Panda Amigurumi For Handmade Baby Shower Gifts
Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 4 mm
Yarn: worsted yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyfill
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 2 inches with 4 mm hook
Why Crocheters Love This Design
Welcome to a cozy new project: a plump little panda worked in soft worsted yarn with a 4 mm hook. The finished piece stands about 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, a huggable size that fits nicely in the crook of an arm or on a shelf. Because the skill level is Beginner, every step uses simple stitches you can count on your fingers, like single crochet worked in continuous rounds and easy increases and decreases that shape the head, body, and limbs.
You will feel the yarn slide through your loops as the rounds grow, building a firm, even fabric that holds the panda’s rounded form. Black and white sections are joined with basic sewing, and small pieces like ears and paws are stitched on at the end. Take your time with the counting, pause to check your stitch markers, and enjoy watching the shape come together round by round. By the final row, you will have a soft, squeezable panda ready to share.
Everything You Need to Make This
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in white, black, pink |
| Hook | 4 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyfill or fiberfill |
| Eyes | Safety eyes or embroidery thread |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 2 inches with 4 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
Abbreviations You'll Need to Know
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (sc 2 together) |
Let's Make It: Instructions
head, white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Rnd 6: sc around (30)
Rnd 7: sc around (30)
Rnd 8: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 11: dec around (6)
Rnd 12: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the eye patch.
eye patch, black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing
Sew the eye patches around the safety eyes or embroidered eyes on the upper half of the head.
eye, black yarn
Use 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes; place them on the upper half of the head, about one eye-width apart.
If using safety eyes, insert the posts before closing the head opening and secure the backs firmly on the inside.
If embroidering, work two small black satin stitches, then add a tiny white stitch highlight if desired.
Switch to pink yarn for the nose.
nose, pink yarn
Embroider the nose with black thread after the eyes are placed.
Work a small triangular satin stitch centered between the eyes, about 8 mm wide.
Switch to white yarn for the muzzle.
muzzle, white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
Rnd 3: sc around (9)
Rnd 4: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6)
Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the body.
body, black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (11 sc, inc) x 2 (26)
Rnd 6: sc around (26)
Rnd 7: sc around (26)
Rnd 8: sc around (26)
Rnd 9: sc around (26)
Rnd 10: sc around (26)
Rnd 11: (11 sc, dec) x 2 (24)
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 14: dec around (6)
Rnd 15: fasten off, close hole (6)
ear (make 2), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
Rnd 3: sc around (8)
Rnd 4: sc around (8)
Rnd 5: sc around (8)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)
Rnd 7: fasten off, close hole (6)
mouth, black yarn
Embroider the mouth with black or dark brown thread after the eyes are placed.
Use a single curved satin stitch or back stitch, centered below the eyes and about 1.5 cm wide.
Switch to pink yarn for the cheek.
cheek (make 2), pink yarn
Add the cheek detail with pale pink embroidery thread after the head is closed.
Work two or three tiny straight stitches on each side, just below and outside the eye line.
Switch to black yarn for the arm.
arm (make 2), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (2 sc, inc) x 2 (17)
Rnd 4: sc around (17)
Rnd 5: sc around (17)
Rnd 6: sc around (17)
Rnd 7: sc around (17)
Rnd 8: sc around (17)
Rnd 9: sc around (17)
Rnd 10: sc around (17)
Rnd 11: sc around (17)
Switch to white yarn for the paw.
paw (make 2), white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: sc around (12)
Rnd 4: sc around (12)
Rnd 5: dec around (6)
Rnd 6: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the leg.
leg (make 2), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: sc around (18)
Final Stitch Counts
- head: 30 stitches at widest point
- eye patch: 12 stitches at widest point
- eye: See pattern
- nose: See pattern
- muzzle: 9 stitches at widest point
- body: 26 stitches at widest point
- ear (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- mouth: See pattern
- cheek (x 2): See pattern
- arm (x 2): 17 stitches at widest point
- paw (x 2): 12 stitches at widest point
- leg (x 2): 18 stitches at widest point
Putting the Pieces Together
1. Stuff head, body firmly with polyfill for stability. Shape as you go, pressing and molding to match the reference photo. Add extra stuffing to the base for a sturdy foundation.
2. Attach eye patch to the head. Position on the upper half of the head, spaced about one eye-width apart. Secure firmly with embroidery thread or fabric glue. Embroider a small line below each eye for a more expressive look.
3. Attach eye to the head. Position on the upper half of the head, spaced about one eye-width apart. Secure firmly with embroidery thread or fabric glue. Embroider a small line below each eye for a more expressive look.
4. Embroider the nose with black thread centered between the eyes. Work a small triangular satin stitch about 8 mm wide.
5. Sew muzzle to the front of the head. Center between the eyes, slightly below the eye line. Stuff lightly with polyfill before closing for a 3D effect. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles.
6. Sew ear to the sides of the head. Position on the upper sides of the head, angled outward. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles. Use the long tail left for sewing and whipstitch around the base.
7. Sew mouth to the head. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.
8. Sew cheek to the head. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.
9. Sew arm to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
10. Sew leg to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
11. Sew eye patch in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
12. Sew paw in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
13. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Give the finished piece a gentle squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly and shape the final form.
Pro Tips and Care Advice
These practical tips will help you crochet a well-shaped panda amigurumi using your 4 mm hook.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round so you can easily find your starting point and keep your stitch count accurate.
- Stuff the head and body firmly with polyester fiberfill before closing each piece, paying extra attention to the muzzle area so it holds its shape nicely.
- Use simple decreases by working two single crochets together to shape the curves of the head and limbs without leaving gaps.
- Maintain a tight, even tension throughout so the stuffing does not show through the stitches and the finished panda looks smooth.
- Check your gauge by crocheting a small swatch before starting; consistent stitches help all the pieces fit together properly.
- Count your stitches at the end of each round to catch any mistakes early and avoid unraveling later sections.
Follow these care instructions to keep your panda amigurumi looking its best over time.
- Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent, then rinse carefully without wringing the piece.
- Air dry flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading on the black and white sections.
- Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a little soap rather than washing the whole toy each time.
- Store the finished panda in a dry place away from sunlight to preserve the yarn color and fiberfill shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn and hook do I need for the panda amigurumi?
You will need worsted weight yarn in black, white, and a small amount of pink or red for the cheeks. A 4 mm crochet hook works nicely with this yarn weight to create a tight, even stitch that keeps the stuffing inside your panda amigurumi.
Is this panda amigurumi pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! This panda amigurumi is rated as a Beginner pattern. It uses only basic stitches such as single crochet, increases, and decreases, so it is a great project if you are new to amigurumi crochet.
How long does it take to crochet the panda amigurumi?
Most crocheters finish the panda amigurumi in 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and experience. Take breaks as needed and enjoy the process.
Can I sell finished panda amigurumi made from this pattern?
Yes, you are welcome to sell finished panda amigurumi made from this pattern. Please credit the designer when listing your items online or at craft fairs.
Can I make the panda amigurumi in a different size?
Absolutely. To resize your panda amigurumi, simply use a thicker or thinner yarn with a matching hook size. The finished size will grow or shrink with your yarn choice, while keeping the same cute shape.
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