Crochet Penguin Pattern: A Free, Easy Amigurumi Penguin with a Scarf

This crochet penguin is a chubby little amigurumi with a round tummy, flippers, orange feet and a cosy red scarf, and it is one of the cutest winter makes you can hook in an afternoon. The body and head are worked in one piece in continuous rounds of double crochet, so there is very little sewing, and every round has its stitch count in brackets.

We have written this crochet penguin pattern in UK crochet terms, with the US terms alongside in the abbreviations table. It makes a penguin about 11 to 12cm tall in DK yarn, and at the end you will find a Santa hat, a keyring version and ideas for turning your penguin crochet into Christmas gifts and decorations.

Why you will love this crochet penguin

Penguins are everywhere in winter, from Christmas cards to jumpers, and a crochet penguin is just as popular. People love them on mantelpieces, tucked into stockings and, as the yarn bombers of Port Glasgow showed with their giant penguin on a post box, perched anywhere that needs a smile.

• One-piece body: the head and body are a single egg shape, so you only sew on the small parts.
• Beginner friendly: you only need a magic ring, double crochet, increases and decreases.
• Quick: most people finish a crochet penguin in 3 to 4 hours.
• Scrap friendly: the beak, feet and scarf use tiny amounts of leftover yarn.
• Easy to change: add a Santa hat, a bobble hat or a keyring loop.

What you need for this crochet penguin

• Yarn: DK (light worsted) acrylic or cotton. About 35g of grey or black for the body and flippers, 10g of white, 5g of orange and 5g of red for the scarf.
• Hook: 3.5mm (UK 9, US E-4). Use a 3mm hook if your fabric shows gaps.
• Safety eyes: two 9mm safety eyes, or black yarn to embroider the eyes for small children.
• Toy stuffing: a small bag of polyester toy filling.
• Other bits: a stitch marker, a yarn needle and scissors.

Not sure which hook to use? Our crochet hooks guide explains sizes, and our crochet yarn guide covers fibres and weights. DK sits in the middle of the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system.

Abbreviations (UK terms with US equivalents)

UK term	Abbreviation	US term
Magic ring	MR	Magic ring
Chain	ch	Chain
Slip stitch	ss	Slip stitch (sl st)
Double crochet	dc	Single crochet (sc)
Half treble crochet	htr	Half double crochet (hdc)
Increase	inc	2 dc (US sc) in the same stitch
Decrease	dec	Double crochet two together (US sc2tog), or an invisible decrease

New to UK terms? Our UK vs US crochet terms guide explains the differences. Every part starts with a magic ring; if you need a refresher, follow our magic ring tutorial.

How the crochet penguin pattern is worked

Each piece of this crochet penguin is worked in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join with a slip stitch at the end of a round; simply carry on into the first stitch of the next round. Put a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up as you go.

Work firmly so the stuffing does not show through. For a neater finish on the body, use the invisible decrease: insert the hook into the front loop only of the next two stitches, yarn round and pull through both loops, then complete the double crochet as normal.

Crochet penguin pattern: the body and head

Use grey or black yarn. The body starts at the base and finishes at the top of the head.

1. Round 1: 6 dc into a magic ring. (6)
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: *1 dc, inc* six times. (18)
4. Round 4: *2 dc, inc* six times. (24)
5. Round 5: *3 dc, inc* six times. (30)
6. Round 6: *4 dc, inc* six times. (36)
7. Rounds 7 to 16: 1 dc in each st around. (36)
8. Round 17: *4 dc, dec* six times. (30)
9. Rounds 18 to 20: 1 dc in each st around. (30)
10. Round 21: *3 dc, dec* six times. (24)
11. Rounds 22 to 24: 1 dc in each st around. (24)

Now attach the safety eyes between Rounds 21 and 22, about 6 stitches apart, but do not fix the backs yet. You will add the white eye patches first (see below), then push the eyes through them. Start stuffing the body firmly, filling the base well so your crochet penguin sits up.

12. Round 25: *2 dc, dec* six times. (18)
13. Round 26: *1 dc, dec* six times. (12)
14. Round 27: dec six times. (6)

Finish stuffing, fasten off and thread the tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the head and weave in the end.

Tummy and face patches

White tummy

Use white yarn. The tummy is an oval worked around both sides of a chain.

1. Foundation: 7 ch.
2. Round 1: starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, 1 dc in each of the next 5 ch, 3 dc in the last ch. Turn the work and continue along the other side of the chain: 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch, 2 dc in the last ch. Join with a ss to the first dc. (14)
3. Round 2: 1 ch, 2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 dc in each of the next 3 sts, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 dc in each of the last 2 sts. Join with a ss. (20)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the tummy to the front of the body, centred between Round 6 and Round 18.

White eye patches (make 2)

1. Round 1: 6 dc into a magic ring. Join with a ss. (6)
2. Round 2: 1 ch, 2 dc in each st around. Join with a ss. (12)

Push each safety eye through the centre of a patch, then back into the body where you marked it. Fix the backs firmly, and sew the patches so they overlap slightly in the middle like a heart-shaped face.

Crochet penguin parts: beak, flippers and feet

Beak

Use orange yarn.

1. Round 1: 4 dc into a magic ring. (4)
2. Round 2: *1 dc, inc* twice. (6)

Fasten off without stuffing and sew the beak just below the eyes, where the two patches meet.

Flippers (make 2)

Use grey or black yarn.

1. Round 1: 6 dc into a magic ring. (6)
2. Round 2: *1 dc, inc* three times. (9)
3. Rounds 3 to 7: 1 dc in each st around. (9)

Do not stuff. Flatten the opening and work 4 dc through both layers to close it. Fasten off and sew the flippers to the sides of the body at about Round 20, angled slightly forwards.

Feet (make 2)

Use orange yarn.

1. Round 1: 5 dc into a magic ring. (5)
2. Round 2: 2 dc in each st around. Join with a ss. (10)

Fold each circle in half to make a semicircle and sew it flat. Stitch the straight edge of each foot under the front of the body so the rounded edges peep out.

The red scarf

Use red yarn. The scarf is one row of half trebles.

1. Foundation: 41 ch.
2. Row 1: 1 htr in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch to the end. (39 htr)

Fasten off. Cut six 5cm lengths of red yarn and knot three into each end as a fringe. Wrap the scarf around the neck of your crochet penguin, between Rounds 21 and 22, and add a stitch at the back so it stays put.

If half treble is new to you, our half treble crochet guide shows the stitch step by step.

Optional: Santa hat for your penguin crochet

A little Santa hat turns this crochet penguin into a Christmas decoration. Use red yarn, then white for the brim.

1. Round 1: 6 dc into a magic ring. (6)
2. Round 2: *1 dc, inc* three times. (9)
3. Round 3: *2 dc, inc* three times. (12)
4. Round 4: *3 dc, inc* three times. (15)
5. Round 5: *4 dc, inc* three times. (18)
6. Round 6: *5 dc, inc* three times. (21)
7. Round 7: *6 dc, inc* three times. (24)
8. Round 8: change to white. 1 dc in each st around, then join with a ss. (24)

Fasten off. Make a small white pompom or a white bobble for the tip, fold the point over and sew the hat to the head.

Assembling your crochet penguin

1. Check the eyes are level before fixing the backs, and make sure the eye patches overlap evenly.
2. Pin every part in place before you sew. Small changes in flipper angle give your penguin a lot of character.
3. Sew with the same colour as the piece you are attaching, using small stitches through the front loops.
4. Hide the yarn ends by passing them through the body and out the other side, then snip them close.
5. Add a little pink yarn or blusher on the cheeks for an extra cute crochet penguin.

Choosing colours for your penguin

Real penguins come in more colours than you might think, so you have plenty of choice. A classic emperor style uses dark grey or charcoal for the body, white for the tummy and face, and a soft yellow or orange for the beak and feet. A black body gives a sharp, cartoon look, while a mid grey looks softer and shows the stitches better in photos.

• Charcoal and cream: warm and cosy, lovely for a winter shelf.
• Black and bright white: crisp and graphic, great for children.
• Navy and pale blue: a modern, Scandinavian feel.
• Scarf colours: red for Christmas, a stripe of two colours for a football fan, or pastel pink for a baby gift.

If you are using up scraps, check that all the yarns are the same weight. Mixing a thicker yarn into one part changes its size and can make the flippers or feet look out of proportion.

Common problems and easy fixes

The stuffing shows through the stitches

Your tension is a little loose for the yarn. Go down half a hook size, or work the body in the back loops only for a denser fabric. Stuffing a little less firmly also helps.

The body leans to one side

This usually comes from uneven stuffing. Push extra filling into the base and press the bottom flat against the table while you stuff. A few glass pellets in a small fabric bag at the base also help the penguin stand, but keep them out of toys for young children.

The increases make a hexagon shape

Increases stacked in the same place can create corners. Stagger them by starting Rounds 4 and 6 with the increase instead of the plain stitches. The stitch counts stay exactly the same.

The flippers stick straight out

Sew only the top edge of each flipper to the body, then add one small stitch halfway down to hold it close to the side.

Gifting and packaging ideas

Handmade penguins make thoughtful presents, and a little packaging makes them feel special. Pop one into a clear cellophane bag tied with red and white baker’s twine, or tuck it into a small kraft box lined with tissue paper. Add a tag with the care instructions: hand wash in cool water, squeeze gently and dry flat.

For a Christmas morning surprise, sit a penguin on top of a wrapped present instead of a bow, or make a mini penguin as a place setting for each guest at the table. They also make sweet advent calendar treats; see our crochet advent calendar for a pouch design that a keyring penguin fits into perfectly.

Crochet penguin variations

• Keyring penguin: work Rounds 1 to 4 of the body (24 sts), then 6 rounds of 1 dc in each st (24), then finish with Rounds 25 to 27. Add a keyring loop at the top. It makes a penguin about 5cm tall.
• Baby penguin: make the body in light grey with a darker grey head stripe, like a fluffy chick.
• Bobble hat penguin: work the Santa hat in any colour and add a contrast pompom.
• Penguin family: use aran yarn and a 4.5mm hook for a bigger parent penguin, about 15cm tall.
• Tree ornament: sew a ribbon loop to the head so your crochet penguin hangs on the tree.

Ways to use your crochet penguin

A crochet penguin makes a lovely stocking filler, a winter table decoration or a little gift for teachers and friends. Group a few penguins on a shelf with our crochet snowman and crochet reindeer for a snowy winter scene. For more small gift ideas, see our crochet stocking fillers.

If you enjoy animal makes, try our crochet animals guide, the crochet chicken pattern or the friendly crochet Santa. You can read more about the history of crocheted toys on the Wikipedia page on amigurumi.

Tips for a neat crochet penguin

• Keep your tension tight: a smaller hook than the ball band suggests gives a firm fabric with no gaps.
• Count every round: one missed increase changes the shape, so check the number in brackets.
• Stuff little and often: add small pieces of stuffing at a time for a smooth, even shape.
• Use the invisible decrease: it keeps the head round without little bumps.
• Child safety: for babies and toddlers, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes, and sew every part on very securely.

Hang your penguins along a crochet Christmas garland with stars and baubles.

Frequently asked questions about the crochet penguin

How long does it take to make a crochet penguin?

Most people finish this crochet penguin in 3 to 4 hours. The body takes about half the time; the small parts and sewing take the rest.

What yarn is best for a crochet penguin?

DK acrylic or cotton works well. Acrylic is soft and washable, while cotton gives crisp stitch definition. Use about 35g of grey or black and small amounts of white, orange and red.

How big is the finished penguin?

With DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook the penguin is about 11 to 12cm tall. Aran yarn and a 4.5mm hook make a penguin about 15cm tall.

Is this penguin crochet pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes. If you can make a magic ring, double crochet, increase and decrease, you can make this penguin. The shaping is all in the stitch counts.

Is this crochet penguin pattern in UK or US terms?

It is written in UK terms. In US terms, every dc is a single crochet (sc) and the htr in the scarf is a half double crochet (hdc).