purlJam

---

# 🍄 LITTLE TOADSTOOL AMIGURUMI

### A Beginner-Friendly Crochet Plushie Pattern

---

## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This cheerful little mushroom makes a perfect first amigurumi project. It uses only basic stitches, a simple ch-2 start (no magic ring needed!), and comes together in just two pieces. Finished size is approximately **3–3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm) tall** and **3 inches (7.5 cm) wide** — a perfect palm-sized plushie.

---

## MATERIALS

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| **Yarn A – Cap** | Worsted weight (size 4), red — approx. 25 yds (23 m) |
| **Yarn B – Stem** | Worsted weight (size 4), off-white or cream — approx. 20 yds (18 m) |
| **Yarn C – Dots** | Worsted weight (size 4), white — small amount (approx. 3 yds / 2.7 m) |
| **Hook** | US E-4 / 3.5 mm |
| **Stuffing** | Polyester fiberfill |
| **Yarn needle** | For assembly and finishing |
| **Stitch marker** | To mark beginning of rounds |
| **Scissors** | — |

> **Yarn Note:** Any worsted weight (size 4) yarn works well. Acrylic is recommended for beginners — it's washable, affordable, and holds its shape beautifully.

---

## GAUGE

**4 sc × 4 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)** worked in continuous rounds with a US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook.

> Gauge is not critical for this toy, but working tightly will prevent stuffing from showing through the stitches. If your stitches look loose or gappy, go down to a US D-3 / 3.25 mm hook.

---

## FINISHED SIZE

Approximately **3–3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm) tall × 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide**

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **ch** | chain |
| **sc** | single crochet |
| **inc** | increase — 2 sc in the same stitch |
| **dec** | invisible decrease — insert hook in front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops |
| **sl st** | slip stitch |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **Rnd** | Round |
| **[ ]** | Total stitch count at end of round |
| **( ) around** | Repeat instructions in parentheses around entire round |

---

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: CH-2 START

*This pattern uses a ch-2 start in place of a magic ring. It creates a small, closeable center hole that is perfect for amigurumi.*

**How to work a ch-2 start:**

1. Chain 2.
2. Insert your hook into the **first chain** made (the one farthest from your hook — also called the "tail chain").
3. Work all of Round 1's stitches into this single chain stitch.
4. After completing Round 1, gently pull the yarn tail to tighten the center hole.
5. Place your stitch marker and continue to Round 2.

> **Tip:** Hold the ch-2 firmly between your thumb and forefinger as you work into it. It feels a little fiddly at first but becomes easy quickly!

---

## PATTERN

*Both pieces are worked in **continuous rounds** (not joined). Do not slip stitch to join at the end of each round — simply continue into the next stitch. Move your stitch marker up each round to track the beginning.*

---

### PIECE 1: STEM

*Use Yarn B (off-white / cream).*

**Rnd 1:** Ch 2. Work 6 sc into the first ch. Pull tail to close center. Place stitch marker. **[6]**

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. **[12]**
*(6 increases × 1 st each = 6 new sts added; 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnds 3–8:** Sc in each st around. (6 rounds even) **[12]**
*(No increases or decreases; stitch count stays at 12 ✓)*

> **Stuff now:** Before closing, firmly fill the stem with polyester fiberfill. Pack it well — you want it to feel solid so the mushroom stands upright.

**Rnd 9:** (Dec) around. **[6]**
*(6 decreases; 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓)*

**Fasten off**, leaving a **12-inch (30 cm) tail** for sewing. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle. Do **not** close the hole fully — you will use this tail to sew the stem to the cap. Set aside.

---

### PIECE 2: CAP (DOME)

*Use Yarn A (red).*

**Rnd 1:** Ch 2. Work 6 sc into the first ch. Pull tail to close center. Place stitch marker. **[6]**

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. **[12]**
*(6 increases; 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 3:** (Sc, inc) around. **[18]**
*(6 repeats of: 1 sc + 1 inc = 2 sts; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around. **[24]**
*(6 repeats of: 2 sc + 1 inc = 3 sts; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnds 5–6:** Sc in each st around. (2 rounds even) **[24]**
*(No increases or decreases ✓)*

**Rnd 7:** (2 sc, dec) around. **[18]**
*(6 repeats of: 2 sc + 1 dec; each dec uses 2 sts, so 6 × 4 sts used = 24; 24 − 6 = 18 ✓)*

**Rnd 8:** (Sc, dec) around. **[12]**
*(6 repeats of: 1 sc + 1 dec; 6 × 3 sts used = 18; 18 − 6 = 12 ✓)*

> **Stuff now:** Fill the cap firmly with polyester fiberfill before the opening becomes too small. The cap should feel round and full, holding its dome shape.

**Rnd 9:** Dec around. **[6]**
*(6 decreases; 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓)*

**Fasten off**, leaving a **12-inch (30 cm) tail**. Thread tail on yarn needle, weave through the 6 remaining front loops, pull gently to close the hole. Weave in end securely inside the cap.

---

### WHITE DOTS (Make 3–5, or as many as you like!)

*Use Yarn C (white). These are tiny flat circles sewn onto the cap.*

**Rnd 1:** Ch 2. Work 6 sc into the first ch. Pull tail to close center. **[6]**

**Sl st** into the first sc to join. Fasten off, leaving a **6-inch (15 cm) tail** for sewing.

> **Tip:** Make 3 dots for a minimalist look, or 5–6 dots scattered across the cap for a classic toadstool appearance. You can also embroider dots instead using white yarn and a yarn needle — simply stitch a small circle or a few satin stitches clustered together.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 – Position the stem.**
Place the open top of the stem against the flat underside (opening) of the cap. The stem should sit centered under the cap. Pin in place with a straight pin or hold firmly.

**Step 2 – Sew the stem to the cap.**
Using the long tail left on the stem, whipstitch around the edge of the stem's top opening, catching the underside of the cap with each stitch. Work all the way around until the stem is firmly attached. Knot securely and weave the tail inside the stem to hide it.

> **Tip:** The cap will naturally sit slightly tilted or perfectly centered depending on where you position it — both look adorable! A slight tilt gives it personality.

**Step 3 – Attach the dots.**
Using the tail on each white dot, sew each circle onto the top and sides of the cap wherever you like. Use whipstitch around the outer edge of each dot, then knot and weave in the tail inside the cap.

**Step 4 – Weave in all remaining ends.**
Use your yarn needle to weave all remaining yarn tails inside the pieces and trim close.

---

## FINISHING NOTES

- **Eyes / Face (optional):** You can embroider two small French knots or straight stitches in black yarn on the lower front of the cap to give your mushroom a face.
- **Stem detail (optional):** Use a strand of Yarn A to embroider a small curved smile on the stem.
- **Keychain version:** Make one size smaller using DK weight yarn and a US D-3 / 3.25 mm hook. Attach a keychain finding through the top of the cap with a small jump ring before closing.
- **Washing:** Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry. Polyester fiberfill and acrylic yarn dry quickly.

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING

| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Center hole won't close | Pull the yarn tail more firmly before working Rnd 2; also try working the ch-2 start sts slightly tighter |
| Stuffing shows through stitches | Work with a tighter tension or go down one hook size |
| Stem won't stand upright | Make sure the stem is stuffed very firmly; under-stuffing is the most common cause |
| Cap looks lopsided | Check your stitch count at the end of each round using the inline counts |
| Dots won't lie flat | Block lightly with a damp cloth before sewing on |

---

## STITCH COUNT SUMMARY

| Round | Stem | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 | 12 | 12 |
| 3 | 12 | 18 |
| 4 | 12 | 24 |
| 5 | 12 | 24 |
| 6 | 12 | 24 |
| 7 | 12 | 18 |
| 8 | 12 | 12 |
| 9 | 6 (close) | 6 (close) |

---

*Happy crocheting! 🍄*