Panda Amigurumi For Handmade Gifts And Cozy Nursery Decor

The Best Things About This Pattern

Meet Bao, the panda amigurumi you will stitch into existence with a 3.5 mm hook and a skein of worsted weight yarn. Working in the round, you will build his chunky head and rounded body with steady single crochet stitches, shaping the curves through invisible decreases and the occasional short row tucked into the belly panel. The finished panda stands approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and measures about 7 inches (18 cm) wide, a satisfying handful of soft, dense fabric that holds its shape beautifully.

This intermediate pattern invites you to layer in surface crochet for the eye patches and paw pads, then switch to simple color work to define the ears, limbs, and signature black-and-white markings. Expect clear stitch counts at every round, a tensioning note to keep your gauge consistent, and the quiet rhythm of working in continuous spirals until the last tail is woven in. Grab your hook, settle into a comfy chair, and let the yarn tell you when each piece is ready to join.

Materials and Supplies You'll Need

Material	Details
Yarn	worsted yarn in white, black, pink
Hook	3.5 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 3.5 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)

How to Crochet This Pattern

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 ear.

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)

eye patch (make 2), 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 (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.

nose, black 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.

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 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)

Switch to white yarn for the belly.

belly, 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: (3 sc, inc) x 2 (4 sc, inc) x 2 (22)

Rnd 5: sc around (22)

Rnd 6: sc around (22)

Rnd 7: (3 sc, dec) x 2 (4 sc, dec) x 2 (18)

Rnd 8: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 9: dec around (6)

Rnd 10: fasten off, close hole (6)

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)

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)

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 shoulder/chest marking.

shoulder/chest marking, 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: sc around (24)

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

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

Rnd 8: dec around (6)

Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)

torso, 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)

Bring It All Together

1. Stuff head, body, belly, torso 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Embroider the nose with black thread centered between the eyes. Work a small triangular satin stitch about 8 mm wide.

6. Sew mouth to the head. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.

7. Sew cheek to the head. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.

8. 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.

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 shoulder/chest marking 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.

Maker Tips and Keeping It Clean

These tips will help you crochet your panda amigurumi smoothly with a 3.5 mm hook.

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round so you can track your increases and decreases without losing your place.
• Use the invisible decrease method to keep your shaping smooth and avoid visible gaps between stitches.
• Stuff the head and limbs firmly but evenly, adding small amounts of fiberfill after each round so the stuffing distributes well and the shape holds.
• Maintain a tight gauge by working with slightly less tension than usual, since loose stitches will let stuffing peek through the fabric.
• Switch to a smaller hook for the muzzle and ear pieces if they appear larger than the head, ensuring all parts stay proportional.
• Embroider the eye patches using surface crochet or whip stitch for clean, defined facial features.

Follow these care instructions to keep your finished panda looking its best.

• Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent, avoiding agitation that could distort the stitches.
• Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of soap rather than fully submerging the piece.
• Air dry flat on a clean towel, reshaping the limbs and head as needed while damp.
• Keep the panda out of direct sunlight during drying and storage to prevent fading of the black and white tones.

Good to Know: Reader Questions

What yarn and hook should I use for the panda amigurumi?

You will need worsted weight yarn in white, black, and a small amount of pink or red for the cheeks. A 3.5 mm crochet hook is recommended to keep your stitches tight and prevent the stuffing from showing through.

How long does it take to crochet the panda amigurumi?

Most crocheters complete the panda amigurumi in 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and how many breaks you take. Experienced crocheters may finish closer to the lower end of that range.

Is the panda amigurumi pattern suitable for beginners?

This pattern is rated Intermediate, so some familiarity with amigurumi techniques is helpful. You should be comfortable with magic rings, single crochet, and invisible decreases before starting the panda amigurumi.

Can I sell finished panda amigurumi made from this pattern?

Yes, you may sell finished panda amigurumi made from this pattern, provided you credit the original designer. Please do not reproduce or resell the pattern itself.

Can I make the panda amigurumi larger or smaller?

Absolutely. To resize the panda amigurumi, simply switch to a thicker or thinner yarn and adjust your hook size accordingly. Thicker yarn with a larger hook will create a bigger plush, while sport weight yarn with a smaller hook will produce a smaller, more delicate version.

More Amigurumi Ideas You'll Love

Love this pattern? Check out more free crochet patterns:

• Bear Ear Flap Hat Crochet Pattern For Cozy Winter Wear
• German Shepherd Dog Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
• Woody Amigurumi Doll Crochet Pattern
• Bear Amigurumi Crochet Pattern For Cozy Plush Making
• Mickey Mouse Amigurumi Crochet Pattern