An Introduction from Patricia to Your Celestial Beagle
Hello, my dear friend, and welcome! I’m Patricia Poltera, and I'm so thrilled you’re here. There are some projects that feel less like crafting and more like capturing a little piece of magic, and creating Somnus, the Dreamer's Beagle, is one of them. This isn't just any beagle; he’s a guardian of sweet dreams, a tiny constellation brought down to earth. The moment I envisioned his serene, embroidered expression and star-dusted ears, I knew this pattern had to be shared.
I am absolutely delighted to offer this pattern for free. Your enthusiasm, your visits, and your shares are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these unique friends for our wonderful community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here.
Materials You'll Need for Somnus, the Dreamer's Beagle
Gathering the right materials is like an astronomer choosing the perfect lens to view the stars. The right textures and colors are what will make our Somnus truly shimmer with celestial life.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran, 10-ply) yarn in the following colors:
- Starlight White: ~100g. I recommend a fuzzy or lightly brushed yarn with a silver filament, like Lion Brand's "Feels Like Butta" held with a single strand of silver metallic floss. This gives that essential, subtle starlit shimmer.
- Midnight Blue: ~20g. A smooth, dark navy for the ears and moon spot.
- Pale Gold: ~10g. For the collar.
- Deep Indigo: A small amount for the nose.
- Embroidery Thread:
- Astral Silver: A shimmery metallic thread for the eyes and constellation details.
- Pale Yellow: A small amount for accent stars on the ears.
- Crochet Hook: 3.25mm (D-3). Using a slightly smaller hook than the yarn calls for is our secret to creating a dense, seamless fabric with no gaps.
- Other Notions:
- Polyester Fiberfill for stuffing
- A small pouch of Poly-Pellets (optional, for weighting the base)
- Yarn needle for assembly and embroidery
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- A tiny silver bell or star charm (optional, for collar)
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- A Fine-Tipped Embroidery Needle: For the constellation details, a sharper, thinner needle will make working with the metallic floss much easier and give you cleaner results.
- Knee-High Stocking: If you're using Poly-Pellets, pouring them into a small section of a knee-high stocking and tying it off creates a secure, self-contained pouch that won't risk spilling pellets through your stitches.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Somnus
This pattern is best for an intermediate crocheter who is comfortable with shaping and enjoys a bit of delicate embroidery. Every technique here is chosen specifically to give Somnus his serene, otherworldly character.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- MR: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease (crochet 2 stitches together through the front loops only)
- sl st: slip stitch
- FO: fasten off
- st(s): stitch(es)
Key Techniques
- Working in a Continuous Spiral: We'll use this for the head/body to create a perfectly smooth, seamless surface without a joining seam. A stitch marker is your best friend here!
- The Invisible Decrease: This is crucial for ensuring your decreases are clean and don't create little bumps, maintaining that flawless ovoid shape of Somnus's body.
- Embroidery: We’ll use simple stitches to create powerful effects. The closed eyes are just a gentle curve, and the constellations are a combination of French Knots and tiny straight stitches. This detail work is what truly brings his gentle personality to life.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Somnus
Every handmade creation is a unique star in the craft universe! Your Somnus will have his own personality based on your yarn choice, your stitch tension, and the constellations you choose to give him. Embrace this beautiful uniqueness—it’s the magic of bringing yarn to life.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Somnus, the Dreamer's Beagle, to life! The full pattern is next.
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The Somnus, the Dreamer's Beagle Amigurumi Pattern
Notes: This pattern is worked in a continuous spiral unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
Head and Body (Start with Starlight White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 8 - 15: Sc in each st around (8 rounds). (42)
Rnd 16: [Sc 5, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 17: [Sc 4, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 18: [Sc 3, dec] x 6. (24)
Rnd 19: [Sc 2, dec] x 6. (18) Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 20: [Sc 2, inc] x 6. (24) (This creates the neck shaping)
Rnd 21: [Sc 3, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 22: [Sc 4, inc] x 6. (36)
Rnd 23: [Sc 5, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 24 - 32: Sc in each st around (9 rounds). (42)
Rnd 33: [Sc 5, dec] x 6. (36) If using poly-pellets, insert the weighted pouch now at the base of the body. Continue stuffing the body firmly around it.
Rnd 34: [Sc 4, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 35: [Sc 3, dec] x 6. (24)
Rnd 36: [Sc 2, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 37: [Sc 1, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 38: Dec x 6. (6) FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end.
Muzzle (Starlight White)
Rnd 1: Ch 5. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook: inc, sc 2, 4 sc in the last ch. Working down the other side of the chain: sc 2, inc in the last st. (12)
Rnd 2: Inc x 2, sc 2, inc x 4, sc 2, inc x 2. (20)
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (20) FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly before attaching.
Ears (Make 2, in Midnight Blue)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4 - 8: Sc in each st around (5 rounds). (18)
Rnd 9: [Sc 4, dec] x 3. (15)
Rnd 10 - 11: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (15)
Rnd 12: [Sc 3, dec] x 3. (12)
Rnd 13 - 14: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (12) FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the ears. Flatten them.
Arms (Make 2, in Starlight White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [Sc 2, inc] x 2. (8)
Rnd 3 - 7: Sc in each st around (5 rounds). (8) Stuff lightly only at the very bottom (the paw). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Feet (Make 2, in Starlight White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 3, inc] x 3. (15)
Rnd 4 - 5: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (15)
Rnd 6: [Sc 3, dec] x 3. (12) Stuff firmly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Crescent Moon Spot (Midnight Blue)
This is worked in rows.
Row 1: Ch 11. Start in 2nd ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, dc 4, hdc, sc, sl st. (10) FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Collar (Pale Gold)
Measure around Somnus's neck (approx. Rnd 20) before making. The chain should fit snugly but not too tightly. Adjust ch count if needed.
Row 1: Ch 21 (or to fit). Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (20) FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Attach the small charm to the center before sewing the collar onto the neck.
Assembly Instructions for Your Somnus
Patience during assembly is what brings all the pieces together into a coherent, soulful character. Pin everything in place before sewing!
- Muzzle: Sew the muzzle to the front of the head, centered between rounds 11 and 17. The top of the muzzle should be just under the halfway point of the head. Add a small amount of stuffing just before you close the seam.
- Nose: Using Deep Indigo yarn, crochet a small, slightly rounded triangle (e.g., start with 4 sc in a MR, then inc to 6, then shape). Or, embroider a satin-stitch triangle nose onto the tip of the muzzle. Attach it to the upper-center of the muzzle.
- Eyes: Using the Astral Silver embroidery thread, embroider the closed, serene eyes. They should be simple downward curves, placed about 2-3 rounds above the muzzle, approximately 12 stitches apart.
- Ears & Constellations: Before attaching the ears, use the Astral Silver and Pale Yellow thread to embroider your constellations. Use French knots for stars and tiny straight stitches to connect them. A simple Big Dipper or a smattering of random stars looks beautiful. Sew the ears to the sides of the head, around Rnd 7-8.
- Achieving the Upward Tilt: To create the "gazing" posture, sew the head to the body at a slight angle. The front of the neck should be attached one round lower on the body than the back of the neck. This subtly lifts the chin.
- Feet: Sew the feet to the bottom front of the body, angled slightly outwards, to create a stable seated base.
- Arms: Attach the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck shaping (around Rnd 22).
- Crescent Moon: Sew the moon appliqué to the back of Somnus, curving it gently.
- Collar: Wrap the gold collar around the neck and sew the ends together at the back.
Tips & Tricks for Your Somnus
Here are a few extra thoughts to make your project a success.
Troubleshooting This Pattern
- Fuzzy Yarn Difficult to See? If you're struggling to see your stitches in the Starlight White yarn, use a stitch marker not just for the round beginning, but also to mark key stitches where you'll be increasing or decreasing.
- Embroidery Puckering? Don't pull your metallic thread too tight! It has less give than yarn. Keep your tension relaxed to let the stitches sit smoothly on the fabric.
- Head Wobbly? Make sure you've stuffed the neck area (just above Rnd 20) very firmly. This provides the support needed for the head.
Customization Corner
- Different Constellations: Embroider a favorite constellation or even a zodiac sign on the ears to personalize your Somnus.
- A Softer Glow: Instead of metallic floss, try a single strand of silk or rayon thread for a softer, more subtle sheen.
- Dreamer's Accessories: Consider making a tiny, pale yellow star pillow for him to hold.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions
- Q: My head/body piece looks more like a snowman than a pear. What did I do wrong?
- A: That's a common shaping question! The key is the transition. Make sure you've stuffed the head fully before you begin the increases for the body (Rnd 20). Stuff the body very firmly, especially at the wide base, to encourage that pear shape. The poly-pellets also really help to weigh down and flatten the base.
- Q: Can I use safety eyes instead of embroidering them?
- A: Of course! However, the embroidered closed eyes are key to his "dreaming" character. If you use safety eyes, I'd suggest a simple black eye to maintain the classic beagle look, but it will give him a more awake and alert expression.
- Q: How do I make my French knots look like neat little stars?
- A: The secret is consistency. Wrap the thread around the needle the same number of times (once or twice is usually best for this scale) and, most importantly, insert the needle back into the fabric very close to, but not in, the exact same hole it came out of. Hold the wrapped thread taut as you pull the needle through.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Somnus
You've done it! You have crocheted a little guardian of dreams. Seeing your version of Somnus come to life is truly the greatest reward for me as a designer. I hope he brings a sense of peace and magic to your space. Your support and engagement on the blog make it possible for me to continue creating and sharing these detailed patterns with you for free.
For care, I recommend spot-cleaning only to protect the delicate embroidery and specialty yarn. A gentle pat-down with a damp cloth is usually all that's needed. Happy stitching, my dear friend!