How To Make The Adorable Garfield Amigurumi: A Free Crochet Pattern!

An Introduction from Patricia to Your Adorable Garfield

Hello, my dearest crocheters! I'm Patricia Poltera, and I'm just so delighted to share this Adorable Garfield Amigurumi pattern with you all, completely free! There’s something truly special about bringing beloved characters to life with yarn and a hook, and Garfield, with his iconic charm and lovable laziness, is simply irresistible. This pattern is designed to capture his cuddly essence, from his sleepy eyes to his wonderfully plump belly. It's your wonderful enthusiasm, your beautiful creations, and the ways you choose to support my work and my Pattern Parlour that keep my crochet hooks merrily clicking away, allowing me to share these detailed patterns freely. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being such a supportive and inspiring part of my crafting community.

Materials You'll Need for Adorable Garfield

Gathering your materials is always the first exciting step! For our Garfield, we'll want yarns that give him that perfectly squishable, yet sturdy, amigurumi feel.

Yarn Suggestions

• Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn (or Cotton Blend):

  • Orange: Approximately 150-200 yards (for main body, head, limbs, tail)
  • Black: Approximately 50-75 yards (for stripes, eye outlines)
  • White: Small amount (for eye whites/sparkles)
  • Pink: Small amount (for nose)
  • Red (or Darker Pink): Small amount (for mouth)

• Why this yarn? I find a good quality acrylic or cotton blend in worsted weight is perfect for amigurumi. It holds its shape beautifully when stuffed, gives great stitch definition for those crisp stripes, and is wonderfully soft for cuddling!

Hooks & Notions

The Absolute Essentials

• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) or 4.0mm (G) – choose the size that gives you a nice, tight fabric with no gaps for stuffing to show through. I usually opt for the smaller hook for amigurumi.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill – you'll need a good amount to make him wonderfully plump!
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
• Stitch Markers: Absolutely essential for keeping track of your rounds in amigurumi!
• Scissors: For snipping yarn.

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

• Pins: Oh, these are invaluable for positioning pieces before you sew them. It helps immensely with symmetry!
• Chopstick or Stuffing Tool: Perfect for stuffing small areas like limbs and getting the stuffing firmly into all the nooks and crannies.
• Row Counter: A little gadget that helps you keep track of your rounds without losing count – a true lifesaver!

Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Adorable Garfield

This pattern is great for an intermediate crocheter or an adventurous beginner ready to learn some new tricks! Here are the core techniques you'll be using:

Basic Stitches

• Magic Ring (MR): This is how we start most amigurumi pieces to create a tight, closed center. If you're new to it, there are fantastic video tutorials online. It's a game-changer!
• Single Crochet (sc): The workhorse stitch of amigurumi, creating a dense fabric.
• Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into one stitch to expand your work.
• Invisible Decrease (inv dec): This is my go-to for decreases in amigurumi. It makes your decreases virtually disappear, creating a much smoother finish. To do it, insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch, then into the front loop of the next stitch, yarn over, pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops. Practice this one, it’s worth it!
• Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and finishing.
• Chain (ch): For starting certain pieces or details.

Amigurumi Specifics

• Working in Continuous Rounds: Most of Garfield will be worked in a spiral, without joining at the end of each round. This creates a seamless fabric. Always use a stitch marker in the first stitch of your round!
• Color Changes: You'll be changing yarn colors to create his stripes. The key is to change color on the stitch before the new color is needed. For example, if you're working a black stitch and the next stitch should be orange, you'll complete the black stitch up to the last yarn over, then yarn over with the new orange yarn to finish the stitch. This locks in the color change beautifully.
• Assembly: Patience is key here! Take your time to position everything correctly with pins before you start sewing. A well-assembled amigurumi truly shines.

A Note on Photos & Your Unique Adorable Garfield

Now, my dear, a quick note about handmade creations. Every single amigurumi you stitch, even following the same pattern, will have its own unique charm! Just like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. The photos you see are a guide, a lovely vision of what your Garfield can be. Don't worry if your stitches look a tiny bit different, or if you decide to place his eyes just a whisker further apart. That's the magic of handmade – it's your creation! Embrace those tiny variations; they make your Garfield truly one-of-a-kind.

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The Adorable Garfield Amigurumi Pattern

Oh, I just know you’re going to love stitching up this darling Adorable Garfield Amigurumi! If you enjoy this free pattern, do pop over to Patricia Poltera’s Amigurumi Pattern Parlour for more exclusive PDF patterns and little treasures. Your support helps me keep sharing these patterns! Now, let’s get to crocheting!

Abbreviations (US Terms):

• MR: Magic Ring
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• inv dec: invisible decrease
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• (...) x N: repeat instructions in parentheses N times
• [...]: total number of stitches in the round/row

Head (Orange Yarn)

Round 1: MR, 6 sc [6] 

Round 2: (inc) x 6 [12] 

Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6 [18] 

Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 [24] 

Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 [30] 

Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 [36] 

Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 [42] 

Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 [48] 

Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 [54] 

Round 10-18: sc in each stitch around (9 rounds) [54] 

Round 19: (7 sc, inv dec) x 6 [48] 

Round 20: (6 sc, inv dec) x 6 [42] 

Round 21: (5 sc, inv dec) x 6 [36] 

Round 22: (4 sc, inv dec) x 6 [30] 

Round 23: (3 sc, inv dec) x 6 [24]

• Start stuffing the head firmly. Continue stuffing as you go. Round 24: (2 sc, inv dec) x 6 [18]
• Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. Finish stuffing, shaping the head nicely.

Body (Orange and Black Yarn)

Start with Orange yarn.

Round 1: MR, 6 sc [6] 

Round 2: (inc) x 6 [12] 

Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6 [18] 

Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 [24] 

Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 [30] 

Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 [36] 

Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 [42] 

Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 [48] 

Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 [54] 

Round 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6 [60] 

Round 11-13: sc in each stitch around (3 rounds) [60]

• Change to Black yarn. Round 14: sc in each stitch around [60]
• Change to Orange yarn. Round 15-16: sc in each stitch around (2 rounds) [60]
• Change to Black yarn. Round 17: sc in each stitch around [60]
• Change to Orange yarn. Round 18-20: sc in each stitch around (3 rounds) [60]
• Start stuffing the body firmly. Continue stuffing as you go. Round 21: (8 sc, inv dec) x 6 [54] Round 22: (7 sc, inv dec) x 6 [48] Round 23: (6 sc, inv dec) x 6 [42] Round 24: (5 sc, inv dec) x 6 [36] Round 25: (4 sc, inv dec) x 6 [30] Round 26: (3 sc, inv dec) x 6 [24] Round 27: (2 sc, inv dec) x 6 [18]
• Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. Finish stuffing, shaping the body into a plump pear shape.

Arms (Make 2, Orange Yarn)

Round 1: MR, 6 sc [6] Round 2: (sc, inc) x 3 [9] Round 3-8: sc in each stitch around (6 rounds) [9]

• Lightly stuff the bottom half of the arm. Round 9: (sc, inv dec) x 3 [6]
• Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. Flatten the top opening.

Legs (Make 2, Orange Yarn)

Round 1: MR, 6 sc [6] Round 2: (inc) x 6 [12] Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6 [18] Round 4-6: sc in each stitch around (3 rounds) [18] Round 7: (sc, inv dec) x 6 [12]

• Stuff the foot and lower leg firmly. Round 8-10: sc in each stitch around (3 rounds) [12]
• Lightly stuff the rest of the leg. Round 11: (inv dec) x 6 [6]
• Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2, Orange Yarn)

Row 1: Ch 5. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 chs. [4] Row 2: Ch 1, turn. inv dec, 2 sc [3] Row 3: Ch 1, turn. inv dec, sc [2] Row 4: Ch 1, turn. inv dec [1]

• Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

Tail (Orange and Black Yarn)

Start with Orange yarn.

Round 1: MR, 5 sc [5] Round 2: (sc, inc) x 2, sc [7] Round 3-4: sc in each stitch around (2 rounds) [7]

• Change to Black yarn. Round 5: sc in each stitch around [7]
• Change to Orange yarn. Round 6-7: sc in each stitch around (2 rounds) [7]
• Change to Black yarn. Round 8: sc in each stitch around [7]
• Change to Orange yarn. Round 9: sc in each stitch around [7]
• Lightly stuff the tail. Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

Nose (Pink Yarn)

Round 1: Ch 3. sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch. (2 sc in last ch). Rotate to work down other side of chain: 2 sc in last ch, sc. [6]

• You're essentially making an oval. Round 2: (sc, inc) x 3 [9]
• Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing. Lightly flatten or just slightly pad.

Assembly Instructions for Your Adorable Garfield

This is where your Garfield truly comes to life! Take your time, use your pins, and enjoy the process.

1. Attach the Head to the Body: Pin the head centered on top of the body. Make sure his face is looking straight ahead. Using the long tail from the head, sew it securely to the body with a whip stitch. You'll want to make several passes to ensure it's firmly attached and can support the head without wobbling.
2. Position the Legs: Pin the legs to the bottom front of the body, so Garfield can sit comfortably. Place them symmetrically, about 2-3 rounds up from the bottom center of the body. Sew them firmly in place.
3. Place the Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam, at a slight downward angle, suggesting his relaxed pose. Sew them securely.
4. Add the Ears: Pinch the base of each ear slightly to give it shape. Pin them to the top of the head, a few rounds in from the center, making sure they are symmetrical and upright. Sew them firmly.
5. Embroider the Eyes:
   • Using White yarn, embroider two small ovals for the whites of his eyes, centered on his face. They should be relatively close together, about 2-3 rounds apart from the inside edges.
   • Using Black yarn, embroider an outline around the top half of each white oval to create his sleepy, half-closed eyelids. Add a small black circle or oval below the white for the pupil, just peeking out from under the lid. Add a tiny white French knot or a single stitch for the sparkle in each eye.
6. Attach the Nose: Pin the pink nose in place directly below and slightly overlapping the eyes. Sew it firmly to the face. You might want to add a tiny bit of stuffing behind the nose as you sew to give it a bit of dimension.
7. Embroider the Mouth: Using Red or Dark Pink yarn, embroider a wide, relaxed smile starting from just below the nose, curving out and slightly down on either side. You can make a subtle M-shape if you like, for that classic Garfield smirk.
8. Attach the Tail: Pin the tail to the back of the body, slightly off-center and downwards, giving it a natural, relaxed curl. Sew it firmly in place.

Tips & Tricks for Your Adorable Garfield

Here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years to help your Garfield truly shine!

Troubleshooting Common Crochet Challenges

• Stuffing Showing Through? Your stitches might be a little loose. Try going down a hook size. For existing projects, you can line the inside of the piece with a thin piece of felt or pantyhose before stuffing.
• Wobbly Head? This is a common issue! The key is to stuff the neck area very firmly and use a strong whip stitch when attaching the head. You can also insert a small piece of dowel or a pipe cleaner (bent over and secured) into the neck before stuffing, though I find firm stuffing is usually enough for amigurumi of this size.
• Losing Count of Rounds? My dear, use a stitch marker! Move it up at the start of each new round. A row counter is also a fantastic investment.

Customization Corner

• Give him a treat! You could crochet a tiny orange fish or a little lasagna noodle to attach to one of his paws.
• Expressive Eyes: Instead of embroidered eyes, you could try using small oval safety eyes for a different look, but be mindful of placement for his sleepy expression.
• Slightly Fuzzier? If you wanted a hint of fur, you could use a yarn brush to gently brush out some of the fibers of an acrylic yarn after he's complete (test on a swatch first!).

Gifting Your Handmade Masterpiece

• Personal Touch: Attach a small, handwritten tag with care instructions and a note about how much love went into making him.
• Presentation: Wrap him in a simple ribbon or place him in a small, cozy box. His plump shape will look adorable peeking out!
• Safety First: If gifting to a very young child, ensure all parts are extremely securely sewn and avoid small elements that could be a choking hazard. Embroidered features are always safest for babies.

Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Adorable Garfield

Got a question about your Garfield? Here are a few common ones I hear!

• Q: My Garfield isn't as plump as yours in the photo, what gives? A: Ah, that's likely a stuffing difference! The key to a truly plump amigurumi is firm, consistent stuffing. Keep adding fiberfill until he feels dense and holds his shape well, almost to the point of feeling solid, especially in the body. Don't be afraid to use a lot of stuffing!
• Q: How do I ensure my stripes are neat and don't show the previous color peeking through? A: The trick is to change color on the stitch before the new color is needed. For example, if you're working an orange stitch and the next stitch is black, complete the orange stitch up to the last yarn over, then yarn over with the black yarn to finish the stitch. When working the black round, try to keep your tension consistent.
• Q: Can I wash my finished Garfield? A: Yes, gently! If you used acrylic yarn, you can hand wash him in cool water with a mild detergent, gently squeezing out excess water (don't wring!). Then, roll him in a towel to absorb more moisture and let him air dry completely, reshaping as needed. If you used cotton, similar care applies. Always air dry.
• Q: My embroidery on the face isn't perfect, should I redo it? A: My dear, perfection is overrated in handmade! If you’re happy with his expression, that’s all that matters. A slightly imperfect stitch adds character and shows he was lovingly made by hand. If you truly want to adjust, you can carefully unpick embroidery, but remember the charm of handmade is its unique touch!

A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Garfield

And there you have it, my dear crocheter! Your very own Adorable Garfield Amigurumi! Seeing these little characters come to life through your hands is the greatest reward for me, and I so hope you've enjoyed the journey of creating this cuddly feline. He’s ready for endless cuddles and maybe even a nap or two on the couch. Remember, your continued engagement and support, whether through sharing your creations or visiting my Pattern Parlour, make it possible for me to keep these detailed patterns freely available for our wonderful community. Happy stitching, and may your Garfield bring you boundless joy!