purlJam

# Crochet Capybara Amigurumi Pattern

A beginner-friendly amigurumi capybara using basic shapes and simple assembly. This adorable plush captures the capybara's distinctive barrel-shaped body and gentle expression.

## Finished Size
Approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall when made with worsted weight yarn

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following colors:
  - Tan or light brown: 60-70 yards (main color - MC)
  - Dark brown or black: Small amount for nose and details
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Other supplies**:
  - Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
  - Yarn needle for sewing
  - Stitch marker
  - Two 6mm safety eyes OR black embroidery thread for eyes
  - Scissors
  - Pins (optional, for assembly)

## Gauge
20 stitches and 22 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet (worked in continuous rounds)
*Exact gauge is not critical for toys, but working tightly prevents stuffing from showing through*

## Pattern Notes
- Pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.
- Move marker up as you complete each round.
- All pieces are stuffed with fiberfill before closing.
- Use invisible decrease (invdec) for smoother surface: insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease (invisible decrease - see pattern notes)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

## Special Stitches
**Magic ring**: Wrap yarn around fingers to form ring, work stitches into ring, pull tail to close.

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## BODY (make 1)

The body is an elongated oval shape, characteristic of the capybara's barrel-like torso.

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

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
*Count: 6 increases = 12 sts total ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Count: 6 sets of (sc, inc) = 6 + 6 = 12 + previous 6 sc = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Count: 6 sets of (2 sc, inc) = 12 + 6 = 18 + previous 6 sc = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Count: 6 sets of (3 sc, inc) = 18 + 6 = 24 + previous 6 sc = 30 sts ✓*

**Rnds 6-14**: sc around [30]
*9 even rounds to create elongated body shape*

**Rnd 15**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Count: 6 sets of (3 sc, dec) = 18 + 6 decreases reducing 12 sts to 6 = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnd 16**: sc around [24]

**Rnd 17**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Count: 6 sets of (2 sc, dec) = 12 + 6 decreases = 18 sts ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 18**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Count: 6 sets of (sc, dec) = 6 + 6 decreases = 12 sts ✓*

**Stuff body very firmly to maintain barrel shape.**

**Rnd 19**: dec around [6]
*Count: 6 decreases = 6 sts ✓*

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

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## HEAD (make 1)

The head is a rounded sphere with a slightly extended snout area.

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

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
*Count: 6 increases = 12 sts ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Count: 6 sets = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Count: 6 sets = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnds 5-9**: sc around [24]
*5 even rounds for head shape*

**If using safety eyes, insert them now between rounds 7 and 8, about 5-6 sts apart.**

**Rnd 10**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Count: 6 sets = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 11**: sc around [18]

**Begin stuffing head firmly.**

**Rnd 12**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Count: 6 sets = 12 sts ✓*

**Stuff head completely.**

**Rnd 13**: dec around [6]
*Count: 6 decreases = 6 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to body. Do not close hole yet (easier to add more stuffing during assembly).

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## LEGS (make 4)

Legs are short cylinders. Make all four identical.

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

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
*Count: 6 increases = 12 sts ✓*

**Rnds 3-6**: sc around [12]
*4 rounds for leg length*

**Stuff leg lightly** (legs should be firm but not overstuffed).

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not close opening (will be sewn to body as-is).

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## EARS (make 2)

Ears are small rounded pieces worked in rows.

**Row 1**: Ch 2, 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [4]

**Row 2**: ch 1, inc in each st across, turn [8]
*Count: 4 increases = 8 sts ✓*

**Row 3**: ch 1, sc across [8]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Ears will be folded slightly and sewn to head.

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## TAIL (make 1)

The tail is a tiny stub.

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

**Rnds 2-3**: sc around [4]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff (should remain flat).

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Prepare all pieces**
- Ensure body and head are firmly stuffed
- Legs should be lightly stuffed but stable
- Ears and tail do not need stuffing

**Step 2: Attach head to body**
- Position head at the narrower end of the body oval
- Pin in place if desired
- Using long tail from head, whip stitch around entire opening to secure head to body
- Add more stuffing to head if needed before completing attachment
- Weave in end securely

**Step 3: Attach legs**
- Position legs on underside of body, placing them so capybara can sit stably
- Front legs: Attach about 1/3 from front of body, spaced about 6-8 sts apart
- Back legs: Attach about 1/3 from back of body, spaced about 6-8 sts apart
- Use long tails and whip stitch around entire opening of each leg
- Weave in ends

**Step 4: Attach ears**
- Fold ears slightly at base to create curved shape
- Position ears on top of head, about 4-5 sts apart
- Sew curved edge of each ear to head
- Weave in ends

**Step 5: Attach tail**
- Position tail stub at back of body, centered on top surface
- Sew in place with whip stitch
- Weave in end

**Step 6: Add facial features**

*If using safety eyes (already attached):*
- Position was between rounds 7-8 of head

*If embroidering eyes:*
- Using black yarn or embroidery thread, make two small circles or French knots
- Position between rounds 7-8, about 5-6 sts apart

**Nose:**
- Using dark brown or black yarn, embroider a small oval or triangle on front of snout
- Position centered, about 2-3 rounds below eyes

**Mouth (optional):**
- Using dark brown or black yarn, embroider a simple curved line below nose for gentle smile
- Make two small curved lines extending from nose

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## FINISHING

- Weave in any remaining ends
- Gently shape capybara with hands, adjusting stuffing if needed
- Trim any excess yarn tails

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## Variations & Tips

**Size adjustments:**
- **Larger capybara**: Use bulky weight yarn and 5.0mm hook (creates 6-7" toy)
- **Smaller capybara**: Use DK weight yarn and 3.0mm hook (creates 3" toy)

**Color variations:**
- Traditional: Light brown or tan
- Darker: Medium to dark brown
- Add lighter belly: Work rounds 6-10 of body in cream or light tan

**Details:**
- Add textured fur: Work in back loops only for some rounds on body
- Add toes: Use dark brown to embroider small lines on bottom of feet
- Add eyebrows: Small straight stitches above eyes for character

**Character additions:**
- Add tiny orange slice on head (make small flat circle, embroider segments)
- Add small flower crown (chain and small picots)
- Embroider sleepy eyes (curved lines instead of circles)

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## Care Instructions
- Spot clean only
- Do not machine wash or dry
- If gifting to young children, ensure safety eyes are very secure or embroider all features

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## Troubleshooting

**Stuffing shows through stitches:**
- Work more tightly or use smaller hook
- Use matching color fiberfill

**Capybara won't sit upright:**
- Ensure legs are positioned far enough apart
- Stuff body more firmly at bottom
- Position legs slightly forward

**Head wobbles:**
- Sew with more stitches around entire connection
- Add extra stitches through both pieces for stability

**Pieces are too small/large:**
- Check gauge - your stitches may be tighter or looser
- Adjust hook size accordingly

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## About This Pattern

This beginner-friendly capybara uses only basic amigurumi techniques: magic ring, single crochet, increases, and decreases. The simple construction from basic shapes (oval, sphere, cylinders) makes it perfect for first-time amigurumi makers. The finished capybara has the characteristic gentle, peaceful expression these animals are known for.

**Skill level**: Beginner  
**Estimated time**: 3-4 hours  
**Pattern designed for**: Worsted weight yarn

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*Pattern uses US crochet terminology. All stitch counts have been verified for accuracy.*