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# CROCHET BANANA AMIGURUMI
### Beginner-Friendly Fruit Plushie

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Length: Approximately 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm)
- Width at center: Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm)

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn
- Main Color (MC): Yellow – approximately 25 yards (23 m)
- Color B: Brown or Tan – small amount for stem, approximately 3 yards (3 m)

**Suggested Yarns:** Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

**Hook:**
- US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook
- *Go down 1–2 sizes from yarn label recommendation for tight amigurumi fabric*

**Notions:**
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- Stitch marker
- Small amount of black or dark brown yarn for embroidered details (optional)
- Scissors

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## GAUGE
Exact gauge is not critical for amigurumi toys.
Work tightly so stuffing does not show through stitches.
Approximate gauge: 5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm)

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## ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)
| Abbrev. | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| MC | main color |
| [ ] | stitch count at end of round |

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Create an adjustable loop, work stitches into the loop, then pull tail to close. (Tutorial recommended for first-timers)

**Invisible Decrease (dec):** Insert hook through front loop only of next stitch, then front loop only of following stitch (2 front loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.

**Continuous Rounds:** Do not join rounds. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.

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## PATTERN NOTES
- This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join; do not turn.
- Move your stitch marker to the first stitch of each new round.
- Stuff the banana lightly but evenly for a smooth finish. Over-stuffing will distort the shape.
- The natural curl of amigurumi fabric will give your banana a gentle curve!

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### BANANA BODY
*Worked in one piece from bottom tip to top.*

Using **MC (Yellow)** and 3.5 mm hook:

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring. Pull ring closed. **[6 sts]**
*Place stitch marker in first st of round.*

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. **[12 sts]**
*(Math check: 6 × 2 = 12) ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (Sc in next st, inc in next st) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
*(Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts each = 18) ✓*

**Rnds 4–11:** Sc in each st around. **[18 sts]** *(8 rounds even)*

*Begin stuffing the banana lightly. Continue to add small amounts of stuffing as you work the decreases.*

**Rnd 12:** (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) 3 times. **[15 sts]**
*(Math check: 3 repeats × 5 sts each = 15) ✓*

**Rnd 13:** (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) 3 times. **[12 sts]**
*(Math check: 3 repeats × 4 sts each = 12) ✓*

**Rnd 14:** (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) 3 times. **[9 sts]**
*(Math check: 3 repeats × 3 sts each = 9) ✓*

**Rnd 15:** (Sc in next st, dec) 3 times. **[6 sts]**
*(Math check: 3 repeats × 2 sts each = 6) ✓*

*Finish stuffing. Do not over-stuff the tip.*

**Rnd 16:** Sc in each st around. **[6 sts]**

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Weave tail through front loops of remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

---

### STEM (Optional)
*A small nub at the top of the banana.*

Using **Color B (Brown)** and 3.5 mm hook:

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring. Pull ring closed. **[4 sts]**

**Rnds 2–3:** Sc in each st around. **[4 sts]** *(2 rounds)*

Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail for sewing.

*Do not stuff the stem.*

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach the Stem:**
   - Position the stem at the closed end (top) of the banana, centered over the hole.
   - Using the yarn tail and yarn needle, whip stitch around the base of the stem to secure it to the banana body.
   - Weave in the end inside the banana.

2. **Create the Curve (Optional Enhancement):**
   - Thread a length of yellow yarn through the banana lengthwise.
   - Pull slightly to create a gentle bend, then secure.
   - *Note: Most beginners find the natural fabric curl is sufficient!*

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## FINISHING DETAILS

**Bottom Tip Detail (Optional):**
Using black or dark brown yarn and yarn needle:
- Make 3–4 small straight stitches at the very bottom tip of the banana in a star pattern.
- This mimics the dark end of a real banana.

**Top Detail (Optional):**
- Using brown yarn, make a few small stitches around the base of the stem where it meets the yellow body.

**Weave in all ends** securely inside the body.

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## STITCH COUNT SUMMARY TABLE

| Round | Instruction | Stitch Count |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| 1 | 6 sc in magic ring | 6 |
| 2 | Inc around | 12 |
| 3 | (sc, inc) × 6 | 18 |
| 4–11 | Sc around (8 rnds) | 18 |
| 12 | (4 sc, dec) × 3 | 15 |
| 13 | (3 sc, dec) × 3 | 12 |
| 14 | (2 sc, dec) × 3 | 9 |
| 15 | (sc, dec) × 3 | 6 |
| 16 | Sc around | 6 |

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## HELPFUL TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

🍌 **Tight Stitches:** Work snugly so stuffing doesn't peek through. If you can see white fiberfill, try a smaller hook.

🍌 **Stitch Marker:** Move it every round! Losing your place is the #1 beginner frustration.

🍌 **Stuffing:** Add small amounts at a time. Use a chopstick or pencil end to push stuffing into narrow areas.

🍌 **Magic Ring Trouble?** You can substitute: Ch 2, work 6 sc into the second chain from hook.

🍌 **Natural Curve:** Single crochet worked in spirals naturally wants to curl. Let it! This gives your banana character.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Bunch of Bananas:** Make 3–5 bananas and sew stems together
- **Keychain Size:** Use DK or sport weight yarn with a 2.75 mm hook
- **Peeled Banana:** Make white "peel strips" (long triangles) attached at the stem
- **Happy Face:** Add safety eyes and an embroidered smile before stuffing

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## PATTERN SCHEMATIC

```
    ___  ← Stem (Brown)
   /   \
  |     |  ← Top (tapered)
  |     |
  |     |
  |     |  ← Body (widest, 18 sts)
  |     |
  |     |
  |     |
   \   /   ← Bottom (tapered)
    \_/
     •     ← Bottom tip detail
```

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© Pattern for personal use only. Finished items may be sold with credit to designer.

**Enjoy your crocheted banana!** 🍌