Hello, my lovelies!

Oh, my dears, there's just something about horses, isn't there? That wild spirit, the strength, the sheer grace. Ever since I was a little girl, watching them thunder across fields in old movies, I dreamed of having one. Of course, a real horse is quite a commitment! But yarn? Yarn allows us to bring those dreams to life, stitch by stitch. That's exactly how 'Spirit' came to be. I wanted to capture that elegant energy, but in a form that you could cuddle, a little friend who looked ready to gallop right off your shelf and into your heart. This pattern is truly a piece of my own joy, and I can't wait for you to experience it too.

My Childhood Dream in Stitches

Do you remember those childhood dreams that just stick with you? For me, it was always horses. Not just any horses, but the ones with flowing manes and tails, eyes full of spark, always ready for an adventure. I’ve spent countless hours trying to capture that feeling in my crochet work, and honestly, it’s been a journey! Spirit, with his gentle stance and watchful eyes, is the closest I’ve come to bringing that magic into a huggable form. There's something incredibly satisfying about transforming simple yarn into something so alive, don't you think?

Picking Your Palette: More Than Just Colors!

Now, about the yarn! This isn't just about picking colors; it's about setting the mood for your Spirit. I always gravitate towards natural, earthy tones for my animals, something that feels like they've just stepped out of a sun-dappled field. For Spirit, I imagined a beautiful dappled grey or a warm chestnut, maybe with a creamy mane and tail. But please, let your heart guide you! A vibrant blue horse? Why not! The most important thing is choosing a worsted weight yarn that feels lovely to work with, something that drapes nicely and holds its shape for those sturdy legs. And don't forget a small amount of an accent color for a cute little saddle blanket detail if you like – it adds so much character!

The Magic of Bringing Spirit to Life

I'm so excited for you to start this journey! You know, sometimes a pattern just 'clicks,' and this one, for me, was pure joy from the first stitch. The head and body come together beautifully, almost like watching a sculptor at work, but with yarn! The legs were a bit of a puzzle at first – I wanted them sturdy enough to stand, but still graceful, not just stiff columns. We'll build them with a good base and stuff them firmly to get that lovely shape. And the mane and tail? Oh, that's where the real personality comes in. I’ll show you how to attach them so they have that wonderful, flowing movement, as if Spirit is just about to break into a trot. It’s truly a special process, and I hope you love every moment of it.

Before You Begin: Important Abbreviations

ch:

chain

sc:

single crochet

inc:

increase (2 sc in one stitch)

dec:

decrease (sc 2 together)

sl st:

slip stitch

MR:

magic ring

st(s):

stitch(es)

FO:

fasten off

(...) xN:

repeat instructions in parentheses N times

[...]:

total number of stitches at the end of the round/row

Spirit the Galloping Horse Amigurumi Pattern

Difficulty: Intermediate | Hook Size: 3.5mm (E) | Yarn: Worsted Weight | Safety Eyes: 9mm | Finished Size: Approx. 20cm tall

Head (Main Color)

• R1: 6 sc in MR [6]
• R2: (inc) x6 [12]
• R3: (sc, inc) x6 [18]
• R4: (2 sc, inc) x6 [24]
• R5: (3 sc, inc) x6 [30]
• R6-R12: sc around (7 rounds) [30]
• R13: (3 sc, dec) x6 [24]
• R14: (2 sc, dec) x6 [18]
• Insert 9mm safety eyes between R10 and R11, about 6-7 stitches apart. Start stuffing firmly.
• R15: (sc, dec) x6 [12]
• R16: (dec) x6 [6]
• FO, weave in tail to close hole. Finish stuffing.

Body (Main Color)

• R1: 6 sc in MR [6]
• R2: (inc) x6 [12]
• R3: (sc, inc) x6 [18]
• R4: (2 sc, inc) x6 [24]
• R5: (3 sc, inc) x6 [30]
• R6: (4 sc, inc) x6 [36]
• R7-R14: sc around (8 rounds) [36]
• R15: (4 sc, dec) x6 [30]
• R16-R17: sc around (2 rounds) [30]
• R18: (3 sc, dec) x6 [24]
• R19-R20: sc around (2 rounds) [24]
• FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Start stuffing.

Legs (Make 4 - Main Color)

• R1: 6 sc in MR [6]
• R2: (inc) x6 [12]
• R3: sc around [12]
• R4: (sc, dec) x4 [8]
• R5-R15: sc around (11 rounds) [8]
• Stuff firmly as you go.
• FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2 - Main Color)

• R1: 4 sc in MR [4]
• R2: (sc, inc) x2 [6]
• R3: (2 sc, inc) x2 [8]
• R4: sc around [8]
• Fold flat and sc through both sides to close. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Mane (Mane/Tail Color)

• Cut 15-20 strands of yarn, each approximately 15cm long.
• Attach these strands evenly along the top of the head/neck where the head meets the body, using a lark's head knot. Trim to desired length.

Tail (Mane/Tail Color)

• Cut 20-25 strands of yarn, each approximately 20cm long.
• Attach these strands to the back of the body, using a lark's head knot.
• Braid 3 sections of the strands for about 3-4 cm, then leave the rest loose. Trim to desired length.

Assembly Steps

1. Attach Head to Body: Firmly stuff the body and head. Position the head centrally on top of the body, aligning the neck opening with the top of the body. Sew securely using the long tail from the body, ensuring the head is upright and stable.
2. Attach Legs: Pin the four legs to the underside of the body. Make sure they are evenly spaced and allow the horse to stand. The front legs should be slightly forward, and the back legs slightly back, giving a natural stance. Sew all four legs securely.
3. Attach Ears: Pinch the bottom of each ear slightly to give it a cupped shape. Position them on top of the head, slightly to the sides, around R12-R13 of the head. Sew firmly in place.
4. Attach Mane: Using a crochet hook, insert it into a stitch along the top of the head/neck. Fold a strand of mane yarn in half, loop it onto the hook, and pull it halfway through. Pull the two ends of the yarn through the loop and tighten to form a lark's head knot. Repeat for all mane strands, spacing them evenly from the top of the head down the neck. Trim to desired length.
5. Attach Tail: Similar to the mane, attach the tail strands to the back of the body at the bottom, using lark's head knots. Braid a short section and leave the rest loose. Trim for a neat finish.
6. Final Stuffing and Shaping: Give your Spirit a good gentle squeeze and shape. Ensure all parts are firmly stuffed and the horse stands well. Add any extra stuffing if needed before weaving in final ends.

Maria's Pro Tips for a Perfect Spirit

• When stuffing, use small pieces of fiberfill at a time and push them in firmly and evenly with the back of your crochet hook or a dowel. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, sculpted look for Spirit’s body and legs.
• For a truly seamless look when joining your pieces, try the invisible seam method. After sewing, use your tapestry needle to run the yarn tail through a few stitches on the inside of the piece before trimming, securing it completely.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with your mane and tail! You can try different lengths, or even use a contrasting texture of yarn for a more whimsical look. Brushing out acrylic yarn with a pet slicker brush can give a lovely fluffy, realistic mane and tail effect!
• Before attaching the legs, pin them in place and make sure Spirit stands balanced from all angles. It’s much easier to adjust pins than to re-sew a wobbly leg!