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# KAWAII CLOUD CHARM
### A Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Pattern

**Design:** Adorable kawaii-style cloud with embroidered face – perfect for attaching to handknit socks, bags, hats, or using as a keychain charm!

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## PATTERN INFORMATION

**Skill Level:** Beginner
**Finished Size:** Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide × 2 inches (5 cm) tall
**Technique:** Amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds)

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Main Color (MC): DK weight (#3), white or pastel blue – approximately 25 yards (23 m)
- Small amounts of pink DK yarn for cheeks (optional)

**Hook:**
- US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook
- *Go down 1-2 sizes from yarn label for tight amigurumi fabric*

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Black embroidery floss for face
- Pink embroidery floss for cheeks (optional)
- Embroidery needle
- Keychain finding or safety pin for attachment (optional)

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## ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)

| Abbrev. | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd | round |
| [ ] | stitch count at end of round |

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for amigurumi. Work tightly so stuffing doesn't show through. A 6-stitch magic ring should measure approximately ½ inch (1.3 cm) in diameter.

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Continuous Rounds:** This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join rounds unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

2. **Invisible Decrease:** Use the invisible decrease method for a smoother finish.

3. **Stuffing:** Stuff the cloud firmly as you work – it's difficult to add stuffing after closing.

4. **Right Side:** The right side faces outward as you work.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CLOUD BODY (Make 1)

**Foundation:**
Rnd 1: Using MC, make a magic ring, 6 sc into ring, pull tight. [6 sts]
*Math check: 6 starting stitches ✓*

**Increase Section:**
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12 sts]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) 6 times. [18 sts]
*Math check: 12 + 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) 6 times. [24 sts]
*Math check: 18 + 6 = 24 ✓*

**Body Section:**
Rnds 5-8: Sc in each st around. [24 sts] (4 rounds total)

**Decrease Section:**
Rnd 9: (Sc 2, dec) 6 times. [18 sts]
*Math check: 24 - 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 10: (Sc 1, dec) 6 times. [12 sts]
*Math check: 18 - 6 = 12 ✓*

**→ STOP: Stuff firmly now before opening becomes too small!**

Rnd 11: Dec 6 times. [6 sts]
*Math check: 12 - 6 = 6 ✓*

**Finishing:**
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread yarn needle, weave through front loops of remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely.

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### CLOUD BUMPS (Make 3)

These small bumps attach to the bottom of the cloud for the classic cloud shape.

**For Each Bump:**
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc into ring, pull tight. [6 sts]

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

Rnds 3-4: Sc in each st around. [12 sts] (2 rounds)

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Position Bumps:** Arrange the 3 bumps along the bottom of the main cloud body:
   - Center bump in the middle-bottom
   - Left bump slightly overlapping center
   - Right bump slightly overlapping center
   
2. **Attach Bumps:** Using the yarn tails and yarn needle, whip stitch each bump to the cloud body. Sew through both layers, hiding stitches in the natural crochet texture.

3. **Weave In Ends:** Secure all yarn tails inside the body.

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## KAWAII FACE EMBROIDERY

The kawaii face is what gives this cloud its charm! Follow these steps carefully.

### FACE PLACEMENT GUIDE
- Eyes: Position on Rnd 6, approximately 4-5 stitches apart
- Cheeks: Position on Rnd 7, below and slightly outside each eye
- Mouth: Position on Rnd 7, centered between cheeks

### EYES (Two Styles – Choose One)

**Style A: Simple Closed Happy Eyes (Easiest)**
Using black embroidery floss (2 strands):
1. Insert needle from back of cloud to front at eye position
2. Create a small curved line (like an upside-down "U" or arch)
3. Make 2-3 small straight stitches following the curve
4. Repeat for second eye
5. Secure thread inside cloud body

**Style B: Open Dot Eyes**
Using black embroidery floss (3 strands):
1. Create a French knot at each eye position:
   - Bring needle up at eye point
   - Wrap thread around needle 2-3 times
   - Insert needle back down close to exit point
   - Pull through gently to form knot
2. Repeat for second eye

### CHEEKS (Optional but Cute!)
Using pink embroidery floss (2 strands):
1. Create a small oval of satin stitches (3-4 horizontal stitches stacked)
2. Or make a single French knot for each cheek
3. Position below and slightly outside each eye

### MOUTH (Choose One)

**Style A: Simple Smile**
Using black embroidery floss (2 strands):
1. Create a small curved line using 2-3 straight stitches
2. Keep it subtle – kawaii mouths are typically small

**Style B: Cat Mouth (^ω^)**
Using black embroidery floss (2 strands):
1. Make a small "w" shape using straight stitches
2. Very cute for kawaii style!

**Style C: No Mouth**
Many kawaii designs have no mouth at all – the happy eyes convey the expression!

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## EMBROIDERY CHART FOR KNITTED ITEMS

*Use this chart to embroider a kawaii face directly onto your handknit socks or other items using duplicate stitch or backstitch.*

```
    KAWAII FACE CHART
    (10 stitches × 8 rows)
    
    □ = Background (no stitch)
    ● = Black (eyes)
    ○ = Pink (cheeks)
    ~ = Black (mouth)
    
    Row 8: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
    Row 7: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
    Row 6: □ □ ● □ □ □ ● □ □ □  ← Eyes
    Row 5: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
    Row 4: □ ○ □ □ ~ □ □ ○ □ □  ← Cheeks & Mouth
    Row 3: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
    Row 2: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
    Row 1: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
```

**To Use on Knits:**
- Work in duplicate stitch over stockinette
- Use tapestry needle and matching weight yarn
- Keep tension even with knitted fabric

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## ATTACHMENT OPTIONS

### For Socks:
- Sew charm to cuff area using matching thread
- Or attach a small safety pin to back of cloud

### For Bags/Hats:
- Sew directly to item
- Or attach keychain finding to top of cloud

### As Keychain:
Before closing cloud body, insert a small loop of yarn or ribbon at top for attaching keychain hardware.

### As Brooch:
Sew or glue a pin back to the back of the finished cloud.

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## FINISHING CHECKLIST

- [ ] All yarn ends woven in and secure
- [ ] Cloud stuffed firmly (not lumpy)
- [ ] All 3 bumps attached evenly
- [ ] Face embroidery centered and secure
- [ ] Attachment method completed

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with mild soap and cool water
- Air dry completely
- If attached to machine-washable items, remove charm before washing or place in lingerie bag

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## VARIATIONS

**Raindrop Charm:** Make just the main body (no bumps) and embroider a sleepy face with closed eyes. Add a chain loop at top.

**Star Charm:** Follow the star instructions from the template – make 5 small cones and join at center. Add kawaii face to one point.

**Heart Charm:** Make two small spheres, join at top, and decrease together to a point. Perfect for Valentine's Day!

**Color Ideas:**
- Pastel rainbow: Make each bump a different pastel color
- Sunset: Orange body with pink and yellow bumps
- Storm cloud: Gray with darker gray bumps, add embroidered lightning bolt

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## STITCH COUNT SUMMARY TABLE

| Round | Instruction | Stitch Count |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| 1 | Magic ring + 6 sc | 6 |
| 2 | Inc around | 12 |
| 3 | (Sc 1, inc) × 6 | 18 |
| 4 | (Sc 2, inc) × 6 | 24 |
| 5-8 | Sc around | 24 |
| 9 | (Sc 2, dec) × 6 | 18 |
| 10 | (Sc 1, dec) × 6 | 12 |
| 11 | Dec × 6 | 6 |

*All calculations verified ✓*

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© Pattern designed for personal use. Happy crafting! ☁️