purlJam

# Marshmallow Chibi — Amigurumi Pattern

A squishy, smiling little marshmallow character with chibi-cute proportions. Perfect first amigurumi project!

**Finished Size:** Approximately 3" tall × 2¾" wide (7.5 × 7 cm)
**Skill Level:** Beginner

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (#4) yarn in **white** — approximately 40 yards (37 m)
  - Small amount of **black** for facial features (or 6mm safety eyes)
  - Optional small amount of **pink** for cheek blush
- **Hook:** US E-4 (3.5 mm) — going down 1 size from label for tight stitches
- **Notions:**
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  - Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
  - Stitch marker (or scrap yarn)
  - Scissors
  - Optional: Two 6 mm safety eyes
  - Optional: Pink colored pencil or powder blush for cheeks

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## Gauge

6 sc × 7 rounds = 1" (2.5 cm) in single crochet, worked in continuous rounds.
*Exact gauge is not critical — just keep stitches tight so stuffing doesn't show through.*

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## Abbreviations (US Terms)

- **ch** — chain
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **sc** — single crochet
- **inc** — increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- **dec** — invisible decrease (sc 2 stitches together through front loops only)
- **MR** — magic ring
- **rnd** — round
- **[ ]** — total stitch count at end of round
- **( ) x N** — repeat instructions in parentheses N times

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## Pattern Notes

- Worked in continuous spiral rounds (do NOT join or turn unless stated).
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round; move it up as you work.
- The marshmallow is a short, squat cylinder with rounded top and bottom — that classic chibi marshmallow shape.
- Stuff firmly but evenly to maintain a plump, pillowy appearance.

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## Instructions

### Body (Make 1, in white)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. **[6 sts]**

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around. **[12 sts]**
*(6 incs × 2 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) x 6. **[18 sts]**
*(6 + 6 incs = 18 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) x 6. **[24 sts]**
*(12 + 6 + 6 incs = 24 ✓)*

**Rnds 5–12:** sc in each st around. **[24 sts]** *(8 straight rounds — this creates the cylindrical marshmallow body)*

➤ **If using safety eyes:** Insert between Rnds 8 and 9, about 5 stitches apart, centered on the front.

**Rnd 13:** (2 sc, dec) x 6. **[18 sts]**
*(12 + 6 decs = 18 ✓)*

**Rnd 14:** (sc, dec) x 6. **[12 sts]**
*(6 + 6 decs = 12 ✓)*

➤ **Stuff firmly now** — pack the body to keep that nice plump cylinder shape. Add more stuffing as you continue closing.

**Rnd 15:** dec x 6. **[6 sts]**
*(6 decs = 6 ✓)*

Fasten off, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail. Using your yarn needle, weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in end inside the body.

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## Stitch Count Verification

| Rnd | Action | Count |
|-----|--------|-------|
| 1 | MR | 6 |
| 2 | +6 (inc all) | 12 |
| 3 | +6 | 18 |
| 4 | +6 | 24 |
| 5–12 | even | 24 |
| 13 | −6 | 18 |
| 14 | −6 | 12 |
| 15 | −6 | 6 |

Total rounds: 15 ✓ Symmetric increases/decreases ✓

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## Finishing & Face

### Embroidered Face (chibi style)

If you did NOT use safety eyes, embroider the face between Rnds 8 and 9:

1. **Eyes:** Using black yarn or embroidery thread, embroider two small vertical ovals (about 3 stitches tall) for big chibi eyes. Place them about 5 stitches apart.
2. **Highlight (optional):** Add a tiny white French knot or stitch in the upper corner of each eye for sparkle.
3. **Mouth:** Embroider a tiny "w" or small smile between and slightly below the eyes (1 stitch wide).
4. **Cheeks:** Use pink yarn for two small satin-stitch circles below the eyes, OR gently rub a pink colored pencil/blush on the cheek area.

### Final Touches

- Weave in all loose ends inside the body.
- Gently shape the marshmallow by squishing — it should feel plump and pillowy.
- Optional: Lightly steam (do NOT iron) to even out any uneven stitches.

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## Tips for Success

- **Keep tension tight!** Loose stitches let stuffing peek through. If you can see stuffing, go down a hook size.
- **Stuff in stages.** Add a little stuffing after Rnd 12, more before closing — it's hard to add stuffing through a small hole.
- **Magic ring pull-tight.** Pull the magic ring closed firmly so no hole appears at the bottom.
- **Marker your start.** Always mark Rnd 1's first stitch and move it up — easy to lose count otherwise.

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## Variations

- **Toasted marshmallow:** Use cream/off-white yarn and lightly brush the top with brown fabric paint or embroider tan "toasted" patches.
- **Hot cocoa marshmallow:** Add a brown felt circle "swimming" in cocoa as a base.
- **Keychain version:** Attach a keychain finding to the top before closing Rnd 15.
- **Color pop:** Make pink, blue, or pastel marshmallows for variety.

Enjoy your sweet little marshmallow friend! 🍡