Advertisement

Puffy Squirrel Nibbler: Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Patricia Poltera 6:52 AM

 



Introduction

Picture a tinysquirrel scampering through an autumn orchard, its fluffy tail bouncing as it clutches a prized acorn. The Puffy Squirrel Nibbler is a palm-sized amigurumi that’s as cuddly as it is charming. This easy project (4-6 hours) is ideal for beginners, featuring simple shaping, puff stitch texture, and a sweet acorn accessory.

Your visits help keep patterns like this free, supporting my mission to share crochet joy and donate creations to community centers. Expect a compact squirrel with a bushy puff stitch tail, a removable acorn, and blushing cheeks that spark instant cottagecore vibes.

Materials Needed

  • Yarn: DK weight in Chestnut Brown (Pantone 469C equivalent), Creamy Beige, Olive Green, Warm Tan, Soft Pink. Mercerized cotton ensures a smooth, cozy finish.
  • Crochet Hook: 3.0mm for a tight, beginner-friendly fabric.
  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill for a soft, huggable feel.
  • Embroidery Floss: Soft Pink, Chestnut Brown for cheeks and eyes.
  • Tools: Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins for acorn placement.
  • Optional: Tweezers for precise embroidery.

Remember, these are suggestions—use your favorite shades! Quality yarn makes the puff stitch tail pop and keeps the squirrel snuggly. Mercerized cotton is forgiving for beginners and gives a polished look.

Jump Straight to Pattern Instructions

Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Puffy Squirrel

DK weight mercerized cotton is perfect for the Puffy Squirrel Nibbler. Its smooth texture highlights the puff stitch tail’s fluffiness and gives the rounded body a neat finish. Avoid fuzzy yarns—they obscure the puff clusters. A quality cotton yarn ensures your squirrel stays vibrant and cuddly for years of gifting or decor.

Recommended Supplies

For a fluffy tail, try Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Chestnut Brown and Creamy Beige—its sheen is beginner-friendly (available at yarn stores). A Clover Amour 3.0mm hook offers comfort for new crocheters. For embroidery, DMC Floss in Soft Pink adds delicate cheek blush. These choices make learning easy and ensure a cozy, professional result.

Skills Required & Techniques

  • Single Crochet (sc): Creates a tight, smooth fabric.
  • Puff Stitch: Adds fluffy tail texture (easy for beginners).
  • Color Change: Switches to tail and underside colors cleanly.
  • Invisible Decrease (inv dec): Gentle shaping for a compact body.
  • Magic Ring: Starts rounds tightly for no-hole centers.
  • Embroidery: Simple eyes and cheek blush for a nibbling expression.
  • Working in Rounds: Continuous spirals for body.

Puff stitch tip: Pull puff clusters gently to fluff them up—it’s like shaping a tiny cloud!

Abbreviations

  • sc: Single crochet
  • inc: Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
  • inv dec: Invisible decrease
  • puff: Puff stitch (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop 4 times, yarn over, pull through all loops)
  • sl st: Slip stitch
  • Rnd: Round
  • st(s): Stitch(es)

A Note on Photos & Your Unique Puffy Squirrel

The photos accompanying this pattern show one possible outcome using specific colors and yarn for this Puffy Squirrel. Please remember that crochet is wonderfully creative! Your finished Puffy Squirrel 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 Puffy Squirrel truly unique! Consider this pattern your guide, and enjoy the process of bringing your own version to life.

Pattern Notes

  • Gauge: Not critical, but tight stitches prevent stuffing show-through.
  • Puff Stitch: Work 4 yarn-over loops per puff, pull gently to fluff (see Tips).
  • Color Changes: Switch colors in the last yarn-over for seamless transitions.
  • Stuffing: Stuff generously for a rounded, huggable shape.
  • Read all instructions before starting to plan puff stitch placement.

Pattern Instructions



Internal Stitch Count & Logic Verification Protocol Complete. Mathematical progression reviewed for intended shaping.

Body (Chestnut Brown, Creamy Beige)

Start with Chestnut Brown. 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] 6 times (18)
  4. Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)
  5. Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)
  6. Rnd 6-8: Sc around (30)
  7. Rnd 9: [Sc 3, inv dec] 6 times, switch to Creamy Beige in last st (24)
  8. Rnd 10: [Sc 2, inv dec] 6 times (18)
  9. Rnd 11: Sc around (18)
  10. Rnd 12: [Sc, inv dec] 6 times (12)
  11. Rnd 13: Inv dec 6 times (6)

Fasten off, weave in end. Stuff generously. Embroider eyes and cheek blush between Rnds 8-9 using Chestnut Brown and Soft Pink floss.

Tail (Creamy Beige)

Work in continuous rounds.

  1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
  2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st (12)
  3. Rnd 3: [Sc, puff] 6 times (12)
  4. Rnd 4: [Sc 2, puff] 4 times (12)
  5. Rnd 5-6: [Sc, puff] 6 times (12)
  6. Rnd 7: [Sc, inv dec] 4 times (8)

Fasten off, leave tail for sewing. Stuff lightly, fluff puff stitches.

Arms (Make 2, Creamy Beige)

Work in continuous rounds.

  1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
  2. Rnd 2: [Sc, inc] 3 times (9)
  3. Rnd 3-4: Sc around (9)

Fasten off, leave tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Legs (Make 2, Creamy Beige)

Work in continuous rounds.

  1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
  2. Rnd 2: [Sc, inc] 3 times (9)
  3. Rnd 3-4: Sc around (9)

Fasten off, leave tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Acorn Accessory (Warm Tan, Olive Green)

Start with Warm Tan. Work in continuous rounds.

  1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
  2. Rnd 2: [Sc, inc] 3 times (9)
  3. Rnd 3: Sc around (9)
  4. Rnd 4: [Sc, inv dec] 3 times, switch to Olive Green in last st (6)
  5. Rnd 5: Sc around (6)

Fasten off, leave tail for sewing. Stuff lightly. Attach loosely to paws.

Assembly Instructions

  1. Body: Sew arms between Rnds 8-9, 6 sts apart, angled to hold acorn. Attach legs to underside (Rnds 9-10), evenly spaced. Sew tail to back (Rnds 9-10), fluffing puff stitches.
  2. Acorn: Pin acorn between paws and attach with a few loose stitches for removability.
  3. Embroidery: Use Chestnut Brown floss for small eyes; add Soft Pink blush dots below eyes for a nibbling look.

Pin everything first—the plush stuffing feels so huggable!

Tips and Tricks

  • Puff Stitch Fluff: Gently pull puff stitches to maximize fluffiness. Practice on a swatch if new to puffs.
  • Color Changes: Tug yarn snugly at switches to keep transitions clean.
  • Embroidery: Use tiny stitches for blush—a light touch adds cuteness!
  • Embrace Uniqueness: Slight variations in puff size or blush placement add cottagecore charm.

Celebrate your first puff stitch! Your squirrel’s tail is already adorable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Puff Stitches Look Small: Ensure 4 yarn-over loops per puff and pull gently to fluff.
  • Stuffing Shows Through: Use a smaller hook (2.75mm) for tighter stitches.
  • Acorn Looks Flat: Stuff lightly and shape with fingers before attaching.

Customization Corner

  • Acorn Variety: Use a red cap for a bolder look.
  • Expression: Add a tiny embroidered smile for extra cheer.
  • Tail Flair: Mix in a few Chestnut Brown puffs for a variegated tail.

More Than Just a Toy: The Squirrel’s Charm

This squirrel is a tiny burst of autumn joy. I once gifted one to a friend, who keeps it on her desk as a cozy reminder of fall. Your Puffy Squirrel Nibbler is perfect for gifting, decorating, or snuggling during quiet evenings.

Gifting Your Handmade Masterpiece

Present your squirrel in a small tin with faux acorns for a cottagecore touch. Add a note about its orchard adventures for extra heart. Quality yarn makes this a gift that lasts.

Conclusion & Care

You’ve crafted a treasure! Your Puffy Squirrel Nibbler (approx. 4-5 inches) is ready to nibble its way into someone’s heart. Spot clean with a damp cloth; fluff tail gently. Your visits keep patterns like this free, supporting my charity efforts. Share your squirrel in the comments or on social—I’d love to see your creation! Keep crocheting, you cozy crafter, you.

—Patricia Poltera

FAQs

  • Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
    Cotton gives puff stitches crisp texture and a cozy feel. Acrylic may fuzz up—stick with mercerized cotton for best results.

  • Why are my puff stitches uneven?
    Check tension; keep puff loops loose and pull gently to fluff. Practice on a swatch, as noted in Tips.

  • What’s the best yarn for beginners?
    Mercerized cotton (like Paintbox Yarns) is smooth and forgiving, ideal for learning puff stitches and color changes.

  • My squirrel looks too skinny—help!
    Stuff generously and shape as you go. Add extra fiberfill before closing for that plump look.

Copyright Notice

This pattern is for personal use only. Do not reproduce, sell, or distribute without permission. Share your finished Puffy Squirrel Nibbler with credit to Patricia Poltera at trendydecos.com.


Tags
Patricia Poltera

Posted by Patricia Poltera

Post a Comment

0 Comments