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Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern
4.5★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

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Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

🐥

Charming Critter

Delightful animal designs with sweet details that capture the essence of your favorite woodland and farmyard friends.

About This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a small, hand-sized penguin with a removable-looking colourful coat and stitched facial features. You will work the coat, body, beak, flippers and feet in single crochet rounds and simple shaping. It is written in US terminology and designed to be made with DK/light worsted yarn for a compact, tidy finish.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for using small yarn scraps and practicing continuous round shaping techniques. The finished penguin stands approximately 5 inches tall using the recommended hook and yarn.

Why You'll Love This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it celebrates bright colours and simple shaping to make a charming little character. I designed Brian to be quick to make yet full of personality with minimal materials. The coat detail gives you a fun finishing touch without complicated techniques. I enjoy how adaptable the design is — you can swap colours and textures to create many different personalities.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customise Brian with just colour changes; try a pastel coat for a softer feel or a variegated yarn for a playful effect.

If you want a larger penguin, use a bulkier yarn and increase your hook size proportionally to create a chunky, cuddly version.

To make a tiny keychain, use fingering weight yarn and a 1.75mm-2.0mm hook for a miniature Brian perfect for bags or gifts.

Embroider different facial expressions to change personality — a small smile, tilted eyebrows, or blush placement will transform the look.

Add felt accessories such as a tiny scarf, hat, or little bow to make Brian seasonal or themed for gifts.

I sometimes add wire to the flipper seam before closing for a slightly poseable wing — use thin craft wire and cover ends carefully.

Try substituting the yellow beak and feet colour for orange or coral to match your yarn stash and create new characters.

For a more plush finish, use a brushed DK yarn or a wool blend and stuff a little softer to create a squishier toy.

Make a pair in contrasting colours and stitch them together at the flipper to create a duo that sits side-by-side for display.

If you enjoy embroidery, add tiny heart motifs or initials under the coat for a personalised handmade gift.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch marker when joining continuous rounds leads to losing the beginning of the round; always place a stitch marker at the first stitch and move it each round. ✗ Inserting safety eyes too late or in the wrong place can misalign the face; insert and check eye placement between rounds 14-15 before stuffing too firmly. ✗ Overstuffing the body will distort the shape and make sewing the coat on harder; stuff gradually and check the coat fit as you go. ✗ Not working the coat foundation in BLO will change the coat edge appearance; follow the instruction to work R1 in BLO for the correct finish.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Create a cheerful little penguin with this beginner-friendly crochet pattern. You will make a cozy coat, cute beak, flippers and tiny feet with easy-to-follow rounds and clear placement notes. Perfect for using small amounts of yarn and turning scraps into a lovable handmade friend. Enjoy a quick, satisfying project that makes a lovely gift or shelf companion.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Colour A: Made by Penguins DK / Light Worsted Baby Alpaca, Blackberry - approx 25g (coat/outer)
  • 02
    Colour B: Novita DK Baby Merino, Cream - approx 20g (body)
  • 03
    Colour C: Ricorumi DK Cotton, pale yellow - approx 10g (beak/feet)
  • 04
    Small amount of black thread for embroidery (eyebrows)
  • 05
    Small amount of yellow thread for beak embroidery

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm (recommended)
  • 02
    Safety eyes 6mm (2 pieces) - safety eyes are not recommended for very young children
  • 03
    Toy stuffing (polyester fiberfill)
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for construction and embroidery
  • 05
    Stitch marker
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Blush (small amount) for rosy cheek detail

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— The Coat :

Info :

Use yarn A.

Info :

Ch 13

Round 1 :

Work this round in BLO, Sc in 2nd Ch from your hook, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3) in the last Ch. Now work down the other side of your foundation chain. Sc x 10, Sc inc (26)

Round 2 :

Sc inc, Sc x 10, Sc inc x 3, Sc x 10, Sc inc x 2 (32)

Round 3 :

Sc, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (38)

Round 4 :

Sc x 2, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (44)

Round 5 :

Sc x 3, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (50)

Round 6 :

Sc x 4, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (56)

Round 7 :

Sc inc, Sc x 15, (Sc inc, Sc x 5) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc inc, Sc x 5) x 2 (62)

Round 8-16 :

Sc x 62 (62) 9 rounds

Round 17 :

Sc x 8, Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec, Sc x 2, Sc x 5, Sc dec, Sc x 8, Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec, Sc x 7, Sc dec (56)

Info :

Mark the stitch just made with a stitch marker.

Info :

SS, break yarn & pull through. Leave a long tail for sewing later.

— The Beak :

Info :

Attach yarn A where you placed your stitch marker on round 17 of the coat. Now place your stitch marker 1 stitch back from where you have just joined your yarn. This section is worked in rows. We will Ch 1 and turn at the end of each row.

Info :

Ch 1. Your first Sc will be made in the same St where you have just joined your yarn

Row 1 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Row 2 :

Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec (12)

Row 3 :

Sc dec, Sc x 8, Sc dec (10)

Row 4 :

Sc dec, Sc x 6, Sc dec (8)

Row 5 :

Sc dec, Sc x 4, Sc dec (6)

Row 6 :

Sc x 6 (6)

Row 7 :

Sc dec, Sc x 2, Sc dec (4)

Row 8 :

Sc x 4 (4)

Row 9 :

Sc dec x 2 (2)

Row 10 :

Sc x 2 (2)

Row 11 :

Sc dec (1)

Row 12 :

Sc x 1 (1) Do not Ch 1 & turn here. Break yarn & pull through. We will now Sc around the edge of the beak.

Info :

Join yarn A where your stitch marker is now placed (this should be one stitch back from where you joined your yarn to start the beak). Ch 1 and SS on to the side of the beak.

Info :

Sc up the edge until you reach the point of the beak. Make 3 Sc in the final St from row 12 of the beak. This should give you a nice point.

Info :

Sc back down the other side of the beak. SS back on to the next stitch on the coat. Break yarn and pull through. Weave in the loose end.

Info :

With yellow thread embroider a small triangle on the tip of the beak.

— The Body :

Info :

Use yarn B and work in continuous rounds.

Round 1 :

Sc x 6 in to a MR (6)

Round 2 :

Sc inc x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

(Sc, Sc inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

(Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

(Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 6 (36)

Round 7 :

(Sc x 5, Sc inc) x 6 (42)

Round 8-25 :

Sc x 42 (42) - 18 rounds

Info :

Insert the safety eyes between rounds 14 -15. There should be a 9 stitch gap between the eyes.

Info :

Stuff the body. Continue to stuff the remainder as you go.

Info :

To check you are happy with the position of your safety eyes and the amount you are stuffing you can try the coat on the body now and then. The eyes should be about level with the yellow embroidery on the beak and about half way between this and the sides of the coat.

Round 26 :

(Sc x 5, sc dec) x 6 (36)

Round 27 :

(Sc x 4, sc dec) x 6 (30)

Round 28 :

(Sc x 3, sc dec) x 6 (24)

Round 29 :

(Sc x 2, sc dec) x 6 (18)

Round 30 :

(Sc, sc dec) x 6 (12)

Round 31 :

Sc dec x 6 (6)

Info :

SS in to the next stitch, break yarn & pull through. Try the coat on the body again. Ensure you have placed enough stuffing. Weave the loose end through the FLO of the final row of the body to close off the end.

Info :

Optional detail: With a strand of black thread embroider the eyebrows 3 rounds above the eyes over r 10-11. Use a small amount of blush to create rosy cheeks on the lower border of the eyes.

— The Flippers :

Info :

Use yarn A & make 2. Work in continuous rounds.

Round 1 :

Sc x 4 in to a MR (4)

Round 2 :

(Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (6)

Round 3 :

(Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (8)

Round 4 :

(Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (10)

Round 5 :

(Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (12)

Round 6 :

(Sc x 5, Sc inc) x 2 (14)

Round 7 :

(Sc x 6, Sc inc) x 2 (16)

Round 8 :

(Sc x 7, Sc inc) x 2 (18)

Round 9 :

Sc x 18 (18)

Round 10 :

(Sc x 7, Sc dec) x 2 (16)

Round 11 :

Sc x 16 (16)

Round 12 :

(Sc x 6, Sc dec) x 2 (14)

Round 13 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Round 14 :

Sc dec x 7 (7)

Info :

Break yarn & pull through. Leave a long length for sewing. Fold the flipper flat and sew the top closed prior to attaching.

— The Feet :

Info :

Use yarn C and make 2. Ch 7

Round 1 :

In BLO, Sc in the 2nd Ch from your hook, Sc x 4, (3 Sc) in the last Ch. Now work down the other side of your foundation chain. Sc x 4, Sc inc (14)

Round 2 :

Sc inc, Sc x 4, Sc inc x 3, Sc x 4, Sc inc x 2 (20)

Round 3 :

Sc, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 4, (Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (26)

Round 4 :

Sc x 2, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 4, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (30)

Round 5 :

Sc x 3, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 4, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (36)

Round 6 :

Sc x 4, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 4, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (42)

Round 7 :

Sc x 5, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc x 5, Sc inc) x 2 (48)

Round 8 :

Sc x 6, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc x 6, Sc inc) x 2 (54)

Round 9 :

Sc x 18 (18)

Round 10 :

(Sc x 7, Sc dec) x 2 (16)

Round 11 :

Sc x 16 (16)

Round 12 :

(Sc x 6, Sc dec) x 2 (14)

Round 13 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Round 14 :

Sc dec x 7 (7)

Info :

Break yarn & pull through. Leave a long length for sewing. Fold the foot in half. Sew around the edges to secure this.

— Construction :

Info :

Place the coat on the body. The little yellow beak should sit equal distance between the eyes. Pin in place and sew the coat to the body. You can use either a whip stitch or a mattress stitch for this.

Info :

Sew the feet to the body. The flat end of the feet should point outward. Sew the top of the curved section to the base of the coat.

Info :

Sew the flippers to the sides of the coat. The top of the flipper is about level with the eyes.

Info :

Congratulations your MBP Penguin is complete!!

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the coat on the body with the little yellow beak centered between the eyes; pin and sew the coat to the body using a whip stitch or mattress stitch for a neat finish.
  • Sew the feet to the bottom of the body, positioning the flat end outward and attaching the curved top to the base of the coat for stability.
  • Attach the flippers to the sides of the coat with the top of each flipper approximately level with the eyes; use pins to check symmetry before sewing.
  • Sew the beak onto the front of the coat where the stitch marker indicates, ensuring the embroidered yellow triangle is centered at the tip.
  • Weave in all loose ends and trim threads; add small amounts of blush to the lower edge of the eyes and embroider eyebrows three rounds above the eyes if desired.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds when working in continuous rounds to avoid losing your place.
  • 💡Insert safety eyes between rounds 14-15 and check spacing before stuffing to ensure correct placement.
  • 💡Stuff the body gradually and check fit with the coat frequently; overstuffing can distort the shape.
  • 💡Work Round 1 of the coat in BLO to create the correct edge for the coat placement and appearance.

This little penguin pattern is designed to bring a bright pop of handmade joy to your day. Whether you make one in classic black-and-white or a rainbow of colours, it packs a lot of charm into a small package. Perfect for gifting, collecting, or using up those yarn scraps. 🧶😊

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished penguin measures approximately 5 inches tall when made with the recommended DK yarn and a 2.5mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but the final size and stitch density will change; adjust hook size accordingly to get the look you want.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated Beginner Friendly, so basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, decreases, and working in the round is helpful for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this project in 2-3 hours, though time may vary depending on experience level and how much detailing you add.