purlJam

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# 🖕 FLIP THAT BIRD — Crochet Middle Finger Plush

**A cheeky beginner amigurumi for adults with a sense of humor.**

*Finished Size:* Approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) tall
*Difficulty:* Beginner
*This pattern is intended for adult audiences.*

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (size 4), approximately 30–40 yards total
  - Main Color (MC): Skin tone of your choice (the pattern works in any shade!)
  - Optional: Small amount of black or dark brown embroidery thread or yarn for nail details
- **Hook:** US G-6 / 4.0 mm (or size needed to achieve gauge)
- **Notions:**
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  - Yarn needle
  - Stitch marker
  - Scissors
  - Optional: Straight pins for placement before sewing

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## GAUGE

**4 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm)**
**4 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm)**

Gauge is not critical for toys, but working tightly prevents stuffing from showing through. Go down a hook size if your stitches look loose.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, draw up loop, complete sc) |
| rnd | round |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| MR | magic ring |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| ch | chain |
| [ ] | stitch count at end of round |
| ( ) | repeat instructions within parentheses |

*All rounds are worked in continuous rounds. Do not join or turn unless instructed. Move stitch marker up each round.*

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## PATTERN OVERVIEW

You will make **7 separate pieces** and sew them together:

| Piece | Quantity | Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| Palm (oval body) | 1 | — |
| Thumb | 1 | 4 rounds |
| Index finger | 1 | 5 rounds |
| **Middle finger** ⭐ | **1** | **8 rounds** |
| Ring finger | 1 | 5 rounds |
| Pinky finger | 1 | 4 rounds |
| (Optional) Wrist extension | 1 | 3 rounds |

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## PART 1: PALM BODY

The palm is worked as a rounded oval, then stuffed and closed.

**Foundation:** Ch 5.

**Rnd 1:** Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 ch, 3 sc in last ch; rotate to work along opposite side of chain; sc in next 2 ch, 2 sc in first ch. [10]

> *Math check: 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 10 sts ✅*

**Rnd 2:** Inc, sc 2, inc 3 times, sc 2, inc. [16]

> *Math check: 10 + 6 increases = 16 sts ✅*

**Rnd 3:** Sc, inc, sc 2, (sc, inc) 3 times, sc 2, sc, inc. [20]

> *Math check: 16 + 4 increases = 20 sts ✅*

**Rnds 4–8:** Sc around. [20]

> *5 even rounds at ~4 rounds/inch = approximately 1.25 inches (3 cm) of height ✅*

**Rnd 9:** (3 sc, dec) 4 times. [16]

> *Math check: 4 repeats × 5 sts = 20 sts consumed, 4 repeats × 4 sts remain = 16 sts ✅*

**Rnd 10:** (2 sc, dec) 4 times. [12]

> *Math check: 4 repeats × 4 sts = 16 sts consumed, 4 repeats × 3 sts remain = 12 sts ✅*

*Stuff the palm firmly now — it should feel solid but not stretched.*

**Rnd 11:** (sc, dec) 4 times. [8]

> *Math check: 4 repeats × 3 sts = 12 sts consumed, 4 repeats × 2 sts remain = 8 sts ✅*

**Rnd 12:** Dec 4 times. [4]

> *Math check: 4 decreases = 8 sts consumed, 4 sts remain ✅*

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread tail through remaining 4 sts, pull tight to close. Weave in end. Set palm aside.

*Finished palm size: approximately 2.5" wide × 2.75" tall (6.5 × 7 cm)*

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## PART 2: FINGERS

All fingers start with a magic ring and are worked as cylinders. **Do not stuff fingers** — they hold their shape better when left unstuffed or very lightly stuffed. If they seem floppy, add just a tiny pinch of fiberfill.

Leave a **12-inch (30 cm) tail** when fastening off each finger — you'll use this to sew them to the palm.

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### PINKY FINGER (make 1)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6]
**Rnds 2–4:** Sc around. [6] *(3 rounds = ~0.75 inch / 2 cm)*

Fasten off, leave 12-inch tail. Do not close the bottom opening.

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### RING FINGER (make 1)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6]
**Rnds 2–6:** Sc around. [6] *(5 rounds = ~1.25 inches / 3 cm)*

Fasten off, leave 12-inch tail. Do not close the bottom opening.

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### ⭐ MIDDLE FINGER — THE STAR OF THE SHOW (make 1)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6]
**Rnds 2–9:** Sc around. [6] *(8 rounds = ~2 inches / 5 cm)*

Fasten off, leave 12-inch tail. Do not close the bottom opening.

*The middle finger should be visibly and dramatically longer than all other fingers. This is intentional and necessary. ✅*

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### INDEX FINGER (make 1)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6]
**Rnds 2–6:** Sc around. [6] *(5 rounds = ~1.25 inches / 3 cm)*

Fasten off, leave 12-inch tail. Do not close the bottom opening.

---

### THUMB (make 1)

The thumb is worked at an angle but starts the same way.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6]
**Rnds 2–5:** Sc around. [6] *(4 rounds = ~1 inch / 2.5 cm)*

Fasten off, leave 12-inch tail. Do not close the bottom opening.

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## PART 3: OPTIONAL WRIST EXTENSION

*Makes the finished toy look more polished and easier to hold.*

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6]
**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st. [12]
**Rnds 3–6:** Sc around. [12]

Do not fasten off yet. This piece will be sewn to the bottom of the palm with its open end facing down.

Fasten off, leave 12-inch tail.

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## ASSEMBLY

*Lay all pieces out and arrange them in correct order before sewing anything. This step saves a lot of frustration!*

### Step 1: Arrange fingers

Looking at the **top (closed end)** of your palm, mentally divide the top edge into 5 zones, left to right:

```
[ Pinky | Ring | MIDDLE | Index | Thumb ]
```

> **Tip:** The thumb attaches at a slight angle toward the side of the palm, not straight up from the top edge. Position it about 45° from vertical on whichever side feels natural.

### Step 2: Pin before sewing

Use straight pins to hold each finger in position on the palm before committing with yarn. Check that the middle finger is centered and extends the highest. Step back and make your most discerning "that's the one" face.

### Step 3: Sew fingers to palm

Using the long tail from each finger and a yarn needle:

1. Place the open bottom of the finger against the top of the palm.
2. Whip stitch around the opening, catching both the finger edge and the palm fabric.
3. Make at least 2 full passes around for security.
4. Bring the tail through the inside of the finger, back out through the palm body, and trim close. The knot will be hidden inside.

Attach fingers in this order to keep spacing even:
1. Middle finger (center — the anchor point)
2. Index finger (right of middle)
3. Ring finger (left of middle)
4. Pinky finger (far left)
5. Thumb (angled out to the right side)

### Step 4: Attach wrist (optional)

Align the top open edge of the wrist piece with the bottom of the palm. Whip stitch all the way around. Weave in end.

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## FINISHING DETAILS

### Fingernails (optional but recommended)

Using black or dark brown embroidery thread or a thin yarn:

- At the closed tip of each finger, embroider a small rounded rectangle shape using straight stitches.
- Nails should sit on the "back" of the hand (the smoother side of your palm piece).
- About 3–4 stitches across, 2–3 stitches tall per nail.

### Knuckle lines (optional)

Using the same dark thread, embroider 2–3 tiny horizontal straight stitches across the middle section of each finger to suggest knuckles.

### Blocking

This piece does not require blocking. If edges look uneven, a light steam from an iron held 2 inches away (do not touch!) can help settle the stitches.

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## FINGER LENGTH COMPARISON CHART

| Finger | Rounds | Approx. Height |
|---|---|---|
| Pinky | 3 | ~0.75 in (2 cm) |
| Thumb | 4 | ~1 in (2.5 cm) |
| Index | 5 | ~1.25 in (3 cm) |
| Ring | 5 | ~1.25 in (3 cm) |
| **Middle** | **8** | **~2 in (5 cm)** |

*All finger heights are measured from Rnd 2 onward (not including the closed magic ring tip).*

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**My fingers look floppy.**
→ Add a tiny pinch of fiberfill, or work your next project with a hook size down.

**The palm is too puffy.**
→ You may have over-stuffed it. Aim for firm but not stretched — the seams should not pucker.

**The middle finger doesn't look long enough.**
→ Add 1–2 extra rounds. At worsted gauge, each round adds approximately 0.25 inch (6 mm).

**My fingers are coming unattached.**
→ Reinforce with a second round of whip stitching and make sure to knot securely.

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## YARN AMOUNTS (approximate)

| Piece | Yards |
|---|---|
| Palm body | ~15 yards |
| All 5 fingers | ~12 yards |
| Wrist (optional) | ~5 yards |
| Embroidery details | ~1 yard |
| **Total** | **~33 yards** |

*One standard skein of worsted weight yarn is more than enough for several of these.*

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## A NOTE FROM YOUR PATTERN DESIGNER

This pattern is technically a hand making a very specific gesture, constructed with honest-to-goodness crochet craftsmanship. It is an excellent gift for a freeway commuter, a beloved coworker on their last day, or anyone who has ever sat through an unnecessarily long meeting. Craft responsibly.

*Happy hooking. 🖕*

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**Pattern © for personal use. Not for resale of written pattern.**