An Introduction from Patricia to Your New Friend, Toby
Hello, my dear friend! I’m Patricia, and welcome. There are some amigurumi projects that just feel like a warm hug, and little Toby the Tangerine Tiger is certainly one of them. When I first read his story—a gentle soul living in a sun-drenched orchard, tending his strawberries—I knew we had to capture that essence in every stitch. This isn't just a tiger cub; it's a tiny, tangible piece of storybook charm.
We’ll bring him to life with a lovely, warm tangerine-colored yarn and give him unique, soft stripes using a simple embroidery technique that feels so much cozier than harsh color changes. And the absolute heart of his cottagecore world? His removable little denim overalls, complete with a tiny embroidered strawberry. It’s these thoughtful details that turn a simple toy into a cherished friend. I am so delighted to share this pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, simply by visiting and sharing my work, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to create these patterns. Thank you for being here.
Materials You'll Need for Toby the Tangerine Tiger
I’ve selected materials that will give Toby that perfect soft, rustic, and handmade feel. Using a matte cotton yarn is key to achieving the cottagecore aesthetic and ensuring those tiny overall details really pop!
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Sport weight (4-ply) 100% cotton yarn (like Scheepjes Catona or similar) in the following colors:
- Tangerine Orange (MC): Approx. 50g
- Creamy White (AC1): Approx. 20g
- Denim Blue: Approx. 20g
- Dark Chocolate Brown: Small amount for stripes
- Strawberry Red & Leaf Green: Scraps for embroidery
- Crochet Hook: 2.25mm (or a size that matches your yarn and tension)
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 10mm black safety eyes.
- Notions:
- Two tiny wooden buttons (approx. 6-8mm diameter)
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Pins for assembly
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- A small patch of pink felt or pink yarn: For creating those sweet, blushed cheeks. Using felt gives a crisp, clean look, while brushing out pink yarn gives a softer, more blended effect.
- A hemostat or stuffing tool: This makes getting fiberfill into the small arms and legs so much easier and more even.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Toby
This pattern is perfect for an intermediate crocheter or an adventurous beginner ready to learn a few new tricks! We use simple stitches, but the assembly and detailing are where the magic happens.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible Decrease (work in the front loops only)
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- ch: Chain
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- (...): Stitch count at the end of the round/row
- [...] x...: Repeat the instructions in brackets a specified number of times
Special Techniques
- Surface Slip Stitch Crochet: Don't let this intimidate you! It's simply using your hook to draw loops of yarn along the surface of your finished crochet fabric. For Toby, this is how we'll create his beautiful, raised stripes without any complicated colorwork. It gives a delightful texture.
- Making Buttonholes: We'll use a simple chain-and-skip-stitch method to create functional buttonholes on Toby's overall straps. It's a fantastic little skill for amigurumi clothing.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Toby
Remember, every handmade creation is a reflection of its maker. Your Toby might have a slightly different posture or a uniquely charming expression, and that's what makes him yours. Embrace the beautiful imperfections of the handmade process!
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Toby the Tangerine Tiger to life! The full pattern is right ahead.
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The Toby the Tangerine Tiger Amigurumi Pattern
A Note on Construction: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
Head
(Using Tangerine Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x 6.
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9-17: sc in each st around (9 rounds). (48)
Rnd 18: [6 sc, dec] x 6. (42)
Pause here to add the face details.
- Muzzle: Attach the muzzle (pattern below) between Rnds 13 and 18, centered on the face.
- Eyes: Insert the 10mm safety eyes on Rnd 14, with about 8 visible stitches between them, placed just above the top edge of the muzzle.
- Cheeks: Add the blushed cheeks just below and to the outside of each eye.
Continue with the head.
Rnd 19: [5 sc, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 20: [4 sc, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 21: [3 sc, dec] x 6. (24)
Rnd 22: [2 sc, dec] x 6. (18) Stuff the head firmly.
Rnd 23: [sc, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 24: dec x 6. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Hide the yarn tail.
Muzzle
(Using Creamy White yarn)
Rnd 1: Ch 5. Starting from the 2nd ch from the hook: inc, 2 sc, 4 sc in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain: 2 sc, inc in the last st. (12)
Rnd 2: 2 inc, 2 sc, 4 inc, 2 sc, 2 inc. (20)
Rnd 3: sc in each st around. (20) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff before sewing it completely to the head.
Ears (Make 2)
(Using Tangerine Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6. (18) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Fold the circle in half and pinch the base to create the ear shape before sewing to the head.
Body
(Start with Tangerine Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd
Rnd
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x 6. (54)
Rnd 10-11: sc in each st around (2 rounds). (54)
Switch to Creamy White yarn for the tummy patch.
Rnd 12: (In Orange) 36 sc. (In White) 18 sc. (54)
Rnd 13: (In Orange) 36 sc. (In White) 18 sc. (54)
Rnd 14: (In Orange) 37 sc. (In White) 16 sc. (In Orange) 1 sc. (54)
Rnd 15: (In Orange) 38 sc. (In White) 14 sc. (In Orange) 2 sc. (54) Cut the White yarn and continue with Orange only.
Rnd 16-18: sc in each st around (3 rounds). (54)
Rnd 19: [7 sc, dec] x 6. (48)
Rnd 20-21: sc in each st around (2 rounds). (48)
Rnd 22: [6 sc, dec] x 6. (42)
Rnd 23-24: sc in each st around (2 rounds). (42)
Rnd 25: [5 sc, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 26: sc in each st around. (36)
Rnd 27: [4 sc, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 28: sc in each st around. (30)
Rnd 29: [3 sc, dec] x 6. (24)
Rnd 30: sc in each st around. (24) Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing the head to the body. Stuff the body firmly, ensuring a flat, stable base.
Arms (Make 2)
(Using Tangerine Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x 3. (9)
Rnd 3-10: sc in each st around (8 rounds). (9) Stuff the hand part lightly, leaving the top half unstuffed so it can sit flat against the body.
Rnd 11: Flatten the opening and sc across both layers to close. (4) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 2)
(Using Tangerine Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 8 sc in a MR. (8)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (16)
Rnd 3-5: sc in each st around (3 rounds). (16)
Rnd 6: [2 sc, dec] x 4. (12)
Rnd 7-9: sc in each st around (3 rounds). (12) Stuff the foot firmly, then stuff the rest of the leg lightly. Rnd 10: Flatten the opening and sc across both layers to close. (5) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Tail
(Using Tangerine Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR. (5)
Rnd 2-15: sc in each st around (14 rounds). (5) Do not stuff. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Overalls
(Using Denim Blue yarn. Worked in rows.)
Row 1: Ch 46. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (45) Ch 1, turn. Row 2-8: sc in each st across. (45) Ch 1, turn. At the end of Row 8, do not fasten off. We will now create the bib. Row 9: sl st in the first 16 sts. sc in the next 13 sts. Leave the remaining 16 sts unworked. (13) Ch 1, turn. Row 10-14: sc in each of the 13 sts across. (13) Ch 1, turn. Fasten off and weave in ends at the end of Row 14.
Straps (Make 2): Join yarn to one of the top corners of the bib. Row 1: Ch 28. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (27) Fasten off. Now, re-join yarn to the other top corner of the bib and repeat for the second strap.
Buttonholes: On the end of one strap, ch 4, sl st back into the same space to create a loop. On the end of the other strap, repeat: ch 4, sl st back into the same space. Fasten off securely and weave in all ends.
Assembly Instructions for Your Toby
Patience and pinning are your best friends here! Taking your time with assembly will bring Toby's sweet personality to life.
- Body & Head: Using the long tail from the body, sew the head securely onto the body opening. Ensure it's centered over the tummy patch. Add a little more stuffing into the neck area just before you close the final gap to ensure the head is stable and doesn't wobble.
- Ears: Pin the folded ears to the top-sides of the head, roughly between Rnds 5 and 10. Sew them firmly in place.
- Legs: Pin the legs to the base of the body, pointing slightly forward and outwards, so Toby can sit stably. Sew them securely.
- Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam (around Rnd 26-27 of the body). Sew them on.
- Tail: Attach the tail to the lower back of the body.
- Stripes (Surface Crochet): Using the Dark Chocolate Brown yarn, surface slip stitch the stripes onto Toby.
- Head: Add three curved stripes on the back of the head.
- Body: Add four stripes across his back.
- Tail: Add three small stripes along the tail.
- Pro Tip: To keep your lines smooth, try not to pull the yarn too tightly. Think of it as gently 'drawing' with yarn on the surface.
- Overalls:
- Strawberry: Using the red and green yarn scraps, embroider a small strawberry onto the center of the overall's bib. Use red for the body and a few green French knots at the top for the leaves.
- Buttons: Sew the two tiny wooden buttons onto the front of the overalls, on the main body part, positioned where the straps will comfortably reach.
- Fit: Wrap the overalls around Toby, cross the straps in the back, bring them over his shoulders, and loop the buttonholes over the buttons at the front.
Tips & Tricks for Your Tangerine Tiger
Troubleshooting Toby's Details
- Wobbly Head? The number one cause is not enough stuffing in the neck. Before you fully close the seam between the head and body, use a small tool to push extra fiberfill into that join for stability.
- Uneven Stripes? Practice your surface slip stitch on a swatch first! Keeping an even, slightly loose tension is the secret to smooth, beautiful lines.
- Overalls Too Snug? Every crocheter's tension is different. If the overalls are too tight, try making them again with a slightly larger hook (e.g., 2.5mm) or by adding 2-3 extra chains to your starting chain.
Customization Corner
- Orchard Friends: Why not embroider a tiny tangerine or a little flower on his bib instead of a strawberry?
- Seasonal Wardrobe: You could make him a little scarf in an autumnal color for colder weather, or even a tiny sun hat!
- Expressions: For a sleepier look, embroider closed eyes using the dark brown yarn instead of using safety eyes.
Gifting Your Toby
- Toby makes a wonderful and unique baby shower gift. The cottagecore theme is so gentle and sweet. If making for a child under three, always opt to embroider the eyes for safety.
- Package him in a small basket with some tissue paper and a real tangerine for a truly memorable present!
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions
- Can I use a different yarn, like chenille or blanket yarn?
- You absolutely can, my dear, but be aware it will change the project dramatically! Your Toby will be much larger and squishier. You will lose the fine stitch definition needed for the overalls, so you might need to simplify their design or use a much larger hook. The 'cottagecore' feel comes from that matte cotton, but a fluffy Toby would be wonderfully cuddly!
- My surface slip stitches look messy. What's the secret?
- The secret is twofold: even tension and direction. Insert your hook from the front to the back, yarn over underneath your work, and pull up a loop. Keep that loop slightly loose as you move to the next stitch. Planning your path with pins or a disappearing ink pen can also help guide you to create those lovely curves.
- How do I make sure his head is centered on his tummy patch?
- Pins are your best friends! Before you make a single stitch, pin the head to the body. Place a pin at the front center, back center, and on each side. Then, look at him from every angle to ensure he's straight before you begin sewing.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Toby
There you have it! Your very own Toby the Tangerine Tiger is ready for gentle adventures. Seeing your finished creation come to life from a simple ball of yarn is the greatest reward for any designer. I truly hope you enjoyed this process. Your engagement, your lovely comments, and your sharing of my patterns with fellow makers are what make it possible for me to keep designing and offering these detailed patterns for free. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For care, I recommend spot-cleaning Toby with a damp cloth. If he needs a full bath, hand wash him gently in cool water with a mild soap, squeeze out the excess water (don't wring!), and let him air dry completely.
Happy stitching! With warmth, Patricia