Grandma’s Cozy Teacup Poodle: Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Introduction

Picture this: a tiny, fluffy poodle peeking out of a delicate teacup, her soulful eyes sparkling with charm. Meet Penny the Poodle, your next crochet obsession! This free amigurumi pattern is designed for cozy afternoons, evoking the warmth of grandma’s tea parties. As Professor Patricia Poltera, I’m thrilled to share this beginner-friendly project, perfect for gifting or displaying. Your visits help keep these detailed patterns free, supporting our mission to spread crochet joy and donate to charity. Penny features a fluffy bobble-stitch coat, a dainty bow, and a vintage teacup with a floral motif. Ready to create something irresistibly cute? Let’s get started!

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight cotton yarn (e.g., Scheepjes Catona or Hobbii Rainbow Cotton).
  • Soft Cream (50g) for poodle body.
  • Antique White (30g) for teacup and saucer.
  • Warm Blush Pink (10g) for bow and inner ears.
  • Pastel Pink (5g) and Olive Green (5g) for floral motif.
  • Pale Lavender (5g) for tea bag tag.
• Hook: 2.5mm ergonomic crochet hook for tight stitches.
• Safety Eyes: 8mm black, placed between Rnds 6-7.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill for a plump shape.
• Tools: Stitch markers, yarn needle, embroidery needle, scissors.

Quality matters! Cotton yarn gives Penny’s teacup a crisp, vintage look and ensures her fluffy coat pops. Safety eyes are a must for that soulful gaze. Remember, these are just suggestions – use your favorite colors!

Jump Straight to Pattern Instructions

Choosing the Right Yarn for Heirloom Quality

DK cotton yarn is your best bet for amigurumi like Penny. Its tight twist defines the bobble stitches, creating a tactile, fluffy effect. I once struggled with acrylic yarn for a similar project – the stitches blurred! Cotton’s smooth finish ensures Penny’s teacup looks like fine china. For older crocheters, its sturdiness eases tension control.

Recommended Supplies

• Poly-Fil Stuffing: Soft, washable, and keeps Penny plump for years.

These picks solve common issues like loose stitches or eye placement mishaps, ensuring a polished result you’ll cherish.

Skills Required & Techniques

Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly – This pattern uses simple single crochet and bobble stitches, with minimal sewing. The teacup’s handle requires basic chain loops, perfect for practicing control.

• Techniques:
  • Magic Ring: Creates a tight starting circle for Penny’s head and teacup base.
  • Single Crochet (sc): Forms the smooth fabric for the teacup and poodle body.
  • Bobble Stitch: Adds fluffy texture to Penny’s coat and ears.
  • Invisible Decrease (inv dec): Ensures seamless shaping for a round head.
  • Embroidery: Defines the nose and floral motif with precision.

The bobble stitch is key for Penny’s fluffy look – it pops out naturally, mimicking a poodle’s curly coat. Invisible decreases keep her head perfectly spherical, avoiding the “pointy” look I’ve seen in beginner projects.

Mastering Tension (Your Secret Weapon)

Consistent tension is Penny’s secret to success. Hold the yarn lightly, letting it glide through your fingers. Check your work: stitches should be snug but not tight. Years ago, I rushed a poodle’s head, and uneven tension made it lopsided – a quick re-do with steady hands saved it! For older crocheters, take breaks to avoid hand strain.

Abbreviations

• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• inv dec: Invisible decrease
• bobble: Bobble stitch (4 dc in same stitch, pop out)
• ch: Chain
• sl st: Slip stitch
• FLO: Front loop only
• Rnd: Round

A Note on Photos & Your Unique Teacup Poodle

The photos accompanying this pattern show one possible outcome using specific colors and yarn for this Teacup Poodle. Please remember that crochet is wonderfully creative! Your finished Teacup Poodle might look slightly different depending on the exact yarn you choose, your personal crochet tension, the colors you select, and even small variations in stuffing or feature placement. Embrace these differences – they make your handmade Teacup Poodle truly unique! Consider this pattern your guide, and enjoy the process of bringing your own version to life.

Pattern Notes

• Work in continuous rounds unless stated.
• Use a stitch marker to track rounds.
• Stuff firmly but avoid overstuffing to maintain shape.
• Read all instructions before starting – the teacup’s handle is delicate!
• Gauge: 6 sc x 6 rows = 1 inch (not critical, but keep stitches tight).

Pattern Instructions

Poodle Head

Yarn: Soft Cream
Work in continuous rounds.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st (12)
3. Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6 (18)
4. Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] x 6 (24)
5. Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] x 6 (30)
6. Rnd 6: Sc 10, bobble 5, sc 10, bobble 5 (30) [Visual Aid Suggestion: Close-up photo showing bobble stitch placement]
7. Rnd 7: Sc in each st (30)
8. Rnd 8: [Sc 3, inv dec] x 6 (24)
9. Rnd 9: [Sc 2, inv dec] x 6 (18)
10. Rnd 10: [Sc, inv dec] x 6 (12)
    Insert 8mm safety eyes between Rnds 6-7, 6 sts apart, centered above bobbles. Embroider nose (3 sts wide) below eyes. Stuff firmly.
11. Rnd 11: Inv dec x 6 (6)
    Fasten off, weave in end.

Poodle Body

Yarn: Soft Cream
Work in continuous rounds.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st (12)
3. Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6 (18)
4. Rnd 4: Sc in each st (18)
5. Rnd 5: [Sc 2, inc] x 6 (24)
6. Rnd 6: Sc in each st (24)
7. Rnd 7: [Sc 2, inv dec] x 6 (18)
8. Rnd 8: Sc in each st (18)
   Stuff lightly.
9. Rnd 9: [Sc, inv dec] x 6 (12)
   Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.

Poodle Ears (Make 2)

Yarn: Soft Cream (outer), Warm Blush Pink (inner)
Work in rows.

1. Row 1: With Pink, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 3 (4)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc 4 (4)
3. Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc, bobble (Cream), sc 2 (4)
   Fasten off Pink, join Cream.
4. Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc 4 (4)
   Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.

Poodle Tail

Yarn: Soft Cream
Work in continuous rounds.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 4 sc (4)
2. Rnd 2: Sc 3, bobble (4)
3. Rnd 3: Sc 4 (4)
   Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.

Teacup

Yarn: Antique White
Work in continuous rounds.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st (12)
3. Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6 (18)
4. Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] x 6 (24)
5. Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] x 6 (30)
6. Rnd 6: Sc in each st in FLO (30) [Working in FLO creates a clean base for walls]
7. Rnd 7-12: Sc in each st (30)
8. Rnd 13: [Sc 3, ch 5, skip 2] x 6 (30) Handle loops formed.
   Fasten off, weave in end. Embroider 3 pink roses with green leaves on one side.

Saucer

Yarn: Antique White
Work in continuous rounds.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st (12)
3. Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6 (18)
4. Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] x 6 (24)
5. Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] x 6 (30)
6. Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] x 6 (36)
7. Rnd 7: [Sl st, ch 1] x 18 (36) Scalloped edge.
   Fasten off, weave in end.

Bow

Yarn: Warm Blush Pink
Work in rows.

1. Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4 (5)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc 5 (5)
   Fasten off, wrap yarn around center, leave tail for sewing.

Tea Bag Tag

Yarn: Pale Lavender
Work in rows.

1. Row 1: Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1 (2)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc 2 (2)
   Fasten off, embroider pink heart, attach to teacup with yarn string.

Assembly Instructions

1. Head to Body: Pin head to body, ensuring eyes face forward. Sew with whip stitch, adding stuffing to neck.
2. Ears: Attach ears to sides of head at Rnd 8, 4 sts apart, using whip stitch.
3. Tail: Sew tail to back of body at Rnd 4, curled upward.
4. Bow: Sew bow to top of head, slightly off-center.
5. Teacup: Place poodle in teacup, front paws over rim. Secure with a few stitches if desired.
6. Saucer: Place teacup on saucer, no sewing needed.
7. Tea Bag Tag: Tie tag string to teacup handle.

Pin all parts before sewing for perfect alignment – I learned this the hard way when Penny’s ears went wonky!

Tips and Tricks

• Pro Tip for Bobble Stitches: To make Penny’s fluffy coat pop, push each bobble stitch outward as you work. If it flattens, gently tease it with a yarn needle. Relates to Rnd 6 of Head.
• Prevent Stuffing Leaks: Use a slightly smaller hook (2.25mm) for the body if your stitches are loose – it saved my cream yarn from showing gaps!
• Symmetrical Eyes: Mark eye placement with pins before inserting safety eyes to ensure Penny’s face is balanced.
• Customization Idea: Add a tiny crochet collar to the poodle for a personalized touch – try a chain loop with a bead!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Is your teacup handle too loose at Rnd 13? Tighten your chain loops by pulling the yarn gently before continuing. If it’s still floppy, reinforce with a second yarn layer.
• Having trouble with bobble stitches looking flat? Ensure you’re using DK cotton yarn and a 2.5mm hook. Pop each bobble outward after completing the stitch.

Customization Corner

• Mini Collar: Add a chain-loop collar with a bead at Rnd 9 of the body for extra charm.
• Floral Teacup: Swap the roses for embroidered daisies or lavender sprigs to match your style.
• Poodle Pose: Crochet a tiny crochet cushion (circle with 12 sc) for Penny to sit on outside the teacup.

More Than Just a Toy

Amigurumi is an art form, creating treasures that last generations. I still have a tiny poodle my aunt made me – its worn stitches tell a story of love. Penny’s teacup design is built for durability, with cotton yarn resisting wear. Craft her with care, and she’ll be a cherished heirloom.

Conclusion & Care

Congratulations on crocheting Penny the Poodle! Your 5-inch masterpiece is ready to steal hearts. Hand-wash gently with mild soap and air-dry to keep her pristine. Your visits help keep patterns like this free, supporting our charity mission. Share your Penny in the comments or on social media – I’d love to see her! Happy Crocheting! – Professor Patricia Poltera, trendydecos.com.

FAQs

• What’s the best yarn for this amigurumi? DK cotton yarn like Scheepjes Catona ensures crisp stitches and vibrant colors, perfect for Penny’s teacup and fluffy coat.
• Why use bobble stitches for the poodle? They create a tactile, curly effect that mimics a poodle’s coat, adding charm without complex techniques.
• My teacup looks uneven – help! Check your tension at Rnd 6 (FLO). Uneven stitches here can affect the walls. Frog back and keep stitches snug.
• Can I use acrylic yarn? Yes, but it may blur the bobble stitches. Cotton gives better definition for this design’s vintage look.

Copyright Notice

© 2025 Professor Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com. This pattern is for personal use only. You may not sell or distribute this pattern. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please credit Professor Patricia Poltera / trendydecos.com as the designer.

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