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Looking for a cute Amigurumi penguin pattern this winter? Well, look no more! 🙂 This free crochet penguin pattern is the one for you! Her name is Poppy and although she loves to play in the snow, she can’t wait to make new friends who will give her lots of warm cuddles. I am sure your little ones will love her! 🙂
Free Crochet Penguin Pattern – Notes
Skill level: intermediate crochet skills and knowledge
Finished size: 22cm / 8.5 inches
Free Crochet Penguin Pattern – Materials and Equipment
Yarn I used for this free crochet penguin pattern:
– Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply
– 55% cotton and 45% acrylic blend
– 2x ball of blue yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 55 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of white yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 01 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of yellow yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 35 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of black yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 53 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of multicolour yarn – YarnArt Jeans Tropical – colour 614 – (50g/160m)
I like to purchase my YarnArt Jeans from Amazon or from Etsy. If you would like to check some great substitutes for YarnArt Jeans then have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial. You can find the substitutes towards the end of the article.
Or just simply use any 100% cotton that will work just as well. You can also use 100% acrylic if you prefer to work with this type of yarn.
Other materials used: polyester fibre fill, long piece of black thread yarn for eye lash embroidery, two white pompoms
Crochet hook: I used 2.5mm = B/1 (2mm for the eyelash yarn), if using different weight of yarn then refer to hook size recommendations on the yarn but go one size smaller. I highly recommend this ergonomic crochet hook set from Amazon as it comes in a stylish case and with other accessories such as stitch markers etc.
Other equipment used: scissors, yarn needle, pins with large heads, stitch marker or thin yarn to use instead, 12mm safety eyes
Choking hazard warning: the use of safety eyes or buttons poses a choking risk for children under the age of 3 therefore I recommend using embroidery instead.
Free Crochet Penguin Pattern – Abbreviations Used
This free crochet penguin pattern is written using US crochet terminology
– MR: magic ring
– ST: stitch
– SC: single crochet stitch
– HDC: half double crochet stitch
– DC: double crochet stitch
– TC: triple crochet stitch
– CH: chain stitch
– SL ST: slip stitch
– INC: increase = two single crochet stitches in the same stitch
– L INC: large increase = three single crochet stitches in the same stitch
– DEC: standard decrease
– INV DEC: invisible decrease = insert the hook into the front loop of the first stitch (two loops on hook) and immediately insert it again into the front loop of the next stitch (three loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the first two loops on the hook (two loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the two loops on the hook to finish your invisible decrease.
– BLO: back loops only
– FO: fasten off
– (…..) x 6: repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number (in this example, repeat the pattern in the brackets 6 times)
– {…}: number shown inside these brackets equals the number of total stitches at the end of each round
Free Crochet Penguin Pattern – Let’s Get Started!
You may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this free crochet penguin pattern. And don’t forget to watch my step by step video tutorials for extra help with my patterns.
To view the free online pattern, please continue to scroll down. You can also download the ad-free and printable version of this pattern for a small fee from my Etsy shop. Your generous contribution will help towards the cost of materials and running this website so I can continue to publish my free online patterns for everyone to enjoy.
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How to Crochet the Wings
Crochet from the bottom of the wing upwards.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring for Amigurumi
R2: INC in each ST around {12}
R3-R4 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {12}
R5: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}
R6: SC in each ST around {18}
R7: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}
R8-R10 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {24}
R11: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 3 {27}
R12-R19 (8 rounds): SC in each ST around {27}
R20: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {24} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease in Amigurumi
R21: SC in each ST around {24}
R22: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 2, SC in next 3 ST {21}
R23-R24 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {21}
R25: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {18}
R26: SC in each ST around {18}
R27: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 2, SC in next 2 ST {15}
R28-R29 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {15}
R30: Do not stuff and SC the opening together to close the wing {7} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in a flat Amigurumi piece
FO and weave the yarn end in.
How to Crochet the Head and Body
Crochet from the bottom of the body towards the top of the head.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}
R2: INC in each ST around {12}
R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}
R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}
R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}
R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}
R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}
R8: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {48}
R9: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 6 {54}
R10: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {60}
R11: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 6 {66}
R12: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {72}
R13: SC in each ST around {72}
R14: (SC in next 11 ST, INC) x 6 {78}
R15: SC in each ST around {78}
R16: SC in next 6 ST, INC, (SC in next 12 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 6 ST {84}
R17-R24 (8 rounds): SC in each ST around {84}
Start stuffing the body gradually.
R25: SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 6 ST {78}
R26-R27 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {78}
R28: (SC in next 11 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {72}
R29-R30 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {72}
R31: SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {66}
R32: SC in each ST around {66}
R33: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {60}
R34-R35 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {60}
R36: SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {54}
R37-R38 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {54}
R39: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {48}
R40: SC in each ST around {48}
R41: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {42}
You will now attach the wings to the body in R42
R42:
– SC in next 8 STs
– you will now single crochet the first wing to the next 7 STs of R42 of the body
– insert your hook into the first ST of the wing and then the next ST of R42 (Pic W1)
– so you now have two STs on the hook, SC these 2 STs together
– single crochet the remaining 6 STs of the wing to the next 6 STs of R42 (Pic W3)
– continue to crochet R42 = SC in next 14 STs
– you will now single crochet the second wing to the next 7 STs of R42
– complete crocheting R42 = SC in next 6 STs {42}
R43: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}
R44: SC in each ST around {36}
R45: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {30}
R46: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}
You will now start crocheting the head; continue from where you finished with the body in R46
Change yarn to white colour
R47: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}
R48: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}
R49: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}
R50: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {48}
R51: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 6 {54}
R52: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {60}
R53: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 6 {66}
R54: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {72}
R55-R64 (10 rounds): SC in each ST around {72} – leave a stitch marker in at the start of R59 as you will need to refer to it when placing the eyes
R65: SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {66}
R66: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {60}
R67: SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {54}
R68: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {48}
R69: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {42}
R70: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}
You can now place the eyes:
– stuff the neck and head well first
– it helps to use pins with large heads to first mark the spots where the eyes will be placed – you can make a decision whether you are happy with the placement and if it looks symmetrical before you insert the safety eyes; the safety eyes usually make a large hole in between the stitches so it is not recommended to change the placement of the eyes once they are in
– place the eyes between rounds R59 and R60
– first eye – count 33 stitches from your marker at the start of R59 and place the eye between ST33 and ST34
– second eye – count 48 stitches from your marker at the start of R59 and place the eye between ST48 and ST49
– you can now insert the safety eyes and put the safety backs on
You can now continue to crochet the head
R71: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {30}
R72: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}
R73: SC in next ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next ST {18}
R74: (SC in next ST, INV DEC) x 6 {12}
R75: SC in each ST around {12}
FO, close the hole using a yarn needle and weave the yarn end in.
Watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in an Amigurumi piece
How to Crochet the Head Cap
Crochet from centre of the head cap, i.e. from the back of the head towards the front.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}
R2: INC in each ST around {12}
R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}
R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}
R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}
R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}
R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}
R8: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {48}
R9: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 6 {54}
R10: SC in each ST around {54}
R11: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {60}
R12: SC in each ST around {60}
R13: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 6 {66}
R14: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {72}
R15-R22 (8 rounds): SC in each ST around {72}
FO and leave a long tail for sewing the cap to the head.
Do not stuff.
How to Crochet the Forehead
Crochet in rows, rather than in rounds.
R1: Attach a new strand of yarn to ST31 of the last round of the cap (R22 of the cap), chain 1x, SC in next 11 ST (Pic F2) {12 incl the starting chain of 1}
R2: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 10 ST (your last ST will be into the starting chain of 1 from R1) {11}
R3: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 3 ST, DEC, SC in next 4 ST {9}
R4: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 7 ST {8}
R5: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 6 ST {7}
R6: Chain 1x, turn over, SC in next 7 ST {7}
R7: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 5 ST {6}
R8: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 4 ST {5}
R9: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 3 ST {4}
R10: Chain 1x, turn over, DEC (starting from 2nd CH from the hook), SC in next 2 ST {3}
R11: Chain 1x, turn over, SC in next 3 ST {3}, DO NOT FO and follow the instructions in the next section
You will now single crochet all the way round the forehead and the cap to create a neat edging.
– continue from where you finished in R11 of the forehead
– SC once more in last ST of R11
– SC in the side of the forehead, i.e. SC into each row = 9x SC (Pic F3)
– you will now SC into the last round of the cap and will go all the way round until you come back to the forehead (Pic F6)
– SC in the opposite side of the forehead, i.e. SC into each row = 10x SC, FO, weave the yarn end in (Pic F7 & F8)
How to Crochet the Beak
Crochet from the tip of the beak towards the base.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}
R2: SC in each ST around {6}
R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}
R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next ST {12}
R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3 {15}
R6: SC in each ST around {15}
R7: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next 2 ST {18}
R8: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 3 {21}
FO and leave a long tail for sewing.
You will stuff the beak when sewing it to the head.
How to Crochet the Feet
Crochet from the back of the foot towards the toes.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}
R2: INC in each ST around {12}
R3-R4 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {12}
R5: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}
R6: SC in each ST around {18}
R7: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}
R8-R11 (4 rounds): SC in each ST around {24}
R12: (SC in next ST, 2x DC in next ST, 2x DC in next ST, SC in next ST) x 6 {36} (Pic FE1)
Change yarn to black colour.
R13: Do not stuff and SC the opening together to close the foot {18} (Pic FE3)
FO and weave the yarn end in.
How to Crochet the Scarf
Crochet in rows.
R1: Chain 6 STs {6}
R2: SC in 5 STs starting from the 2nd CH from the hook {5}
R3: Chain 1x, turn over and SC in 5 STs (BLO) starting from the 2nd CH from the hook {5}
R4: Chain 1x, turn over and SC in 5 STs (BLO) starting from the 2nd CH from the hook {5}
Continue this way until you have achieved the desired length of the scarf.
FO and use the yarn tails to sew on the pompoms.
My scarf is 27cm / 10.5 inches long (without the pompoms).
How to Assemble Your Crochet Penguin Softie
Cap with forehead: Fit the cap onto the head and if needed, give it a stretch so it fits really snug. Pin it to the head and sew it on all the way round. Make sure the forehead is centred between the eyes.
Beak: Pin the beak to the head first making sure that it is centred between the eyes and covers the last row of the forehead well. Sew the beak to the head and stuff well while doing so.
Sculpting the eyes (optional):
– watch this step by step video tutorial on How to indent eyes in Amigurumi (eye sculpting)
– take a long piece of white yarn and thread a yarn needle
– insert the needle into the bottom of the head and come out through a stitch next to the right eye (Pic E1), pull all the way through but leave a yarn tail showing at the bottom of the head
– place your needle in another stitch next to the right eye and come across the side with the needle; come out through a stitch next to the left eye, pull all the way through (Pic E2)
– place your needle in another stitch next to the left eye and come across the side with the needle; come out through another stitch next to the right eye, pull all the way through (Pic E3)
– repeat the process back and forth between the two eyes while pulling on the yarn tightly each time you come across the side (Pic E4)
– you will need to repeat this about two to three times until you achieve the indented eye look you want
– when finished, pull the needle out through the same stitch at the bottom of the head so you will have two yarn tails coming out of the same stitch (Pic E5)
– tie a double knot with the two yarn tails and then weave both yarn tails in tightly through the same stitch, while pulling the knot inside the head with them
Feet: Turn the body upside down with the beak facing away from you. Pin the feet to the body as shown in the photo above making sure they look symmetrical. The best way to ensure you are happy with the placement of the feet is to stand your toy up and adjust the placement of the feet if needed. Sew the feet to the body.
Eye lash embroidery and cheeks: Embroider the eye lashes using a long piece of black thread yarn. Paint the cheeks with a crayon or a make-up blush.
You have now finished your crochet animal. I hope you found my free penguin crochet pattern easy to follow and enjoyed making it.
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Explore More of My Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
If you like this free crochet penguin pattern, you may also love these patterns. Why don’t you give them a try?!
Free crochet dolphin pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Free crochet dinosaur pattern
Free crochet Christmas pudding decoration pattern
Or explore more of my crochet sea animals patterns. These charming sea creatures will make a perfect gift for your family and friends!
Happy crocheting!
No words to say thanks, but thankin again and again for share this beautifull pattern with us, god bless you, Im Buddhist Sinhalese from Sri Lanka .
Awww, how nice of you Niranjala! Thank you for being so kind and I hope you enjoy making the penguin. 🙂
Love,
Petra x
I made this penguin last year for a Christmas gift, as well as several other of your patterns, always written well and easy to follow!
Thank you so much for being a loyal fan and making many of my toys. 🙂
Love,
Petra x
This was so much fun to make! I love all of your patterns. Thank you! The cap for the head, however, was too large with 72 stitches, so I reworked it from round 13 and stopped increasing at 66 stitches. (Rounds 14 through 22 had 66 stitches.) That was the only adjustment I made, and it fit perfectly!
Hi Nancy, thank you for your lovely comment and your feedback. 🙂 I agree that some crocheters may need to adjust the size of the cap depending on their tension and also how well they stuff their toys. I tend to stuff my toys really well which makes the head bigger and therefore the cap fitted well. But I do appreciate your feedback because I always like to hear how crocheters get on wit my patterns so thank you!;-)
Love, Petra x
Obrigada, muito bem explicado.
Thank you so much Maria! 🙂
Love, Petra x