Little Sitting Fox

Beginner Amigurumi in DK Yarn

A chubby sitting fox made from simple spheres, cones, and short tubes. Only single crochet, increases, and decreases are used — perfect for a first amigurumi animal.

Skill level: Beginner
Finished size: About 5½ inches (14 cm) tall sitting, including ears, in DK yarn at stated gauge.

Materials

Yarn — DK weight (3), acrylic or wool-blend

• Color A (rust / ginger orange): 75 yd (69 m)
• Color B (white or cream): 30 yd (27 m)
• Color C (black): 5 yd (5 m) for nose and mouth

Hook: US E-4 / 3.5 mm (or the size needed for a dense fabric with no gaps)
Notions:

• 6 mm safety eyes (1 pair)
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Straight pins
• Scissors

Safety note: Safety eyes and tight embroidery are choking hazards. Do not give this toy to children under 3 years. For babies, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes.

Gauge

6 sc and 6 rnds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in the round.

Gauge is not critical for fit, but the fabric must be dense so stuffing does not show. If you see gaps, go down to US D-3 / 3.25 mm or US C-2 / 2.75 mm.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• MR — magic ring (magic circle)
• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• inc — increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec — invisible decrease (see Special Stitches)
• sl st — slip stitch
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• rnd(s) — round(s)
• FO — fasten off
• [ ] — stitch count at end of round

Special Stitches

Magic ring: Wrap yarn around a finger to form a loop, work the stated number of sc into the loop, then pull the tail to close.
Beginner alternative: Ch 2, work the stated number of sc into the 2nd ch from the hook, then pull the starting tail to close the hole.

Invisible decrease (dec): Insert hook through the front loop only of the next st, then through the front loop only of the following st (2 loops on hook plus the working loop = 3 loops). Yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through both remaining loops. This sits flatter than a regular sc2tog.

Increase (inc): Work 2 sc into the same stitch.

Pattern Notes

• Use US crochet terms throughout.
• All pieces are worked in a continuous spiral (do not join or chain at the end of a round) unless stated otherwise. Place a stitch marker in the first st of every rnd and move it up as you go.
• Work tightly and evenly. Amigurumi looks clean when the stitches are snug.
• Stuff as you go — it is hard to fill the last few rounds later. Stuff firmly, but do not stretch the stitches open.
• Leave long tails (about 12 inches / 30 cm) on pieces that will be sewn.
• Color changes: finish the last yarn-over of the last st of the old color with the new color.

Head (Color A)

Worked from the crown down.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) 6 times. [18] (6 inc → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓)
Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. [24] (6 inc → 18 + 6 = 24 ✓)
Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. [30] (6 inc → 24 + 6 = 30 ✓)
Rnds 6–10: Sc in each st around. [30] (5 rnds even)

Insert 6 mm safety eyes between Rnds 7 and 8, 6 sts apart (about 1 inch / 2.5 cm center to center). Do not snap the washers on until you are happy with placement.

Rnd 11: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) 6 times. [24] (6 dec → 30 − 6 = 24 ✓)
Rnd 12: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) 6 times. [18] (6 dec → 24 − 6 = 18 ✓)

Stuff the head firmly, pushing filling up into the crown.

Rnd 13: (Sc in next st, dec) 6 times. [12] (6 dec → 18 − 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnd 14: Dec 6 times. [6] (6 dec → 12 − 6 = 6 ✓)

FO. Thread the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close the hole, and weave in the end. This closed end is the bottom of the head (neck).

Body (Color A)

Worked from the bottom up. The last round stays open to sew to the head.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) 6 times. [18] (6 inc → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓)
Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. [24] (6 inc → 18 + 6 = 24 ✓)
Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. [30] (6 inc → 24 + 6 = 30 ✓)
Rnd 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. [36] (6 inc → 30 + 6 = 36 ✓)
Rnds 7–14: Sc in each st around. [36] (8 rnds even)
Rnd 15: (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) 6 times. [30] (6 dec → 36 − 6 = 30 ✓)
Rnd 16: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) 6 times. [24] (6 dec → 30 − 6 = 24 ✓)

Begin stuffing. Continue stuffing as you decrease so the body is firm and round.

Rnd 17: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) 6 times. [18] (6 dec → 24 − 6 = 18 ✓)
Rnd 18: (Sc in next st, dec) 6 times. [12] (6 dec → 18 − 6 = 12 ✓)

Stuff firmly up to the neck. FO, leaving a 12 inch (30 cm) tail. Do not close the remaining 12 sts — this opening sews to the head.

Snout (Color B)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnds 3–4: Sc in each st around. [12] (2 rnds even)

Stuff lightly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Cheeks (Color B — make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. Sl st in first sc to join. [6]
FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Pull the starting tail tight. Do not stuff.

Belly Patch (Color B)

Worked as a small oval, around both sides of a starting chain.

Ch 6.
Rnd 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 ch, 3 sc in last ch; working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in next 3 ch, sc in same ch as beginning 2-sc. [12] (2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 12 ✓)
Rnd 2: Inc in next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts, inc in next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts. [18] (6 inc → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓)

Sl st in next st. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Ears (Color A — make 2)

Do not stuff. These are flattened cones.

Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Rnd 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) 2 times. [6] (2 inc → 4 + 2 = 6 ✓)
Rnd 3: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 2 times. [8] (2 inc → 6 + 2 = 8 ✓)
Rnd 4: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 2 times. [10] (2 inc → 8 + 2 = 10 ✓)
Rnds 5–6: Sc in each st around. [10] (2 rnds even)

Flatten the ear so the opening has 5 sts on each side. Working through both layers, sc in next 5 sts to close. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Inner Ears (Color B — make 2)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Rnd 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) 2 times. [6] (2 inc → 4 + 2 = 6 ✓)
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [6]

Flatten. FO, leaving a tail. Sew each inner ear onto the front of an orange ear, matching the point and leaving a small orange border showing all around.

Legs (Color A — make 4)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnds 3–5: Sc in each st around. [12] (3 rnds even)

Stuff lightly (the top third can stay less full so it sews flat). FO, leaving a long tail. Flatten the open edge — you will sew through both layers.

Tail

Begin with Color B (white tip).

Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Rnd 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) 2 times. [6] (2 inc → 4 + 2 = 6 ✓)
Rnd 3: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 2 times. [8] (2 inc → 6 + 2 = 8 ✓)

Change to Color A.

Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 2 times. [10] (2 inc → 8 + 2 = 10 ✓)
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [10]
Rnd 7: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) 2 times. [12] (2 inc → 10 + 2 = 12 ✓)
Rnds 8–11: Sc in each st around. [12] (4 rnds even)

Stuff the tail firmly at the tip, more lightly toward the open end so it curves. FO, leaving a long tail. Do not close.

Assembly

Pin every piece before you sew. Use the yarn tails and a yarn needle. Whip stitch unless noted. Check both sides of the fox as you work so nothing sits crooked.

1. Face

• Pin the snout to the lower front of the head, centered under the eyes, covering roughly Rnds 9–13. Sew all the way around, adding a pinch more stuffing just before you close if the snout looks flat.
• Sew one cheek on each side of the snout, slightly overlapping the snout edges, at about Rnds 8–10.
• With Color C, satin-stitch a small triangle nose on the front of the snout (the top of the triangle sits near Rnd 2 of the snout). Add a short vertical stitch down from the nose, then a tiny inverted V or gentle smile for the mouth.
• Snap the safety-eye washers on if you have not already.

2. Ears

• Pin the ears to the crown of the head, spanning Rnds 3–6.
• Leave about 4 sts between the inner edges at the front (they should tilt slightly outward, like a fox, not straight up).
• Sew along the closed 5-st edge, then take a couple of extra stitches at the front and back of each ear so they stand up.

3. Head to body

• Pin the open 12-st neck of the body to the closed bottom of the head. The head should look slightly forward, not staring at the ceiling.
• Whip stitch the body opening to the head, going around twice for strength. Add a little extra stuffing at the neck if it looks dented, then finish the seam.

4. Belly

• Pin the white oval to the front of the body, just below the head seam, centered. Sew around the edge.

5. Legs
Sitting pose:

• Back legs: pin to the lower sides/back of the body, about Rnds 4–7, angled slightly backward.
• Front legs: pin to the lower front, just beside the belly patch, angled slightly forward so the fox sits stably.
• Sew each flattened opening to the body. A few extra stitches on the inner side of each leg keep them from splaying.

6. Tail

• Pin the open end to the lower back of the body, centered above the back legs, at about Rnds 5–8.
• Sew around the opening. Curve the tail around one side (or let it rest on the floor behind) and tack it with 1–2 hidden stitches if you want it to stay put.

Finishing

• Weave in every remaining tail, burying ends inside the stuffing.
• Roll the head and body gently between your palms to round the shapes.
• If a seam dimples, run the needle under a nearby stitch, tug lightly, and bury the yarn.
• Optional: with Color C, add 2–3 short whisker stitches on each side of the snout.

Your fox should sit on its own, about 5½ inches (14 cm) tall.

Tips for Success

• Magic ring too fussy? Use the ch-2 method in Special Stitches — it is just as sturdy once the starting tail is woven in.
• Stuffing showing? Your stitches are too loose. Go down a hook size and pull each sc snug.
• Lopsided head? Count every round. A missed increase in Rnd 3 or 4 throws the whole sphere off.
• Wobbly head? The neck seam needs more stitches and a bit more stuffing right under the join.
• Want a larger fox? Repeat one extra even round on the head (after Rnd 10) and two extra even rounds on the body (after Rnd 14), and go up to 8 mm eyes.
• Want a keychain size? Stop the head at 24 sts (skip Rnd 5), stop the body at 24 sts (skip Rnds 5–6), and use 4–5 mm eyes.

Happy stitching.