Type
Crochet
Difficulty
beginner
Category
amigurumi
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The Ocean Sunfish (*Mola mola*) is naturally a strange, flat, disc-like creature. To maintain the "Simple Shapes" beginner-friendly template, I will use the **Oval** base for the main body but work it as a 3D amigurumi shape. This will be achieved by increasing to a flat disc and then adding depth with even rounds before decreasing. The iconic dorsal and anal fins will be created using the **Cone** template.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Body**: Modified oval worked from the "nose" outwards. We will work in continuous rounds.
* **Fins**: Two identical cones (Dorsal and Anal) and two tiny side fins (Pectoral).
* **Tail (Clavus)**: A flat, wavy edge worked directly onto the back of the body before closing.
* **Assembly**: Minimal sewing. Fins will be attached to the top and bottom.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* Sunfish are notoriously flat. I will instruct the user to "stuff lightly" or "flatten while stuffing" to prevent it from becoming a round ball.
* The "Beginner" constraint means I will avoid complex color changes or advanced stitches. I will use only sc, inc, dec, and dc for the tail frill.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* Body: Increases from 8 to 32 stitches to create a palm-sized toy.
* Math Check: Rnd 1 (8) -> Rnd 2 (14) -> Rnd 3 (20) -> Rnd 4 (26) -> Rnd 5 (32). Each round adds 6 stitches, following the template's oval logic.
* Fin math: 4 -> 6 -> 8 -> 10 stitches to ensure a pointed but sturdy triangle.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Includes Body, Fins, Tail, and Assembly. Matches template structure.
2. **Consistency**: Gauge specified for Worsted weight. Stitch counts verified for all rounds.
3. **Constraints**: Specifically designed for a Beginner level using "Simple Shapes" logic.
4. **Safety**: Verified that Rnd 2 (14 sts) and Rnd 3 (20 sts) logic for the oval is mathematically sound for a 3-chain start.
Pattern
# Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)
**Difficulty**: Beginner
**Size**: Approximately 5" (12.7 cm) long when using Worsted weight yarn.
## Materials
* **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Size 4). Gray, Light Blue, or Silver (approx. 50 yards). Small amount of Black or Dark Gray for fins.
* **Hook**: US E-4 / 3.5 mm (or G-6 / 4.0 mm for a looser look).
* **Other**:
* 9mm Safety eyes
* Polyester fiberfill stuffing
* Stitch marker
* Yarn needle
## Gauge
4 sc = 1" (2.5 cm). Gauge is not critical, but stitches should be tight enough so stuffing does not show.
---
## Instructions
### Body (The Disc)
*Note: The Sunfish body is an oval. We will work around a foundation chain.*
**Ch 4.**
**Rnd 1**: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working along the bottom of the chain: sc in next ch, sc in last ch (same as starting). [8 sts]
**Rnd 2**: (inc) in next 2 sts, sc 1, (inc) in next 3 sts, sc 1, inc in last st. [14 sts]
**Rnd 3**: (sc 1, inc) x2, sc 1, (sc 1, inc) x3, sc 1, (sc 1, inc) x1. [20 sts]
**Rnd 4**: (sc 2, inc) x2, sc 1, (sc 2, inc) x3, sc 1, (sc 2, inc) x1. [26 sts]
**Rnd 5**: (sc 3, inc) x2, sc 1, (sc 3, inc) x3, sc 1, (sc 3, inc) x1. [32 sts]
**Rnds 6–12**: sc around. [32 sts]
*Place safety eyes between Rnds 3 and 4, approximately 10 stitches apart on the "front" curve.*
**Rnd 13**: (sc 3, dec) x2, sc 1, (sc 3, dec) x3, sc 1, (sc 3, dec) x1. [26 sts]
**Rnd 14**: (sc 2, dec) x2, sc 1, (sc 2, dec) x3, sc 1, (sc 2, dec) x1. [20 sts]
*Stuff the body lightly. Press it flat with your palms; you want a "pancake" shape, not a ball.*
**Rnd 15**: (sc 1, dec) around. [14 sts (approx - sc in last few sts to reach end)]
**Rnd 16**: **Tail Frill (Clavus)**: Flatten the opening. Instead of closing in a circle, work through both layers to close the back: (sc, 2 dc in next st, sc) across.
*Fasten off and weave in ends.*
### Fins (Make 2: Dorsal/Top and Anal/Bottom)
*Use the Cone template logic.*
**Rnd 1**: 4 sc in magic ring. [4]
**Rnd 2**: (sc 1, inc) around. [6]
**Rnd 3**: sc around. [6]
**Rnd 4**: (sc 2, inc) around. [8]
**Rnd 5**: (sc 3, inc) around. [10]
**Rnd 6**: sc around. [10]
*Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.*
### Pectoral Fins (Make 2: Sides)
**Ch 4.**
**Row 1**: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in last ch.
*Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.*
---
## Assembly & Details
1. **Placement**: Pin the Dorsal Fin to the top of the body (Rnds 10-12) and the Anal Fin to the bottom (Rnds 10-12). They should be vertically aligned.
2. **Sewing Fins**: Use the yarn needle to whip stitch the base of the large fins to the body.
3. **Side Fins**: Sew the Pectoral Fins to the sides of the body, just behind the eyes (around Rnd 6). The wide part of the triangle (the dc stitch) should face the back.
4. **Details**: If desired, use a darker gray yarn to embroider a small "O" shape at the very front (Rnd 1) for the mouth.
## Construction Tips
* **Stuffing**: Ocean sunfish are very flat. If your sunfish looks like a beach ball, remove some stuffing and use your fingers to redistribute it toward the edges.
* **Stitch Marker**: Because the oval shape can be confusing, always place your marker in the very first stitch of the round.
* **Invisible Decrease**: For Rnd 15, use the invisible decrease (front loops only) to keep the "skin" of the fish smooth.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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