purlJam

# Cute West Australian Quokka
### Beginner-Friendly Crochet Amigurumi Pattern

**IMPORTANT NOTE**: This is a **crochet** pattern (not knitting). It uses basic amigurumi techniques perfect for beginners who can work single crochet, increases, and decreases.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in:
  - Light brown or tan (main color - MC): approx. 100 yards
  - Dark brown or black: small amount for nose details
  - Pink: small amount for inner ears (optional)
- Recommended: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Red Heart Super Saver, or similar

**Hook & Notions:**
- US F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook (or size needed for tight gauge)
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- 9mm safety eyes (2) OR black yarn for embroidering eyes
- Pins for assembly
- Scissors

**Safety Note**: If making for children under 3, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes.

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## GAUGE & NOTES

**Gauge:** 5 sc and 5 rows = 1 inch in amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds with tight tension)
*Exact gauge is not critical, but work tightly for best results*

**Finished Size:** Approximately 4-5 inches tall when seated

**Important Techniques:**
- Work in continuous spiral rounds (do not join unless specified)
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go
- Use invisible decrease for smoother finish

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## 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, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- [ ] = total stitch count

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## PATTERN

### BODY (make 1 in MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Check: You should have 12 stitches*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Check: 18 ÷ 2 = 9 repeats*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Check: 24 ÷ 3 = 8 repeats*

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Check: 30 ÷ 4 = 7.5... wait, correction: 30 ÷ 4 = 7 repeats plus 2, so (3 sc, inc) × 7 = 28, then 2 sc = 30 total*

Rnds 6-12: sc around [30]
*Work 7 rounds even - this creates the body height*

Rnd 13: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats*

Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
**Begin stuffing body firmly**

Rnd 15: (sc, dec) around [12]
**Add more stuffing**

Rnd 16: dec around [6]
Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole. Weave in end.

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### HEAD (make 1 in MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Check: same as body rounds 1-5*

Rnds 6-10: sc around [30]
*Work 5 rounds even*

**If using safety eyes:** Insert between rounds 7 and 8, about 6-7 stitches apart.

Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
**Begin stuffing head firmly**

Rnd 13: (sc, dec) around [12]
**Add more stuffing**

Rnd 14: dec around [6]
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to body. Do not close hole yet - this will attach to body.

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### EARS (make 2 in MC)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [9]
Rnd 4: sc around [9]
Rnd 5: sc around [9]

Do not stuff. Flatten and fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Optional Inner Ear (make 2 in pink):**
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
Fasten off, leaving tail. Sew to inside of ear before attaching to head.

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### ARMS (make 2 in MC)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
Rnds 3-8: sc around [6]
*Work 6 rounds even*

Stuff lightly (arms should be flexible). Flatten opening and fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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### LEGS (make 2 in MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
Rnd 3: (3 sc, inc) around [15]
Rnds 4-5: sc around [15]
*These rounds create the foot*

Rnd 6: (3 sc, dec) around [12]
Rnds 7-10: sc around [12]
*These rounds create the leg*

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

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### TAIL (make 1 in MC)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
Rnds 3-5: sc around [6]
*Work 3 rounds even*

Rnd 6: (sc, dec) around [4]
Stuff very lightly (tail should be flexible). Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Order of Assembly:**
1. Head to Body
2. Ears to Head
3. Arms to Body
4. Legs to Body
5. Tail to Body
6. Facial Features

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

1. **Attach Head to Body:**
   - Position head opening onto top-front of body (slightly forward for natural posture)
   - Pin in place
   - Using yarn needle and tail from head, whip stitch around opening to join
   - Weave in ends securely

2. **Attach Ears:**
   - Position ears on top of head, slightly to sides (not straight up - angle them outward)
   - Place about 2-3 rounds back from eyes
   - Pin, then sew around base of each ear
   - Ears should be about 4-5 stitches apart at closest point

3. **Attach Arms:**
   - Position arms on sides of body, about 2 rounds down from neck
   - Arms should point slightly forward and downward
   - Pin, then sew flattened end to body, stitching through several stitches for security

4. **Attach Legs:**
   - Position legs at front-bottom of body for seated pose
   - Legs should point forward
   - Pin, then sew securely - legs bear the weight when sitting

5. **Attach Tail:**
   - Position tail at center back of body, near bottom
   - Point downward/slightly back
   - Sew securely around base

6. **Facial Features:**
   - **Eyes:** If not using safety eyes, embroider with black yarn between rounds 7-8 of head, about 6-7 stitches apart
   - **Nose:** With dark brown/black yarn, embroider small triangle or oval between and slightly below eyes (about round 9)
   - **Quokka Smile:** This is the signature feature! With dark brown/black yarn, embroider curved lines from below the nose, curving upward toward the outer edges of the face. The smile should look like a gentle curve on each side, giving the characteristic happy expression quokkas are famous for.

**Embroidery Guide for Smile:**
- Starting point: Just below nose
- Curve: Arc upward and outward
- Length: About 4-5 stitches wide on each side
- Use backstitch or split stitch for clean lines

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## FINISHING TOUCHES

- Weave in all remaining ends
- Gently shape the quokka, positioning limbs as desired
- Optional: Brush body lightly with soft brush for fuzzy texture (if using appropriate yarn)
- Optional: Add small white highlights to eyes with white thread or fabric paint for extra sparkle

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

**For Beginners:**
- Practice the magic ring on scrap yarn first
- Count stitches at the end of each round
- If you lose your place, it's okay to unravel and restart
- Don't worry about perfection - handmade charm is part of the appeal!

**Stuffing:**
- Stuff firmly for body and head (helps toy hold shape)
- Stuff lightly for limbs and tail (allows flexibility and posing)
- Add stuffing gradually - easier than removing excess

**Tension:**
- Work tightly enough that stuffing doesn't show through
- If you can see gaps between stitches, go down a hook size

**Assembly:**
- Take your time with placement - pin everything first
- Look at reference photos of real quokkas for natural positioning
- The smile is what makes it recognizable - don't skip this detail!

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## VARIATIONS

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller (3-4"):** Use DK weight yarn (3) with size E-4 (3.5mm) hook
- **Larger (6-7"):** Use bulky weight yarn (5) with size H-8 (5mm) hook

**Color Options:**
- Traditional: Light tan/camel brown
- Gray-brown for variation
- White belly: Work rounds 7-11 of body in white/cream before switching back to MC

**Personalization:**
- Add tiny felt accessories (flower behind ear, small leaf)
- Embroider whiskers with white or gray thread
- Create sitting or standing pose by adjusting leg placement

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth
- If using washable yarn and embroidered eyes: hand wash gentle, air dry
- If using safety eyes: surface clean only (water may rust eye posts)
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading

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## ABOUT THE QUOKKA

The quokka is a small marsupial native to Western Australia, particularly Rottnest Island. Known as "the world's happiest animal" due to their friendly appearance and upturned mouth that looks like a smile, quokkas have become internet sensations. This pattern captures their characteristic features: round body, small ears, short limbs, and of course, that famous smile!

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**Pattern Designed By:** Expert Pattern Designer
**Skill Level:** Beginner (requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches)
**Estimated Time:** 3-4 hours

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*Have fun creating your adorable quokka! Share your finished projects and don't forget to give your quokka that signature smile!* 🦘✨