purlJam

# Demogorgon Crochet Pattern

**A beginner-friendly amigurumi version of the iconic creature**

## FINISHED SIZE
Approximately 4.5-5 inches (11-13 cm) tall

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
- **Main Color (MC)**: Worsted weight yarn in pale pink, peach, or tan (approximately 50-60 yards)
  - Suggested: Red Heart Super Saver in Light Pink or Patons Inspired in Pale Blush
- **Accent Color (AC)**: Small amount of white or cream for teeth details (optional, 5-10 yards)

### Other Supplies
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle for weaving and assembly)
- Stitch marker or safety pin
- Scissors
- Optional: 6mm safety eyes (2) OR black embroidery thread for eyes
- Optional: Pink embroidery thread for adding texture details

## 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, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

## GAUGE
Approximately 4.5 sc and 5 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in continuous rounds

*Note: Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but working tightly ensures stuffing doesn't show through.*

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Do not join rounds or turn.
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results - it's difficult to add stuffing after closing.
- Use invisible decrease method for smoothest finish.
- All pieces are worked in MC (pale pink/peach) unless otherwise specified.

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY

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

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

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Verification: 6 sets of (sc, inc) = 12 sts added to 12 = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnds 4-12:** sc in each st around [18]
*Note: This creates a cylinder approximately 2 inches tall*

**Rnd 13:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 6 sets of (sc, dec) = 6 sts decreased from 18 = 12 sts ✓*

Begin stuffing body firmly.

**Rnd 14:** dec around [6]
*Verification: 6 dec = 6 sts decreased from 12 = 6 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly and close hole with yarn needle, weaving tail through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pulling tight. Weave in end securely.

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### HEAD

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

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

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

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

**Rnds 5-9:** sc in each st around [24]
*Note: 5 rounds create the full sphere shape*

If using safety eyes, insert now between Rnds 6 and 7, approximately 6 stitches apart.

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

**Rnd 11:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 6 sets of (sc, dec) = 6 sts decreased = 12 sts ✓*

Begin stuffing head very firmly.

**Rnd 12:** dec around [6]
*Verification: 6 dec = 6 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Finish stuffing firmly and close hole. **Do not weave in tail yet** - use this tail to sew head to body.

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### ARMS (Make 2)

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [9]
*Verification: 3 sets of (sc, inc) = 3 sts added = 9 sts ✓*

**Rnds 3-8:** sc in each st around [9]
*Note: Creates arms approximately 1.25 inches long*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (arms should be flexible, not rigid). Flatten opening and set aside for assembly.

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### PETALS (Make 8)

These create the iconic "opening head" look of the Demogorgon.

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]
*Verification: 2 sets of (sc, inc) = 2 sts added = 6 sts ✓*

**Rnds 3-4:** sc in each st around [6]

**Rnd 5:** dec, 4 sc [5]
*Verification: 1 dec reduces 6 sts to 5 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a LONG tail (at least 10 inches) for sewing. Do not stuff petals - they should remain flat. Flatten each petal so the tapered end forms a point.

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## ASSEMBLY

### Step 1: Attach Head to Body
1. Position head on top of body, centering the opening of the body under the head.
2. Using the long tail from the head, whip stitch around the connection point, working through both layers.
3. Make a complete circle, then weave through again for security. Weave in end.

### Step 2: Attach Arms
1. Position arms on sides of body at "shoulder" area (approximately Rnd 3-4 of body).
2. Place arms approximately opposite each other.
3. Using long tails, sew flattened opening of each arm to body using whip stitch or ladder stitch.
4. Sew around opening completely for security. Weave in ends.

### Step 3: Attach Petals Around Head
This is the signature Demogorgon detail!

1. **Plan placement:** Divide the head opening (top of head) into 8 equal sections. Use pins or stitch markers to mark 8 evenly-spaced points around the closed top of the head (where you closed the 6-st hole).

2. **First petal:** Take one petal and position the pointed (tapered) end at the CENTER top of the head (the closed hole). The rounded base of the petal should fan outward.

3. **Sew:** Using the long tail, sew the length of one side of the petal to the head, creating a line from the center point outward (approximately 4-5 stitches long). The petal should curve slightly outward.

4. **Repeat:** Attach remaining 7 petals around the head, spacing them evenly in a circle radiating from the center point. They should look like flower petals opening.

5. **Optional texture:** For added dimension, only sew the base of each petal at the center, leaving the rest free to curl naturally.

### Step 4: Add Face Details (Optional)

**If you didn't use safety eyes:**
- Embroider two small oval eyes with black yarn between Rnds 6-7 of head, approximately 6 stitches apart.

**Teeth detail (optional):**
- Using white or cream yarn and a yarn needle, make small straight stitches between petals to suggest teeth radiating outward from the center.
- Alternatively, embroider small white French knots between petals.

**Texture detail (optional):**
- Using pink embroidery thread, add vertical lines along the body to suggest the Demogorgon's textured skin.

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends securely. Trim excess yarn. Shape petals by gently curling them outward with your fingers. Steam blocking can help set petal shapes if desired (hover steamer 1-2 inches away, never touch directly).

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

### Larger Demogorgon
- Use bulky weight yarn with a 5mm hook for a 7-8 inch version
- Add 2 more increase rounds to body and head (increase to 24 sts for body, 30 sts for head)
- Make 10 petals instead of 8

### Keychain Version
- Use DK or sport weight yarn with a 2.75mm hook
- Reduce body length to Rnds 4-8 only
- Make 6 petals instead of 8
- Attach keychain finding to top of head

### More Menacing Version
- Use dark red or burgundy yarn
- Add more petals (10-12) for fuller "flower" effect
- Embroider teeth more prominently with white yarn
- Add pink/red shading around petal bases with embroidery

### Baby Demogorgon
- Work head only (no body)
- Reduce head to 18 sts maximum (omit Rnd 4)
- Make 6 smaller petals (Rnds 1-3 only)
- Add keychain finding

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches:**
- Your tension may be too loose. Try going down a hook size to 3.0mm.
- Use a matching color of stuffing (pink if possible) or wrap white stuffing in a layer of matching yarn color.

**Petals won't stay in place:**
- Make sure to sew along the entire length of each petal edge, not just at the base.
- Use pins to hold petals in position while sewing.
- Add a small dab of fabric glue at the base of each petal (optional).

**Head is too heavy and tilts:**
- Stuff body more firmly to provide better support.
- Distribute stuffing evenly in head rather than packing it all in one area.
- Sew head attachment very securely with multiple passes.

**Petals are inconsistent sizes:**
- Count stitches carefully in each round.
- Use the same tension for all petals - work them all in the same sitting if possible.
- Block petals to same shape before attaching.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent. Roll in towel to remove excess water. Reshape and air dry flat. Do not machine wash or dry. Keep away from heat sources.

**Safety note:** If using safety eyes, this toy is not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. For young children, embroider eyes instead.

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## YARN REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY
- **Worsted weight (main color):** 50-60 yards
- **Worsted weight (accent/white):** 5-10 yards (optional)

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## SKILL LEVEL
**Beginner** - Uses only basic stitches (sc, inc, dec) with simple assembly

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**Pattern Design Notes:**
This simplified Demogorgon captures the creature's iconic look while remaining accessible for beginners. The separate petal construction allows for easy customization and repair. The closed-head design (rather than an actually opening mouth) makes construction simpler while maintaining the recognizable silhouette.

*Enjoy your adorably spooky creation!*