purlJam

<pattern>

# Cute Cheerleader Amigurumi with Crocheted Eyes

A delightful cheerleader doll standing approximately 12 inches tall, complete with pom-poms, pleated skirt, and charming crocheted facial features. Perfect for sports fans and amigurumi collectors alike!

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in the following colors:
  - Skin tone (beige/tan): 100 yards
  - Hair color (choice of blonde, brown, black, etc.): 80 yards
  - Cheerleading colors - Main color: 60 yards
  - Cheerleading colors - Contrast color: 50 yards
  - White: 40 yards
  - Black: 5 yards (for eyes, eyelashes, mouth)
  - Blue or brown: 5 yards (for iris)
  - Pink: small amount for cheeks

**Hook & Notions:**
- Size G/6 (4.0mm) crochet hook
- Size E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook (for facial features)
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Embroidery needle
- Pins for assembly

**Recommended Yarn:** Red Heart Super Saver or similar worsted weight acrylic

## GAUGE
Using larger hook in sc: 18 sts × 20 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size*

## 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 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- sl st: slip stitch
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- [ ]: repeat instructions within brackets

## PATTERN NOTES
- All pieces are worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.
- Do not join rounds or turn unless instructed.
- Stitch count is given in parentheses at end of each round.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, but avoid overstuffing which can distort stitches.
- For crocheted eyes, use smaller hook for tighter stitches.

## SPECIAL STITCHES
**Invisible Decrease (dec):** Insert hook in front loop only of next st, insert hook in front loop only of following st, yarn over and pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD (Skin tone, larger hook)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: [sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: [sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)
Rnd 6: [sc 4, inc] 6 times (36)
Rnd 7: [sc 5, inc] 6 times (42)
Rnd 8: [sc 6, inc] 6 times (48)
Rnds 9-16: sc in each st around (48) *8 rounds even*
Rnd 17: [sc 6, dec] 6 times (42)
Rnd 18: sc in each st around (42)
Rnd 19: [sc 5, dec] 6 times (36)
Rnd 20: [sc 4, dec] 6 times (30)
Rnd 21: [sc 3, dec] 6 times (24)

*Begin stuffing head firmly*

Rnd 22: [sc 2, dec] 6 times (18)
Rnd 23: [sc 1, dec] 6 times (12)

*Finish stuffing*

Rnd 24: dec 6 times (6)
Fasten off, leaving long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close.

### BODY (Skin tone, larger hook)

**Torso (Skin tone):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: [sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: [sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)
Rnd 6: [sc 4, inc] 6 times (36)
Rnds 7-12: sc in each st around (36) *6 rounds even*
Rnd 13: [sc 4, dec] 6 times (30)
Rnds 14-15: sc in each st around (30)

**Change to cheerleading main color for top:**

Rnd 16: BLO sc in each st around (30)
Rnds 17-20: sc in each st around (30) *4 rounds even*
Rnd 21: [sc 3, dec] 6 times (24)
Rnd 22: sc in each st around (24)
Rnd 23: [sc 2, dec] 6 times (18)

*Stuff body firmly*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to head.

### LEGS (Make 2, White for shoes, larger hook)

**Shoe (White):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: BLO sc in each st around (18)
Rnds 5-6: sc in each st around (18)
Rnd 7: sc 4, dec 3 times, sc 8 (15)
Rnd 8: sc 4, dec 2 times, sc 7 (13)

**Change to skin tone for leg:**

Rnd 9: sc in each st around (13)
Rnds 10-20: sc in each st around (13) *11 rounds even*

*Stuff leg firmly*

Rnd 21: [sc 1, dec] 4 times, sc 1 (9)

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten opening and sew closed.

### ARMS (Make 2, Skin tone, larger hook)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnds 3-4: sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 5: dec, sc 10 (11)
Rnds 6-15: sc in each st around (11) *10 rounds even*

*Stuff arm lightly (arms should be slightly flexible)*

Rnd 16: [sc 1, dec] 3 times, sc 2 (8)

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Flatten opening and sew closed.

### EYES (Make 2, smaller hook)

**Pupil (Black):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring, sl st to first sc (6)
Fasten off.

**Iris (Blue or brown):**
Rnd 2: Join yarn with sl st to any st, ch 1, inc in each st around, sl st to first inc (12)
Fasten off.

**White:**
Rnd 3: Join white with sl st to any st, ch 1, [sc 1, inc] 6 times, sl st to first sc (18)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

Using black yarn and embroidery needle, add 3-4 straight stitches at top of white portion for eyelashes.

### SKIRT (Cheerleading main color, larger hook)

**Waistband:**
Ch 25, sl st to first ch to form ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: ch 1, sc in each ch around, sl st to first sc (25)
Rnd 2: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc (25)

**Skirt body:**
Rnd 3: ch 1, inc in each st around, sl st to first inc (50)
Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc (50)

**Change to contrast color:**
Rnd 5: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc (50)

**Change to main color:**
Rnd 6: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc (50)

**Repeat rnds 5-6 once more (2 contrast stripes total)**

**Change to contrast color:**
Rnd 9: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc (50)

**Pleats:**
Rnd 10: ch 1, [sc 3, ch 2, skip 2 sts] 10 times, sl st to first sc
Fasten off.

### POM-POMS (Make 2, contrast color, larger hook)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnds 4-5: sc in each st around (18)
Rnd 6: [sc 1, dec] 6 times (12)

*Stuff lightly*

Rnd 7: dec 6 times (6)
Fasten off, leaving tail. Thread through remaining sts and pull tight.

**Pom-pom strands:**
Cut 30-40 pieces of contrast color yarn, each 3 inches long. Using crochet hook, pull folded center of each strand through a stitch on pom-pom surface, then pull ends through the loop to secure. Distribute evenly around pom-pom. Trim to create fluffy sphere approximately 2 inches diameter.

### HAIR

Choose one of the following hair styles:

**Ponytails (recommended):**
Cut 60 strands of hair color yarn, each 12 inches long. Divide into two equal groups of 30 strands each.

For each ponytail: Fold group of strands in half. Using crochet hook, attach at side of head (round 10-11) by pulling folded center through stitch, then pulling all ends through the loop. Gather ends and tie tightly with matching yarn approximately 1 inch from head to create ponytail. Trim ends evenly to desired length (approximately 4-5 inches).

**Optional:** Tie small ribbons in team colors around each ponytail base.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach head to body:** Pin head to body, ensuring face placement is straight. Using long tail from body and whip stitch, sew head securely to body, stuffing neck area if needed for stability.

2. **Attach eyes:** Position eyes on head at rounds 12-13, approximately 6-7 stitches apart. Pin in place and use long tails to sew securely, weaving through back of eye and into head. Secure and weave in ends.

3. **Embroider mouth:** Using black yarn and embroidery needle, create a small smile centered below eyes (around rounds 16-17) with a curved backstitch or simple straight stitch. Add small pink French knots or tiny stitches at corners for dimples if desired.

4. **Attach legs:** Position legs at bottom front of body, slightly angled outward. Using long tails and whip stitch, sew securely to rounds 1-4 of body.

5. **Attach arms:** Position arms at sides of body at rounds 16-17 (just below color change). Sew securely, ensuring they're positioned slightly forward for natural pose.

6. **Add skirt:** Slide skirt onto body from bottom up, positioning waistband at rounds 14-15 of body (just below torso color change). Using yarn needle and matching yarn, tack waistband to body at several points around circumference.

7. **Attach pom-poms:** Sew one pom-pom securely to each hand/end of arm.

8. **Add hair:** Follow hair instructions above to attach chosen hairstyle.

9. **Optional details:** 
   - Embroider a small letter on cheerleading top using contrast color
   - Add small bow to hair using ribbon
   - Embroider small "socks" on legs with white yarn at top of shoes

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Use tapestry needle to hide yarn tails inside body parts where possible. 

For extra security on facial features, run yarn tails through body/head multiple times before trimming.

Gently shape skirt pleats by pinching fabric between fingers.

Fluff pom-poms by trimming any uneven strands and separating yarn fibers.

Position doll in cheerful pose - standing with arms raised holding pom-poms, or in a cheer stance!

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Tight tension:** Keep stitches tight throughout to prevent stuffing from showing through. If gaps appear, consider using a smaller hook.

- **Eye placement:** Before sewing eyes permanently, use pins to test different positions. Eyes work best slightly below center of head for a cute look.

- **Stuffing:** Stuff head very firmly for best shape. Body can be slightly less firm. Arms and legs should be stuffed enough to hold shape but remain somewhat flexible.

- **Hair attachment:** Work hair strands in sections rather than all at once for more even coverage and control.

- **Skirt fit:** If skirt is too loose or tight, adjust starting chain count by 2-3 stitches and maintain increases in proportion.

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**VERIFICATION NOTES:**
- Head: 6→12→18→24→30→36→42→48→42→36→30→24→18→12→6 ✓
- Body: 6→12→18→24→30→36→30→24→18 ✓
- Leg: 6→12→18→15→13→9 ✓
- Arm: 6→12→11→8 ✓
- Eye: 6→12→18 ✓
- Skirt: 25→50 ✓
- Pom-pom: 6→12→18→12→6 ✓

All st