purlJam

<pattern>

# Common Loon Crochet Pattern

A beginner-friendly amigurumi pattern for a simplified common loon bird. This adorable plush features the loon's iconic black and white coloring and makes a perfect gift or home decor piece.

**Designed by:** Pattern Designer  
**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) tall

---

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
- **Worsted weight (4) yarn** in the following colors:
  - Black: 50 yards (45 m) - for body, head, wings, tail
  - White: 15 yards (14 m) - for chest patch and neck details
  - Small amount of gray or dark gray (optional) - for beak
- Recommended brands: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft

### Hook & Notions
- **US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook** (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- Stitch marker
- 6 mm safety eyes (2) - preferably red or dark red (OR black embroidery thread for eyes)
- Scissors
- Pins (for assembly)

### Optional
- Small amount of red embroidery floss (for more realistic red eyes)
- Sewing thread to match yarn colors

---

## 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 front loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- magic ring = adjustable loop (can substitute ch 2, work into 2nd ch from hook)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

---

## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is important for proper shaping.

**Suggested gauge:** 16 sts × 16 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in sc worked in the round

**Note:** Crochet tightly for amigurumi to prevent stuffing from showing through stitches.

---

## PATTERN NOTES

### General Instructions
- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated; do not join rounds
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces as you work (before closing decreases)
- Use invisible decrease for a smoother finish
- All pieces are worked with right side facing out

### Color Work
- This pattern uses simple assembly rather than complex color changes
- The white chest patch is created separately and sewn on
- Alternatively, you can embroider white details using duplicate stitch or surface crochet

### Invisible Decrease Technique
Insert hook in front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates a smoother decrease than the standard sc2tog.

---

## PATTERN

### BODY (Black)

**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: 6 groups × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 5 sts = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 6-12:** sc around [30]  
*7 rounds of even work*

**Rnd 13:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** sc around [24]

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

**Rnd 16:** sc around [18]

Begin stuffing body firmly. Continue stuffing as you work decreases.

**Rnd 17:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 2 sts = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 18:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 6 decreases = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole by weaving through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pulling tight. Weave in end.

---

### HEAD (Black)

**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: 6 groups × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

**Rnds 5-9:** sc around [24]  
*5 rounds of even work*

**Eye placement:** If using safety eyes, insert them now between Rounds 6 and 7, approximately 6-7 sts apart. Skip this step if embroidering eyes later.

**Rnd 10:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

Begin stuffing head firmly.

**Rnd 11:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 6 groups × 2 sts = 12 ✓*

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

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing. Close hole as with body. Do not weave in tail - you'll use it to attach the head to body.

---

### BEAK (Black or Gray)

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

**Rnd 2:** sc around [4]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [6]  
*Math check: 2 groups × 3 sts = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** sc around [6]

**Rnd 5:** (2 sc, inc) around [8]  
*Math check: 2 groups × 4 sts = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 6:** sc around [8]

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Stuff beak very lightly (just enough to give it shape, not firmly). The beak should remain somewhat flat and pointed.

---

### WINGS (Make 2, Black)

Wings are worked in rows to create a flat, teardrop shape.

**Row 1:** Ch 2, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [2]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, inc in each st across, turn [4]  
*Math check: 2 × 2 = 4 ✓*

**Row 3:** Ch 1, sc across, turn [4]

**Row 4:** Ch 1, inc, 2 sc, inc, turn [6]  
*Math check: 4 + 2 = 6 ✓*

**Row 5:** Ch 1, sc across, turn [6]

**Row 6:** Ch 1, sc across, turn [6]

**Row 7:** Ch 1, dec, 2 sc, dec, turn [4]  
*Math check: 6 - 2 = 4 ✓*

**Row 8:** Ch 1, dec twice [2]  
*Math check: 4 - 2 = 2 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Do not stuff wings.

**Optional edging:** For a neater edge, you can single crochet around the entire perimeter of the wing before fastening off.

---

### TAIL (Black)

Worked in rows to create a flat, slightly rounded tail shape.

**Row 1:** Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [5]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc across, turn [5]

**Row 3:** Ch 1, dec, sc, dec, turn [3]  
*Math check: 5 - 2 = 3 ✓*

**Row 4:** Ch 1, dec (working across all 3 sts - insert hook in first st, skip middle st, insert hook in last st, complete decrease) [1]

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Do not stuff tail.

---

### WHITE CHEST PATCH (White)

This is a simple oval shape that will be sewn onto the front of the body.

**Rnd 1:** Ch 4, starting in 2nd ch from hook: 2 sc, 3 sc in last ch; working on opposite side of chain: sc, 2 sc in last ch [8]

**Rnd 2:** inc, sc, inc 3 times, sc, inc 2 times [14]  
*Math check: 8 + 6 = 14 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** sc around [14]

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Do not stuff. This piece should remain flat.

---

### WHITE NECK RING (White) - Optional

For added detail, you can create a simple white neck ring.

**Foundation:** Ch 16, sl st to first ch to form a ring (or measure around the head where you want the neck ring and adjust chain length accordingly)

**Rnd 1:** sc in each ch around [16]

**Rnd 2:** sc around [16]

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

### Preparation
- Lay out all pieces
- Weave in ends except those designated for sewing
- Use pins to position pieces before sewing for best placement

### Assembly Order

**1. Attach Head to Body**
- Position head on the wider (top) end of body
- Using the long tail from the head, sew head to body using whip stitch or mattress stitch
- Stitch around the entire circumference where head meets body
- Weave in end securely

**2. Attach Beak to Head**
- Position beak on front center of head, slightly below the eyes
- The wider end of beak should be against the head
- Sew around the wider opening of beak, securing it to head
- Weave in end

**3. Attach White Chest Patch**
- Position white oval patch on the front of the body, just below where head meets body
- Pin in place
- Using white yarn tail, sew around the edges of the patch using whip stitch
- Alternatively, use white yarn to embroider a patch area using duplicate stitch
- Weave in end

**4. Attach Wings**
- Position wings on each side of body, approximately at the middle of the body
- Wings should point slightly backward and downward
- Sew the wider (top) edge of each wing to the body
- Wings should remain flat and loose, not stuffed
- Weave in ends

**5. Attach Tail**
- Position tail at the back bottom of body
- Sew the wider edge to the body
- Tail should fan out slightly
- Weave in end

**6. Optional: Attach Neck Ring**
- Slip neck ring over head, positioning where neck meets body
- Stitch in place with a few securing stitches
- Weave in end

**7. Eyes (if not using safety eyes)**
- Using black embroidery thread or yarn, embroider small circles or French knots for eyes
- Position eyes on head between rounds 6 and 7, approximately 6-7 sts apart
- Optional: Use red embroidery floss for more authentic loon red eyes

---

## FINISHING

### Final Touches
1. **Check all attachments:** Ensure all pieces are securely sewn
2. **Weave in any remaining ends**
3. **Shape the loon:** Gently manipulate the body, wings, and tail to achieve desired pose
4. **Optional details:**
   - Embroider white spots on back with white yarn (loons have distinctive white checkered pattern on back)
   - Add white dashes on wings with white embroidery
   - Use surface slip stitch to add texture details

### Care Instructions
- Spot clean only if using safety eyes
- Hand wash gently in cool water if needed (without safety eyes)
- Air dry flat
- Not recommended for children under 3 if using safety eyes (choking hazard)

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

### Size Variations
- **Smaller loon (3 inches):** Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook; reduce body increase to 24 sts max
- **Larger loon (6-7 inches):** Use bulky yarn with 5.0mm hook; add more increase rounds to body (increase to 36 sts)

### Color Variations
- **Summer vs Winter Plumage:** Loons have different coloring in winter (more gray/brown) - use gray instead of black
- **Baby loon:** Use gray and lighter brown colors, make smaller size

### Detail Additions
- **Checkered back pattern:** Use white yarn to embroider small spots in rows across the back
- **Wing details:** Embroider white stripes on wings
- **Sitting position:** Adjust wing placement to sides/underneath for sitting pose

### Alternative Uses
- **Keychain:** Make smaller version (12-18 st body max), attach keychain finding to top of head
- **Mobile ornament:** Add hanging