Free Amigurumi Pattern: Mini Panda

It's no secret that I love pandas, so I thought it was about time a panda themed project featured here. So, here's an amigurumi pattern that I wrote ages ago. It wasn't the first crochet pattern I'd ever written, but it was probably the first one that actually went as planned (it didn't end up falling apart or looking a bit creepy). I've used a minty green instead of the more traditional black, but use any colour you like (you could even make lots in many different colours for a panda army).

It's really simple, so don't be put off if you haven't crocheted before - all you need to know is double crochet and increasing and decreasing. There isn't too much sewing up either as the head and body are worked as one piece. Just to let you know, I'll be using the English crochet terms (just to make things confusing, American patterns have different terms for different stitches). Ready? Lets go!

You Will Need:

• 25g White DK Wool
• 25g Green DK Wool
• Black Wool/ Embroidery thread
• Toy Stuffing

Abbreviations:

• Ch = Chain
• Dc = Double crochet
• St = stitch
• Dc2tog = Double crochet 2 stitches together

Body (Make 1)

ch 2
5dc in second ch from hook
R1: 2dc in each st (10)
R2-R5: dc around (10)
NOTE: at this point, it can be quite useful to stuff this thinner part of the body.
R6: 2dc in each st (20)
R7: *1 dc in first st, 2dc in next st* repeat 10 times (30)
R8-R9: dc around (30)
R10: *1dc in first st, dc2tog* repeat 10 times (20)
R11:"dc2tog* repeat 10 times (10)
Stuff the rest of the body/head before closing up:
R12: *dc2tog* repeat 5 times (5)
R13: *miss 1st, dc in next st* repeat until hole is closed

Arms (Make 2)

ch2
3dc in 2nd ch from hook
dc around until arm measures 3cm
Sew the arms in place to the body, just below the head.

Legs (Make 2)

ch2
3dc in 2nd ch from hook
dc around until leg measures 2.5 cm long
Sew the legs in place, at the base of the body.


Ears (Make 2)

ch2
3dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch1 and turn
2dc in each st
Fasten off and sew in place either side of the head

Eye Patches (Make 2)

ch2
3dc in 2nd ch from hook
2dc in each st
Fasten off and sew in place on the head, where you want the eyes to be.

Finishing Off

Using black wool or embroidery thread, sew some eyes and a nose and mouth on your pandas face. There are no rules for this, so give him any expression you like (just make sure it looks mega-cute!). Your final panda will measure about 8cm tall, so carry him in your coat pocket to keep you company.

Let me know if you try this, and if you have any questions (or spot a mistake!) about the pattern, please leave me a comment!