1. **Analysis**: The user requires a beginner-level crochet pattern for an "Alien" amigurumi using worsted weight yarn. The critical constraints are UK English terminology (dc instead of sc), metric measurements, and strict inline math verification. The design needs to be cute, manageable for a novice, and structurally sound.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *Reference 1 (Classic Amigurumi Shape)*: Standard sphere-to-cylinder construction (Head to Body). I will adapt this to have a slightly larger head for the "alien" aesthetic.
* *Reference 2 (Preemie Octopuses)*: Used for simple appendage construction (arms/legs). I will use simple tubes rather than spirals for ease of sewing.
* *Reference 3 (Teardrop Doll)*: Using a continuous spiral method (amigurumi standard) to minimize seams.
3. **Edge Cases & Failure Modes**:
* *Failure Mode 1 (Floppy Neck)*: Aliens usually have large heads and thin necks. For a beginner pattern, this leads to the head falling over. **Solution**: I will design a "chibi" style where the neck decrease is not too drastic (18 stitches), providing a stable base.
* *Failure Mode 2 (Stuffing Show-through)*: Beginners often use the hook size suggested on the yarn band (5mm). **Solution**: I will mandate a smaller hook (3.5mm or 4.0mm) to ensure tight tension.
* *Failure Mode 3 (Eye Placement)*: Safety eyes can be tricky to place symmetrically on an un-stuffed piece. **Solution**: I will provide specific row counts and stitch spacing for the eyes before the head is closed.
4. **Plan**:
* **Gauge/Tension**: Tight amigurumi tension (approx. 20-22 dc = 10cm).
* **Hook**: 3.5mm (UK 9 or E/4).
* **Dimensions**: Approx 12-15cm tall.
* **Construction**: Head and body worked in one piece (top-down). Arms and legs worked separately and sewn on. Antennae worked separately.
* **Math Check**: Multiples of 6 for standard increases/decreases (Circle geometry).
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Title, Materials, Tension, Abbreviations, Special Stitches, Instructions, Finishing included.
2. **Consistency**:
* UK Terminology used: 'dc' (double crochet) implies single crochet in US terms.
* 'dc2tog' used for decreases.
* Measurements in cm.
3. **Constraints**:
* Worsted weight yarn selected.
* Inline math `[Start + Inc/Dec = End]` applied to every row.
4. **Safety**:
* Checking Row 16 (Body Increase): Starting with 18 sts (neck). (2 dc, 2 dc in next st) x 6 = 18 + 6 = 24 sts. Math holds.
* Checking Row 7-12 (Head height): 6 rows of 36 sts. Sufficient for eye placement.
# PROJECT: ALAN THE ALIEN
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Terminology:** UK English
## DESCRIPTION
A friendly, retro-style alien with a rounded head and simple cylindrical limbs. This project is worked in a continuous spiral (amigurumi style). Do not join rounds with a slip stitch unless instructed.
## MATERIALS
* **Yarn:** Worsted Weight (Aran) yarn. Approx. 50-70 grams in Lime Green (or alien colour of choice). Scrap amount of Black for the mouth.
* **Hook:** 3.5mm (or size needed to achieve tight tension so stuffing does not show).
* **Notions:** Toy stuffing (fibre fill), tapestry needle, stitch marker, one pair of 10mm or 12mm safety eyes.
## TENSION (GAUGE)
Tension is not critical for this project, provided the stitches are tight enough to hold stuffing.
* **Typical Tension:** 5 dc and 5 rows = approx. 2.5 cm (1 inch).
## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
* **Height:** Approx. 14 cm (5.5 inches).
## ABBREVIATIONS (UK TERMS)
* **ch:** chain
* **dc:** double crochet (equivalent to US single crochet)
* **2 dc in next st:** increase (work 2 double crochet into the same stitch)
* **dc2tog:** double crochet two together (decrease)
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **[...] x 6:** repeat instructions in brackets 6 times
* **(12):** number of stitches at end of round
## SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
* **Magic Ring:** If you struggle with a magic ring, ch 2 and work 6 dc into the second chain from the hook.
* **Invisible Decrease:** When working the 'dc2tog', insert hook through the *front loops only* of the two stitches to be decreased for a smoother finish.
---
## INSTRUCTIONS
### HEAD & BODY
*Worked in one continuous piece, starting from the top of the head.*
**Rnd 1:** Make a magic ring and work 6 dc into the centre.
`[6 start = 6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** 2 dc in every st around.
`[6 sts x 2 = 12 sts]`
**Rnd 3:** [1 dc, 2 dc in next st] 6 times.
`[12 sts + 6 inc = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 4:** [2 dc, 2 dc in next st] 6 times.
`[18 sts + 6 inc = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 5:** [3 dc, 2 dc in next st] 6 times.
`[24 sts + 6 inc = 30 sts]`
**Rnd 6:** [4 dc, 2 dc in next st] 6 times.
`[30 sts + 6 inc = 36 sts]`
**Rnd 7 – 12:** 1 dc in each st around (6 rounds).
`[36 sts constant]`
**Rnd 13:** [4 dc, dc2tog] 6 times.
`[36 sts - 6 dec = 30 sts]`
**Rnd 14:** [3 dc, dc2tog] 6 times.
`[30 sts - 6 dec = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 15 (Neck):** [2 dc, dc2tog] 6 times.
`[24 sts - 6 dec = 18 sts]`
*STOP. Insert safety eyes between Rnd 10 and Rnd 11, spacing them approx. 6 or 7 stitches apart. Snap the backs on securely. Begin stuffing the head firmly.*
**Rnd 16 (Body Inc):** [2 dc, 2 dc in next st] 6 times.
`[18 sts + 6 inc = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 17 – 21:** 1 dc in each st around (5 rounds).
`[24 sts constant]`
**Rnd 22:** [2 dc, dc2tog] 6 times.
`[24 sts - 6 dec = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 23:** [1 dc, dc2tog] 6 times.
`[18 sts - 6 dec = 12 sts]`
*Finish stuffing the body firmly.*
**Rnd 24:** [dc2tog] 6 times.
`[12 sts - 6 dec = 6 sts]`
**Fasten off.** Cut yarn leaving a 15 cm tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole.
---
### ARMS (Make 2)
*Do not stuff arms.*
**Rnd 1:** Make a magic ring and work 6 dc into the centre.
`[6 start = 6 sts]`
**Rnd 2 – 6:** 1 dc in each st around (5 rounds).
`[6 sts constant]`
**Fasten off.** Leave a 20 cm tail for sewing. Flatten the top of the arm.
---
### LEGS (Make 2)
*Stuff legs lightly.*
**Rnd 1:** Make a magic ring and work 6 dc into the centre.
`[6 start = 6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** [1 dc, 2 dc in next st] 3 times.
`[6 sts + 3 inc = 9 sts]`
**Rnd 3 – 5:** 1 dc in each st around (3 rounds).
`[9 sts constant]`
**Fasten off.** Leave a 20 cm tail for sewing.
---
### ANTENNAE (Make 1 or 2)
**Row 1:** Chain 6.
**Row 2:** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 slip stitch in each chain back to the start (5 slip stitches).
**Fasten off.** Leave a tail for sewing.
---
## ASSEMBLY & FINISHING
1. **Legs:** Pin the legs to the bottom of the body (around Rnd 22/23) so the alien can sit. Sew securely using the yarn tails.
2. **Arms:** Sew the arms to the sides of the body at Rnd 16 (the neck increase row).
3. **Antennae:** Sew the antennae to the very top of the head (Rnd 1).
4. **Details:** Using a strand of black yarn and your tapestry needle, embroider a small straight line or a "V" shape between the eyes for a mouth.