Happy Oinks: Adorable Smiling Pig Amigurumi Pattern

 

A delightful crochet pattern by Patricia Poltera, trendydecos.com

Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of amigurumi with this adorable smiling pig pattern! I've crafted this sweet little "Happy Oinks" pig to bring warmth and charm to your crochet collection. With its cheerful smile, rosy cheeks, and delightfully curly tail, this pig is impossible not to love. After designing over 200 amigurumi patterns, I've found that farm animals with personality always bring special joy to both makers and recipients.

This project is suitable for beginners with basic amigurumi experience, requiring simple stitches and straightforward assembly. You'll practice working in the round, basic increases and decreases, and creating charming details like the curly tail that gives this pig its signature charm. Expect to spend about 3-4 hours on this heartwarming project that's perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself!

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) in pink (for main body), lighter pink (for inner ears, snout accent), and small amounts of black (for eyes and nostrils)
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E/4) - I recommend ergonomic hooks for comfort during detailed work
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill (approximately 2oz)
• Safety Eyes: 9mm black (optional - can be embroidered instead)
• Yarn Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends
• Stitch Markers: For tracking rounds
• Scissors
• Pink Embroidery Thread: For the smile (optional - can use thin yarn)

I specifically recommend worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn for this project rather than a bulky weight, as the finer yarn allows for cleaner definition of the facial features and that all-important smile. Safety eyes give a professional finish, but please use embroidered eyes if this amigurumi is intended for very young children.

Choosing Your Supplies Wisely

• For a truly huggable pig, choose a yarn that's soft to the touch but still holds its shape well. I've found that cotton blends work beautifully for amigurumi animals that need to maintain their form.
• If you're struggling to find the perfect pink, remember that you can easily blend two similar pink yarns together to create a custom shade for your pig's body.

Recommended Supplies

[Note: These are affiliate recommendations. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.]

• Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted Yarn in "Parfait Pink" - This yarn resists pilling even with frequent handling, perfect for a well-loved amigurumi

• 6-pack KnitPicks Stitch Markers - These locking markers won't slip out during complex shaping rounds

Skills Required & Techniques

This pattern is rated Beginner to Intermediate and requires:

• Magic ring/adjustable ring
• Single crochet (sc)
• Increases (inc) and decreases (dec)
• Working in continuous rounds
• Invisible decrease technique (recommended for smoother finish)
• Basic sewing for assembly

If you're new to the invisible decrease technique, it creates a much smoother finish than regular decreases, which is especially important for this pig's rounded cheeks and snout.

Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• inc - increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec - decrease (sc2tog - single crochet 2 together)
• inv dec - invisible decrease
• st(s) - stitch(es)
• rnd - round
• [ ] - repeat instructions between brackets by the number indicated
• ( ) - total number of stitches in the round

Pattern Instructions

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but your tension should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through.

Finished Size: Approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall when completed.

Head/Body (worked as one piece in pink yarn)

Start with a magic ring.

1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
2. [inc] around (12)
3. [1 sc, inc] around (18)
4. [2 sc, inc] around (24)
5. [3 sc, inc] around (30)
6. [4 sc, inc] around (36)
7. [5 sc, inc] around (42)
8. [6 sc, inc] around (48)
9. [7 sc, inc] around (54)
10. [8 sc, inc] around (60) 11-20. sc in each st around (60) - 10 rounds of straight single crochet

[Suggest placing Image Prompt 1: Full Character Shot here]

21. [8 sc, dec] around (54)
22. sc in each st around (54)
23. [7 sc, dec] around (48)
24. sc in each st around (48)
25. [6 sc, dec] around (42)
26. sc in each st around (42)
27. [5 sc, dec] around (36)
28. sc in each st around (36)
29. [4 sc, dec] around (30)
30. sc in each st around (30)

At this point, begin stuffing the body firmly, continuing to add stuffing as you go.

31. [3 sc, dec] around (24)
32. [2 sc, dec] around (18)
33. [1 sc, dec] around (12)
34. [dec] around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Using your yarn needle, weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end securely.

Ears (make 2)

With pink yarn:

1. 4 sc in magic ring (4)
2. [inc] around (8)
3. [1 sc, inc] around (12)
4. [2 sc, inc] around (16)

Switch to lighter pink yarn:

5. sc in each st around (16)
6. sc in each st around (16)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the ears.

Snout

With pink yarn:

1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
2. [inc] around (12)
3. [1 sc, inc] around (18)
4. [2 sc, inc] around (24) 5-7. sc in each st around (24) - 3 rounds of straight single crochet

[Suggest placing Image Prompt 2: Macro Detail Shot here]

8. [2 sc, dec] around (18)
9. sc in each st around (18)

Begin stuffing the snout firmly.

10. [1 sc, dec] around (12)
11. [dec] around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Arms/Front Legs (make 2)

With pink yarn:

1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
2. [inc] around (12) 3-7. sc in each st around (12) - 5 rounds of straight single crochet

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Legs/Back Legs (make 2)

With pink yarn:

1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
2. [inc] around (12)
3. [1 sc, inc] around (18) 4-8. sc in each st around (18) - 5 rounds of straight single crochet

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly.

Curly Tail

With pink yarn:

1. 4 sc in magic ring (4)
2. sc in each st around (4)
3. sc in each st around (4)
4. sc in each st around (4)

Do not fasten off. Instead, ch 6, then work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across to create the curly part of the tail. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Assembly Instructions

1. Position the snout on the front center of the head, approximately between rounds 18-24. Sew securely around the base.
2. Fold each ear in half (with lighter pink inside) to create a gentle curve. Attach to the top of the head, positioned evenly on either side around rounds 12-14.
3. Sew the arms/front legs to the sides of the body around rounds 25-27, positioned slightly toward the front.
4. Attach the back legs to the lower body around rounds 28-30, positioned slightly toward the back so the pig can sit stably.
5. Attach the curly tail to the back of the body around round 28, positioning it so the curl shows nicely.
6. If using safety eyes, insert them approximately 2-3 rounds above the snout, about 5-6 stitches apart. If embroidering, use black yarn to create small round eyes.
7. Using black yarn, embroider two small nostrils on the snout.
8. With pink embroidery thread or thin yarn, create a simple curved smile below the nostrils.
9. Optional: Add small pink circles on the cheeks using lighter pink yarn for a blushing effect.

Tips and Tricks

• When working with pink yarn, keep your hands clean to avoid discoloring the yarn. I learned this the hard way after drinking coffee while crocheting a pink piglet!
• For the perfect smile, pin it in place with sewing pins before embroidering to ensure it's symmetrical and properly positioned.
• To create rounder cheeks, stuff the head extra firmly in those areas using small pieces of stuffing rather than one large chunk.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If your pig won't sit properly, check that the back legs are positioned slightly farther back than the front legs. You may need to adjust stuffing density in the bottom of the body.
• Finding your pig's smile looks uneven? Try marking the smile with pins or removable fabric marker first, then step back and look at it from a distance before making it permanent.
• Curly tail not keeping its shape? Try wrapping the chain around a pencil for a few minutes to help it maintain its curl.

Customization Corner

• Create a muddy pig by adding light brown patches using surface crochet or sewing on small brown crochet circles.
• Fashion a tiny hat or flower crown to give your pig even more personality.
• For a farm theme, create a small crochet apple or vegetable for your pig to hold.

More Than Just a Toy: The Charm of Farm Animal Amigurumi

There's something incredibly heartwarming about farm animal amigurumi that connects us to simpler times. I've found that pigs especially seem to bring smiles to people's faces – perhaps it's their association with happiness and abundance in many cultures. When I designed this pattern, I was reminded of visiting my grandparents' farm as a child and the joy of feeding the piglets. That's why I gave this little character such a prominent smile – to capture that pure joy that farm animals can bring. Whether gifted to a child or displayed in your home, this smiling pig carries that special farm charm.

Gifting Your Handmade Happy Oinks Pig

• Present your pig in a small gift basket with farm-themed items like hay, miniature vegetables, or a barn-red ribbon.
• Include a card with fun pig facts or a sweet message about bringing happiness (just like the pig's smile!).
• If giving to a child, consider creating a simple story about the pig's adventures on the farm.

Care instructions: Spot clean only with a damp cloth. Air dry completely. Not suitable for machine washing.

Explore More Farm Animal Crochet Patterns

Ready for your next project? After mastering this smiling pig, you might enjoy creating an entire farmyard of friends! Explore our collection of adorable farm animal patterns, from friendly sheep to mischievous goats.

Level Up Your Amigurumi Skills

Now that you've tackled this charming pig, you're well on your way to mastering more complex amigurumi projects! The invisible decrease technique you've practiced here is a foundation for creating even smoother, more professional-looking amigurumi. Consider exploring jointed limbs for your next project to add more personality and posability to your creations.

Conclusion & Care

Congratulations on completing your Happy Oinks smiling pig amigurumi! At approximately 6 inches tall, this cheerful little friend makes a perfect desk companion, nursery decoration, or treasured gift. To keep your pig looking its best, display it away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading, and dust occasionally with a soft brush. For cleaning, spot clean only with a slightly damp cloth and allow to air dry completely.

I hope you loved making this smiling pig! Which feature was your favorite – the curly tail or the cheerful smile? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy crocheting! Patricia Poltera trendydecos.com

FAQs

1. Q: Can I use a different weight yarn for this pattern? A: Yes! You can use DK (Category 3) or even sport weight (Category 2) yarn for a smaller pig. Just adjust your hook size accordingly (usually down one size) and expect a smaller finished product.

2. Q: I'm struggling with the magic ring. Is there an alternative? A: Absolutely! You can chain 2, then work your first round of stitches into the first chain instead. This creates a small hole that you can tighten by pulling the yarn tail, though it may not close as completely as a magic ring.

3. Q: How do I make the invisible decrease for a smoother finish? A: Insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then into the front loop only of the following stitch. Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook (2 loops), then yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.

4. Q: Can I make this pig bigger? A: Yes! Simply use a bulkier yarn and larger hook. For example, using chunky yarn (Category 5) with a 5mm hook could result in a pig approximately 9-10 inches tall.

5. Q: How do I make the smile look natural and not lopsided? A: Mark your smile placement with pins first. Make sure to position the smile centered under the snout and use a simple curved line. Take a photo and check before finalizing to ensure symmetry.

Copyright Notice

© 2025 Patricia Poltera, trendydecos.com. All rights reserved.

This pattern is for personal use only. You may make items to sell on a small scale (credited as "Pattern by Patricia Poltera, trendydecos.com"), but mass production, sharing, distributing, or republishing this pattern in part or whole is prohibited. Thank you for respecting my work!