Free Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

An Introduction from Patricia to Your Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

Hello there, my wonderful fellow crafter! I'm Patricia Poltera, and it brings me such immense joy to welcome you to this pattern for the Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey. There's something truly magical about bringing a soft, cuddly creature to life with just a hook and some yarn, isn't there? This particular design has been bubbling in my imagination, aiming for that heart-melting level of cuteness that just makes you smile.

Materials You'll Need for Your Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

Gathering your supplies is like the first, exciting step on a wonderful journey! For our Joyful Jumper Kangaroo and her sweet little joey, here’s what I recommend to achieve that wonderfully soft and huggable finish.

Yarn:

• For Mother Kangaroo:
  • Worsted weight yarn (Aran, 10-ply, category 4) in a soft, natural kangaroo color. I’m envisioning:
    • Main Color (MC): Soft Tan or Heathery Light Brown (approx. 150-180 yards / 137-165 meters)
    • Contrast Color (CC): Cream or Pale Warm Beige (for belly, inner ears, pouch lining; approx. 40-50 yards / 37-46 meters)
  • A small amount of Soft Pink or Darker Brown yarn (DK or sport weight, or embroidery floss) for nose and mouth embroidery.
• For Joey:
  • Worsted weight yarn (can be the same as mother, or slightly finer like DK weight if you prefer a more delicate joey):
    • Joey Main Color (JMC): Pale Cream, Light Grey, or a Lighter Version of MC (approx. 20-30 yards / 18-27 meters)

Patricia's Pro Tip: Choose a yarn that's soft to the touch, as these amigurumi are destined for cuddles! Cotton blends or soft acrylics are wonderful. If you want a slightly fluffier look for specific parts, a brushed yarn or even a touch of mohair blended in can be lovely, but stick to smooth yarns for the main construction for clear stitch definition.

Hooks & Notions:

Here's a little breakdown of what you'll need:

• The Absolute Essentials:

  • Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E/4) or 3.75mm (F/5) for the mother kangaroo if using worsted weight yarn. Adjust if your tension is different – you want tight stitches so the stuffing doesn’t show.
  • Smaller Crochet Hook: 2.75mm (C/2) or 3.0mm for the joey if using worsted weight, or adjust to match your chosen joey yarn (aim for very tight stitches for such a small piece).
  • Safety Eyes: For the Mother Kangaroo: 1 pair of 10mm or 12mm black or dark brown safety eyes. For the Joey: 1 pair of 4mm or 6mm black safety eyes (or you can embroider these if preferred for such a tiny face).
  • Stitch Markers: Absolutely essential for keeping track of your rounds!
  • Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends and sewing parts together.
  • Scissors: Sharp ones make for happy crafting!
  • Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing: For bringing your kangaroos to life.

• My 'Game Changer' Recommendations (Optional, but oh-so-helpful!):

  • Straight Pins: For positioning parts before sewing – a true lifesaver for symmetry!
  • Embroidery Floss: For finer facial details if you prefer that over yarn. Black for eyelashes, pink for cheeks perhaps.
  • Small amount of Felt (Pink/Red): For optional rosy cheeks that can be glued or sewn on.
  • A Row Counter: If you like to have that extra bit of help keeping track.

Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Your Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

This pattern is designed with an Intermediate crocheter in mind, but a confident beginner ready for a delightful challenge will also enjoy it! We'll be using some lovely shaping techniques to get that perfect kangaroo form.

Key Techniques You'll Use:

• Magic Ring (MR): The best way to start amigurumi for a neat, closed beginning.
• Working in a Continuous Spiral: Most amigurumi is made this way, so no joining rounds unless stated.
• Single Crochet (sc): The star stitch of amigurumi!
• Increase (inc): Making two single crochet stitches in the same stitch to grow your piece.
• Invisible Decrease (invdec): This creates the neatest decreases. I’ll remind you how: insert hook into front loop of first stitch, then front loop of next stitch, yarn over and pull through both front loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops on hook.
• Chain (ch): For starting rows or creating spaces.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): To join, finish off, or move yarn across stitches.
• Front Loop Only (FLO) & Back Loop Only (BLO): These create lovely textural details or help with shaping.
• Basic Embroidery: For the sweet facial features.
• Sewing Parts Together: Patience and good placement are key here!

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms):

• approx.: approximately
• BLO: back loop only
• CC: contrast color
• ch: chain
• dec: decrease (I recommend invisible decrease (invdec) for amigurumi)
• FLO: front loop only
• inc: increase (2 sc in the next stitch)
• invdec: invisible decrease
• JMC: joey main color
• MC: main color
• MR: magic ring
• Rnd(s): round(s)
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• [...] ... times: repeat instructions in brackets the number of times specified
• (...): number of stitches at the end of the round/row

Don't worry if any of these are new; a quick online search for a tutorial will have you sorted in no time! This is all about enjoying the process.

A Note on Photos & Your Unique Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

As you bring your Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey to life, remember that each handmade creation is a unique piece of art! Your tension, the specific yarn you choose, and even the way you stuff your amigurumi will make your kangaroo uniquely yours. So, while the pattern provides a clear roadmap, embrace those little variations – they're what make handmade so special. The photos you see here are of one version, but yours will have its own beautiful personality!

Wonderful! The full pattern with all the stitch-by-stitch instructions to create your own adorable kangaroo and her joey is on the next page – let the crafting magic truly begin!

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The Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey Amigurumi Pattern

A Little Tip for My Fellow Bloggers and Crafters Sharing Online: To make these round markers truly sing on your beautiful blogs or social media posts, feel free to use your website editor's tools or apps to add a splash of your favorite color or adjust the text size once you've pasted in the pattern! It’s a lovely way to personalize the look.

Notes:

• Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
• Stuff pieces firmly as you go, unless otherwise indicated. Ensure stuffing is even to avoid lumpiness.
• Invisible decrease (invdec) is recommended for the neatest finish.

MOTHER KANGAROO

Head

(Using MC yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) R

nd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18) 

Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] six times. (24) 

Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] six times. (30) 

Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] six times. (36) 

Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] six times. (42) 

Rnd 8: [Sc 6, inc] six times. (48) 

Rnds 9-16: Sc in each st around. (48) --- (8 rounds) Begin shaping for the muzzle area and eye placement. Place safety eyes between Rnds 13 and 14, about 8-9 stitches apart. Adjust placement to your liking before securing them. Start stuffing the head firmly. Rnd 17: [Sc 6, invdec] six times. (42) Rnd 18: Sc in each st around. (42) 

Rnd 19: [Sc 5, invdec] six times. (36) 

Rnd 20: [Sc 4, invdec] six times. (30) 

Rnd 21: [Sc 3, invdec] six times. (24) Continue stuffing, ensuring the head is well-shaped. 

Rnd 22: [Sc 2, invdec] six times. (18) 

Rnd 23: [Sc 1, invdec] six times. (12) 

Rnd 24: Invdec six times. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing if you prefer, though it's often neater to close the hole completely. Weave tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Muzzle

(Using MC yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18) 

Rnd 4: [Sc 5, inc] three times. (21) 

Rnds 5-6: Sc in each st around. (21) --- (2 rounds) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly before attaching to the lower front of the head (approx. Rnds 14-19 of head). Embroider the nose (a soft pink or darker brown triangle) and a small mouth onto the muzzle before or after attaching.

Ears (Make 2)

(Outer Ear - Using MC yarn) Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: [Sc 1, inc] three times. (9) 

Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (9) 

Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] three times. (12) 

Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 6: [Sc 3, inc] three times. (15) 

Rnds 7-10: Sc in each st around. (15) --- (4 rounds) 

Rnd 11: [Sc 3, invdec] three times. (12) 

Rnd 12: Sc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 13: [Sc 2, invdec] three times. (9) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten the ear. You can pinch the base slightly when sewing to give it a gentle curve.

(Inner Ear - Using CC yarn - Make 2, Optional for finer detail) Ch 5. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4. Ch 1, turn. (4) Row 2: Sc 4. Ch 1, turn. (4) Row 3: Dec, dec. Ch 1, turn. (2) Row 4: Dec. (1) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew inner ear piece onto the front of the MC ear piece. Then sew assembled ears to the top of the head.

Body

(Using MC yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18) 

Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] six times. (24) 

Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] six times. (30) 

Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] six times. (36) 

Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] six times. (42) 

Rnd 8: [Sc 8, inc] around, sc in last 6 st. (Or spread increases evenly: [Sc 6, inc] six times.) (48) 

Rnd 9: [Sc 7, inc] six times. (54) 

Rnd 10: [Sc 8, inc] six times. (60) 

Rnds 11-18: Sc in each st around. (60) --- (8 rounds) This forms the wider base. Now we'll start shaping upwards. Rnd 19: [Sc 8, invdec] six times. (54) 

Rnd 20: Sc in each st around. (54) 

Rnd 21: [Sc 7, invdec] six times. (48) 

Rnd 22: Sc in each st around. (48) 

Rnd 23: [Sc 6, invdec] six times. (42) 

Rnd 24-25: Sc in each st around. (42) --- (2 rounds) Start stuffing the body firmly. Ensure the base is flat so it can sit well. 

Rnd 26: [Sc 5, invdec] six times. (36) 

Rnd 27-28: Sc in each st around. (36) --- (2 rounds) 

Rnd 29: [Sc 4, invdec] six times. (30) 

Rnd 30: Sc in each st around. (30) 

Rnd 31: [Sc 3, invdec] six times. (24) Continue stuffing firmly. 

Rnd 32: Sc in each st around. (24) 

Rnd 33: [Sc 2, invdec] six times. (18) Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing body to head. Ensure body is well stuffed before attaching.

Belly Patch (Optional)

(Using CC yarn) Ch 11. 

Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 10. Ch 1, turn. (10) 

Rows 2-5: Sc 10. Ch 1, turn. (10) --- (4 rows) 

Row 6: Dec, sc 6, dec. Ch 1, turn. (8) 

Row 7: Sc 8. Ch 1, turn. (8) 

Row 8: Dec, sc 4, dec. Ch 1, turn. (6) 

Row 9: Sc 6. Ch 1, turn. (6) 

Row 10: Dec, sc 2, dec. Ch 1, turn. (4) 

Row 11: Dec, dec. (2) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew to the front of the body, centered.

Arms (Make 2)

(Using MC yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: [Sc 1, inc] three times. (9) 

Rnds 3-12: Sc in each st around. (9) --- (10 rounds) Stuff lightly, mainly the lower half. Too much stuffing makes them stiff. 

Rnd 13: [Sc 1, invdec] three times. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the opening by sewing flat or gathering stitches. Sew to the sides of the body, near the top (around Rnd 30-31 of body).

Legs (Make 2)

(Using MC yarn) Start with the foot: 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18) 

Rnds 4-6: Sc in each st around. (18) --- (3 rounds) 

Rnd 7: Sc 6, invdec three times, sc 6. (15) 

Rnd 8: Sc 5, invdec three times, sc 4. (12) 

Rnd 9: Sc 4, invdec two times, sc 4. (10) Start stuffing the foot. Now begin the leg shaft: 

Rnds 10-12: Sc in each st around. (10) --- (3 rounds) 

Rnd 13: [Sc 4, inc] two times. (12) 

Rnd 14: Sc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 15: [Sc 3, inc] three times. (15) 

Rnd 16: Sc in each st around. (15) 

Rnd 17: [Sc 4, inc] three times. (18) 

Rnds 18-20: Sc in each st around. (18) --- (3 rounds) Stuff the leg firmly as you go. 

Rnd 21: [Sc 1, invdec] six times. (12) 

Rnd 22: Invdec six times. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the opening. Sew legs to the lower sides of the body, angled slightly forward to help the kangaroo sit.

Tail

(Using MC yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4) 

Rnd 2: [Sc 1, inc] two times. (6) 

Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (6) 

Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] two times. (8) 

Rnds 5-6: Sc in each st around. (8) --- (2 rounds) 

Rnd 7: [Sc 3, inc] two times. (10) 

Rnds 8-9: Sc in each st around. (10) --- (2 rounds) 

Rnd 10: [Sc 4, inc] two times. (12) 

Rnds 11-14: Sc in each st around. (12) --- (4 rounds) 

Rnd 15: [Sc 5, inc] two times. (14) 

Rnds 16-19: Sc in each st around. (14) --- (4 rounds) Start stuffing lightly at the tip, then more firmly as it widens. The base should be quite firm to provide support. 

Rnd 20: [Sc 6, inc] two times. (16) 

Rnds 21-23: Sc in each st around. (16) --- (3 rounds) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly. Sew to the lower back of the body, positioned so it helps the kangaroo balance when sitting.

Pouch

(Using MC yarn for outside, CC yarn for lining/edge if desired) If making a lined pouch, you can make two identical pieces (one MC, one CC) and crochet them together around the edges, or make one MC piece and add a CC border. This is a simple flat pouch that will be sewn on three sides. Ch 15. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 14. Ch 1, turn. (14) Rows 2-10: Sc 14. Ch 1, turn. (14) --- (9 rows) Optional shaping for top edge: Row 11: Sl st 1, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 8, hdc 1, sc 1, sl st 1. (14, including sl sts for a tapered edge) If adding CC edge: After fastening off MC, join CC and sc evenly around the top edge, or all three sides if you prefer before sewing. Fasten off, leaving a long tail of MC for sewing. Position on the front of the body (over the belly patch if you made one, or directly on the body) and sew the sides and bottom edge to the body, leaving the top open.

JOEY

(Using JMC yarn and smaller hook) The joey is very small and simple.

Head and Body (One Piece)

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18) 

Rnds 4-7: Sc in each st around. (18) --- (4 rounds) This is the head part. Place 4mm or 6mm safety eyes between Rnds 5 & 6, about 3-4 sts apart, or plan to embroider them. 

Rnd 8 (Neck Decrease): [Sc 1, invdec] six times. (12) 

Rnd 9 (Body Increase): [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18) 

Rnds 10-14: Sc in each st around. (18) --- (5 rounds) Start stuffing the head and body lightly. 

Rnd 15: [Sc 1, invdec] six times. (12) 

Rnd 16: Invdec six times. (6) Fasten off, weave tail through final 6 stitches, pull to close. Weave in end.

Joey Ears (Make 2)

(Using JMC yarn) Rnd 1: Into a MR, make 4 sc (do not join, leave as a small arc or tiny semi-circle). (4) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew to the top of the joey's head. Alternatively: Ch 3, sl st into 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch. Fasten off.

Joey Arms (Optional, Make 2)

(Using JMC yarn) Ch 4. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st 3. (3) Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew to sides of joey's upper body. These are more suggestive than fully formed.

Embroider a tiny nose/mouth on the joey if desired. The joey should fit snugly into the mother's pouch.

Assembly Instructions for Your Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

Take a deep breath – this is where your creation truly comes together! Pinning parts before sewing is your best friend here.

1. Muzzle to Head: Stuff the muzzle lightly. Position it on the lower front of the Mother Kangaroo's head (around Rnds 14-19, centered below the eye line). Sew securely around the edge using the tail from the muzzle. Embroider the nose (a soft pink or darker brown triangle, horizontally across about 2-3 stitches of the muzzle) and a small mouth (a single vertical stitch below the nose, perhaps with a tiny 'v' or 'u' shape) if you haven't already.
2. Ears to Head: If you made inner ear pieces, sew them to the front of the main ear pieces first. Flatten the ears (do not stuff). Pinch the base of each ear slightly to give it a natural curve. Position them symmetrically on top of the head, slightly towards the back (perhaps around Rnds 5-8 from the starting MR of the head). Sew firmly along the pinched base.
3. Head to Body: Ensure both head and body are well-stuffed, with the body's neck opening (Rnd 33) ready. Position the head onto the body, ensuring it's centered and facing forward. Use the long tail from the body to sew the head on securely, going through stitches of the last round of the body and stitches of Rnd 23/24 of the head. Add more stuffing to the neck area if needed just before closing the join completely.
4. Belly Patch (if made): Center the CC belly patch on the front of the body, below the neck. Sew neatly around all edges.
5. Pouch: Position the pouch over the belly patch (or directly on the body if no patch). The top edge should be open. Sew the sides and bottom edge of the pouch to the body. Ensure your stitches are neat.
6. Arms to Body: Sew the arms to the sides of the upper body, just below where the head is joined (around Rnds 30-31 of the body). Angle them slightly forward for a natural look.
7. Legs to Body: The legs are crucial for stability if you want your kangaroo to sit. Sew them to the lower sides of the body, angled forward and slightly outward. Ensure they are symmetrical. The flat part of the foot should allow the kangaroo to sit.
8. Tail to Body: Sew the tail firmly to the lower back of the body, centered. It should provide a "third point" of contact to help the kangaroo sit stably. Position it so it curves gently upwards or rests on the surface.
9. Joey Details: Sew the tiny ears to the joey's head. If you made tiny arms, sew them to the sides. Embroider tiny eyes and a nose if you didn't use safety eyes.
10. Final Touches: Weave in all remaining ends securely. Gently shape your kangaroo and joey. Add any optional blusher to cheeks. Place the joey in the pouch!

Patricia's Pro Tip: When sewing parts, use stitches that catch the fabric of both pieces securely but try to keep them as invisible as possible. Go slowly and check alignment frequently!

Tips & Tricks for Your Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

Here are a few extra thoughts to make your crafting experience even more delightful and your finished kangaroos truly shine!

Troubleshooting Common Crochet Challenges

• Holes in Amigurumi: If you see stuffing peeking through, your tension might be too loose, or your hook might be too large for your yarn. Try going down a hook size or practicing consistent tension.
• Lumpy Stuffing: Stuff in small increments, pushing it into all the curves and crevices. Don't be afraid to really get in there and shape it!
• Parts Won't Align: Pin, pin, pin! Before you make a single stitch to attach a limb or feature, pin it in place and look at it from all angles. It saves so much frogging (undoing stitches)!

Customization Corner

• Color Play: Don't feel limited by traditional kangaroo colors! How about a pastel kangaroo, or one with fun, bright accents?
• Accessories: Consider a tiny bow for an ear, or a little crocheted flower for the joey to hold.
• Joey's Expression: A sleeping joey (embroidered closed eyes) could be very sweet too!

Gifting Your Handmade Masterpiece

• Care Instructions: Include a little handmade tag with care instructions (usually spot clean/gentle hand wash for amigurumi).
• Personal Touch: If it's a gift, maybe write a little "birth certificate" for the kangaroo, with its name and creation date. It adds such a lovely, personal touch.
• Presentation: Nestling your finished kangaroos in a little basket with some soft tissue paper makes for a beautiful gift presentation.

Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

Here are a few questions I often hear, which might help you too!

• Q1: My kangaroo's head seems a bit wobbly. How can I make it more stable?

  • A: This is a common amigurumi challenge! Make sure you've stuffed the neck area very firmly just before closing the join between the head and body. When sewing, use strong, tight stitches, and consider going around the join twice if needed. Some designers even insert a chenille stem or a small dowel (carefully, if for a child) through the neck into the head and body before final stuffing, but for a soft toy, firm stuffing and secure sewing are usually best.

• Q2: Can I make the joey non-removable from the pouch?

  • A: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can simply place the joey in the desired position inside the pouch before you finish sewing the pouch to the mother's body, and then add a few strategic stitches through the pouch wall and into the joey to secure it permanently.

• Q3: What's the best way to embroider the facial features to make them look neat?

  • A: Patience is key! Use a yarn needle and embroidery floss or a finer weight of yarn than your main project yarn. For eyes (if embroidering), try a satin stitch or a series of straight stitches to form the shape. For mouths and noses, short, precise stitches often look best. Sketch your design lightly with a disappearing ink fabric pen first if you're unsure. And remember, less is often more for that sweet, subtle expression.

• Q4: My pieces are curling a lot as I crochet them. Is this normal?

  • A: Yes, it's quite normal for amigurumi pieces, especially smaller ones or those at the beginning of increases/decreases, to curl. As the piece grows and you add stuffing, it will take its proper shape. Just make sure you're working on the "right side" of the fabric (the side that looks smoother and where the 'v's of the stitches are most prominent).

A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Joyful Jumper Kangaroo & Joey

And there you have it, my dear friend! Hopefully, you now have a truly delightful Joyful Jumper Kangaroo with her sweet little joey, ready to hop into someone's heart (perhaps even your own!). The journey of watching these little characters come to life through your hands is the greatest reward, and I hope you've enjoyed every stitch.

Remember, your continued engagement and support – sharing your finished creations (I'd be overjoyed to see them!), trying out new patterns, and just being part of this wonderful crafting community – make it possible for me to keep these detailed patterns freely available for everyone to enjoy. Happy stitching, and may your days be filled with creativity and joy!

With warmest wishes, Patricia