Meet Percy: My Shy Little Platypus Pal Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

There are some animals that just make you smile, aren't there? The platypus has always been one of those for me. A little bit duck, a little bit beaver, and completely, utterly unique. I was watching a nature documentary the other night, curled up on the sofa with my yarn basket, and I just knew I had to try and capture that magic with my hook. That's how this little guy, Percy, came to be. He's a bit shy, with his sweet little bill and paddle-like tail, but he has so much personality stitched into him. Creating him was such a joy, like watching a little friend come to life in my hands. It reminded me of the peaceful feeling I had while making Shelly the Serene Turtle, another one of my unique animal friends. I hope making your own Percy brings you just as much happiness!

Gathering Your Materials

You don't need anything too fancy for Percy, which is what I love about him! For his body, I used a lovely worsted weight yarn the color of rich, warm earth. It just felt right for a creature that loves the water and the land. The lighter brown for his bill and feet is like wet sand on a riverbank. And of course, a little bit of black thread to give him that curious, gentle expression. Grab your favorite 3.0mm hook—the one that feels like an extension of your own hand—and some soft, squishy fiberfill. That's all it takes to bring him to life.

Capturing Those Quirky Details

A platypus is all about its unique features! The bill was the most fun part to figure out. I wanted it to be distinct but still soft and part of the whole piece. The tail, too, needed that classic flat, paddle shape. We'll work it as a flat piece and then stitch it on, which makes it super easy to get it just right. Don't worry, every step is broken down so you can focus on the fun, not the frustration.

Abbreviations

• ch: Chain
• mr: Magic Ring
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase
• dec: Decrease
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• FO: Fasten Off

Pattern

Assembly

Time to bring Percy to life! This is my favorite part.

1. First, let's give him his bill. Pin the bill onto the front of the face, centered just below the eyes, covering rounds 12-16. Sew it on securely using the long tail.
2. Next, the feet. Flatten each foot and sew them to the bottom of the body. I place the front two around round 20, and the back two around round 28. It's similar to how we attached the feet on Puddles the tiny duck!
3. Finally, attach the tail. Position the flat tail on the back of the body, around round 29, and sew it firmly in place.
4. Use a small amount of black yarn or embroidery floss to stitch on little eyebrows above the eyes for that extra touch of personality.

Pro Tips

• Stuff firmly! A well-stuffed amigurumi holds its shape so much better. Pay special attention to the head and neck area to prevent it from getting floppy.
• When you sew the pieces on, use the 'invisible stitch' method if you can. It makes everything look so much cleaner and more professional.
• Don't be afraid to customize! You could give Percy a tiny scarf in a bright color, or use a different shade of brown to make him uniquely yours. It's the same creative spirit we love to see when people make our little Pikachu Pal!
• Take your time with the face. The placement of the bill and the angle of the eyebrows can completely change his expression. Pin everything and step back to look at it before you start sewing.

About the Author

Maria Fronte is a life-long crafter who finds joy in turning a simple ball of yarn into a friend. She believes every stitch tells a story and loves sharing her creations from her cozy little home studio.