purlJam

# Friendly Shark Amigurumi

A beginner-friendly crochet shark perfect for learning basic amigurumi techniques! This cute shark uses simple shapes and basic stitches to create an adorable ocean friend.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long  
**Difficulty**: Beginner  
**Construction**: Worked in continuous rounds, minimal assembly required

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Worsted weight yarn (4) in gray or blue (main color - approximately 50 yards)
- Small amount of white for belly (optional, approximately 10 yards)
- Small amount of black for eyes (if embroidering)

**Recommended Yarns**: Any worsted weight acrylic (Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft)

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- 9mm safety eyes (2) OR black yarn for embroidering eyes
- Optional: White felt for teeth
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but stitches should be worked tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

**Standard amigurumi gauge**: Approximately 6-7 sc per inch when worked tightly

**Note**: Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended on yarn label for tight amigurumi fabric.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated; do not join or turn
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Ch 1 at beginning of rounds does NOT count as a stitch
- Stuff body firmly as you go - it's difficult to add stuffing after closing
- Use invisible decrease method for smoother appearance

**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 loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY

Starting at the nose, with gray yarn:

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

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

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 6-12**: sc around [30]  
*(7 rounds even - this creates the main body length)*

*Optional: Switch to white yarn for belly detail at Rnd 8, then back to gray at Rnd 11*

**Rnd 13**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: sc around [24]

**Rnd 15**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Insert safety eyes between Rnds 8 and 9, approximately 6 stitches apart, before continuing.**

**Rnd 16**: sc around [18]

**BEGIN STUFFING FIRMLY NOW**

**Rnd 17**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 18**: sc around [12]

**Add more stuffing to body - stuff very firmly**

**Rnd 19**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

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### TAIL

With gray yarn:

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

**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [6]  
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats, 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc around [6]

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [8]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats, 2 × 4 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc around [8]

**Rnd 6**: (3 sc, inc) around [10]  
*Math check: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 repeats, 2 × 5 = 10 ✓*

**Rnds 7-8**: sc around [10]

**Stuff lightly**

**To create tail fin**: Flatten the opening. Working through both layers, sl st across to close (5 sl st total).

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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### DORSAL FIN (Top Fin)

Worked in rows to create triangle shape. With gray yarn:

**Row 1**: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [3]

**Row 2**: Ch 1, inc in each st across, turn [6]  
*Math check: 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

**Row 3**: Ch 1, sc across, turn [6]

**Row 4**: Ch 1, sc across, turn [6]

**Row 5**: Ch 1, dec, 2 sc, dec, turn [4]  
*Math check: 6 - 2 = 4 ✓*

**Row 6**: Ch 1, dec twice, turn [2]  
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 ✓*

**Row 7**: Ch 1, dec [1]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Edging** (optional for neater appearance): With right side facing, join yarn at base corner, sc evenly around entire fin edge. Fasten off.

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### SIDE FINS (make 2)

With gray yarn:

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

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

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: sc around [18]

**Do not stuff**

**To create flat fin**: Flatten the opening. Working through both layers, sl st across to close (9 sl st total).

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach tail**: Position tail at back end of body. Use tail yarn and yarn needle to whip stitch securely around the connection point. Weave in ends.

2. **Attach dorsal fin**: Position triangular fin on top center of body, approximately at Rnd 8-10. Pin in place if needed. Sew along the bottom edge of fin to body. Weave in ends.

3. **Attach side fins**: Position one fin on each side of body, approximately at Rnd 10-11, angled slightly downward. Pin in place. Sew along the top edge where fin meets body. Weave in ends.

4. **Embroider mouth** (optional): With black or gray yarn, embroider a simple curved smile below the eyes.

5. **Add teeth** (optional): Cut small triangles from white felt and glue or sew along mouth line.

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## FINISHING

- Weave in all remaining ends
- If eyes look loose, add a dab of craft glue on back of safety eye washer
- Shape shark with hands to even out any lumpy areas
- If desired, lightly brush stuffing apart inside body for smoother appearance

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## PATTERN VARIATIONS

**Hammerhead Shark**: After completing body, add two small cylindrical protrusions on sides of head for eyes

**Baby Shark**: Use DK weight yarn (3) and smaller hook (3.0mm) for miniature version

**Whale Shark**: Use gray yarn with white spots embroidered or sewn on as felt circles

**Color Options**: 
- Classic gray with white belly
- Blue shark: light blue body
- Great white: gray back, white front
- Rainbow shark: use multicolor yarn

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
- Reshape and lay flat to dry
- Do not machine wash or dry (safety eyes may come loose)

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches**: Use smaller hook or work stitches more tightly

**Body is lopsided**: Redistribute stuffing evenly, add more stuffing to sparse areas

**Fins won't stay attached**: Use more stitches when sewing, go through body stitches multiple times

**Magic ring has hole**: Pull starting tail tighter, or close hole with yarn needle after completing Rnd 1

**Lost count of stitches**: Use stitch marker at beginning of each round, count frequently

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## SKILL BUILDING

This pattern teaches:
- Magic ring technique
- Working in continuous rounds
- Basic increasing and decreasing
- Stuffing amigurumi properly
- Simple assembly and sewing
- Flat closure technique for fins

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**Pattern Notes**: This pattern is designed for beginners learning amigurumi. Take your time, count your stitches at the end of each round, and don't worry about perfection - handmade charm is part of the appeal!

**Questions?** Common issues:
- If your shark is much larger/smaller than stated size, adjust hook size
- All pieces should be stuffed firmly except fins (which stay flat)
- Safety eyes should be inserted before closing body completely

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*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. Enjoy your adorable shark friend!*