Moomin Plushie

Beginner Crochet Toy – Simple Shapes

A soft, huggable Moomin friend worked entirely in basic single crochet. The head and body are one elongated sphere, the snout is a short cylinder, and the ears and limbs are tiny tubes—perfect first amigurumi.

Finished Size: Approx. 6.5" (16.5 cm) tall × 4" (10 cm) wide when stuffed.

Difficulty: Beginner

Materials

• Worsted weight (4) yarn
  • Main Color (MC): White or cream – 80 yd (73 m)
  • Accent (AC): Black – small amount for embroidery
• Hook: US F-5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain firm fabric (go down 1–2 sizes from yarn label)
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Optional: 9 mm safety eyes (or embroider eyes)
• Scissors

Gauge

5 sc × 5 rnds = 1" (2.5 cm) in continuous sc worked firmly.
Exact gauge is not critical, but fabric must be tight enough that stuffing does not show.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: 2 sc in same stitch
• dec: single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease preferred)
• rnd: round
• st(s): stitch(es)
• mr: magic ring
• FO: fasten off
• [ ]: total stitch count at end of round
• (…): repeat instructions in parentheses as directed

Notes

• Work in continuous spirals unless stated. Do not join rounds; mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker and move it up as you go.
• Stuff firmly as you go—especially the body—before the opening becomes too small.
• Use invisible decrease for a smooth surface.
• All pieces except the head-body are left with a long tail for sewing.

Pattern Instructions

Head & Body (make 1 – MC)

Worked as one elongated sphere.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
Rnds 6–14: sc around [30] (9 rounds)
Rnd 15: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
Rnd 16: sc around [24]
Insert safety eyes (if using) between Rnds 8–9, spaced about 6 sts apart and centered on the face area.
Rnd 17: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
Stuff the head firmly.
Rnd 18: sc around [18]
Rnd 19: (sc, dec) around [12]
Continue stuffing the body firmly as you close.
Rnd 20: dec around [6]
FO, leaving a 8" (20 cm) tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Snout (make 1 – MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
Rnds 3–5: sc around [12]
Stuff lightly.
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (make 2 – MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9]
Rnd 3: sc around [9]
Flatten and FO, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff.

Arms (make 2 – MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr [6]
Rnds 2–7: sc around [6]
Stuff lightly.
FO, leaving a long tail.

Legs (make 2 – MC)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9]
Rnds 3–6: sc around [9]
Stuff lightly.
FO, leaving a long tail.

Optional Tiny Tail (MC)

Rnd 1: 5 sc in mr [5]
Rnds 2–4: sc around [5]
FO, leaving a tail. Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed.

Assembly

1. Snout: Pin the snout centered on the face, lower edge sitting roughly at Rnd 11–12 of the body. Sew securely all around with the yarn tail, adding a tiny bit more stuffing if needed just before closing.
2. Ears: Flatten each ear and sew to the top of the head (approx. Rnds 3–5), slightly angled outward and about 4–5 sts apart.
3. Arms: Sew arms to the sides of the body at approx. Rnd 13–14, angled slightly forward.
4. Legs: Sew legs to the bottom of the body so the Moomin can sit. Place them about 4 sts apart at the front edge of the base.
5. Tail (optional): Attach at the lower back, centered.
6. Weave in all remaining ends.

Face Embroidery (AC – black yarn)

• Eyes: If not using safety eyes, embroider two small vertical ovals or French-knot eyes just above the snout, 5–6 sts apart.
• Nose: With black yarn, embroider a small oval or inverted triangle on the tip of the snout using satin stitch or a few straight stitches.
• Mouth (optional): A tiny curved smile just under the snout with 2–3 straight stitches.

Finishing

Steam-block lightly if desired (do not press flat). Shape the snout and ears with your fingers. Your Moomin is ready for hugs!

Customization Tips

• Larger Moomin: Add 1–2 extra increase rounds (to 36 sts) and 2–3 more even body rounds; use bulky yarn + larger hook.
• Keychain size: Stop increases at 18 sts, reduce even rounds, and omit stuffing in limbs.
• Color play: Keep classic white, or try soft gray/blue for a “Moomin winter” look. Add a tiny red scarf (ch 30, sc back) if desired.

Enjoy your handmade Moomin!