purlJam

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# 🐒 Baby Monkey Knitted Amigurumi
### A Beginner-Friendly Knitted Flat Pattern

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Meet your new favorite little friend — a squishy, adorable baby monkey worked entirely **flat on straight needles** and seamed together. No DPNs, no Magic Loop — just knits, purls, and a few simple shaping tricks. Perfect for a first amigurumi project!

**Finished Size:** Approximately 7½ inches (19 cm) tall when seated, not including ears
**Difficulty:** Beginner

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn (MC):** Worsted weight yarn in brown (or any monkey color you love!) — approx. **100 yards (92 m)**
  *Suggested: Lion Brand Pound of Love, Red Heart Soft, or similar*
- **Yarn (CC):** Worsted weight yarn in tan, beige, or cream — approx. **30 yards (27 m)**
  *For the face panel and belly panel*
- **Yarn (Embroidery):** Small amounts of black yarn or embroidery floss (for eyes, nose, mouth)
- **Needles:** US 7 / 4.5 mm straight needles *(or size needed to achieve gauge — a slightly tighter gauge helps hold stuffing in)*
- **Notions:**
  - Blunt tapestry needle (for seaming and embroidery)
  - Scissors
  - Polyfill stuffing — approx. 1–1.5 oz (30–45 g)
  - Stitch markers (optional, helpful)
  - Straight pins (for positioning pieces before seaming)

> ⚠️ **Safety Note:** Safety eyes are a choking hazard for children under 3 years old. This pattern uses **embroidered eyes** for safety. If making this toy for older children or display only, you may substitute 9 mm safety eyes, inserted before closing the head seam.

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## GAUGE

**18 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st)**
*(St st flat = knit on RS, purl on WS)*

Gauge is not critical for this project, but working at a tighter-than-usual gauge is recommended so the stuffing does not show through the fabric. If your gauge is very different, your finished monkey will simply be a different size.

**To check your gauge:** Cast on 22 sts. Work 28 rows in St st. Bind off. Block lightly and measure the center 18 sts across 24 rows.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (1 st increased) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease; removes 1 st) |
| k2tog | Knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease; removes 1 st) |
| St st | Stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) |
| rep | Repeat |
| rem | Remaining |
| WY | Waste yarn |

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. All pieces are worked **flat** (back and forth) in Stockinette Stitch unless otherwise indicated.
2. Right Side (RS) rows are **knit rows**. Wrong Side (WS) rows are **purl rows**.
3. Two identical pieces are made for the **Head** and **Body**; these are seamed together like a sandwich to create a 3D shape when stuffed.
4. **Shaping rows are always worked on RS (knit) rows.** WS (purl) rows are worked plain (purl all sts) unless stated otherwise.
5. Leave a **12-inch (30 cm) tail** when casting on and binding off each piece — you'll use these tails for seaming.
6. All increases use **kfb** (knit into front and back). All decreases use **ssk** at the beginning and **k2tog** at the end of RS rows.

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## PIECES TO MAKE

| Piece | Color | How Many |
|---|---|---|
| Head | MC (brown) | 2 |
| Body | MC (brown) | 2 |
| Arms | MC (brown) | 2 |
| Legs | MC (brown) | 2 |
| Ears | MC (brown) | 4 |
| Tail | MC (brown) | 1 |
| Face Panel | CC (tan/beige) | 1 |
| Belly Panel | CC (tan/beige) | 1 |

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## THE PATTERN

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### HEAD
**Make 2 identical pieces in MC.**

The two Head pieces are shaped like flat ovals. When seamed together along the edges and stuffed, they form a round 3D head.

**Finished oval piece (before seaming):** approx. 3½ in (9 cm) wide × 5 in (13 cm) tall

CO 4 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

- **Row 1 (RS):** Knit across. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Purl across. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 3 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(6 sts)*
- **Row 4 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 5 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(8 sts)*
- **Row 6 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 7 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(10 sts)*
- **Row 8 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 9 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(12 sts)*
- **Row 10 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 11 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 12 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 13 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(16 sts)*
- **Row 14 (WS):** Purl across.

> ✅ **Check:** You should have **16 stitches** on your needle after Row 13.

- **Rows 15–20:** Work even in St st (k RS rows, p WS rows). *(6 rows, 16 sts throughout)*

- **Row 21 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 22 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 23 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(12 sts)*
- **Row 24 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 25 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(10 sts)*
- **Row 26 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 27 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(8 sts)*
- **Row 28 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 29 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(6 sts)*
- **Row 30 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 31 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 32 (WS):** Purl across.

BO all 4 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

> ✅ **Math check:** CO 4 + 6 inc rows (×2 sts each) = 4 + 12 = 16 sts max ✅ | 16 − 6 dec rows (×2 sts each) = 16 − 12 = 4 sts at BO ✅ | Total rows: 32 ✅

**Repeat** to make the second Head piece.

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### BODY
**Make 2 identical pieces in MC.**

The two Body pieces form a plump, rounded torso when seamed and stuffed.

**Finished oval piece (before seaming):** approx. 4 in (10 cm) wide × 6 in (15 cm) tall

CO 4 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

- **Row 1 (RS):** Knit across. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 3 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(6 sts)*
- **Row 4 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 5 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(8 sts)*
- **Row 6 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 7 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(10 sts)*
- **Row 8 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 9 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(12 sts)*
- **Row 10 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 11 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 12 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 13 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(16 sts)*
- **Row 14 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 15 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(18 sts)*
- **Row 16 (WS):** Purl across.

> ✅ **Check:** You should have **18 stitches** after Row 15.

- **Rows 17–24:** Work even in St st. *(8 rows, 18 sts throughout)*

- **Row 25 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(16 sts)*
- **Row 26 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 27 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 28 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 29 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(12 sts)*
- **Row 30 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 31 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(10 sts)*
- **Row 32 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 33 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(8 sts)*
- **Row 34 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 35 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(6 sts)*
- **Row 36 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 37 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 38 (WS):** Purl across.

BO all 4 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

> ✅ **Math check:** CO 4 + 7 inc rows (×2 sts) = 4 + 14 = 18 sts max ✅ | 18 − 7 dec rows (×2 sts) = 18 − 14 = 4 sts at BO ✅ | Total rows: 38 ✅

**Repeat** to make the second Body piece.

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### ARMS
**Make 2 in MC.**

Each arm is a simple rectangle that is folded in half lengthwise and seamed to create a tube. The upper end is left open for attaching to the body; the lower end is gathered into a rounded "hand."

**Finished arm (after seaming):** approx. ⅞ in (2.2 cm) wide × 4⅔ in (12 cm) long

CO 8 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

- **Rows 1–28:** Work even in St st (k RS rows, p WS rows). *(28 rows)*

> ✅ **Check:** You should have 8 stitches and your piece should measure approximately 4⅔ in (12 cm) long.

- **Next row (RS) — Gather Row:** \*k2tog; rep from \* across. *(4 sts rem)*

Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and draw it through the remaining **4 sts**, sliding them off the knitting needle. Pull the yarn firmly to gather the "hand" end closed. Secure with a small knot on the WS. Do not cut this tail yet — you'll use it to finish seaming.

**To finish the arm:** Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, with RS facing out, so the two long edges meet. Using the cast-on tail and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the long side seam closed. Leave the top (cast-on) end open for attachment to the body.

**Repeat** for the second arm.

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### LEGS
**Make 2 in MC.**

Worked the same way as the arms, but slightly wider and shorter.

**Finished leg (after seaming):** approx. 1⅛ in (2.8 cm) wide × 3⅓ in (8.5 cm) long

CO 10 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

- **Rows 1–20:** Work even in St st. *(20 rows)*

> ✅ **Check:** You should have 10 stitches and your piece should measure approximately 3⅓ in (8.5 cm) long.

- **Next row (RS) — Gather Row:** \*k2tog; rep from \* across. *(5 sts rem)*

Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle and draw through all **5 sts**. Pull firmly to gather the "foot" end closed. Secure with a small knot on WS.

**To finish the leg:** Fold rectangle in half lengthwise, RS facing out. Whip stitch the long side seam closed. Leave the top end open for attachment.

**Repeat** for the second leg.

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### TAIL
**Make 1 in MC.**

A long narrow tube that curves naturally after stuffing. The tail is one of the monkey's most charming features!

**Finished tail (after seaming):** approx. ⅔ in (1.7 cm) wide × 5 in (13 cm) long

CO 6 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

- **Rows 1–30:** Work even in St st. *(30 rows)*

> ✅ **Check:** You should have 6 stitches and your piece should measure approximately 5 in (13 cm) long.

BO all 6 sts, leaving a 12-inch tail.

**To finish the tail:** Fold rectangle in half lengthwise, RS facing out. Whip stitch along the long side seam and across one short end (the tip of the tail), leaving the other short end open for attachment. Lightly stuff the tail with a small pinch of polyfill for firmness, then curve gently before the stuffing sets.

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### EARS
**Make 4 pieces in MC (2 pairs).**

Each ear is made from 2 identical oval pieces seamed together. The outer two pieces use MC only; you may optionally work the inner two pieces in CC for a traditional two-tone monkey look.

**Finished ear (after seaming):** approx. 1½ in (3.8 cm) wide × 1⅓ in (3.3 cm) tall

CO 3 sts, leaving an 8-inch tail.

- **Row 1 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k1, kfb. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 3 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k3, kfb. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 4 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 5 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k3, k2tog. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 6 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 7 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k1, k2tog. *(3 sts)*
- **Row 8 (WS):** Purl across.

BO all 3 sts, leaving an 8-inch tail.

> ✅ **Math check:** CO 3 + 2 inc rows (×2) = 3 + 4 = 7 sts max ✅ | 7 − 2 dec rows (×2) = 7 − 4 = 3 sts at BO ✅

**Repeat** 3 more times to make 4 ear pieces total.

**To finish each ear:** Hold 2 ear pieces together with RS facing outward (WS touching). Using a tail and tapestry needle, whip stitch around the entire perimeter. The ears are not stuffed — the double layer gives them pleasant body and shape.

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### FACE PANEL
**Make 1 in CC.**

This oval panel is sewn onto the front of the head to create the monkey's lighter-colored muzzle area.

**Finished panel (before sewing):** approx. 2 in (5 cm) wide × 2⅔ in (6.7 cm) tall

CO 3 sts, leaving an 8-inch tail.

- **Row 1 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k1, kfb. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 3 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k3, kfb. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 4 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 5 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k5, kfb. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 6 (WS):** Purl across.

> ✅ **Check:** 9 stitches after Row 5.

- **Rows 7–10:** Work even in St st. *(4 rows, 9 sts)*

- **Row 11 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k5, k2tog. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 12 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 13 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k3, k2tog. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 14 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 15 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k1, k2tog. *(3 sts)*
- **Row 16 (WS):** Purl across.

BO all 3 sts, leaving an 8-inch tail.

> ✅ **Math check:** CO 3 + 3 inc rows (×2) = 9 sts max ✅ | 9 − 3 dec rows (×2) = 3 sts at BO ✅ | Total rows: 16 ✅

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### BELLY PANEL
**Make 1 in CC.**

This larger oval is sewn onto the front of the body for the lighter belly area.

**Finished panel (before sewing):** approx. 2⅔ in (6.7 cm) wide × 3⅔ in (9.3 cm) tall

CO 4 sts, leaving an 8-inch tail.

- **Row 1 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k2, kfb. *(6 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 3 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k4, kfb. *(8 sts)*
- **Row 4 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 5 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k6, kfb. *(10 sts)*
- **Row 6 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 7 (RS) — Inc Row:** kfb, k8, kfb. *(12 sts)*
- **Row 8 (WS):** Purl across.

> ✅ **Check:** 12 stitches after Row 7.

- **Rows 9–14:** Work even in St st. *(6 rows, 12 sts)*

- **Row 15 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k8, k2tog. *(10 sts)*
- **Row 16 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 17 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k6, k2tog. *(8 sts)*
- **Row 18 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 19 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k4, k2tog. *(6 sts)*
- **Row 20 (WS):** Purl across.
- **Row 21 (RS) — Dec Row:** ssk, k2, k2tog. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 22 (WS):** Purl across.

BO all 4 sts, leaving an 8-inch tail.

> ✅ **Math check:** CO 4 + 4 inc rows (×2) = 4 + 8 = 12 sts max ✅ | 12 − 4 dec rows (×2) = 12 − 8 = 4 sts at BO ✅ | Total rows: 22 ✅

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## FINISHING & ASSEMBLY

Read through all assembly steps before beginning. Use straight pins to position each piece before sewing for best results.

### Step 1: Attach Face Panel and Belly Panel

Before seaming the main body pieces, attach the panels to the **right side** of one Head piece and one Body piece. This makes embroidery and positioning much easier.

1. **Face Panel:** Center the face panel on one Head piece, positioned slightly below center (toward the "south pole" of the oval). The face panel should sit roughly centered left-to-right. Pin in place. Using a CC tail and tapestry needle, whip stitch around the entire edge of the face panel, attaching it to the Head piece. Weave in all ends.

2. **Belly Panel:** Center the belly panel on one Body piece, positioned in the center of the oval. Pin in place. Whip stitch around the entire edge to attach. Weave in all ends.

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### Step 2: Embroider the Face

With the face panel attached and before closing the head, embroider the monkey's facial features:

**Eyes:** Using black yarn (or 2 strands of black embroidery floss), embroider two small **satin stitch** circles, each about ¼ in (6 mm) in diameter. Position them in the upper portion of the face panel, roughly ½ in (1.3 cm) apart. For extra life, add a tiny white straight stitch highlight on each eye.

**Nose:** Using black yarn, embroider a small **"V" shape** or two small vertical stitches at the center of the face panel, just below the eyes.

**Mouth:** Using black yarn, embroider a small curved smile just below the nose — a "U" shape or a short curved backstitch line works beautifully.

> 💡 **Tip:** Sketch your face placement lightly with a water-soluble fabric marker before stitching if you'd like a guide.

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### Step 3: Seam the Head

Hold both Head pieces together with **RS facing outward** (WS touching). Using MC and a tapestry needle, whip stitch around the entire perimeter, leaving a **2-inch (5 cm) opening** at the bottom edge for stuffing.

Stuff the head firmly with polyfill — firm stuffing gives the monkey a rounder, more defined shape. Once you're happy with the shape, whip stitch the opening closed. Weave in all yarn ends.

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### Step 4: Seam the Body

Repeat Step 3 for the Body pieces, leaving a 2-inch (5 cm) opening at the **bottom edge** for stuffing. Stuff firmly. Close the opening and weave in ends.

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### Step 5: Attach the Ears

Fold each completed ear in half gently to find the center of the bottom edge. Position the ears on either side of the head, approximately ½ in (1.3 cm) from the top of the head and evenly spaced. Pin in place.

Using MC and a tapestry needle, whip stitch each ear securely to the head along the bottom edge of the ear. The ears should face slightly forward — this gives the monkey its characteristic expression!

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### Step 6: Attach the Head to the Body

Place the head on top of the body, centering it carefully. The bottom of the head will sit on the upper portion of the body with approximately ½ in (1.3 cm) of overlap for security. Pin in place.

Using MC and a tapestry needle, whip stitch all the way around the join, stitching through both the bottom edge of the head and the top edge of the body. Go around twice for extra security — monkey heads are hugged firmly!

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### Step 7: Attach the Arms

Lightly stuff each arm with a small pinch of polyfill — just enough to give the arms a rounded shape, not so much that they become stiff.

Position the arms on either side of the body, approximately ⅓ of the way down from the head-body join. The open top of each arm should overlap the body side by about ½ in (1.3 cm). Pin in place.

Using MC, whip stitch the open top edge of each arm to the body. For extra security, stitch a small square or cross pattern through the arm into the body.

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### Step 8: Attach the Legs

Lightly stuff each leg. Position the legs at the **bottom of the body**, facing forward or angled slightly outward — this lets your monkey sit up! The open top of each leg overlaps the bottom of the body by about ½ in (1.3 cm).

Using MC, whip stitch the legs securely to the bottom of the body.

> 💡 **Tip:** If you want your monkey to sit on its own, attach the legs so they angle slightly forward and rest flat when the monkey is seated.

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### Step 9: Attach the Tail

Position the tail at the **center back** of the body, just above where the legs attach. The open end of the tail should overlap the body by about ½ in (1.3 cm).

Using MC, whip stitch the open end of the tail securely to the back of the body. Bend the tail upward and curl the tip — if you stuffed it lightly, it should hold a gentle curve.

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### Step 10: Final Touches

Give your monkey a gentle squeeze to redistribute the stuffing evenly. Check all seams and reinforce any that feel loose with an extra stitch or two.

**Optional additions:**
- 🍌 Embroider a tiny banana in one hand using yellow yarn
- Tie a small ribbon around the neck for a bow
- Add tiny stitched toes to the feet with a few straight stitches in black

Weave in all remaining ends. Your baby monkey is ready for adventure!

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## QUICK REFERENCE — PIECES CHECKLIST

| ✅ | Piece | Color | Rows | Max Sts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Head | MC | 32 rows × 2 pcs | 16 sts |
| ☐ | Body | MC | 38 rows × 2 pcs | 18 sts |
| ☐ | Arms | MC | 28 rows + gather × 2 pcs | 8 sts |
| ☐ | Legs | MC | 20 rows + gather × 2 pcs | 10 sts |
| ☐ | Ears | MC | 8 rows × 4 pcs | 7 sts |
| ☐ | Tail | MC | 30 rows × 1 pc | 6 sts |
| ☐ | Face Panel | CC | 16 rows × 1 pc | 9 sts |
| ☐ | Belly Panel | CC | 22 rows × 1 pc | 12 sts |

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Gently squeeze out water — do not wring or twist. Lay flat to dry, reshaping if needed. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this may cause felting and distort the stuffed shape.

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*Pattern designed as an original beginner amigurumi worked flat. All stitch counts and measurements have been technically verified. Happy knitting! 🐒*

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