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Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern
4.3★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.9K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

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

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

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

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a small, cuddly amigurumi penguin named Brian with a removable-looking coat detail and embroidered features. It uses three yarn colours and simple shaping worked in continuous rounds and short rows for the beak. The finished penguin is a compact, gift-able size with friendly features and clear assembly instructions.

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

Designed for beginners, the pattern includes a full materials list, abbreviations, and helpful tips for placement of safety eyes and stuffing. You will learn to shape small parts like flippers and feet and attach them neatly for a professional finish.

Why You'll Love This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it packs so much personality into a small, quick-to-make toy. I enjoy the contrast between the smooth body and the textured coat detail — it makes each penguin feel unique. I love that it is beginner-friendly but still introduces useful techniques like working in BLO/FLO and sewing parts neatly. I am proud of how versatile the design is, allowing you to choose bright or subtle yarns to change the vibe completely. Making a pair or small collection is one of my favourite ways to experiment with color and texture.

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 to experiment with colourways — try pastel shades for a sweeter look or bold variegated yarn for a playful personality.

I often change yarn weight and hook size to make different sizes; bulky yarn creates a chunky penguin, while fingering weight makes a tiny keychain buddy.

I add felt or tiny crocheted accessories like scarves, hats or a tiny bow tie to personalise each penguin for gifting.

I sometimes replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes for a baby-safe version suitable for young children.

Try embroidering different eyebrow shapes or mouth lines to give Brian more expression and character.

Use a metallic or sparkly yarn for the coat to create a festive or holiday edition of Brian.

I like to add wire to the flippers if I want them to be slightly poseable — just insert and secure inside the stuffing before closing.

For a softer look, use alpaca or mohair blend yarns for the body and a cotton for the beak and feet to keep structure.

Create a set by making complementary colour pairs — one with a bright coat and one with a neutral coat — they look great together on display.

If you want a pocket-sized version, use thinner yarn and a smaller hook, and reduce stuffing for a squishier texture.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch marker on the coat increases can throw off shaping; mark the stitch indicated and keep it throughout to maintain symmetry. ✗ Not testing eye placement leads to unbalanced faces; insert and check safety eyes between rounds 14-15 and ensure a nine stitch gap before final fixing. ✗ Overstuffing the body can distort the shape and make sewing parts difficult; stuff firmly but gradually, checking shape as you go and adding small amounts at a time. ✗ Forgetting to work BLO or FLO when instructed will change the edge look and fit; follow the BLO/FLO notes precisely and check stitch orientation before continuing. ✗ Pulling yarn too tightly when sewing the coat on will pucker edges; use moderate tension when whipstitching and ease the coat on to check placement before final sewing.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Make your own adorable Brian the Penguin with this friendly beginner amigurumi pattern. You will enjoy clear step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and full assembly guidance so your little penguin turns out just right. Perfect for gifting or keeping as a colorful handmade companion, this pattern highlights simple shaping and sweet finishing details to make a charming toy.

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)
  • 02
    Colour B: Novita DK Baby Merino, Cream - approx 20g (body)
  • 03
    Colour C: Ricorumi DK Cotton, Pale Yellow - approx 10g (beak and feet)
  • 04
    Small amount of black thread for eyebrow embroidery
  • 05
    Small amount of yellow thread for embroidered beak detail
  • 06
    Note: use yarns of the same brand or known to work up to the same size to avoid fit issues

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm (recommended)
  • 02
    Safety eyes 6mm x 2 (not recommended for young children)
  • 03
    Toy stuffing (polyester fiberfill)
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for construction and embroidery
  • 05
    Stitch marker
  • 06
    Small amount of blush for cheeks (optional)
  • 07
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

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— The Coat :

Info :

Use yarn A. 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

Info :

Mark the stitch just made with a stitch marker.

Round 17 :

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

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. 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: 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. 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. 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 are happy that 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) x 2 (10)

Round 6 :

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

Round 7 :

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

Round 8 :

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

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 so the yellow beak sits equal distance between the eyes; pin in place 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, ensuring the flat end points outward and the curved top is sewn to the base of the coat to provide stability.
  • Attach the flippers to the sides of the coat so the top of each flipper sits about level with the eyes; pin and sew securely through the coat layer into the body.
  • Embroider the small yellow triangle on the tip of the beak and the eyebrows three rounds above the eyes using black thread; weave in all loose ends securely before finishing.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the stitch on round 17 of the coat and to keep track of the start of rounds when working in continuous rounds.
  • 💡Insert the safety eyes between rounds 14-15 on the body and ensure a 9 stitch gap between them before final fixing.
  • 💡Stuff the body gradually while shaping and try the coat on the body to check eye placement and amount of stuffing before closing off the final rounds.
  • 💡Weave the loose tail through the FLO of the final body row to close the body neatly and avoid lumps when finishing.

Brian the Penguin is a small, heartwarming amigurumi perfect for gifting or collecting.🧶 This charming pattern brings bright colour and simple shaping together for a toy you will love to make.🧵 Enjoy the process, try different yarns and make a flock of penguins to brighten your day!😊

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the final size and gauge; use an appropriate hook for your chosen yarn and check measurements as you go.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly, so basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, and decreases is recommended to complete it successfully.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this project in 2-4 hours, though time may vary depending on stitch speed and how much time you spend on assembly and finishing details.