purlJam

<pattern>

# SKZOO-Style Character Crochet Pattern

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner  
**Finished Size**: Approximately 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) tall  
**Time**: 4-6 hours

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn
- **Main Color (MC)**: 100-120 yards (choose character color: brown, white, cream, yellow, etc.)
- **Contrast Color (CC)**: 20-30 yards for muzzle/belly (white, cream, or light color)
- **Small amount**: Black for nose/details (optional)

**Suggested Yarns**: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft

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

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch marker
- 2 safety eyes (9mm or 12mm) OR black yarn for embroidered eyes
- Pins for assembly
- Scissors
- Optional: Felt for inner ears, embroidery thread for details

---

## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for amigurumi toys, but for reference:
- Approximately 5-6 sc per inch in the round
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through

**Tension Tip**: Your stitches should be tight enough that you cannot easily see through the fabric when held up to light.

---

## NOTES

- Pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- All pieces are worked separately and sewn together.
- Numbers in brackets [ ] indicate total stitch count at end of round.
- MC = Main Color, CC = Contrast Color
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results.

**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 loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD (Make 1 in MC)

**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 × 1.5 = 18 ✓*

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

**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 6-12**: sc around [30]  
*(7 rounds of even stitches)*

**Eye placement**: If using safety eyes, insert between Rnds 9-10, spacing them about 6-7 stitches apart. Secure backs.

**Rnd 13**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Stuffing checkpoint**: Stuff head firmly now. Add more as you continue decreasing.

**Rnd 15**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 16**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end or leave tail for attaching to body.

---

### MUZZLE/SNOUT (Make 1 in CC) - Optional

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
**Rnd 4**: sc around [18]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff (or stuff very lightly). This will be sewn onto the face between/below the eyes.

---

### BODY (Make 1 in MC)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
**Rnd 6**: (4 sc, inc) around [36]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats; 6 × 6 = 36 ✓*

**Rnds 7-14**: sc around [36]  
*(8 rounds of even stitches)*

**Optional belly patch**: If desired, switch to CC for rnds 9-12 to create a contrast belly, then switch back to MC.

**Rnd 15**: (4 sc, dec) around [30]  
*Math check: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 repeats; 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnd 16**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
**Rnd 17**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]

**Stuffing checkpoint**: Stuff body firmly now. Pack stuffing into bottom and sides.

**Rnd 18**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
**Rnd 19**: dec around [6]

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

---

### ARMS (Make 2 in MC)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
**Rnd 3-10**: sc around [12]  
*(8 rounds total)*

**Optional paw detail**: Work Rnds 1-2 in CC, then switch to MC for remaining rounds.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly to moderately (arms should be slightly floppy, not rigid).

---

### LEGS (Make 2 in MC)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
**Rnd 4**: sc in back loops only around [18]  
*(This creates a ridge for the foot)*

**Rnd 5**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 6-12**: sc around [12]  
*(7 rounds)*

**Optional paw detail**: Work Rnds 1-3 in CC, then switch to MC for remaining rounds.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff feet firmly, legs moderately.

---

### EARS - ROUNDED STYLE (Make 2 in MC)
*For puppy, rabbit, quokka characters*

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
**Rnd 3-6**: sc around [12]  
*(4 rounds)*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff, or stuff very lightly. Flatten slightly before attaching.

**For longer rabbit ears**: Work Rnds 3-10 instead (8 rounds total).

---

### EARS - POINTED STYLE (Make 2 in MC)
*For fox, wolf, fennec characters*

**Rnd 1**: 4 sc in magic ring [4]  
**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [6]  
**Rnd 3**: sc around [6]  
**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [8]  
**Rnd 5**: sc around [8]  
**Rnd 6**: (3 sc, inc) around [10]  
**Rnd 7-8**: sc around [10]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten to create triangular pointed ear shape.

---

### TAIL (Make 1 in MC) - Optional

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [9]  
**Rnd 3-8**: sc around [9]  
*(6 rounds)*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

**For fluffy tail**: Make tail larger by increasing to 12-15 sts and working more rounds.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Assembly order makes a difference!** Follow these steps:

1. **Prepare workspace**: Lay out all pieces. Have yarn needle threaded with matching yarn, pins, and stuffing ready.

2. **Attach muzzle to head** (if using):
   - Position muzzle centered on face, between and slightly below eyes
   - Pin in place
   - Using whip stitch or ladder stitch, sew around entire edge
   - Add a few stitches through center to flatten muzzle against face

3. **Embroider face details**:
   - **Nose**: With black yarn, create small triangle or oval on muzzle using satin stitch
   - **Mouth**: With black yarn, embroider a simple Y-shape or curved line below nose
   - **Eyes**: If not using safety eyes, embroider with black yarn (2-3 stitches per eye)
   - **Eye highlights**: Optional white French knots or small stitches on eyes for sparkle

4. **Attach ears to head**:
   - Position ears on top of head at Rnds 3-5
   - Rounded ears: space about 8-10 stitches apart
   - Pointed ears: space about 6-8 stitches apart  
   - Pin in place, check symmetry from front and back
   - Sew around base of each ear using whip stitch, going through head fabric multiple times for security

5. **Attach head to body**:
   - Ensure both head and body openings are fully closed
   - Position head centered on top of body
   - Pin in place
   - Using ladder stitch or whip stitch, sew all the way around join
   - **Reinforcement**: Go around a second time for security, catching deeper into the fabric
   - Optional: Before fully attaching, insert a small amount of stuffing in neck area for stability

6. **Attach arms to body**:
   - Position arms on sides of body at approximately Rnds 7-9 (upper body)
   - Arms should point slightly downward or straight out to sides
   - Pin in place
   - Sew around opening of each arm, attaching flat against body sides
   - **Important**: Sew through arm, through body, and back several times for strength

7. **Attach legs to body**:
   - Position legs at bottom of body
   - Legs should be spaced evenly, allowing character to sit or stand
   - Pin in place
   - Sew around opening of each leg, attaching to bottom of body
   - Ensure legs are secure enough to support body weight when sitting

8. **Attach tail** (if using):
   - Position tail at center back of body, approximately Rnd 12-14
   - Sew securely around base

9. **Final touches**:
   - Check all attachments for security
   - Weave in any remaining ends
   - Add optional felt inner ears (cut small ovals, glue or sew inside ears)
   - Fluff and shape toy as desired

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

### Character Color Combinations:

**Wolf/Dog**: Gray or brown main color, white or cream muzzle and belly  
**Rabbit**: White, brown, or gray main color, pink inner ears (felt)  
**Quokka**: Brown main color, tan/cream muzzle and belly  
**Fox**: Orange/rust main color, white muzzle, belly, and tail tip  
**Chicken**: Yellow or white main color, orange beak (add small cone shape)  
**Fennec**: Cream/tan main color, white belly, oversized pointed ears

### Additional Features:

**Add wings** (for chicken/bird characters):
- Make 2 teardrop shapes: Ch 2, work sc increases on one side, decreases on other to create wing shape
- Attach to sides of body

**Add hoodie**:
- Create a rectangle of sc rows
- Sew around head like a hood
- Add small drawstrings

**Add clothing**:
- Simple vest: