purlJam

<pattern>

# Moomin Crochet Pattern

A beginner-friendly pattern to create your own adorable Moomin character inspired by the beloved UK TV show! This soft, huggable Moomin uses simple spheres and cylinders to capture the iconic hippo-like design.

## Finished Size
Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) tall when made with worsted weight yarn

## Materials

### Yarn
- **Worsted weight (#4) yarn** in the following colors:
  - White: 50-60 yards (main body, head, snout, arms, legs, ears)
  - Black: Small amount for nose and eyes (if embroidering)
  
**Recommended yarn**: Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend (Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice)

### Other Supplies
- **Crochet hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Fiberfill stuffing**: Polyester fiberfill, approximately 1 oz
- **Yarn needle**: For sewing and weaving in ends
- **Stitch marker**: To mark beginning of rounds
- **Safety eyes**: 6mm black (optional) - *Note: Not suitable for children under 3*
- **Black embroidery floss** (alternative to safety eyes)
- **Pins**: For positioning pieces before assembly

## Gauge
Approximately 5-6 sc and 6 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but tighter stitches create a neater finish and prevent stuffing from showing through.*

## 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 front loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- [ ]: total stitch count at end of round
- ( ): repeat instructions within parentheses

## Special Techniques

### Magic Ring
Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round. Alternatively, ch 2 and work stitches into 2nd chain from hook.

### Working in Continuous Rounds
Do not join rounds unless specified. Use stitch marker to track beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.

### Invisible Decrease
Insert hook in front loop only of next st, then front loop only of following st, yarn over and pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates a neater decrease than standard sc2tog.

## Pattern Notes
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing
- Stuff pieces firmly but not overly tight as you go
- Count stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy
- All pieces are worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless noted
- Leave long tails for sewing pieces together

---

## BODY & HEAD (worked as one piece)

The body and head are worked from the bottom up in one continuous piece, creating Moomin's characteristic egg shape.

**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 in each st around [30]
*7 rounds even to create the widest part of the body*

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

**Rnd 14**: sc in each st around [24]

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

**Rnd 16**: sc in each st around [18]

*Begin stuffing the body firmly at this point.*

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

**Rnd 18**: sc in each st around [12]

*If using safety eyes, insert them now between Rnds 15 and 16, approximately 4-5 stitches apart.*

**Rnd 19**: (2 sc, inc) around [16]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 repeats; 4 × 4 = 16 ✓*
*This round begins forming the head*

**Rnd 20**: (3 sc, inc) around [20]
*Math check: 16 ÷ 4 = 4 repeats; 4 × 5 = 20 ✓*

**Rnds 21-24**: sc in each st around [20]
*4 rounds even for head height*

**Rnd 25**: (3 sc, dec) around [16]
*Math check: 20 ÷ 5 = 4 repeats; 4 × 4 = 16 ✓*

*Add more stuffing to head and neck.*

**Rnd 26**: (2 sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 16 ÷ 4 = 4 repeats; 4 × 3 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 27**: (sc, dec) around [8]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 repeats; 4 × 2 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 28**: dec around [4]
*Math check: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole by weaving through front loops of remaining 4 sts and pulling tight. Weave in end securely.

---

## SNOUT

Moomin's most distinctive feature! This cylindrical piece attaches to the front of the face.

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

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

**Rnds 3-7**: sc in each st around [12]
*5 rounds even creates approximately 3/4 inch length*

**Rnd 8**: (2 sc, dec) around [9]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats; 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

Stuff snout lightly (it should be soft, not firm).

**Rnd 9**: (sc, dec) around [6]
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats; 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 12 inches). Do not close the opening - the snout will be sewn to the face with this opening against the head.

---

## ARMS (make 2)

Simple cylindrical arms that attach to the sides of the body.

**Rnd 1**: 5 sc in magic ring [5]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [10]
*Math check: 5 × 2 = 10 ✓*

**Rnds 3-8**: sc in each st around [10]
*6 rounds even creates approximately 1 inch length*

Stuff lightly - arms should be flexible.

**Rnd 9**: dec around [5]
*Math check: 10 ÷ 2 = 5 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the opening and the arm will naturally curve slightly.

---

## LEGS (make 2)

Short, stubby legs that attach to the bottom of the body.

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

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

**Rnds 3-5**: sc in each st around [12]
*3 rounds even*

Stuff firmly so legs can support the body.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not close the opening - legs will be sewn to the bottom of the body.

---

## EARS (make 2)

Tiny rounded ears positioned on top of the head.

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

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [8]
*Math check: 4 × 2 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc in each st around [8]

**Rnd 4**: dec around [4]
*Math check: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff - ears should be flat. Flatten the piece into a semi-circular shape.

---

## TAIL

A simple rope-like tail.

**Option 1: Crocheted Cord**
Ch 8-10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

**Option 2: Twisted Cord**
Cut 3 strands of yarn, each 20 inches long. Hold together and tie a knot at one end. Twist tightly until it begins to curl back on itself, then fold in half and allow it to twist together. Tie the loose ends together and trim. Leave one end untied for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

Assembly order is important for the best results. Use pins to position pieces before sewing.

### Step 1: Position the Snout
- Locate the center front of the face (between the eyes or where eyes will be)
- Position the snout opening against the face, centered between Rnds 16-20
- The snout should angle slightly upward
- Pin in place

### Step 2: Attach the Snout
- Using the long tail and yarn needle, whip stitch around the entire opening
- Sew through both the snout edge and the body, making small, even stitches
- Go around 2-3 times for security
- Weave in end

### Step 3: Add Facial Features

**If using safety eyes:**
- Eyes should already be inserted between Rnds 15-16, about 4-5 sts apart

**If embroidering eyes:**
- With black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider two small circles or French knots
- Position between Rnds 15-16, about 4-5 sts apart

**Nose:**
- With black yarn, embroider a small triangle or oval at the tip of the snout
- Alternatively, make small horizontal stitches across 2-3 sts

### Step 4: Attach the Ears
- Position ears on top of the head, around Rnds 25-27
- Space them approximately 6-8 sts apart
- Flatten the ear and sew the opening edge to the head using whip stitch
- Curve the ears slightly forward for character

### Step 5: Attach the Arms
- Position arms on either side of the body at Rnd 10-11 (widest part)
- Angle slightly forward
- Sew the opening edge to the body using whip stitch
- Go around multiple times for security

### Step 6: Attach the Legs
- Position legs at the bottom of the body, centered on either side of Rnd 1
- They should be close together (about 4-6 sts apart)
- Sew the opening edge to the body firmly - these support the weight
- Make sure Moomin can sit upright

### Step 7: Attach the Tail
- Position tail at the back center of the body, around Rnd 4-5
- Sew securely using the tail end
- The tail should point outward and slightly upward

### Step 8: Final Touches
- Weave in all remaining ends
- Use yarn needle to hide any uneven stitches
- Optional: Brush white yarn gently with a clean toothbrush to fluff the surface
- Optional: Add a small smile embroidered in black below the snout

---

## Finishing

Give your Moomin a final check:
- All pieces securely attached
- No loose ends visible
- Stuffing is even and firm
- Can sit upright without tipping

---

## Variations & Customization

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller Moomin**: Use DK weight yarn (3) and 3.0mm hook for a 3-inch version
- **Larger Moomin**: Use bulky yarn (5) and 5.0mm hook for a 7-8 inch version
- **Keychain size**: Work only to Rnd 4 on body (24 sts max), reduce all pieces proportionally

**Color Variations:**
- Traditional M