MochiMoon Pup: Crochet a Stargazing Friend with a Hidden Wish Pocket – Free Pattern!

A warm welcome, dear creator, from my atelier to your gentle hands. There is a particular magic in the quiet of creation, isn't there? It’s in those moments, hook in hand, that we don’t just form stitches and shapes, but weave in whispers of dreams and tender affections. Today, we embark on a journey to bring forth the enchanting MochiMoon Pup, a creature born from twilight hues and the soft glow of distant stars. This little companion is more than just yarn and stuffing; it's a silent guardian of secrets, a gentle reminder that even the smallest wishes hold immense power. Its very being is infused with the joy of discovery and the profound comfort of a shy, starlit friend.

The Artisan's Vision: A Note on the Design

The MochiMoon Pup is designed to evoke a sense of ethereal wonder and comforting charm, reminiscent of cherished Studio Ghibli characters yet infused with a distinct kawaii cuteness. Its rounded, bouncy form, like a freshly made mochi, is crafted to fit perfectly into cupped hands, making it an ideal companion for quiet contemplation or a precious, collectible gift. We achieve this plumpness through deliberate increases and decreases, ensuring a seamless, huggable silhouette that invites gentle squeezes.

Its oversized, sparkling eyes are the windows to its curious, gentle soul, reflecting the very constellations it watches. The floppy, galaxy-dusted ears add to its dreamy aesthetic, while a softly glowing tail—created by weaving in a special phosphorescent thread—casts a faint, comforting light in the dark. Each star-shaped paw pad is a tiny testament to its celestial origins, inviting dreams of far-off galaxies. And at its heart, a hidden pocket awaits a whispered wish, a testament to the pup's profound ability to spread comfort and smiles, even on the darkest days.

The Alchemist's Trove: Materials & Tools

Just as an alchemist carefully selects elements to transform, we too must choose our materials with intention. Each thread, each tool, plays a vital role in manifesting the MochiMoon Pup's gentle magic.

**Meditations on the Craft:** In the quiet click of hook against yarn, we channel the pup's curiosity. Each loop, each pull, builds the gentle form that will cradle wishes, a tender act of creation mirroring its very essence of radiating comfort.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) 100% cotton or acrylic yarn in:
  • Lavender (for head and upper body)
  • Pale Blue (for mid-body)
  • Buttery Cream (for lower body, muzzle, paw pads)
  • A small amount of a slightly deeper, muted lavender or blue (for inner ears, optional)
• Accent Yarn: Fine silver or iridescent sparkle thread (held with main yarn for ears and tail, optional light integration throughout body).
• Glow-in-the-Dark Thread: A thin strand of phosphorescent embroidery thread or yarn (for the tail).
• Crochet Hook: 2.5mm or 3.0mm (C/2 or D/3 US sizes) – choose based on your tension to achieve a tight fabric.
• Safety Eyes: 10-12mm, black.
• Felt: Small piece of white felt (for eye backing) and a tiny scrap of black felt (for nose, optional).
• Embroidery Floss: Black (for mouth and eye details), white (for eye sparkle).
• Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill.
• Tools: Yarn needle, sharp scissors, stitch markers, pins.

The Language of the Craft: Skills & Abbreviations

To embark on this creative journey, familiarity with basic amigurumi techniques is beneficial. Fear not, for the language of the hook is one easily learned with patience and passion.

• MR: Magic Ring / Magic Circle
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• Dec: Decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
• Sl St: Slip Stitch
• FO: Fasten Off
• St/Sts: Stitch/Stitches
• ( ) *: Repeat instructions in parentheses the specified number of times.
• [ ]: Total number of stitches at the end of the round.

Pattern Notes:

• Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
• Tight tension is crucial to prevent stuffing from showing through.
• Stuff firmly as you go, ensuring a smooth, round shape for the head and body.
• For color changes, switch to the new color on the last yarn over of the stitch before the change.
• When working with sparkle or glow-in-the-dark thread, hold it together with the main yarn as if it were one strand.

**Meditations on the Craft:** As we sculpt each piece, we recall the MochiMoon Pup's gentle shyness. Every hidden seam, every softly stuffed curve, is a quiet promise of comfort, a tender embrace of vulnerability made beautiful.

Head & Body (Lavender, then Pale Blue, then Buttery Cream)

Begin with Lavender yarn.

• **R1:** 6 sc in MR [6]
• **R2:** (Inc) x 6 [12]
• **R3:** (Sc 1, Inc) x 6 [18]
• **R4:** (Sc 2, Inc) x 6 [24]
• **R5:** (Sc 3, Inc) x 6 [30]
• **R6:** (Sc 4, Inc) x 6 [36]
• **R7-R12:** Sc in each st around (6 rounds) [36]
• **R13:** (Sc 4, Dec) x 6 [30]
• **R14:** (Sc 3, Dec) x 6 [24]

Attach safety eyes between R10 and R11, about 6-7 stitches apart. Cut two small circles of white felt for behind the eyes for extra sparkle, if desired. Embroider nose and a gentle, shy mouth with black embroidery floss. Begin stuffing the head firmly.

Switch to Pale Blue yarn.

• **R15:** (Sc 2, Dec) x 6 [18]
• **R16:** (Sc 1, Dec) x 6 [12]
• **R17:** Sc in each st around [12]
• **R18:** (Inc) x 12 [24]
• **R19:** (Sc 3, Inc) x 6 [30]

For the hidden wish pocket, we will create a small slit. On R20, work Sc 12, Ch 6, skip 6 stitches, Sc 12. [30 total stitches in the round, including chain stitches].

Continue stuffing the body firmly as you go.

Switch to Buttery Cream yarn.

• **R21:** Sc in each st around [30]
• **R22:** (Sc 3, Dec) x 6 [24]
• **R23:** (Sc 2, Dec) x 6 [18]
• **R24:** (Sc 1, Dec) x 6 [12]
• **R25:** (Dec) x 6 [6]

FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loop of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Ears (Make 2) (Lavender, held with sparkle thread)

These will be worked flat.

• **R1:** Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (5 sc) [5]
• **R2:** Ch 1, turn. Dec, Sc 1, Dec [3]
• **R3:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across [3]
• **R4:** Ch 1, turn. Dec, Sc 1 [2]

FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold slightly and sew onto sides of head between R6 and R8.

Legs (Make 4) (Buttery Cream)

• **R1:** 6 sc in MR [6]
• **R2-R4:** Sc in each st around (3 rounds) [6]

Stuff lightly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not close the opening. We will attach these directly to the body.

Tail (Pale Blue, held with glow-in-the-dark thread)

• **R1:** 5 sc in MR [5]
• **R2:** (Inc) x 5 [10]
• **R3-R6:** Sc in each st around (4 rounds) [10]
• **R7:** (Sc 3, Dec) x 2 [8]

Stuff lightly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not close the opening. This will be sewn to the back of the body.

The full, step-by-step pattern begins below.

Woven into Being: The MochiMoon Pup Pattern

Hidden Wish Pocket (Internal Piece) (Buttery Cream)

This piece will form the actual "pocket" behind the slit in the body.

• **R1:** Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (7 sc) [7]
• **R2-R6:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (5 rows) [7]

FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. This rectangular piece will be sewn behind the "slit" you created on R20 of the body, forming the pocket. Position it carefully so the opening aligns with the skipped stitches.

Star Paw Pads (Make 4) (Buttery Cream)

These are small, flat appliqués.

• **R1:** 5 sc in MR [5]
• **R2:** (Ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next sc) x 5.

This creates 5 tiny points. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pin and sew one to the bottom of each leg.

Moon Charm (Optional) (Buttery Cream, small amount of sparkle thread)

This is a tiny crocheted crescent.

• **R1:** Ch 6. Dc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc in next ch, Sc in next ch, Sl St in last 2 ch.

FO, leaving a short tail for sewing. Shape gently into a crescent and sew a few stitches onto the pup's neck.

The Final Flourish: Assembly & Embellishment

This is where the individual pieces, infused with our thoughtful craftsmanship, come together to form the complete MochiMoon Pup. It is the stage where its personality truly begins to shine.

**Meditations on the Craft:** Each stitch of assembly is a wish for the pup's journey. Attaching the limbs, placing the paw pads – these are acts of grounding, connecting the ethereal dream to the comforting reality of a tangible friend. Just as the MochiMoon Pup grants wishes, so too do we complete its form, bringing joy into being.

• **Attach Legs:** Pin the four legs evenly spaced around the bottom of the body, ensuring they allow the pup to sit or stand nicely. Securely sew them in place using the tails left from crocheting.
• **Attach Tail:** Pin the tail to the back of the pup’s body, slightly above the base, allowing it a gentle curl. Sew securely.
• **Insert Hidden Pocket:** Carefully insert the crocheted pocket piece behind the slit on R20 of the body. Align the top edge of the pocket with the opening of the slit. Using the tail, whip stitch or invisible stitch the pocket edges to the inside of the body along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open for inserting wishes.
• **Paw Pad Embellishment:** With your yarn needle and the tail from each star paw pad, carefully sew one star to the bottom of each leg. Take care to keep the stitches neat and small.
• **Moon Charm:** Securely sew the small crocheted moon charm around the pup's neck. You can use a few stitches to create a "necklace" effect.
• **Final Stuffing & Shaping:** Give your MochiMoon Pup one last firm stuff, ensuring all parts are evenly filled and the body has a pleasing, round "mochi" shape. Gently sculpt and knead the pup to perfect its form.
• **Embroider Eye Sparkles (Optional):** With white embroidery floss, add small, single stitches near the top outer edge of each eye to mimic a subtle twinkle.

From Patricia's Hook & Heart: A Final Word

And there you have it, dear artisan. Your very own MochiMoon Pup, brimming with potential and quiet magic. This little friend, born of moonlight and dreams, now carries a piece of your own heart within its soft form. May it bring comfort and a touch of starlit wonder to everyone it meets. Remember, each stitch is a prayer, each creation a legacy of warmth and artistry. Share its story, and let its gentle presence remind us all to make a wish and believe in the quiet power of connection.

Happy creating, and may your hook always find its rhythm under the moonlit sky.