purlJam

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# Simple Crochet Dog Amigurumi

A beginner-friendly stuffed dog toy made with basic amigurumi shapes. Perfect for learning simple construction techniques!

**Finished Size**: Approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) tall when assembled

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn in 2 colors
- Color A (Main): 50-75 yards for body, head, legs, ears, tail
- Color B (Contrast): 10-15 yards for muzzle (optional - can use Color A for entire dog)

**Suggested yarns**: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft, or any worsted weight acrylic or acrylic blend

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

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Pair of 9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidering eyes)
- Black embroidery floss or yarn for nose and mouth (optional)
- Scissors

**Safety Note**: If making for children under 3 years old, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes to prevent choking hazard.

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for amigurumi toys, but working tightly is important.

**Approximate gauge**: 5-6 sc and 6 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet

**Tip**: Your hook should be 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended on the yarn label to create a tight fabric that won't let stuffing show through.

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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 stitches, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

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## PATTERN NOTES

**Construction**: Each piece is worked separately in continuous spiral rounds (do not join rounds unless specified), then assembled.

**Stitch Marker**: Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work. This helps you track where rounds begin.

**Tight Tension**: Work stitches tightly so stuffing doesn't show through. Your stitches should form a dense fabric.

**Stuffing**: Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before decreasing. It's difficult to add stuffing after closing.

**Invisible Decrease**: This technique creates a smoother surface than regular decreases. Insert hook under front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

**Color Changes**: When changing colors, complete the last stitch of the previous color until 2 loops remain on hook, then pull through with new color.

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## PATTERN

### HEAD (make 1 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
- *Verification: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (1+1) = 18 sts ✓*
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (2+1) = 24 sts ✓*
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (3+1) = 30 sts ✓*
Rnds 6-10: sc around [30]
- *5 rounds of even stitching*

**Insert safety eyes** between Rounds 8 and 9, approximately 6-7 stitches apart.

Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (3+1) = 24 sts ✓*
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (2+1) = 18 sts ✓*

**Stuff head firmly.**

Rnd 13: (sc, dec) around [12]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (1+1) = 12 sts ✓*
Rnd 14: dec around [6]
- *Verification: 6 dec = 6 sts ✓*

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

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### MUZZLE (make 1 in Color B or A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
- *Verification: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (1+1) = 18 sts ✓*
Rnds 4-5: sc around [18]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (not too firm - should be slightly flat). Pin to front of head below eyes and sew in place using the long tail.

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### BODY (make 1 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
- *Verification: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (1+1) = 18 sts ✓*
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (2+1) = 24 sts ✓*
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (3+1) = 30 sts ✓*
Rnds 6-12: sc around [30]
- *7 rounds of even stitching*
Rnd 13: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (3+1) = 24 sts ✓*
Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (2+1) = 18 sts ✓*

**Stuff body firmly.**

Rnd 15: (sc, dec) around [12]
- *Verification: 6 repeats of (1+1) = 12 sts ✓*
Rnd 16: dec around [6]
- *Verification: 6 dec = 6 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Close opening and weave in end.

---

### LEGS (make 4 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
- *Verification: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*
Rnds 3-8: sc around [12]
- *6 rounds of even stitching*

**Stuff leg firmly.** Leave opening for sewing.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.

---

### EARS (make 2 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
- *Verification: 2 repeats of (1+1) = 6 sts ✓*
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) around [8]
- *Verification: 2 repeats of (2+1) = 8 sts ✓*
Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc) around [10]
- *Verification: 2 repeats of (3+1) = 10 sts ✓*
Rnds 5-8: sc around [10]
- *4 rounds of even stitching*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. **Do not stuff ears.** Flatten the ear and fold in half if desired, then sew to head.

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### TAIL (make 1 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
- *Verification: 2 repeats of (1+1) = 6 sts ✓*
Rnd 3: sc around [6]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [8]
- *Verification: 2 repeats of (2+1) = 8 sts ✓*
Rnds 5-7: sc around [8]
- *3 rounds of even stitching*

**Stuff tail lightly.**

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Assembly Order** (for best results):

1. **Attach legs to body**: Position the 4 legs at the bottom of the body (the closed end). Arrange them evenly - 2 in front, 2 in back. Pin in place, then sew securely using the long tails and yarn needle. Make sure the dog can sit or stand balanced.

2. **Attach head to body**: Position the head on top of the body (the opposite end from the legs). The muzzle should face forward. Pin in place, then sew around the entire neck area securely.

3. **Attach ears**: Place ears on top of head, on either side. Position them symmetrically - you can fold them in half or leave them rounded. Sew the bottom edge of each ear to the head.

4. **Attach tail**: Sew tail to the back of the body, positioned slightly upward for a happy tail or downward for a relaxed look.

5. **Add facial features**: 
   - If you didn't insert safety eyes, embroider eyes with black yarn using satin stitch or French knots
   - Embroider a small triangle nose at the center front of the muzzle with black yarn or embroidery floss
   - Optional: Embroider a small curved line below the nose for a mouth

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Shape the dog as desired - you can position the head looking up, straight, or tilted. Brush the toy gently to remove any loose fibers.

**Optional embellishments**:
- Add a collar with a small chain of contrasting yarn
- Embroider spots or patches with contrasting colors
- Add felt paw pads to bottom of legs
- Create a simple scarf or bow

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

**Beginner Tips**:
- Count your stitches at the end of each round - it's easy to accidentally skip or add stitches
- Work tightly! If you can see stuffing through your stitches, use a smaller hook
- Practice the magic ring on a scrap piece first if you're new to it (you can also chain 2 and work 6 sc in first chain as an alternative)
- Use a different color stitch marker or small piece of contrasting yarn to mark your rounds

**Stuffing Tips**:
- Use small pieces of stuffing and pack firmly for a professional look
- Stuff the head and body very firmly - they should feel solid
- Legs should be firm enough to support the body
- Don't overstuff the muzzle - it should be slightly flat
- Don't stuff ears or tail too much - they should be flexible

**Size Variations**:
- **Smaller dog**: Use DK weight (3) yarn and a 3.0mm hook = approximately 3" tall
- **Larger dog**: Use bulky weight (5) yarn and a 5.0mm hook = approximately 7-8" tall
- **Longer body**: Add 2-4 additional rounds of even stitching to body (Rounds 6-12)
- **Floppy ears**: Make ears longer by adding more rounds before fastening off

**Troubleshooting**:
- **Holes in fabric**: Hook is too large or tension is too loose - go down a hook size
- **Dog won't stand**: Legs aren't stuffed firmly enough or aren't positioned evenly
- **Lumpy appearance**: Stuffing pieces are too large - use smaller bits
- **Pieces come apart**: Sew with doubled yarn for extra strength at joints

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Different dog breeds**:
- **Floppy-eared dog** (like a beagle): Make ears twice as long (work Rounds 5-14 instead of 5-8)
- **Pointy-eared dog** (like a German Shepherd): Make smaller ears with fewer rounds (Rounds 1-6 only) and don't fold
- **Long dog** (like a dachshund): Make body longer by working