purlJam

# Mushroom Guy Crochet Pattern

A beginner-friendly amigurumi mushroom character with a cheerful face! This adorable toadstool friend is perfect for first-time amigurumi makers.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Height: Approximately 3.5-4" (9-10 cm)
- Cap diameter: Approximately 2.5" (6 cm)

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following colors:
  - Red: 30 yards (for cap)
  - White/Cream: 20 yards (for stem)
  - White: Small amount (for spots)
  - Black: Small amount (for facial features)
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Other supplies**:
  - Fiberfill stuffing
  - Yarn needle
  - Stitch marker
  - Scissors
  - Optional: 6mm safety eyes (or embroider eyes)

## GAUGE
Gauge is flexible for amigurumi, but aim for tight, even stitches with no gaps.
Approximately 5-6 sc = 1" (2.5 cm) in diameter when worked in the round

**Note**: Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label suggests for tight amigurumi fabric.

## 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 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise specified. Use stitch marker to track beginning of round.
- Do not join or turn at end of rounds unless instructed.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results.
- Numbers in brackets [ ] indicate total stitch count for that round.

---

## MUSHROOM CAP (Red)

**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 ✓*

**Rnd 6**: (4 sc, inc) around [36]
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats; 6 × 6 = 36 ✓*

**Rnds 7-10**: sc in each st around [36]
*Work even for 4 rounds to create dome shape*

**Rnd 11**: (4 sc, dec) around [30]
*Math check: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 repeats; 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnd 12**: sc in each st around [30]

Begin stuffing cap firmly. Continue stuffing as you work remaining rounds.

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

**Rnd 14**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 15") for sewing to stem. Set aside.

---

## MUSHROOM STEM (White/Cream)

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 4-11**: sc in each st around [18]
*Work even for 8 rounds to create stem height (~2")*

Begin stuffing stem firmly.

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

**Rnd 13**: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close hole. Weave in end.

---

## WHITE SPOTS (Make 4-6)

**Option 1: Small circles**

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

Fasten off, leaving a 10" tail for sewing. Pull magic ring tight.

**Option 2: Flat dots (even easier)**

Ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

1. **Prepare pieces**: Ensure both cap and stem are stuffed firmly. The stem opening should face upward.

2. **Attach cap to stem**: Position the cap opening over the top of the stem. Using the long tail from the cap and your yarn needle, whip stitch around the entire opening, connecting cap to stem. Work slowly, ensuring pieces are centered and secure. Weave in end.

3. **Attach white spots**: Position spots randomly on red cap (4-6 spots work well). Using white yarn tails and yarn needle, sew each spot onto cap with small whip stitches around the edge. Weave in ends.

4. **Add facial features**: Using black yarn and yarn needle, embroider face on the stem:
   - **Eyes**: Position approximately 1/3 down from cap. Space about 4-5 stitches apart. Create simple dots (French knots) or small X's, OR insert 6mm safety eyes if preferred (must be inserted before fully assembling if using safety eyes).
   - **Smile**: About 3 rounds below eyes, embroider a curved smile using backstitch or running stitch, approximately 6-8 stitches wide.

5. **Final touches**: Weave in all remaining ends. Shape mushroom as desired.

---

## VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATION

**Color options**:
- Brown cap with tan stem for realistic mushroom
- Pink cap with white stem for magical/fantasy look
- Any color combination for creative fun!

**Size adjustments**:
- **Larger mushroom**: Add 1-2 more increase rounds to cap (up to Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) around [42]); work more even rounds; increase stem to 24 sts
- **Smaller mushroom**: Stop cap increases at Rnd 5 (30 sts); reduce stem to 12 sts

**Character variations**:
- Add small arms: Make 2 tiny tubes (6 sc for 6 rounds), attach to sides of stem
- Add blush: Use pink yarn to add small circles on "cheeks"
- Different expression: Try closed eyes (small arcs) or surprised face (O-shaped mouth)

**Texture options**:
- Create gills under cap: After assembly, use cream/white yarn to add surface slip stitch lines radiating from center on underside of cap

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash or dry
- Not recommended for children under 3 if using safety eyes

---

## ABBREVIATION REFERENCE
For your convenience, here are all abbreviations used:
- **ch**: chain
- **sc**: single crochet  
- **inc**: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- **dec**: invisible decrease
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)**: round(s)

---

## SKILL LEVEL
**Beginner** - Requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, working in the round, increases, and decreases).

---

**Pattern Notes:**
This pattern uses basic amigurumi techniques and is perfect for beginners learning to work in the round. The mushroom guy works up quickly (approximately 2-3 hours) and requires minimal yarn, making it an excellent scrap yarn project. The simple construction and cheerful design make it perfect as a gift, desk buddy, or first amigurumi project!

**Troubleshooting:**
- If stuffing shows through stitches, try using a smaller hook or working more tightly
- If pieces don't sit flat when assembled, adjust stuffing distribution
- If magic ring seems difficult, chain 2 and work stitches into 2nd chain from hook as alternative

Happy crocheting! 🍄