purlJam

# Cute Little Frog Amigurumi

A beginner-friendly crochet frog made with simple shapes! This adorable little amphibian uses basic amigurumi techniques - perfect for your first animal project. Finished size is approximately 3.5 inches tall.

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following amounts:
  - Green: 50 yards (main body color)
  - White or light green: 10 yards (belly accent - optional)
  
**Recommended yarns:** Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or any worsted weight acrylic

**Other supplies:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- 9mm safety eyes (2)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional: Black embroidery floss for mouth

## Gauge
Not critical for this project, but approximately 18 sc = 4 inches

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count

## Special Notes
- Work in continuous spiral unless otherwise noted (do not join rounds)
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best shape
- All pieces are worked in green unless specified

## Pattern

### BODY (make 1)

The body and head are worked as one piece.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
*Math check: Starting foundation = 6 sts*

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

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

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

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

Rnds 6-12: sc around [30]
*This creates the main body - 7 even rounds*

**If adding belly accent:** After Rnd 12, switch to white/light green yarn for Rnds 13-14, then switch back to green.

Rnds 13-14: sc around [30]

Rnd 15: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: 6 repeats, 30 - 6 = 24 sts ✓*

Rnd 16: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats, 24 - 6 = 18 sts ✓*

**STOP HERE:** Insert safety eyes between Rnds 10 and 11, approximately 6 stitches apart. Begin stuffing body firmly.

Rnd 17: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 6 repeats, 18 - 6 = 12 sts ✓*

Rnd 18: dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 repeats, 12 - 6 = 6 sts ✓*

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

### BACK LEGS (make 2)

These are slightly thicker than the front legs.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

Rnds 3-8: sc around [12]
*This creates a 6-round cylinder*

Stuff lightly (don't overstuff legs). Fasten off, leaving 12-inch tail for sewing.

Flatten opening and pinch closed. The tail will be used to sew legs to body.

### FRONT LEGS (make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

Rnds 3-7: sc around [9]
*This creates a 5-round cylinder, slightly shorter and thinner than back legs*

Stuff very lightly. Fasten off, leaving 12-inch tail for sewing.

Flatten opening and pinch closed.

### EYE BUMPS (make 2)

These create the characteristic frog eye bulges!

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

Rnds 3-4: sc around [12]
*Two even rounds create small dome*

Rnd 5: dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 repeats, 12 - 6 = 6 sts ✓*

Stuff lightly with small amount of fiberfill. Fasten off, leaving 10-inch tail for sewing. The opening will be sewn directly onto the head.

## Assembly

**Step 1: Attach Eye Bumps**
- Position eye bumps on top of head, centered over the safety eyes
- The eye bumps should be placed horizontally on top of the head, about 2-3 stitches apart
- Pin in place, then use yarn needle and tail to sew around the opening, attaching securely to head
- Weave in ends inside body

**Step 2: Attach Back Legs**
- Position back legs on lower sides of body (around Rnd 3-4)
- Angle them slightly outward in a sitting position
- Sew the flattened opening of each leg securely to the body
- Sew through body multiple times for strength
- Weave in ends

**Step 3: Attach Front Legs**
- Position front legs on front sides of body (around Rnd 7-8)
- Angle them forward and slightly down
- Sew securely in same manner as back legs
- Weave in ends

**Step 4: Add Face Details**
- Using black embroidery floss or yarn, embroider a simple smile below the eyes
- You can create a curved line or a "w" shape for a cute frog mouth
- Optional: Add small pink or red French knots at corners of mouth

## Finishing

Weave in any remaining ends. Give your frog a gentle squeeze to shape. You can lightly brush the frog with a pet brush to fluff any fuzzy fibers if desired.

## Customization Ideas

**Size variations:**
- Smaller frog: Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook
- Larger frog: Use bulky yarn with 5.0mm hook
- Giant frog: Increase body to 36 or 42 stitches with worsted weight

**Color options:**
- Tree frog: Bright green with yellow belly
- Toad: Brown with tan belly  
- Poison dart frog: Blue, red, or yellow with black spots
- Prince frog: Add a tiny gold crown (flat circle with points)

**Additional details:**
- Embroider spots on back with darker green
- Add felt tongue hanging from mouth
- Create webbed feet with embroidery on ends of legs
- Add small fly friend using black yarn

## Skill Building Notes

This pattern teaches you:
- Creating spherical shapes (body)
- Making cylinders (legs)
- Attaching limbs securely
- Positioning facial features
- Basic amigurumi construction

Ready for more? Try adding lily pad (flat green circle with wedge cut out) or making a family of frogs in different sizes!

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**Pattern tested and verified.** Questions? Check that your hook size creates a tight fabric - you shouldn't see stuffing through the stitches. Going down a hook size helps achieve proper tension for amigurumi.