purlJam

# Crochet Platypus Pattern

**Designed for beginners** | A cute amigurumi platypus made with simple shapes and basic stitches

## Finished Size
Approximately 5 inches (12.5 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:
  - Brown or Teal: 50 yards (main body color)
  - Dark Brown or Black: 15 yards (bill and tail)
  - Small amount of black for embroidery (optional, if not using safety eyes)

**Suggested Yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend (Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran)

**Other Materials:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle for weaving and assembly)
- Stitch marker
- Two 9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidered eyes)
- Scissors
- Pins (for positioning pieces before sewing)

## Gauge
20 stitches and 22 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet (worked in continuous rounds)

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size. Working tightly is recommended for amigurumi to prevent stuffing from showing through.*

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

## Special Techniques

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form a loop, insert hook and pull up a loop, ch 1, work stitches into the ring, pull tail to close.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook under 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. Creates a smoother decrease than standard sc2tog.

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

## Pattern Notes
- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified (do not join or turn)
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Stuff body and head firmly as you go; it's difficult to add stuffing later
- All pieces are worked tightly to create a firm amigurumi fabric
- For flat pieces (bill and tail), turn at the end of each row

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## BODY & HEAD (worked as one piece)

Using brown or teal yarn:

**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 work for body length*

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

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

**Rnd 15:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 16:** sc in each st around [18]

**Insert safety eyes** between Rounds 14 and 15, approximately 6 stitches apart.

**Begin stuffing body firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 17:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 18:** sc in each st around [12]

**Add more stuffing to head, stuffing firmly.**

**Rnd 19:** dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread tail through yarn needle and weave through remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely.

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## BILL (make 1)

Using dark brown or black yarn:

**Row 1:** Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [7 sc]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [9]
*Math check: 7 + 2 increases = 9 ✓*

**Row 3:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [9]

**Row 4:** Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [11]
*Math check: 9 + 2 increases = 11 ✓*

**Row 5:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [11]

**Row 6:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [11]

**Row 7:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 7 sts, dec, turn [9]
*Math check: 11 - 2 decreases = 9 ✓*

**Row 8:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 5 sts, dec, turn [7]
*Math check: 9 - 2 decreases = 7 ✓*

**Row 9:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec [5]
*Math check: 7 - 2 decreases = 5 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 12 inches).

**Optional edging:** With right side facing, join yarn at one corner and sc evenly around entire edge of bill for a cleaner finish. Fasten off.

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## TAIL (make 1)

Using dark brown or black yarn:

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

**Row 2:** Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [7]
*Math check: 5 + 2 increases = 7 ✓*

**Row 3:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [7]

**Row 4:** Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [9]
*Math check: 7 + 2 increases = 9 ✓*

**Row 5:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [9]

**Row 6:** Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [11]
*Math check: 9 + 2 increases = 11 ✓*

**Rows 7-9:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [11]

**Row 10:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 7 sts, dec, turn [9]
*Math check: 11 - 2 decreases = 9 ✓*

**Row 11:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 5 sts, dec [7]
*Math check: 9 - 2 decreases = 7 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 12 inches).

**Optional:** Lightly stuff tail with a small amount of fiberfill for dimension, or leave flat for a more authentic paddle-tail look.

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## LEGS (make 4)

Using brown or teal yarn (same as body):

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [9]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 repeats; 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnds 3-7:** sc in each st around [9]
*5 rounds for leg length*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 10 inches).

**Stuff legs lightly** with fiberfill. Don't overstuff—legs should be soft and flexible.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Position the Bill**
- Locate the center front of the head (between the eyes, slightly below them)
- The narrow end (Row 1) of the bill should point toward the head
- Pin the bill in place with the wider end extending forward
- Using the long tail and yarn needle, sew the bill to the face using whip stitch, sewing around the narrow end (first 3-4 rows)
- Weave in ends securely

**Step 2: Attach the Tail**
- Position the tail at the back of the body (opposite the bill), centered on the bottom half
- The narrow end (Row 1) should attach to the body
- Pin in place
- Sew the narrow end to the body using whip stitch
- Weave in ends

**Step 3: Attach the Legs**
- Position legs on the underside of the body
- Front legs: About 1/3 from the front, spaced evenly on either side
- Back legs: About 1/3 from the back, spaced evenly on either side
- Pin each leg in position
- Flatten the opening of each leg slightly
- Sew each leg to the body using whip stitch, sewing around the opening
- Make sure legs are securely attached
- Weave in all ends

**Step 4: Final Details**
- If you didn't use safety eyes, embroider eyes using black yarn and satin stitch or French knots
- Optional: Embroider two small nostrils on the bill using black yarn and straight stitches
- Check all ends are woven in securely
- Give your platypus a final shape adjustment

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## Finishing

Weave in any remaining ends. Trim excess yarn. If desired, use a fabric shaver or small scissors to carefully remove any fuzz or pilling from the surface.

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## Customization Ideas

**Color Variations:**
- Traditional: Brown body with dark brown or black bill and tail
- Blue Platypus: Teal or blue body with navy bill and tail
- Fantasy: Any color combination you like!

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller (keychain size):** Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook, reduce body rounds to 8-10
- **Larger:** Use bulky weight yarn with 5.0mm hook, add 2-4 more increase rounds to body (to 36 sts) and add 4-6 more even rounds

**Additional Details:**
- Add webbed feet by crocheting small semicircles and attaching to the bottom of each leg
- Embroider claws on feet using straight stitches
- Add texture to tail by working surface slip stitches in horizontal lines

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## Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this may damage safety eyes and cause felting.

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## Troubleshooting

**Problem:** Stuffing shows through stitches
**Solution:** Work more tightly, or use a smaller hook size. You can also use a lining (cut from felt or fabric) inside the body.

**Problem:** Body is lumpy or misshapen
**Solution:** Stuff more evenly, adding small amounts at a time. Use the blunt end of a crochet hook or chopstick to position stuffing.

**Problem:** Legs won't stay in position
**Solution:** Sew through the leg opening multiple times in different directions to secure. Consider using a longer strand of yarn for sewing.

**Problem:** Bill droops or won't stay flat
**Solution:** Add a light wire frame inside the bill (floral wire works well), or use fabric stiffener on the bill piece before attaching.

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## About This Pattern

This beginner-friendly platypus uses simple amigurumi shapes and basic stitches. Perfect for those new to amigurumi or looking for a quick, cute project. The pattern uses only single crochet, increases, and decreases—no complex techniques required!

**Skill Level:** Beginner (requires basic knowledge of crochet stitches and working in the round)

**Time to Complete:** 3-4 hours

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**Pattern designed for educational and personal use. Finished items may be sold in small quantities with credit to pattern. Please do not reproduce or distribute this pattern.**