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Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
4.0K 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.

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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, stuffed penguin with a colourful removable coat and tiny embroidered details. It uses DK/light worsted and DK cotton accents to achieve a neat, compact finish. Designed to be beginner-friendly, the instructions guide you through simple shaping, sewn-on parts and light embroidery. The finished penguin measures about 5 inches tall with the recommended hook size.

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

Includes step-by-step rounds for the coat, body, beak, flippers and feet. Photographs and construction notes help with placement and finishing.

Why You'll Love This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a simple construction with lots of personality in a small package. I designed Brian to be quick to make, so you can finish a cute companion in an afternoon and still enjoy careful finishing details. I love the removable coat idea — it lets you mix-and-match colours and practise small sewing skills. Making Brian always leaves me smiling because the finished pose and tiny embroidered beak are so charming.

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 the Penguin with different colourways; try pastels for a softer look or variegated yarn for a playful coat.

You can make Brian larger or smaller by changing yarn weight and hook size; use bulky yarn and a larger hook for a chunky version, or DK with a smaller hook for a tiny keychain friend.

I often add embroidered freckles or different eyebrow shapes to change Brian’s expression — a small eyebrow stitch makes a big difference in personality.

Swap the safety eyes for embroidered eyes to make the penguin safe for babies and to practice small embroidery techniques.

Try making a full set of penguins with contrasting beaks and feet colours to create a family or a display of little characters.

I sometimes sew tiny accessories like a scarf or a mini hat to the coat for seasonal variations — these are quick additions that really elevate the finished toy.

Experiment with textured stitches on the coat like puff or bobble stitches if you want an extra tactile finish that stands out.

I also recommend switching yarn fibre for different textures — cotton for a firmer toy, alpaca blends for a softer, squishier feel.

Change the placement or size of the eyes and beak slightly to vary the look from shy to cheeky; test positions with pins before committing to sewing.

For gifting, consider sewing a small loop to the top of the coat to hang Brian as an ornament or attach a keyring for a portable pal.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping a stitch marker when joining rounds can make it hard to identify the start; place a marker at the join to keep track of rows and shaping. ✗ Overstuffing the body early on will distort the shape of the penguin; stuff gradually and test the coat fit as you go for a smooth finish. ✗ Using different brands or weights of yarn for the body and coat may change fit dramatically; try to use yarns that work to the same gauge or adjust hook size. ✗ Placing safety eyes too early or too close together will alter the face proportions; insert eyes between the recommended rounds and ensure a 9-stitch gap as instructed. ✗ Pulling the yarn too tightly when working in BLO or FLO will change the edge shape; maintain consistent, moderate tension to keep edges flat for sewing.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Make a charming Brian the Penguin with this beginner-friendly crochet pattern. You'll create a sweet, palm-sized penguin with a removable coat, cute beak, flippers and little feet. Clear step-by-step instructions and photographs guide you through every stitch. Perfect as a small gift or a colourful addition to your amigurumi collection.

Beginner Friendly 2-4 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 (used for the coat and outer colour)
  • 02
    Colour (B): Novita DK Baby Merino, Cream - approx. 20g (used for the body)
  • 03
    Colour (C): Ricorumi DK Cotton, Pale Yellow - approx. 10g (used for beak and feet)
  • 04
    Small amounts of black thread and yellow thread for embroidery (eyebrows and beak detail)
  • 05
    Use yarns from the same weight/brand where possible to ensure consistent gauge and fit

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm (recommended)
  • 02
    Safety eyes 6mm x 2 (safety eyes are not recommended for young children)
  • 03
    Toy stuffing (polyester fibrefill)
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for construction and embroidery
  • 05
    Stitch marker
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Small amount of black and yellow embroidery thread
  • 08
    Blush or fabric-safe colour for cheeks (optional)
  • 09
    Pins for assembly

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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 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. Weave in the loose end.

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. 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)

Info :

SS, break yarn & pull through. Leave a long tail 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 ensuring the yellow beak sits equal distance between the eyes; pin in place and sew the coat securely to the body using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
  • Sew the feet to the bottom of the body with the flat end pointing outward; securely attach the top of the curved section of each foot to the base of the coat.
  • Fold each flipper flat and sew the top closed, then attach the flippers to the sides of the coat with the top of the flipper about level with the eyes.
  • Attach the beak to the coat at the marked stitch on round 17; embroider a small yellow triangle on the tip of the beak and weave in all loose ends to finish.
  • After attaching eyes and finishing embroidery, weave the final tail through the FLO of the last body row to close the opening and secure stuffing.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a stitch marker at the beginning of rounds and to mark the coat join so you know where to attach the beak later.
  • 💡Insert safety eyes between rounds 14-15 with a 9 stitch gap; safety eyes are not recommended for young children so consider embroidering eyes for toys intended for small children.
  • 💡Stuff gradually while shaping the body and check the coat fit as you go; overstuffing can distort the final shape.
  • 💡Weave ends and secure sewn seams firmly; use pins to hold parts in place before sewing to ensure correct positioning and symmetry.

Create bright, handmade joy with Brian the Penguin — a small, squishy friend perfect for gifting or displaying. Mix colours for a wardrobe of tiny penguins and practice simple sewing and embroidery skills as you go. Make one today and share your photos online to brighten someone’s 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 2.5mm hook and the yarns suggested in the pattern.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will affect the final size and fit of the coat; make sure to adjust your hook size accordingly and check gauge.

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 recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this project in 2-4 hours, depending on experience, the number of colours used and time taken for finishing and sewing.

Are safety eyes necessary?

The pattern uses 6mm safety eyes but they are not recommended for toys for very young children; you can embroider eyes instead for a child-safe version.