purlJam

# Classic Snowman Amigurumi

A beginner-friendly snowman perfect for winter décor or gifting! This adorable snowman uses basic sphere shapes and simple embellishments to create a charming winter friend.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) tall  
**Skill Level**: Beginner

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following colors:
  - White: approximately 100 yards (91 m) for body
  - Orange: small amount (10 yards) for carrot nose
  - Black: small amount for eyes/buttons (or use safety eyes)
  - Optional: Any color for scarf (20-30 yards)

**Suggested Yarn**: Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn (Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn)

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Two 9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidering)
- Optional: Small twigs for arms, fabric scraps for scarf
- Scissors

**Safety Note**: If using safety eyes, this toy is not suitable for children under 3 years. For young children, embroider eyes instead.

---

## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for amigurumi, but tighter is better.

**Target Gauge**: 16 sts × 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in sc (worked in continuous rounds)

**Important**: Work tightly so stuffing doesn't show through. If your fabric looks loose, go down a hook size.

---

## 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)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

---

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring**: Adjustable loop to start working in the round. [Leaves no hole in center]

**Invisible Decrease**: Insert hook through front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. Creates smoother decreases than standard sc2tog.

**Working in Continuous Rounds**: Do not join or turn. Use stitch marker to track beginning of round, moving it up as you go.

---

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### BOTTOM BODY (Large Sphere)

**Note**: Stuff as you go, adding more stuffing after Round 15.

Using white yarn and E-4 (3.5mm) hook:

**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 6-12**: sc in each st around [30]  
*7 rounds of even stitches to create sphere shape*

**Rnd 13**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Stuff bottom body firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 15**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 16**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

---

### TOP BODY/HEAD (Medium Sphere)

Using white yarn and E-4 (3.5mm) hook:

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 5-9**: sc in each st around [24]  
*5 rounds of even stitches*

**If using safety eyes**: Insert eyes between Rnds 7 and 8, spaced about 6-8 stitches apart. Secure backings.

**Rnd 10**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 11**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Stuff head firmly with fiberfill.**

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

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing head to body. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close hole. Do not weave in tail yet.

---

### CARROT NOSE (Small Cone)

Using orange yarn and E-4 (3.5mm) hook:

**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**: (2 sc, inc) around [8]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats, 2 × 4 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc in each st around [8]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly with a small amount of fiberfill (nose should be slightly firm but not overstuffed).

---

### OPTIONAL: COAL BUTTONS (Make 2-3)

Using black yarn and E-4 (3.5mm) hook:

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

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. No stuffing needed—these are flat circles.

**Alternative**: Embroider buttons directly onto body using black yarn and satin stitch or French knots.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Attach Head to Body**:
- Position head centered on top of bottom body
- Using long tail from head and yarn needle, whipstitch head to body
- Sew all the way around, making small, tight stitches
- Weave in end securely inside body

**Step 2 - Attach Carrot Nose**:
- Position nose in center of face, between and slightly below eyes
- Using orange tail and yarn needle, sew nose to face with whipstitch
- Go around opening 2-3 times for security
- Weave in end

**Step 3 - Add Eyes** (if not using safety eyes):
- Using black yarn, embroider two circles or French knots for eyes
- Place eyes on Rnd 7-8 of head, spaced 6-8 sts apart
- Make 3-4 wraps for French knots, or use satin stitch for filled circles

**Step 4 - Add Buttons**:
- If using crocheted buttons: Sew to center front of bottom body, stacking 2-3 vertically
- If embroidering: Use black yarn to create French knots or small circles down center front

**Step 5 - Add Arms** (optional):
- Insert small twigs into sides of body at Round 8-10
- Or crochet simple arms: Make two 1-inch cylinders with 6 sc per round for 4-5 rounds
- Attach to sides with whipstitch

**Step 6 - Add Scarf** (optional):
- Chain 40-50 with scarf color
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across
- Fasten off
- Tie around neck where head meets body
- Or cut fabric strip (1 inch × 12 inches) and tie around neck, cutting fringe on ends

---

## FINISHING

- Weave in all remaining ends securely
- Gently shape snowman, adjusting stuffing if needed
- Optional: Add a smile with black yarn using backstitch
- Optional: Lightly brush with pink blush for rosy cheeks
- Optional: Add felt or foam top hat

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations**:
- **Smaller Snowman**: Use DK weight yarn with smaller hook (3.0mm), increase bottom to only 24 sts and top to 18 sts
- **Larger Snowman**: Use bulky yarn with H-8 (5.0mm) hook, add one more increase round to each section

**Color Options**:
- Use sparkly white yarn for frosty effect
- Add silver or blue tinsel yarn held double with white
- Use cream or off-white for vintage look

**Embellishment Ideas**:
- Miniature knit hat crocheted separately
- Earmuffs made from small pompoms
- Broom made from raffia and a stick
- Felt holly and berries
- Sequin or bead "snowflakes" sewn on body

**Character Variations**:
- Make different facial expressions (winking, surprised)
- Add knit scarf texture with ribbing
- Create snowman family in different sizes

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash
- If using safety eyes, not suitable for children under 3
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Stuffing shows through stitches  
**Solution**: Work more tightly or use a smaller hook size

**Problem**: Snowman wobbles or tips over  
**Solution**: Stuff bottom body more firmly, or add a small washer/weight to bottom before closing

**Problem**: Head won't stay centered  
**Solution**: Use more whipstitches around connection, or use pins to position before sewing

**Problem**: Sphere shapes look lumpy  
**Solution**: Count stitches carefully each round, use stitch marker, check that increases are evenly spaced

**Problem**: Magic ring has a hole  
**Solution**: Pull starting tail tighter, or use yarn needle to stitch hole closed from inside

---

## PATTERN NOTES

- Stitch count is given in brackets [24] at end of each round
- Pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) without joining
- Use invisible decreases for smoothest finish
- Tension should be tight for clean amigurumi look
- Pattern uses approximately 100 yards total white yarn
- Finished size may vary based on tension and yarn brand

---

**About This Pattern**:
This beginner-friendly snowman uses basic amigurumi sphere construction with only three stitches: single crochet, increase, and decrease. Perfect for learning amigurumi techniques while creating a festive decoration!

**Skill Development**: This pattern teaches sphere shaping, stuffing technique, and basic assembly—foundational skills for all amigurumi projects.

---

*Pattern tested with Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn and 3.5mm hook. Finished snowman measured 6.5 inches tall.*

**Happy Crocheting! ☃️**