purlJam

# Rubber Duck Style Loon Amigurumi

A cute, simplified loon inspired by rubber duck styling! This easy 4-inch plushie features the classic black and white coloring of a common loon in an adorable, rounded shape perfect for beginners.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long  
**Difficulty**: Easy  
**Construction**: Worked in continuous rounds from tail to head

---

## Materials

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn
- **Color A** (Black): ~30 yards
- **Color B** (White): ~10 yards  
- **Color C** (Yellow): ~5 yards

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Other Supplies**:
- 6mm safety eyes (1 pair)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Scissors

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## Gauge

Gauge is flexible for amigurumi, but your fabric should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through.

**Approximate gauge**: 4.5 sc and 5 rounds = 1 inch in single crochet

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## Pattern Notes

- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- Do not join or turn at the end of rounds.
- **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)
- Numbers in brackets [ ] indicate total stitch count for that round
- Stuff the body firmly as you work, before the opening becomes too small

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## BODY & HEAD (worked as one piece)

**Starting with Color A (Black):**

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

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 9 repeats × 2 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: sc around [18]

**Rnd 5**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 8 repeats × 3 = 24 ✓*

**Rnds 6-7**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds)*

**Rnd 8**: Change to Color B (White), sc around [24]

**Rnds 9-10**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds in white)*

**Rnd 11**: Change back to Color A (Black), sc around [24]

**Rnds 12-13**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds)*

**Now begin shaping the head:**

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

**INSERT SAFETY EYES NOW**: Place safety eyes between Rounds 11-12, approximately 6 stitches apart.

**Rnd 15**: sc around [18]

**BEGIN STUFFING FIRMLY NOW**

**Rnd 16**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 17**: sc around [12]

**Rnd 18**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 6 decreases = 6 stitches remaining ✓*

**Add more stuffing if needed.**

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely.

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## BEAK

**Using Color C (Yellow):**

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

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

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

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly. The beak should be small and slightly pointed.

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## WINGS (make 2) - OPTIONAL

**Using Color A (Black):**

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

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

**Rnd 3**: sc around [9]

**Rnd 4**: sc around [9]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do NOT stuff. Flatten the piece into an oval wing shape.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Beak**: Position the beak centered below and between the safety eyes (around Round 13 of body). Sew securely in place using the yarn tail and whip stitch around the opening. Make sure it's firmly attached.

2. **Wings** (if making): Place wings on each side of the body at approximately Round 8-9 (where the white band is located). Flatten wings and sew along the edge closest to the body, leaving the outer edge free to create a wing effect.

3. **Weave in all remaining ends** securely.

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## FINISHING TOUCHES

- **Optional**: You can add small French knots or straight stitches with white yarn on the back (tail area) to suggest tail feathers.

- **Optional**: Embroider a small white "necklace" pattern around the neck area with white yarn and straight stitches to mimic a loon's distinctive markings.

- **Shape the body**: Roll the loon gently in your hands to even out the stuffing and create a smooth, rounded rubber-duck-like shape.

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Tight tension is key**: Your stitches should be tight enough that you can't see the stuffing through the fabric.

- **Color changes**: When changing colors, complete the last stitch of the old color until 2 loops remain on hook, then yarn over with new color and pull through to complete the stitch.

- **Safety eyes**: Always insert safety eyes before the opening becomes too small. Count carefully to ensure they're evenly spaced.

- **Stuffing**: Stuff firmly but not so tight that the fabric stretches. The loon should feel plush and hold its shape.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Size variations**: Use bulky yarn and a larger hook (H-8/5mm) for a 6-inch loon, or fingering weight yarn and a B-1/2.25mm hook for a tiny 2-inch version.

- **Realistic markings**: Add white spots to the back using French knots or small sewn-on circles of felt.

- **Color variations**: Try gray and white for a winter loon plumage, or experiment with other waterfowl colorations.

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**Congratulations on completing your Rubber Duck Style Loon!** 🦆

This adorable little waterfowl makes a perfect gift, desk companion, or addition to any amigurumi collection. Share your finished loon with other crafters!

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*Pattern by Expert Pattern Designer*  
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