enough to give shape**

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

## ASSEMBLY

Follow this order for best results:

### 1. Attach Tail
Position the flat tail at the back end of the body (the narrower end before it expands). The tail should point straight back. Pin in place, then use the long tail to whip stitch securely around the base of the tail to the body.

### 2. Attach Legs
- Position legs on the underside of the body
- **Front legs:** Attach at rounds 8-9 of the body (in the middle section), about 8 stitches apart
- **Back legs:** Attach at rounds 4-5 of the body (closer to tail), about 8 stitches apart
- Sew each leg securely by stitching around the flattened opening, attaching it flush to the body

### 3. Attach Gills
- Position 3 gills on each side of the head (the wider end)
- Arrange them in a fan pattern, all emerging from roughly the same area behind the eyes
- Space them evenly: one pointing up, one pointing straight out, one pointing slightly down
- Sew the base of each gill securely to the head at approximately round 19-20

### 4. Add Face Details

**If using embroidery:**
- Embroider two small oval eyes with black yarn between rounds 18-19, about 6 stitches apart
- Add a small smile or line for mouth below eyes

**If using safety eyes:**
- These should already be inserted (see body instructions)
- Embroider a small smile if desired

## FINISHING

- Weave in all remaining ends securely
- Give your axolotl a gentle shake to settle the stuffing
- Reshape gills to fan out attractively
- Optional: Use a yarn needle to add a few surface stitches on the feet to create toes (3-4 small straight stitches on the front of each foot)

## COLOR VARIATIONS

**Pink Axolotl (Leucistic):** Light pink body with darker pink or red gills
**White Axolotl (Albino):** White body with pink or light purple gills  
**Purple Axolotl:** Lavender or purple body with darker purple gills
**Brown/Wild Type:** Brown or dark gray body with burgundy gills
**Golden Axolotl:** Yellow or gold body with orange-pink gills

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth
- If machine washing is necessary, place in mesh bag and use gentle cycle
- Air dry only - do not put in dryer
- Reshape while damp if needed

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches:** Work more tightly or use a smaller hook
**Legs won't stay in position:** Make sure to sew completely around the opening with small, tight stitches
**Gills are floppy:** Add a tiny bit more stuffing, or work them more tightly
**Body has gaps when stuffing:** Use invisible decreases and work tightly throughout

## PATTERN VARIATIONS

**Larger Axolotl:** Use bulky yarn and a 5.5mm hook for a plush approximately 9-10 inches long
**Keychain Size:** Use DK weight yarn and a 2.75mm hook; attach keychain finding to top of head
**Baby Axolotl:** Stop body at round 10 instead of round 12; make gills with only 4 rounds instead of 6

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*This pattern is for personal use and small-scale gift giving. Please do not mass produce for sale. If you sell finished items, please credit the pattern designer.*

*Enjoy your adorable axolotl friend!*