Sprout The Succulent Duckling Crochet Pattern

Finished Sprout the Succulent Duckling amigurumi

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

Sprout the Succulent Duckling body - yellow yarn detail

Meet Sprout, a plump little duckling with a tuft of green on top, ready to waddle straight into your hook and into someone's hands. This Beginner pattern uses worsted weight yarn and a 4 mm hook, so the stitches stay soft and squishy while the shape builds up quickly. You'll work in simple rounds with single crochet, shaping the round body, the rounded head, a small flat tail, and a snug little beak, then top it all off with a leafy sprout worked in a small leaf shape that sits right between the eyes.

When you're finished, Sprout measures roughly 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, a cozy size that fits nicely on a shelf or in the crook of an arm. The texture is smooth and even across the body, with a slightly raised beak and the gentle point of the leaf giving just enough contrast to catch the eye. Grab your hook, your yarn, and a handful of stuffing, and let's bring this little duckling to life.

Gather These Supplies First

Sprout the Succulent Duckling beak - orange yarn detail
MaterialDetails
Yarnworsted yarn in yellow, green, black, orange
Hook4 mm crochet hook
StuffingPolyfill or fiberfill
EyesSafety eyes or embroidery thread
ExtrasYarn 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.

AbbreviationMeaning
scSingle crochet
incIncrease (2 sc in same stitch)
decDecrease (sc 2 together)

How to Crochet This Pattern

Sprout the Succulent Duckling eye - black yarn detail

head, yellow 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)

body, yellow 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)

Switch to orange yarn for the beak.

beak, orange yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (5 sc, inc) x 1 (7)

Rnd 3: sc around (7)

Rnd 4: (5 sc, dec) x 1 (6)

Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)

Switch to black yarn for the eye.

eye (make 2), 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 green yarn for the succulent leaves.

succulent leaves, green 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: sc around (24)

Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 8: dec around (6)

succulent, green 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: sc around (24)

Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 8: dec around (6)

Final Stitch Counts

  • head: 30 stitches at widest point
  • body: 26 stitches at widest point
  • beak: 7 stitches at widest point
  • eye (x 2): See pattern
  • succulent leaves: 24 stitches at widest point
  • succulent: 24 stitches at widest point

Assembling Your Amigurumi

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 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. Sew beak in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.

4. Sew succulent leaves in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.

5. 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 your Sprout the Succulent Duckling amigurumi smoothly with a 4 mm hook.

  • Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round so you can easily find the start and keep your stitch count accurate.
  • Work decreases evenly spaced around the round to maintain a smooth, round shape without any lumps or gaps.
  • Stuff the piece firmly but gently as you go, adding small amounts of fiberfill before closing the opening too tightly.
  • Keep your tension even and consistent so the stitches sit nicely together and the stuffing does not show through.
  • Check your gauge by crocheting a small swatch; the fabric should be tight enough that stuffing stays hidden inside.
  • Use a yarn needle to weave in all ends securely so the pieces hold together well during play and washing.

Follow these simple care instructions to keep your duckling looking its best.

  • Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent, then rinse well.
  • Squeeze out extra water without wringing, and air dry flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a little soap rather than washing the whole piece.
  • Store in a dry place away from heat sources to keep the shape and color well preserved.

Your Questions, Answered

What yarn should I use for Sprout the Succulent Duckling?

Use worsted weight yarn in your favorite colors. Worsted weight works up nicely with a 4 mm hook and gives your duckling a soft, squishy feel. Cotton or acrylic blends are both great choices for amigurumi.

How long will it take to crochet this pattern?

Most crocheters finish Sprout in about 2-4 hours. The exact time depends on your pace and how much detail you add. Take breaks, enjoy the process, and don't rush!

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?

Yes! Sprout is rated as a Beginner pattern. It uses basic stitches like single crochet, simple increases, and decreases. If you're new to amigurumi, this is a wonderful project to start with.

Can I make the duckling bigger or smaller?

Absolutely. To resize, simply switch to a thicker or thinner yarn weight and match it with the right hook size. Just remember that changing yarn weight will also change the amount of time and yarn needed.

Can I sell finished ducklings made from this pattern?

Yes, you may sell finished items made from this pattern. Please credit the designer when listing your work online or at craft fairs. Mass production is not allowed.

Other Patterns You Might Enjoy

Love this pattern? Check out more free crochet patterns:

Advertisement