purlJam

<pattern>

# EDDIE THE HEAD "THE TROOPER" FUNKO-STYLE AMIGURUMI CROCHET PATTERN

**Finished Size**: Approximately 15 cm (6 inches) tall  
**Difficulty Level**: Easy (with patience for facial details)  
**Designer**: Custom Pattern Design

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## DESCRIPTION

Create your own adorable yet fierce Eddie the Head inspired by Iron Maiden's iconic "The Trooper" era! This Funko-style amigurumi features Eddie's signature undead warrior look with an oversized head, battle-ready expression, and simplified British redcoat uniform. Perfect for music fans and collectors!

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## MATERIALS

### Yarn
**Sport Weight (2) Yarn** - approximately 150 yards total

**Colors Needed**:
- **Skin Tone (ST)**: Gray-green or pale zombie green - 70 yards (main color for head/hands)
- **Red (R)**: Bright red for military jacket - 30 yards
- **Tan/Beige (T)**: Light tan for pants - 25 yards
- **Dark Brown (DB)**: Dark brown for hair - 10 yards
- **White (W)**: Small amount for teeth - 5 yards
- **Black (B)**: Small amount for details/trim - 5 yards
- **Dark Red (DR)**: Small amount for jacket trim (optional) - 5 yards

*Recommended*: Paintbox Yarns Simply Sport, Cascade 220 Sport, or any sport weight acrylic or cotton blend

### Other Materials
- **Crochet Hook**: US C-2 or D-3 (2.75-3.0mm) - use smaller hook than yarn label suggests for tight gauge
- **Safety Eyes**: 8mm black (2) OR embroider eyes for more dramatic hollow socket look (recommended)
- **Stitch Markers**: to track rounds
- **Yarn Needle**: for sewing and embroidery
- **Fiberfill Stuffing**: polyester, approximately 2 oz
- **Pins**: for positioning parts during assembly
- **Small Crochet Hook**: for surface crochet details (optional, 2.0mm)

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## ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)

- **ch** = chain
- **sc** = single crochet
- **inc** = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- **dec** = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops only of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops)
- **sl st** = slip stitch
- **BLO** = back loop only
- **FLO** = front loop only
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** = round(s)
- **MR** = magic ring
- **[ ]** = total stitch count at end of round
- **( )** = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## GAUGE

**7 stitches × 8 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet**

Gauge is important for size accuracy. Your fabric should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through.

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Work in continuous spiral rounds** unless otherwise instructed. Do not join or turn at the end of rounds.
2. **Use a stitch marker** to mark the beginning of each round; move it up as you work.
3. **Stuff firmly as you go**, especially the head. Don't wait until pieces are closed.
4. **Count your stitches** at the end of each round to ensure accuracy.
5. **Color Changes**: Complete the last stitch of the old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through to complete stitch. Carry yarn inside if changing back soon.
6. **Invisible Decrease** creates a neater finish than standard decrease (sc2tog).
7. **Safety Eyes** should be inserted between rounds 18-20 of head BEFORE closing. For Eddie's hollow-eyed look, consider embroidering eye sockets instead.

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD (Skin Tone - ST)

The head is the focal point and should be approximately 7.5 cm (3 inches) tall.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in MR [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Count: 18 sts*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]

**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]

**Rnd 6**: (4 sc, inc) around [36]

**Rnd 7**: (5 sc, inc) around [42]

**Rnd 8**: (6 sc, inc) around [48]
- *Count: 48 sts - this is the widest part of the head*

**Rnds 9-16**: sc in each st around [48]
- *Work 8 rounds even - this creates the height*

**FACIAL SHAPING - Creating Gaunt Cheekbones**:

**Rnd 17**: sc in each st around [48]

**Rnd 18**: (6 sc, dec) around [42]
- *If using safety eyes, insert them now between rnds 17-18, spaced about 8-10 sts apart (slightly asymmetrical for dramatic effect - place one eye 1 round higher than the other)*

**Rnd 19**: (5 sc, dec) around [36]
- *Begin stuffing head firmly*

**Rnd 20**: (4 sc, dec) around [30]

**Rnd 21**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
- *Add more stuffing, filling completely*

**Rnd 22**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]

**Rnd 23**: (sc, dec) around [12]
- *Add final bits of stuffing*

**Rnd 24**: dec around [6]

**Finish**: Cut yarn leaving 6-inch tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

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### FACIAL FEATURES GUIDE

**PLACEMENT** (measured from center bottom of head):

- **Eyes**: Rounds 17-19, spaced 8-10 stitches apart
  - *Left eye*: Slightly lower (centered on rnd 18)
  - *Right eye*: Slightly higher (centered on rnd 19) for asymmetrical intensity
  
**EYE OPTIONS**:

*Option 1 - Hollow Sockets (Recommended for Eddie)*:
1. Instead of safety eyes, use black yarn to embroider deep hollow circles
2. Work French knots or satin stitch to fill circles (10mm diameter each)
3. Add dark gray or black surface crochet around sockets using slip stitch to create sunken depth
4. Optional: Add tiny white highlight stitches for ghostly gleam

*Option 2 - Safety Eyes*:
1. Insert 8mm black safety eyes at placement points
2. Embroider dark shadows around eyes with dark gray yarn using backstitch

**MOUTH - Bared Teeth** (centered, rounds 12-15):

Using black (B) yarn:
1. Embroider a wide grimacing mouth opening using backstitch
2. Create opening approximately 14-16 stitches wide, 4 rounds tall
3. Mouth should curve slightly upward at edges (fierce grin)

Using white (W) yarn:
1. Embroider individual teeth using vertical straight stitches (4-5 teeth on top, 4-5 on bottom)
2. Make teeth slightly uneven and jagged for undead appearance
3. Add gaps between some teeth

Add definition: Use black to outline some teeth and add darker areas for depth

**NOSE** (rounds 15-16, centered between eyes):
- Small upturned nose: work 2-3 satin stitches with ST yarn
- Or skip for more skeletal look

**FACIAL CONTOURS - Gaunt Cheeks and Wrinkles**:

Using dark gray or dark green yarn (1-2 shades darker than ST):

*Surface Crochet Technique*:
1. Insert hook from front to back at starting point
2. Yarn over and pull loop to front
3. Insert hook at next point, yarn over, pull through both loops (like slip stitch on surface)
4. Continue to create lines

*Create these details*:
- **Cheekbone hollows**: Curved lines under each eye, following the decrease rounds (rounds 18-20), about 8-10 stitches long
- **Forehead wrinkles**: 2-3 horizontal lines across forehead (rounds 22-24)
- **Nasolabial lines**: From sides of nose down to mouth corners
- **Scars**: Random short lines on forehead and cheeks (2-4 scars, each 3-5 stitches long)
- **Temple indentations**: Work vertical lines at temples

*Alternative - Embroidery*:
Use backstitch or stem stitch to create same lines

**TEXTURE - Wrinkled Skin**:
- Add random small straight stitches in darker yarn across face for skin texture
- Concentrate around eyes, forehead, and jawline
- Keep stitches small (2-3 mm each) and irregular

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### HAIR (Dark Brown - DB)

Eddie's hair is short, messy, and wind-swept for battle.

**Method 1 - Loop Stitch Hair (Recommended)**:

Work directly onto head, rounds 20-26 (top and back of head)

1. **Position**: Start at top center of head (where rounds closed)
2. **Technique**: 
   - Insert hook into stitch on head
   - Yarn over, pull up loop
   - Wrap yarn around finger to create 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) loop
   - Yarn over hook and pull through both loops on hook (slip stitch with extended loop)
3. **Coverage**: Work loops randomly across top and upper back of head (approximately 20-30 loops)
4. **Styling**: 
   - Loops should point mostly backward and to sides (wind-swept)
   - Leave some areas sparser for balding/undead look
   - Trim loops to uneven lengths (1/4 to 1/2 inch) after completing
   - Brush out slightly with pet brush or comb for wispy texture

**Method 2 - Fringe Hair**:

Cut 40-50 strands of DB yarn, each 2 inches (5 cm) long

1. Fold strand in half
2. Insert hook into stitch on head
3. Pull folded end through to create loop
4. Pull yarn ends through loop and tighten
5. Attach strands randomly across top and back of head (rounds 20-26)
6. Trim to 1/4-1/2 inch uneven lengths
7. Style pointing backward and sideways

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### BODY (Tiny Funko Body)

The body is very small compared to the head - approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) tall.

**LOWER BODY - Pants (Tan - T)**:

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in MR [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]

**Rnds 5-8**: sc in each st around [24]
- *Work 4 rounds even for pants length*

**UPPER BODY - Red Jacket (Red - R)**:

**Rnd 9**: Change to R; BLO: sc