purlJam

<pattern>

# Realistic Amigurumi Magpie Crochet Pattern

## DESIGN DETAILS
**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) tall, 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide  
**Construction:** Worked in separate pieces, then assembled

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following colors:
  - Black: 50 yards (main body, head, wings)
  - White: 20 yards (belly, wing patches)
  - Yellow or Orange: 5 yards (beak)
  - Optional: Metallic blue or teal: 10 yards (tail highlights)

**Recommended Yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend

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

**Other Supplies:**
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Pair of 6mm black safety eyes
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Pins (for assembly placement)

## GAUGE
6 stitches and 6 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet  
*Gauge is not critical for this project, but a tighter gauge creates a better 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 stitches, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- BLO = back loop only
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Do not join or turn unless specified
- Stuff pieces firmly as you work, especially before closing
- When changing colors, work last yarn over of final stitch in old color with new color
- Use invisible decrease method for smooth surface finish
- All pieces are worked in black unless color is specified

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form ring, insert hook and pull up loop, chain 1, work stitches into ring, pull tail to close ring.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook into front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

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

---

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (make 1)

Start with White yarn:

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 5-6:** sc around [24]  
*2 rounds of even stitches for belly*

Change to Black yarn:

**Rnds 7-10:** sc around [24]  
*4 rounds of even stitches for body*

**Rnd 11:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 12:** sc around [18]

**Rnd 13:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Stuff body firmly with fiberfill.

**Rnd 14:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

---

### HEAD (make 1)

Using Black yarn:

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 5-8:** sc around [24]  
*4 rounds of even stitches for head shape*

Insert safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7, approximately 6 stitches apart. Secure backings.

**Rnd 9:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Stuff head firmly.

**Rnd 10:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 11:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole.

---

### WINGS (make 2)

Using Black yarn:

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

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [9]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 repeats; 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (2 sc, inc) around [12]  
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats; 3 × 4 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 4-6:** sc around [12]  
*3 rounds for wing length*

Change to White yarn:

**Rnd 7:** sc around [12]

**Rnd 8:** (2 sc, dec) around [9]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats; 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnd 9:** (sc, dec) around [6]  
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats; 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Do NOT stuff wings - flatten and pinch closed. Wings should be flat against body.

---

### TAIL (make 1)

Using Black yarn:

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

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

**Rnd 3:** sc around [6]

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [8]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats; 2 × 4 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** sc around [8]

**Rnd 6:** (3 sc, inc) around [10]  
*Math check: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 repeats; 2 × 5 = 10 ✓*

**Rnds 7-9:** sc around [10]  
*3 rounds for tail length*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff tail lightly. Flatten slightly to create wedge shape.

---

### BEAK (make 1)

Using Yellow or Orange yarn:

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** sc around [4]

**Rnd 3:** sc around [4]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff beak very lightly or leave unstuffed.

---

### FEET (make 2)

Using Black yarn:

**Base:**
Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch [2]

**Toe 1:**
Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, sl st back at base [1 toe]

**Toe 2:**
Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, sl st at base [2 toes]

**Toe 3:**
Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, sl st at base [3 toes]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Assembly Order:**

1. **Attach Head to Body:** Position head on top of body, aligned with black section. Pin in place. Using black yarn and yarn needle, whipstitch head securely to body all the way around. Make sure stuffing remains firm.

2. **Attach Wings:** Position wings on each side of body, approximately at rounds 8-9 of body (where black section begins). The white tips should point slightly downward and backward. Pin in place. Sew wings to body along the inside edge using matching yarn, leaving outer edges free to create dimension.

3. **Attach Tail:** Position tail at back of body, centered on rounds 13-14. Flatten slightly and sew opening of tail to back of body, fanning out the tail feathers slightly.

4. **Attach Beak:** Position beak on face between and slightly below the eyes (around round 7 of head). Sew securely in place using yellow/orange yarn.

5. **Attach Feet:** Position feet on underside of body, approximately at rounds 3-4, spaced evenly apart. Sew flat against body so magpie can stand.

---

## FINISHING TOUCHES

**Optional Embellishments:**

1. **White Face Patches:** Using white yarn and yarn needle, embroider small teardrop shapes beside each eye to create realistic magpie markings.

2. **Tail Sheen:** If using metallic blue/teal yarn, surface slip stitch along length of tail to add iridescent highlights.

3. **Wing Details:** Using black yarn, make a few long stitches down center of each wing to suggest feather structure.

4. **Facial Definition:** Using black yarn, make a few small stitches above eyes to create slight brow definition.

**Final Steps:**
- Weave in all remaining ends securely
- Trim any excess yarn
- Gently reshape magpie as needed
- Optional: Lightly brush magpie with soft brush to blend any visible yarn ends

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash
- Air dry completely if cleaned
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading
- Keep away from pets and small children (safety eyes can be choking hazard)

---

## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Color Variations:**
- Use gray instead of black for a softer look
- Add more white to belly and neck areas for enhanced realism
- Use metallic or sparkle yarn for tail to capture magpie iridescence

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller (3"):** Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook
- **Larger (6-7"):** Add one more increase round to head and body (increase to 30 sts), work additional even rounds

**Simplified Version:**
- Skip white wing patches - make wings entirely black
- Omit foot toes - make simple oval foot pads instead
- Use embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Holes visible between stitches  
**Solution:** Use a smaller hook size or work stitches more tightly

**Problem:** Body/head not round  
**Solution:** Check that increases are evenly distributed; use stitch marker to track rounds accurately

**Problem:** Wings stick out too much  
**Solution:** Flatten wings completely and sew along more of the inner edge to body

**Problem:** Magpie won't stand  
**Solution:** Ensure body is stuffed firmly; position feet flat and slightly forward; add small amount of plastic pellets to bottom of body before stuffing (optional weight)

**Problem:** Color changes look messy  
**Solution:** Change color on last yarn over of previous color; carry unused color inside work when possible

---

## SKILL BUILDING NOTES

This pattern helps you practice:
- Working in continuous rounds with stitch marker
- Increasing and decreasing evenly for shaping
- Color changes in amigurumi
- Assembling multiple components
- Safety eye placement and securing
- Creating dimensional pieces (flat wings vs. stuffed body)

---

## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This realistic amigurumi magpie uses simple geometric shapes combined with careful color placement to create a recognizable bird. The pattern is beginner-friendly, using only basic single crochet stitches, increases, and decreases. With attention to assembly, your finished magpie will have the characteristic black and white plumage and distinctive shape of this intelligent corvid