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Lena the Little Lemur: Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

An Introduction from Patricia to Your Lena the Little Lemur

Hello there, fellow yarn enthusiast! It's Patricia Poltera, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share this pattern for Lena the Little Lemur with you today. There's something so captivating about lemurs, isn't there? Those intelligent, wide eyes and their playful nature are just irresistible. When I saw the inspiration for Lena, with her delightful pink bow and striking striped tail, I knew she'd be a special amigurumi to design and share. Her oversized eyes give her such a soulful, curious expression that I think you'll fall in love with as you stitch.

I'm delighted to share this Lena the Little Lemur pattern free of charge. Your enthusiasm and support—by visiting, sharing, and perhaps even trying out some of my other creations—are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to bring more sweet friends like Lena to our crafting community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Materials You'll Need for Lena the Little Lemur

Creating Lena is such a rewarding process! To ensure she turns out as cute and cuddly as can be, here are the materials I recommend. The right yarn and tools really do make all the difference, especially for achieving Lena’s signature soft look and defined features.

Yarn

  • Worsted Weight Yarn (Aran/10-ply):
    • White (approx. 80-100g): For the main head, body, and parts of the limbs and ears. A soft, smooth cotton or a good quality acrylic will give lovely stitch definition.
    • Dark Grey (approx. 40-50g): For the eye patches, muzzle, hands, feet, and tail stripes. Choose a grey that contrasts nicely with the white and pink.
    • Light Pink (approx. 30-40g): For the tail stripes, bow, and those sweet little cheek details. A soft, pretty pink will really make her features pop.
  • Small amount of Black yarn or embroidery floss: For the nose detail (if embroidering) and pupil highlights (optional).

Patricia's Pro Tip for Yarn Selection: For amigurumi like Lena, I adore using a cotton or cotton-blend yarn. It gives excellent stitch definition, which is wonderful for showcasing the shaping of her head and those distinct eye patches. Plus, it’s durable and holds its shape beautifully.

Hooks & Notions

  • Absolute Essentials:

    • Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E/4) or 3.25mm (D/3). Use a hook size that allows you to create tight stitches so the stuffing doesn't show through. Lena’s neat fabric is key to her charm!
    • Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing: For a huggable, well-shaped lemur.
    • Safety Eyes: 18-20mm Black and Pink (or clear with pink felt backing). Large eyes are Lena’s signature! Ensure they have secure backings.
    • Small Safety Nose (optional, approx. 8-10mm black): If you prefer not to embroider the nose.
    • Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and assembling Lena.
    • Stitch Markers: Essential for keeping track of your rounds.
    • Scissors.

  • My 'Game Changer' Recommendations:

    • Locking Stitch Markers: These are so much easier to place and remove in tight amigurumi stitches.
    • Stuffing Tool (e.g., a chopstick or hemostat): Helps to distribute stuffing evenly, especially in smaller parts like Lena’s limbs and muzzle.
    • Small piece of White Felt (optional): For creating a highlight around the safety eyes, making them look even more expressive like in the inspiration image.

Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Lena the Little Lemur

This pattern is best suited for those with some basic amigurumi experience, perhaps an adventurous beginner ready to tackle color changes, or an intermediate crocheter. We'll be using common techniques, and I'll explain how they apply specifically to bringing Lena to life!

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • MR: Magic Ring (or Magic Circle)
  • sc: Single Crochet
  • inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
  • dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together, preferably invisible decrease)
  • st(s): Stitch(es)
  • sl st: Slip Stitch
  • ch: Chain
  • FLO: Front Loop Only
  • BLO: Back Loop Only
  • Rnd(s): Round(s)
  • (...): Stitch count at the end of the round

Key Techniques for Lena

  • Working in a Spiral: Most of Lena (head, body, limbs, tail) is worked in a continuous spiral. Don't join rounds unless specified; just use your stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. This creates that smooth, seamless amigurumi fabric.
  • Magic Ring (MR): This is my go-to for starting all of Lena’s rounded pieces like her head and muzzle. It creates a tight, closed starting point with no hole.
  • Invisible Decrease (dec): For the neatest decreases in amigurumi, I always recommend the invisible decrease (insert hook into FLO of next two stitches, then yarn over and draw through both loops). This is particularly important for Lena's smooth head.
  • Color Changes: Lena's striking tail requires changing colors. We'll do this at the end of the round before the change. Complete the last stitch of the old color until there are two loops left on your hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull through to finish the stitch. This makes for much tidier stripes.
  • Sewing Parts Together: We'll be attaching Lena's ears, limbs, tail, eye patches, and muzzle. Take your time with this! Pinning pieces in place before sewing is a lifesaver for ensuring symmetry and that adorable Lena expression.

A Note on Photos & Your Unique Lena the Little Lemur

Remember, my dear, every handcrafted item carries a piece of its maker's heart. Your Lena might look slightly different from mine or the inspiration photo, and that's the beauty of handmade! The tension of your stitches, the exact yarn you choose, even the way you stuff her, will all contribute to her unique personality. Embrace it – she's all yours!

Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Lena the Little Lemur to life! Full pattern next.

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The Lena the Little Lemur Amigurumi Pattern

Please read through the entire pattern for each piece before starting. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to keep track. Stuff pieces firmly but carefully to avoid overstretching stitches, unless otherwise noted.

Head

(Using White yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18) 

Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24) 

Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30) 

Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36) 

Rnd 7: (Sc 5, inc) repeat 6 times. (42) 

Rnd 8: (Sc 6, inc) repeat 6 times. (48) 

Rnd 9: (Sc 7, inc) repeat 6 times. (54) 

Rnd 10: (Sc 8, inc) repeat 6 times. (60) 

Rnds 11-20 (10 rounds): Sc in each st around. (60) 

Rnd 21: (Sc 8, dec) repeat 6 times. (54) 

Rnd 22: (Sc 7, dec) repeat 6 times. (48) 

Rnd 23: (Sc 6, dec) repeat 6 times. (42) 

Rnd 24: (Sc 5, dec) repeat 6 times. (36) 

Rnd 25: (Sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30) Begin stuffing the head firmly. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, about 10-12 stitches apart, considering the space needed for the eye patches and muzzle. If using white felt backing for eyes, place it before securing the safety eyes. 

Rnd 26: (Sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24) 

Rnd 27: (Sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18) Finish stuffing the head, ensuring it's well-shaped. 

Rnd 28: (Sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12) 

Rnd 29: Dec in each st around. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the FLO of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Eye Patches (Make 2)

(Using Dark Grey yarn) 

Rnd 1: Ch 7. Starting from 2nd ch from hook: inc, sc 4, 4 sc in last ch. Continue on the other side of the foundation ch: sc 4, inc in last ch (which was the first ch space). (16) Do not join, continue in a spiral. Rnd 2: Sc 1, inc, sc 5, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 5, inc. (20) 

Rnd 3: Sc 2, inc, sc 6, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 6, inc. (24) Sl st to the next stitch to even out. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Patricia's Note: These patches are designed to be slightly oval/teardrop. When you attach them, you can shape them a little more with your stitches.

Muzzle

(Using Dark Grey yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18) 

Rnds 4-5 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around. (18) Sl st to the next stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly before attaching. If using a safety nose, insert it now in the center of the muzzle. Otherwise, you'll embroider the nose later.

Ears (Make 2)

(Start with Dark Grey yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 3 times. (9) 

Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (9) Change to White yarn. 

Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 3 times. (12) 

Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 3 times. (15) 

Rnds 6-7 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around. (15) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Fold the base slightly when sewing to give a little curve.

Body

(Using White yarn) Leave a long starting tail if you prefer to sew the head to the body rather than attempting a seamless join from the head's opening. If you closed the head fully, you'll just sew it on. Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18) 

Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24) 

Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30) 

Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36) 

Rnds 7-12 (6 rounds): Sc in each st around. (36) 

Rnd 13: (Sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30) 

Rnds 14-15 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around. (30) 

Rnd 16: (Sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24) 

Rnds 17-18 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around. (24) Begin stuffing the body firmly. 

Rnd 19: (Sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18) 

Rnd 20: Sc in each st around. (18) Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing to the head (if not seamlessly joined). Stuff the body firmly.

Arms (Make 2)

(Start with Dark Grey yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR. (5) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (10) 

Rnds 3-4 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around. (10) Change to White yarn. 

Rnds 5-12 (8 rounds): Sc in each st around. (10) Stuff the hand part (dark grey) lightly. Leave the rest of the arm unstuffed or very lightly stuffed to allow it to sit nicely against the body. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 2)

(Start with Dark Grey yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18) 

Rnds 4-5 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around. (18) In BLO for Rnd 4 for a flatter foot base. Change to White yarn. 

Rnd 6: (Sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times, in BLO of this round. (12) 

Rnds 7-12 (6 rounds): Sc in each st around. (12) Stuff the foot part (dark grey) firmly. Stuff the lower part of the leg lightly, decreasing stuffing towards the top. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tail

(Start with Dark Grey yarn) 

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) 

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) 

Rnd 3: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 3 times. (15) 

Rnds 4-5 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Dark Grey). (15) Change to Light Pink yarn. 

Rnds 6-7 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Light Pink). (15) Change to Dark Grey yarn. 

Rnds 8-9 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Dark Grey). (15) Change to Light Pink yarn. 

Rnds 10-11 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Light Pink). (15) Change to Dark Grey yarn. 

Rnds 12-13 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Dark Grey). (15) Change to Light Pink yarn. 

Rnds 14-15 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Light Pink). (15) Change to Dark Grey yarn. 

Rnds 16-17 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Dark Grey). (15) Change to Light Pink yarn. 

Rnds 18-19 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Light Pink). (15) Begin stuffing the tail lightly as you go. You want it plush but still flexible. 

Rnd 20: (Sc 3, dec) repeat 3 times (Light Pink). (12) Change to Dark Grey yarn. 

Rnds 21-22 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Dark Grey). (12) Change to Light Pink yarn. 

Rnds 23-24 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Light Pink). (12) Continue stuffing. 

Rnd 25: (Sc 2, dec) repeat 3 times (Light Pink). (9) Change to Dark Grey yarn. 

Rnds 26-27 (2 rounds): Sc in each st around (Dark Grey). (9) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Finish stuffing, ensuring it's even.

Bow

(Using Light Pink yarn) Row 1: Ch 9. Starting from 2nd ch from hook, sc 8. Ch 1, turn. (8) 

Rows 2-5 (4 rows): Sc 8 across. Ch 1, turn. (8) At the end of Row 5, fasten off, leaving a very long tail (about 12 inches). Do not weave in this tail. Lay the rectangle flat. Wrap the long tail tightly around the center of the rectangle multiple times to cinch it and create the bow shape. Secure the tail at the back with a few stitches and use the remaining length to sew the bow to Lena's head.

Cheek Spots (Optional, Make 2)

(Using Light Pink yarn) Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) Sl st to first sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Assembly Instructions for Your Lena the Little Lemur

This is where Lena truly comes to life! Take your time and pin pieces before sewing to ensure you love the placement.

  1. Head to Body: If you haven't joined them seamlessly, sew the Head firmly to the Body. Ensure it's centered and sits nicely. Add a little more stuffing into the neck area just before completely closing the seam if needed, to prevent a wobbly head.
  2. Eye Patches: Pin the Eye Patches onto the head, positioning them around where you placed the safety eyes. The slightly wider part of the oval should frame the outer and lower part of the eye. Sew them on carefully using the tail yarn.
  3. Muzzle: Stuff the Muzzle lightly. Pin it centered beneath and slightly overlapping the bottom of the Eye Patches. Sew it securely to the head. If you haven't inserted a safety nose, embroider a small triangular or round nose onto the muzzle using black yarn/floss.
  4. Ears: Fold the bottom opening of each Ear slightly to create a gentle curve. Pin them to the top of the head, slightly towards the sides, paying attention to the symmetry. They should stand up perkily. Sew them on securely.
  5. Legs: Pin the Legs to the bottom sides of the body, ensuring Lena can sit nicely. Sew them on securely. The BLO stitches on the foot should help them sit flat.
  6. Arms: Pin the Arms to the sides of the body, just below the head/neck join. Sew them on.
  7. Tail: Pin the Tail to the back of the body, towards the lower middle. Ensure it curves upwards or to the side in a lively way. Sew it very securely as it's a prominent feature.
  8. Bow: Position the Bow on Lena's head, slightly off-center or wherever you think it looks cutest! Sew it firmly in place.
  9. Cheek Spots (if made): Sew the small pink circles onto the cheeks, just below and to the outside of the eye patches.
  10. Final Touches: Weave in all remaining ends securely. You can add a tiny white glint of embroidery next to the pupils if you didn't use felt.

Tips & Tricks for Your Lena the Little Lemur

Here are a few extra thoughts to make your Lena even more special!

Troubleshooting Lena's Unique Features

  • Wobbly Head? If Lena's head feels a bit unstable, you might not have stuffed the very top of the body/neck area firmly enough before closing. You can also insert a small dowel or a few chenille stems (folded and ends protected) carefully through the body into the head for more support, though this makes her less squishy for little ones. Usually, firm stuffing and a secure sewing job are enough for a display piece like Lena.
  • Stripes Not Aligning Perfectly? Don't fret too much! Handmade charm includes slight imperfections. The key with Lena's tail is consistent tension when changing colors. If it's very noticeable, you can sometimes disguise a jog with a strategic stitch when sewing the tail on.
  • Eye Patches Puckering? This can happen if you pull your sewing stitches too tight. Use gentle, even stitches. If one looks a bit off, it's often better to undo a few stitches and resew than to try and force it.

Customization Corner for Lena

  • Color Palette Swap: Imagine Lena with lavender and grey stripes, or perhaps mint green! Her core design is so sweet, she'd look lovely in many color combinations.
  • Add a Little Accessory: Besides her bow, you could crochet a tiny flower for her to hold, or even a little satchel.
  • Embroidered Mouth: Lena looks adorable without a mouth, relying on her eyes for expression, but you could add a tiny, simple 'v' or curved smile beneath her muzzle with black or dark pink floss.

Gifting Your Lena the Little Lemur

  • Presentation: If Lena is a gift, consider tucking her into a little gift bag with some tissue paper that matches her pink accents. A little handmade tag saying "Handmade with love by [Your Name]" is always a special touch.
  • Care Instructions: Include a small note advising gentle spot cleaning only, as amigurumi generally don't fare well in washing machines.
  • The "Cuteness" Factor: Lena is inherently adorable! She's perfect for anyone who loves unique, handmade treasures, especially animal lovers or those who appreciate kawaii style.

Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Lena the Little Lemur

  • Q1: My magic ring always seems to have a little hole. Any tips for Lena?

    • A: Absolutely! After you make your initial stitches into the ring, and before you pull it tight, make sure your tail isn't twisted around your working yarn. Give that tail a really firm, steady tug. Then, after the first couple of rounds, I often go back and tug it again. Weaving the starting tail through the first round's stitches before trimming can also help secure it. For Lena's smooth head, a tight start is key!

  • Q2: How do I get the stuffing so smooth for Lena's head? Mine sometimes looks lumpy.

    • A: The trick is to add small amounts of stuffing at a time, rather than big clumps. Use your stuffing tool (or the end of your hook, carefully) to guide it into place, especially around the edges. Keep adding and shaping from the outside with your hands as you go. For Lena's large head, take your time here – it's worth it for that lovely, smooth finish.

  • Q3: The color changes on Lena's tail look a bit messy. What’s the secret?

    • A: For the cleanest color changes in a spiral, always complete the very last step of the stitch before the new color with the new color. So, for the last sc of, say, pink, insert your hook, yarn over with pink, pull up a loop (2 pink loops on hook). Now, drop the pink, yarn over with grey, and pull the grey through both pink loops. Your stitch is complete, and the loop on your hook is grey, ready for the next round! This really helps minimize the 'jog' for Lena's vibrant stripes.

A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Lena the Little Lemur

And there you have it – your very own Lena the Little Lemur! I truly hope you've enjoyed bringing this sweet character to life stitch by stitch. Seeing your finished Lenas out in the world, ready for cuddles or adventures, is the greatest reward for me as a designer. Her big eyes and cheerful bow are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Your engagement, your lovely comments, and seeing you share your creations truly make these free detailed patterns possible. It keeps my creativity bubbling and my hooks busy! Happy stitching, my dear friend, and may your Lena bring you much joy.

For care, it’s best to gently spot clean Lena with a damp cloth and mild soap if she gets a little dusty or marked. Avoid submerging her in water or putting her in the washing machine, as this can affect her shape and the stuffing.

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