An Introduction from Patricia to Your Classic Garfield Amigurumi
Hello, my dear friend and fellow crafter! I'm Patricia, and it brings me so much joy to guide you through creating one of the most recognizable characters from our childhoods. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about Garfield, isn't there? Capturing his perfectly unimpressed expression and delightfully plump shape was a true labor of love. Every stitch is designed to build his signature look, from his sleepy eyes to his proud belly.
I am absolutely delighted to share this Classic Garfield Amigurumi pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, whether by visiting the blog or sharing your finished creations, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these detailed patterns for our community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, let's get started!
Materials You'll Need for Your Classic Garfield
To make sure your Garfield is sturdy, vibrant, and full of personality, I have a few recommendations. The right materials make all the difference!
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran, 10-ply) yarn in the following colors:
- Bright Lasagna Orange (approx. 150g)
- Cynical Black (approx. 30g)
- Snooze-Time Cream (approx. 20g)
- Pure White (approx. 20g)
- Pale Peach (a small amount for the nose)
- Pro Tip: I recommend a smooth cotton or a quality acrylic blend. Cotton gives fantastic stitch definition, which is perfect for capturing Garfield's clean cartoon lines.
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4). This creates a tight fabric so no stuffing shows through.
- Stuffing: A good quality polyester fiberfill.
- Tapestry Needle: Essential for assembling all the pieces and weaving in ends.
- Scissors: A sharp pair for clean cuts.
- Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds.
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- Stiffened Felt: For the eyes. While I provide a crochet option, using stiffened white and black felt will give you those perfectly crisp, sharp-edged eyes that are so true to the original cartoon.
- Black Embroidery Floss/Thread: For embroidering the whiskers. You can separate the strands to get the perfect thickness.
- Fabric Glue: A small tube of clear-drying fabric glue is a lifesaver for securing the felt eyes and the ends of the whiskers neatly.
- Pins: Lots of them! Pinning every piece in place before sewing is the secret to perfect placement and symmetry.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Your Garfield
This is an intermediate pattern, mainly because of the assembly of many small parts. But don't you worry! I'll explain everything. Here are the abbreviations we'll use:
- ch - chain
- MR - magic ring
- sc - single crochet
- inc - increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec - decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- hdc - half double crochet
- sl st - slip stitch
- FLO - front loop only
- (...) - stitch count for the round/row
- [...] x ... - repeat the instructions in brackets the given number of times
We'll be creating appliqué pieces (the stripes and belly patch) and sewing them on flat, which is a fantastic skill for adding clean details. The most crucial technique here will be patient, precise sewing to bring all the modular components together into that iconic Garfield shape.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Garfield
Remember, every handmade creation is a reflection of its maker! Your Garfield will have his own unique soul. Embrace the tiny variations—they're what make him yours. The slight tilt of his head or the curve of his smile is where his personality truly shines.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Classic Garfield to life! The full pattern is right ahead.
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The Classic Garfield Amigurumi Pattern
Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
Head
Using Bright Lasagna Orange yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 st, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 st, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 st, inc] x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 st, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 6 st, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 7 st, inc] x 6. (54)
Rnd 10: [Sc in next 8 st, inc] x 6. (60)
Rnd 11-23: Sc in each st around (13 rounds). (60)
Rnd 24: [Sc in next 8 st, dec] x 6. (54)
Rnd 25: [Sc in next 7 st, dec] x 6. (48)
Rnd 26: [Sc in next 6 st, dec] x 6. (42)
Rnd 27: [Sc in next 5 st, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 28: [Sc in next 4 st, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 29: [Sc in next 3 st, dec] x 6. (24) Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue to stuff as you go.
Rnd 30: [Sc in next 2 st, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 31: [Sc in next st, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 32: Dec x 6. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Hide the end.
Muzzle Cheeks (Make 2)
Using Snooze-Time Cream yarn.
Rnd 1: Ch 5. Starting from the 2nd ch from hook: inc, sc in next 2 st, 4 sc in last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain: sc in next 2 st, inc in last st. (12)
Rnd 2: Inc x 2, sc in next 2 st, inc x 4, sc in next 2 st, inc x 2. (20)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 2, sc in next 2 st, [sc in next st, inc] x 4, sc in next 2 st, [sc in next st, inc] x 2. (28)
Rnd 4-5: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (28) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Nose
Using Pale Peach yarn.
Rnd 1: Ch 2. In the 2nd ch from hook, work (hdc, sc, hdc). (3) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Ears (Make 2)
Start with Cynical Black yarn. Work in rows.
Row 1: Ch 2. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. (1)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Inc. (2)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st. (2) Change to Bright Lasagna Orange yarn.
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Inc, inc. (4)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st. (4)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Inc, sc in next 2 st, inc. (6)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st. (6)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Inc, sc in next 4 st, inc. (8)
Row 9-10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st (2 rows). (8) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold the ear in half at the base and make a single stitch to hold the fold, creating a slight curve.
Body
Using Bright Lasagna Orange yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 st, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 st, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 st, inc] x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 st, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 6 st, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 7 st, inc] x 6. (54)
Rnd 10-20: Sc in each st around (11 rounds). (54)
Rnd 21: [Sc in next 7 st, dec] x 6. (48)
Rnd 22-23: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (48)
Rnd 24: [Sc in next 6 st, dec] x 6. (42)
Rnd 25-26: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (42)
Rnd 27: [Sc in next 5 st, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 28-29: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (36)
Rnd 30: [Sc in next 4 st, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 31: Sc in each st around. (30)
Rnd 32: [Sc in next 3 st, dec] x 6. (24) Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing to the head. Stuff the body firmly, making sure the base is wide and stable.
Belly Patch
Using Pure White yarn.
Rnd 1: Ch 9. Starting from the 2nd ch from hook: inc, sc in next 6 st, 4 sc in last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain: sc in next 6 st, inc in last st. (20)
Rnd 2: Inc x 2, sc in next 6 st, inc x 4, sc in next 6 st, inc x 2. (28)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 2, sc in next 6 st, [sc in next st, inc] x 4, sc in next 6 st, [sc in next st, inc] x 2. (36) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Arms (Make 2)
Using Bright Lasagna Orange yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4-6: Sc in each st around (3 rounds). (18)
Rnd 7: [Sc in next st, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 8-16: Sc in each st around (9 rounds). (12) Stuff the paw end firmly, then stuff the rest of the arm lightly. Flatten the opening and sc across to close (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 2)
Using Bright Lasagna Orange yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 st, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5-8: Sc in each st around (4 rounds). (24)
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 2 st, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 10: [Sc in next st, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 11-14: Sc in each st around (4 rounds). (12) Stuff the foot end firmly, then stuff the rest of the leg lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tail
Start with Cynical Black yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (12) Change to Bright Lasagna Orange yarn.
Rnd 4-25: Sc in each st around (22 rounds). (12) Stuff lightly so it remains flexible. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Stripes (Make 3 for Back/Head, 2 for Tail)
Using Cynical Black yarn. These are made in a freeform style. The goal is jagged, not uniform!
Back Stripe 1 (Large): Ch 11. Turn, sk 1 ch, sc in next 3, hdc in next 2, sc in next 3, sl st in last 2. Fasten off. Back Stripe 2 (Medium): Ch 9. Turn, sk 1 ch, sl st, sc in next 2, hdc in next 3, sc in last 2. Fasten off. Back Stripe 3 (Small): Ch 7. Turn, sk 1 ch, sc in next 2, hdc, sc in next 2, sl st. Fasten off. Tail Stripes (Make 2 identical): Ch 13. Sl st around the tail to form a ring, sl st to join. Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Fasten off. (Or simply embroider with a satin stitch). Leave long tails on all stripes for sewing.
Eyes (Felt or Crochet)
- Felt Method (Recommended): Cut two large ovals from the white stiffened felt. Cut two heavy, half-moon shapes from the black stiffened felt to act as the sleepy lids. The black lids should cover the top half of the white ovals.
- Crochet Method:
- White Oval (Make 2): In white yarn, Ch 7. Rnd 1: Starting from 2nd ch, inc, sc 4, 4 sc in last ch. On other side: sc 4, inc. (16). Rnd 2: inc x 2, sc 4, inc x 4, sc 4, inc x 2. (24). Sl st to join, fasten off.
- Black Lid (Make 2): In black yarn, Ch 9. Row 1: Turn, sk 1 ch, sc 2, hdc 4, sc 2. (8). Fasten off.
Assembly Instructions for Your Garfield
Patience and pinning are your best friends here!
- Belly Patch: Before stuffing the body, pin the white Belly Patch to the front, centered. Using the long tail, sew it neatly in place.
- Facial Features:
- Lightly stuff the two Muzzle Cheeks and pin them side-by-side on the lower half of the head (around Rnds 18-27). Sew them securely.
- Sew the tiny triangular Nose right where the two muzzle cheeks meet at the top.
- Position the Eyes. They should sit directly on top of the muzzle. If using felt, glue the black lid to the white oval first, then glue or carefully sew the entire eye assembly to the head. If using crochet, sew the white ovals on first, then sew the black lids over the top half.
- Head to Body: Using the long tail from the body, sew the head on. I recommend positioning it slightly tilted back to give him that classic, haughty Garfield pose.
- Ears: Pin the ears to the top of the head, slightly to the sides (around Rnds 5-10 from the center top). Sew them on securely.
- Limbs:
- Sew the Arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck join.
- Sew the Legs to the base of the body on either side, so he can sit in a stable, bottom-heavy pose.
- Tail: Sew the tail to the lower back of the body, centered.
- Stripes:
- Arrange and pin the three Back Stripes onto his back and the back of his head. Sew them down.
- Sew the two Tail Stripes evenly spaced along the tail.
- Whiskers: Cut three strands of black embroidery floss. Thread them through the face just to the side of the muzzle, and secure with a dot of glue on the inside or with a knot. Trim to your desired length.
Tips & Tricks for Your Classic Garfield
- Troubleshooting a Wobbly Head: The head is large! Stuff the top of the body and the base of the head very firmly. When sewing, use a mattress stitch and go around twice to create a strong, stable neck joint.
- Customization Corner: Want a different expression? Try angling the black eye-lids down more for extra sleepiness, or making one slightly higher than the other for a quizzical look. You could even crochet a tiny lasagna out of red, white, and yellow yarn!
- Gifting Your Garfield: This Garfield makes a phenomenal gift for fans of any age. Pair him with a classic Garfield comic book for a truly memorable and nostalgic present.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions
- Q: My stripes don't look jagged enough. What can I do?
- A: Don't be afraid to be messy! The freeform instructions are just a guide. Try varying your stitch heights (sl st, sc, hdc) randomly in a row to create unique, jagged shapes that are perfect for Garfield.
- Q: How do I get the muzzle cheeks perfectly round?
- A: When you stuff the muzzle pieces, use small amounts of stuffing at a time and shape them with your fingers before you sew them onto the head. Pinning them securely before sewing is key to preventing them from shifting or looking lopsided.
- Q: Can I use safety eyes instead of making the eyes?
- A: You certainly can, but it will change the look significantly. The layered felt or crochet appliqué is what truly captures that iconic, sleepy, cynical Garfield expression. If you do use safety eyes, I recommend placing them before closing the head and using black felt behind them to try and mimic the look.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Garfield
You did it! Your very own Classic Garfield is complete, ready to judge your life choices and demand lasagna. Seeing your finished creation is the greatest reward for me. Your engagement with these designs, your wonderful comments, and your shared pictures are what make creating these free, detailed patterns possible. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. For care, I recommend spot cleaning only to keep him looking his best.
Happy stitching, my dear friend!
- Patricia