purlJam

<pattern>

# Baby-Safe Rooster and Hen Amigurumi

## Pattern Description
These adorable, cuddly rooster and hen amigurumi toys are specifically designed for babies and toddlers aged 12 months and up. Both toys feature embroidered facial features, no small detachable parts, and are made with soft, baby-friendly yarn. The rooster has a more decorative tail and bright coloring, while the hen is rounder and sweeter. Perfect for little hands to grip and hug!

**Skill Level**: Easy  
**Finished Size**: Approximately 5.5-6 inches (14-15 cm) tall (including comb)

---

## Materials

### Yarn
**Amigurumi Soft** (Sport weight, Tex 434) or similar soft sport weight yarn

**For Rooster:**
- Color A (Main body): Bright Orange or Rust - approximately 60 yards (55 m)
- Color B (Tail/Wings): Deep Red - approximately 25 yards (23 m)
- Color C (Tail accent): Golden Yellow - approximately 15 yards (14 m)
- Color D (Comb/Wattle): Bright Red - approximately 10 yards (9 m)
- Color E (Beak): Golden Yellow - approximately 5 yards (5 m)

**For Hen:**
- Color A (Main body): Cream or Light Yellow - approximately 60 yards (55 m)
- Color B (Wings/Tail): Soft Brown or Tan - approximately 20 yards (18 m)
- Color C (Comb/Wattle): Coral or Rose Pink - approximately 10 yards (9 m)
- Color D (Beak): Golden Yellow - approximately 5 yards (5 m)

### Other Materials
- Crochet hook: US D/3 (3.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing (baby-safe, washable)
- Yarn needle for sewing and embroidery
- Embroidery thread or yarn scraps in black and white for facial features
- Stitch markers
- Scissors

---

## Gauge
**6 sc and 6 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in continuous rounds**

Gauge is important for amigurumi to ensure tight stitches that prevent stuffing from showing through. Adjust hook size if needed.

---

## 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 loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook)
- sl st: slip stitch
- rnd(s): round(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- [ ]: repeat instructions within brackets
- ( ): total stitch count at end of round

---

## Special Techniques & Notes

### Magic Ring (Adjustable Ring)
This technique creates a tight starting circle for working in the round. Tutorials are widely available online if you're unfamiliar with this technique.

### Working in Continuous Rounds
Unless otherwise specified, work in a continuous spiral without joining. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round and move it up as you work.

### Invisible Decrease
This technique creates a neater decrease than the standard sc2tog. Insert hook into front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

### Stuffing as You Go
For the head/body piece, stuff firmly as you work. This helps maintain shape and makes it easier to stuff the narrow neck area.

### Safety Note
Before giving this toy to a child, test all sewn pieces by tugging firmly. Re-stitch any pieces that show weakness. Inspect the toy regularly for wear and damage.

---

## ROOSTER PATTERN

### Head and Body (worked as one piece)
Starting with Color A (Bright Orange)

**Rnd 1**: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2**: [inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3**: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4**: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 5**: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 6**: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)  
**Rnds 7-12**: sc in each st around (36) — *6 rounds even*  
**Rnd 13**: [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 14**: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 15**: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18) — *Begin stuffing head firmly*  
**Rnd 16**: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 17**: sc in each st around (12) — *Neck section*  
**Rnd 18**: [sc, inc] 6 times (18) — *Begin body*  
**Rnd 19**: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 20**: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 21**: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)  
**Rnds 22-27**: sc in each st around (36) — *6 rounds even*  
**Rnd 28**: [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 29**: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24) — *Stuff body firmly*  
**Rnd 30**: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 31**: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 32**: [dec] 6 times (6) — *Finish stuffing*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

**Verification**: Head increases from 6 to 36 sts (rounds 1-6), maintains at 36 sts (rounds 7-12), decreases to 12 sts (rounds 13-16). Body increases from 12 to 36 sts (rounds 17-21), maintains at 36 sts (rounds 22-27), decreases to 6 sts (rounds 28-32). ✓

---

### Wings (make 2)
Using Color B (Deep Red)

**Rnd 1**: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2**: [inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3**: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnds 4-5**: sc in each st around (18) — *2 rounds even*  
**Rnd 6**: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (wings should be slightly padded but not firm). Flatten slightly into an oval wing shape.

---

### Rooster Tail (decorative multi-color)

**Large Tail Feather (make 2 in Color B - Deep Red, make 1 in Color C - Golden Yellow)**

Ch 12  
**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 10 ch, 3 sc in last ch (working around the foundation chain), sc in next 10 ch on opposite side (23)  
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

These create elongated feather shapes. The starting chain creates a center spine, and working around both sides creates the feather shape.

**Small Tail Feather (make 2 in Color C - Golden Yellow)**

Ch 8  
**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 ch, 3 sc in last ch (working around the foundation chain), sc in next 6 ch on opposite side (15)  
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

---

### Comb (Top of Head)
Using Color D (Bright Red)

Ch 10  
**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, [sc in next ch, sl st in next ch] 4 times, sc in last ch (9 sts)  

This creates a wavy, zigzag edge. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

---

### Wattle (Under Beak)
Using Color D (Bright Red)

**Rnd 1**: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2**: [inc] 4 times, sc in next 2 sts (10)  
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

---

### Beak
Using Color E (Golden Yellow)

**Rnd 1**: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2**: [sc, inc] 3 times (9)  
**Rnd 3**: sc in each st around (9)  
**Rnd 4**: [sc, dec] 3 times (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff very lightly with a small amount of fiberfill.

---

### Assembly - Rooster

1. **Beak Placement**: Position the beak on the front center of the head, approximately rounds 9-11 from the top. The opening of the beak should face downward. Sew securely all around the base using the yarn tail, making multiple passes for security.

2. **Wattle Placement**: Center the wattle just below and slightly behind the beak. Sew securely with multiple passes.

3. **Comb Placement**: Position the comb centered on top of the head, running from front to back. The wavy edge should point upward. Sew along the straight edge to the top of the head with multiple secure stitches.

4. **Wings Placement**: Position wings on each side of the body at approximately rounds 20-24 (upper body area). Angle them slightly downward and backward. Sew all around the edge of each wing with strong, secure stitches, making at least two passes.

5. **Tail Feathers**: Arrange tail feathers in a fan shape on the back of the body at approximately rounds 24-26. Layer them with the yellow feather in the center, flanked by red feathers, creating a decorative spread. Sew each feather securely at the base, stitching through multiple times for security.

6. **Facial Features**: Using black embroidery thread or yarn:
   - Embroider two oval eyes on rounds 10-11, positioned about 6 stitches apart
   - Each eye: Make a vertical oval shape with satin stitch, approximately 3 stitches tall
   - Add a small white highlight in each eye using white thread (optional but adds cuteness)

7. **Final Check**: Tug firmly on all attached pieces to ensure security. Re-stitch any weak points.

---

## HEN PATTERN

### Head and Body (worked as one piece)
Starting with Color A (Cream or Light Yellow)

**Rnd 1**: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2**: [inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3**: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4**: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 5**: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 6**: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)  
**Rnds 7-12**: sc in each st around (36) — *6 rounds even*  
**Rnd 13**: [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 14**: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 15**: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18) — *Begin stuffing head firmly*  
**Rnd 16**: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 17**: sc in each st around (12) — *Neck section*  
**Rnd 18**: [sc, inc] 6 times (18) — *Begin body*  
**Rnd 19**: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 20**: [3 sc