purlJam

<pattern>

# Queen of Hearts Amigurumi
### A Woobles-Style Beginner Pattern

**Designed for**: Beginners | **Finished Size**: Approximately 4.5-5 inches tall | **Difficulty**: ★☆☆☆☆

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following colors:
- Color A (Peach/Skin tone): 30 yards
- Color B (Red): 40 yards  
- Color C (White): 10 yards
- Color D (Gold/Yellow): 15 yards
- Small amount of Black for embroidery

*Recommended*: Any worsted weight acrylic yarn (Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar)

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle for weaving and assembly)
- Stitch marker
- Small amount of black embroidery thread or yarn for facial features
- Scissors
- Optional: 6mm safety eyes (or embroider eyes)

**Gauge**: 
20 stitches × 22 rounds = 4 inches in single crochet (gauge is flexible for toys)

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## 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, 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

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring**: Wrap yarn around fingers twice, insert hook under first loop, pull working yarn through, ch 1, work stitches into ring, pull tail to close.

**Invisible Decrease**: Insert hook in front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. Creates smoother decreases than standard dec.

**Color Change**: Work last stitch of old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through both loops. Continue with new color.

**Continuous Rounds**: Work in spiral without joining. Use stitch marker to track beginning of round, moving it up as you work.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best shape
- Work stitches tightly for clean amigurumi finish with no stuffing showing through
- All pieces are worked from the top down or bottom up as indicated
- Safety eyes (if using) should be inserted between rounds 8-9 of head, 6 stitches apart

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD (Color A - Peach/Skin tone)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*(Check: 6 inc × 2 = 12 sts)*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 3 = 18 sts)*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 4 = 24 sts)*

Rnds 5-9: sc in each st around [24]
*(Work 5 rounds even. Insert safety eyes between rounds 8-9 if using, 6 sts apart)*

Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 3 = 18 sts)*

**STUFF HEAD FIRMLY NOW before continuing**

Rnd 11: (sc, dec) around [12]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 2 = 12 sts)*

Rnd 12: dec around [6]
*(Check: 6 dec = 6 sts)*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely.

---

### BODY/DRESS (Color B - Red, with Color C - White trim)

The body is an inverted cone shape that expands to create the dress silhouette.

**Starting with Color C (White collar):**

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*(Check: 6 inc × 2 = 12 sts)*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 3 = 18 sts)*

**Change to Color B (Red) at end of Rnd 3**

Rnd 4: sc in each st around [18]

Rnd 5: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 4 = 24 sts)*

Rnd 6: sc in each st around [24]

Rnd 7: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 5 = 30 sts)*

Rnds 8-11: sc in each st around [30]
*(Work 4 rounds even for dress body)*

Rnd 12: (4 sc, inc) around [36]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 6 = 36 sts)*

Rnd 13: sc in each st around [36]

**Begin closing bottom of dress:**

Rnd 14: (4 sc, dec) around [30]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 5 = 30 sts)*

**STUFF BODY FIRMLY NOW before continuing**

Rnd 15: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 4 = 24 sts)*

Rnd 16: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 3 = 18 sts)*

Rnd 17: (sc, dec) around [12]
*(Check: 6 repeats × 2 = 12 sts)*

Rnd 18: dec around [6]
*(Check: 6 dec = 6 sts)*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Weave through remaining sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

---

### CROWN (Color D - Gold)

The crown sits on top of the head.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*(Check: 6 inc × 2 = 12 sts)*

Rnds 3-4: sc in each st around [12]
*(Work 2 rounds even for crown band)*

**Create crown points (worked in joined rounds):**

Rnd 5: *ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, sl st in same st as ch-3, skip 1 st, sl st in next st; repeat from * around to create 6 points

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Crown will naturally cup to fit on head.

---

### HEART APPLIQUÉ (Color B - Red)

This small heart decorates the dress front.

Row 1: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [3]
Row 2: Ch 1, inc in each st across, turn [6]
Row 3: Ch 1, sc across, turn [6]

**Divide for heart top (work in two sections):**

First bump: Ch 1, sc in first 3 sts, turn [3]
Next row: Ch 1, dec, sc, turn [2]
Next row: Ch 1, dec [1]
Fasten off.

Rejoin yarn to remaining 3 sts:
Second bump: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, turn [3]
Next row: Ch 1, sc, dec, turn [2]
Next row: Ch 1, dec [1]
Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.

---

### ARMS (Optional, Color A - Peach) - Make 2

Simple tube arms for character detail.

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
*(Check: 2 repeats × 3 = 6 sts)*

Rnds 3-6: sc in each st around [6]
*(Work 4 rounds even)*

Do not stuff arms (leave floppy). Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten opening and sew closed, then sew to sides of body.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Prepare pieces**: Ensure all pieces are properly stuffed where indicated and all ends are woven in except sewing tails.

**Step 2 - Attach head to body**: 
- Pin head to the white collar section of body, ensuring face is centered
- Using matching yarn and yarn needle, whip stitch around entire neck opening
- Stitch through both layers multiple times for security
- Weave in ends

**Step 3 - Attach crown**:
- Position crown on top of head, centered over face
- Using gold yarn tail, whip stitch around base of crown to secure to head
- Stitch through several rounds to ensure stability
- Weave in end

**Step 4 - Attach heart**:
- Position heart appliqué on center front of red dress, approximately at round 7-8 of body
- Using red yarn, sew around edges of heart to attach
- Weave in ends

**Step 5 - Attach arms (if made)**:
- Position arms at sides of body just below white collar, at approximately round 4-5 of body
- Sew flattened end of each arm to body using mattress stitch or whip stitch
- Ensure arms are symmetrical
- Weave in ends

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## FINISHING

**Embroider Face**:

Using black yarn or embroidery thread and yarn needle:

1. **Eyes** (if not using safety eyes):
   - Position between rounds 8-9, approximately 6 sts apart
   - Create French knots or satin stitch for simple eyes
   - Or create small "X" stitches for simple closed/happy eyes

2. **Mouth**:
   - Position 2-3 rounds below eyes
   - Create small smile using backstitch
   - Or use simple straight stitch for neutral expression
   - Optional: Add small upturned corners for classic Queen of Hearts smirk

3. **Optional eyebrows**:
   - Stitch small angled lines above eyes for expression
   - Use straight stitch or backstitch

**Optional Crown Details**:
- Using red yarn, add tiny French knots or straight stitches on gold crown as "jewels"
- Stitch small red heart shapes at front center of crown

**Optional Dress Details**:
- Using white or gold yarn, add small decorative stitches to dress
- Surface slip stitch can create texture or patterns on dress

**Final Check**:
- Ensure all ends are woven in securely (at least 2-3 inches)
- Check that all pieces are firmly attached
- Trim any excess yarn
- Gently shape piece by smoothing any bumps and ensuring round head shape

---

## VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATION

**Size Adjustments**:
- **Smaller**: Stop head increases at round 3 (18 sts), reduce body proportionally
- **Larger**: Add one more increase round to head (30 sts), add more rounds to body length

**Color Options**:
- Classic: Red dress, gold crown, white collar
- Alternative: Black dress with red hearts for dramatic look
- Pastel: Pink dress with silver crown for softer version

**Add-Ons**:
- Tiny scepter made from brown cylinder with yellow ball on top
- Additional heart appliqués scattered on dress
- Tiny white apron piece sewn over red dress
- Yellow yarn hair loops around back of head under crown
- Felt details for more defined facial features

**Woobles-Style Simplification**:
- Skip arms entirely for even simpler version
- Use larger safety eyes (8mm) for extra-cute factor
- Embroider simple "V" shaped mouth instead of detailed smile
- Skip heart appliqué and embroider heart directly on dress instead

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- **Washing**: Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent if needed
- **Drying**: Reshape while damp and air dry flat
- **Storage**: Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- **Safety**: Not suitable for children under 3 if using safety eyes (choking hazard)

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Head is lumpy or uneven
- **Solution**: Stuff more firmly and evenly, working stuffing into all areas with yarn needle or stuffing tool

**Problem**: Pieces don't line up during assembly
- **Solution**: Use pins to position pieces before sewing; make sure rounds are counted correctly

**Problem**: Stitches are loose and stuffing shows through
- **Solution**: Use smaller hook (try 3.0mm) or work more tightly; consistent tension is key

**Problem**: Crown won't stay on head
- **Solution**: Sew through multiple rounds for better attachment; add a few stitches through top of head for extra security

**Problem**: Stitch count is off
- **Solution**: Use stitch marker religiously; count stitches at end of each round; if error found, tink back to fix

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## SKILL LEVEL GUIDANCE

This pattern uses only the most basic amigurumi techniques and is perfect for beginners who have mastered:
- ✓ Magic ring
- ✓ Single crochet
- ✓ Increase
- ✓ Decrease
- ✓ Working in continuous rounds

**Estimated Time**: 3-4 hours for experienced beginners; 5-6 hours for first-time amigurumi makers

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This Queen of Hearts design is inspired by The Woobles' approach to beginner crochet: simple shapes, minimal assembly, maximum charm. The character captures the iconic elements of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland—the red dress, golden crown