purlJam

# Crochet Capybara Amigurumi Pattern

**Designed for beginners | Finished size: approximately 4.5" long × 3" tall (sitting)**

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in brown or tan (main color) - approximately 100 yards
- Small amount of dark brown or black for embroidered details (optional)
- Small amount of pink for nose (optional)

**Recommended yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend

**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 embroidered eyes)
- Scissors
- Pins for assembly (helpful but optional)

## 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)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

## GAUGE
Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference:
- Approximately 5-6 sc = 1" with worsted yarn and 3.5mm hook
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Do not join or turn unless instructed
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, but not so tight that stitches distort
- Use invisible decrease for smoothest finish
- Numbers in [ ] indicate total stitch count at end of round

---

## BODY

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Verification: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 5 sts = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 6-12:** sc in each st around [30]
*7 rounds of even stitches for body length*

**Rnd 13:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Verification: 30 - 6 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** sc in each st around [24]

**Rnd 15:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Verification: 24 - 6 = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly.**

**Rnd 16:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 18 - 6 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 17:** dec around [6]
*Verification: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

---

## HEAD

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Verification: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Verification: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

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

**Insert safety eyes between rnds 7 and 8, approximately 6 stitches apart.**

**Rnd 10:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Verification: 24 - 6 = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing head firmly.**

**Rnd 11:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 18 - 6 = 12 ✓*

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

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Weave tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close.

---

## LEGS (make 4)

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Verification: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 3-8:** sc in each st around [12]
*6 rounds for leg length*

**Stuff leg lightly** (not too firm, so legs remain slightly flexible).

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not close opening - this will be sewn to body.

---

## EARS (make 2)

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]
*Verification: 2 repeats × 3 sts = 6 ✓*

**Rnds 3-4:** sc in each st around [6]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff ears - flatten slightly.

---

## SNOUT

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Verification: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 3-4:** sc in each st around [12]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

---

## ASSEMBLY

Use yarn needle and long tails. Pin pieces in place before sewing if desired.

**1. Attach head to body:**
Position head at narrower end of body, slightly tilted upward. Whip stitch around entire opening, making sure connection is secure. Head should sit at slight angle for characteristic capybara posture.

**2. Attach legs:**
Position legs so capybara can sit stably:
- Front legs: Attach to underside of body, toward the front, approximately 6 stitches apart
- Back legs: Attach to underside of body, toward the back, positioned slightly wider than front legs for stability
- Whip stitch opening of each leg securely to body

**3. Attach ears:**
Position ears on top of head, between rounds 3 and 5 of head, approximately 8 stitches apart. Sew flat edge of ears to head using whip stitch.

**4. Attach snout:**
Center snout on front of head, below eyes (between rounds 8 and 11). Whip stitch around edge, leaving top portion slightly raised for dimension.

**5. Facial features:**
- If you haven't used safety eyes, embroider eyes with black yarn using satin stitch or French knots
- Embroider small pink nose at bottom center of snout (2-3 vertical stitches)
- Optional: Embroider simple mouth line with dark brown yarn

**6. Final touches:**
Weave in all remaining ends. Shape capybara by gently manipulating stuffing if needed.

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

**Tension:** Keep your stitches tight and even. If you can see white stuffing through the stitches, your tension is too loose - try going down a hook size.

**Stuffing:** Stuff firmly but not overstuffed. Over-stuffing can distort the shape and make stitches pull apart.

**Stitch marker:** Move your marker up at the end of each round. This is crucial for keeping track!

**Invisible decrease:** This technique creates a smoother decrease than standard dec. Insert hook under front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.

**Leg placement:** Test stability before sewing legs permanently. The capybara should sit without tipping forward or backward.

**Assembly order:** Following the assembly order listed ensures pieces don't get in the way of each other during sewing.

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## VARIATIONS

**Larger capybara:** Use bulky weight yarn (5) with 5mm hook for a 6-7" toy.

**Baby capybara:** Use DK weight yarn (3) with 3mm hook for a 3" miniature version.

**Color variations:** Real capybaras range from reddish-brown to gray-brown. Feel free to use any brown, tan, or gray yarn!

**With friends:** Make multiple capybaras in different sizes for a capybara family!

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth
- If using acrylic yarn, can hand wash gently in cool water and air dry
- Not recommended for children under 3 due to small parts (safety eyes)

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**Pattern designed as beginner-friendly amigurumi project.**
**Questions? Check that:**
- You're working in continuous rounds (spiral)
- Your stitch marker is placed correctly
- Your tension is tight enough
- You're stuffing as you go (before closing pieces)

Happy crocheting! 🧶

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*Pattern tested with worsted weight acrylic yarn and 3.5mm hook. Finished size approximately 4.5" long × 3" tall in sitting position.*