The Crochet Penguin Cuddler is a free pattern here on my blog! This winter lovey is a quick crochet gift idea! Scroll down for the free pattern!
Pattern Design + Construction
This free pattern whips up quickly, which makes it a great holiday gift idea! The small size is perfect for a crochet lovey; however, you can easily increase the size of your penguin cuddler by using bulkier yarn and a larger crochet hook.
The basic stitches used make this pattern fun for beginners, but the tapestry crochet technique can be more intermediate level. This sweet crochet penguin cuddler consists of the front and back panels, which are crocheted in flat rows. We'll crochet the beak, rosy cheeks, wings and feet separately and attach using a tapestry needle. The front and back panels are stuffed and joined together using a round of single crochet. The finished Crochet Penguin Cuddler measures approximately 6 inches tall by 7 inches wide.
Pin this Crochet Penguin Cuddler Free Pattern to your crochet board on Pinterest for later!
Yarn:
We'll be using medium Worsted Weight (4) Yarn for this Crochet Penguin Cuddler pattern. This is my favorite yarn weight to work with for crochet rag dolls and it has a great price point. It's versatile and wears well while also being soft and cozy which is perfect for a stuffed animal or cuddler pattern! You could easily substitute brands of worsted weight yarn as long as the ounces per gram are similar.
For this tutorial, I used the following yarn:
Red Heart Super Saver, Medium 4, 7 oz / 198 g, in the color White
Red Heart Super Saver, Medium 4, 7 oz / 198 g, in the color Black
Red Heart Super Saver, Medium 4, 7 oz / 198 g, in the color Saffron
I Love This Yarn, Medium 4, 7 oz / 199 g, in the color 101 Rosy Cheeks
Additional Crochet Supplies:
If you make a purchase using these links, you're supporting this blogger at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Size G (6) Crochet Hook - https://amzn.to/3ySvm0Y
Tapestry Needle / Yarn Needle - https://amzn.to/2VWOFb4
Scissors - https://amzn.to/3m5VPo8
Stitch Markers - https://amzn.to/3CRYkQU
Stuffing - https://amzn.to/3sKYsgr
Safety Eyes (12mm) - https://amzn.to/2M1hvli
Stitches:
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
Chain
SC - Single Crochet
INC/inc - Single Crochet Increase
DEC/dec - Single Crochet Decrease
Magic Circle
Slip Stitch
For the printable, ad-free PDF pattern: CLICK HERE.
To pin this pattern on Pinterest for later: CLICK HERE.
Crochet Penguin Cuddler - Free Pattern
Back Panel:
With black yarn, chain 17
Row 1: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (16 stitches)
Row 2: INC, SC in the next 14 stitches, INC, chain 1 (18 stitches)
Row 3: INC, SC in the next 16 stitches, INC, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 4: INC, SC in the next 18 stitches, INC, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Row 5: INC, SC in the next 20 stitches, INC, chain 1 (24 stitches)
Rows 6-11: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (24 stitches)
Row 12: DEC, SC in the next 20 stitches, DEC, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Rows 13-15: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Row 16: DEC, SC in the next 18 stitches, DEC, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Rows 17-19: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 20: DEC, SC in the next 16 stitches, DEC, chain 1 (18 stitches)
Row 21: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (18 stitches)
Row 22: DEC, SC in the next 14 stitches, DEC, chain 1 (16 stitches)
Row 23: DEC, SC in the next 12 stitches, DEC, chain 1 (14 stitches)
Row 24: DEC, SC in the next 10 stitches, DEC, chain 1 (12 stitches)
Tie off with a long enough tail to weave in the end.
How to Read The Front Panel Pattern:
For this portion of the pattern, we will be using the tapestry crochet technique. This technique calls for changing colors frequently so it is important to know how to read the pattern before beginning.
This entire pattern is worked in SC unless otherwise specified. For simplicity, 'SC' has been omitted in the written pattern and replaced by the letter of the yarn color we will be using.
For example, B6 means place one single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches using black yarn.
To Change Colors:
On the last stitch of each color:
insert your hook, Yarn Over pull up a loop
drop that color on the back side of the work
pick up the next color
Yarn Over and pull the new color through both loops.
then you'll begin the new color's sequence
Carrying Colors on the Back Side:
In order for our project to turn out correctly, we have to make sure the color changes of the yarn are carried on the back side of the work. The back side will alternate facing toward you or away from you depending on if you're on an even or odd row, since we turn the work after each row.
Color Legend:
W - White Yarn
B - Black Yarn
Front Panel:
With black yarn, chain 17
Row 1: B16, chain 1 (16 stitches)
Row 2: Binc, B14, Binc, chain 1 (18 stitches)
Row 3: Binc, B2, W12, B2, Binc, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 4: Binc, B1, W16, B1, Binc, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Row 5: Binc, B2, W16, B2, Binc, chain 1 (24 stitches)
Rows 6-11: B3, W18, B3, chain 1 (24 stitches)
Row 12: Bdec, B1, W18, B1, Bdec, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Rows 13-14: B2, W18, B2, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Row 15: B3, W16, B3, chain 1 (22 stitches)
Row 16: Bdec, B1, W16, B1, Bdec, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 17: B2, W16, B2, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 18: B2, W7, B2, W7, B2, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 19: B3, W6, B2, W6, B3, chain 1 (20 stitches)
Row 20: Bdec, B1, W5, B4, W5, B1, Bdec, chain 1 (18 stitches)
Row 21: B18, chain 1 (18 stitches)
Row 22: Bdec, B14, Bdec, chain 1 (16 stitches)
Row 23: Bdec, B12, Bdec, chain 1 (14 stitches)
Row 24: Bdec, B10, Bdec, chain 1 (12 stitches)
Tie off with a long enough tail to weave in the end.
Weave in any ends and trim any excess yarn on both panels.
Penguin Beak:
With yellow yarn, chain 3
Row 1: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (2 stitches)
Row 2: INC twice, chain 1 (4 stitches)
Row 3: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (4 stitches)
Beak Border:
Here we are after the chain 1 on Row 3, we'll continue down the left side, around the 'point', and up the other side with a single crochet border until we've arrived at the top right of the beak.
Slip stitch into the first stitch of Row 3 to complete the border and tie off with a long tail.
Rosy Cheeks:
With pink yarn,
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6, pull tight (6 stitches)
Slip stitch into the first stitch of the round and tie off with a long tail.
Penguin Face:
Now, we'll assemble the face on the front panel.
Attach the safety eyes.
Placement is between the 8th and 9th rows when counting down from the top.
Using a tapestry needle and the long tails, attach the beak and rosy cheeks.
Tie off and trim any excess yarn on the back side.
Penguin Wings:
With black yarn,
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6, pull tight (6 stitches)
Round 2: INC, SC in the next stitch* (9 stitches)
Round 3: INC, SC in the next 2 stitches* (12 stitches)
Round 4: SC in each stitch (12 stitches)
Slip stitch into the next stitch, chain 1, tie off with a long tail.
Use the shorter tail as stuffing.
Using a tapestry needle and the longer tail, stitch the opening of the wing closed (flat).
Set aside.
Penguin Feet:
With yellow yarn,
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6, pull tight (6 stitches)
Round 2: INC in each stitch (12 stitches)
Round 3: INC, SC in the next stitch* (18 stitches)
Slip stitch into the next stitch, tie off with a long tail.
Set aside.
Assembly:
Line up the front and back of the crochet penguin cuddler (make sure the correct sides are facing out).
We're going to join the front and back of the body with a row of single crochet using black yarn. With the front facing you, I recommend starting at the bottom right (so you'll complete the flat bottom portion last).
Let's pause at the bottom left and add our stuffing. We want our penguin to be nice and plump without over-stuffing; we don't want to stretch the stitches. Once stuffed, continue single crocheting across the bottom until you reach the beginning of the border.
Slip stitch into the first stitch of the border to complete, chain 1, tie off with a long enough tail to weave in the end.
Using a tapestry needle and the long tails, attach the wings to the body.
For the feet, we will bend the circles around the bottom edge to create semi-circles. Using the long tails and a tapestry needle, attach the feet in place.
Once everything is tied off and the ends are weaved in, trim any excess yarn.
I'd love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @heathercorinne_ or Facebook @heathercorinnecrochets
Chat with you soon,
OTHER FREE CUDDLER PATTERNS:
Reindeer Cuddler / Christmas Tree Cuddler / Tooth Fairy Pillow (You're welcome to make and sell items using my patterns but do not use my pattern or pictures and claim them as your own. Clearly credit the design to me and provide a link back to my pattern. Personal Use Only. ©2021 Heather Corinne)
