Free Dalmatian Puppy Crochet Pattern: Create Dotty the Amigurumi Dog!

My dearest creator,

Welcome. There is a unique magic in creating a companion from a simple strand of yarn. It is an act of breathing life and personality into fiber, stitch by stitch. Today, we embark on such a journey to create not just a toy, but a treasured friend: Dotty the Dalmatian Puppy. She is the embodiment of innocent joy, a little soul crafted with love, ready to stand as a testament to your skill and heart.

Let us take up our hooks and begin this beautiful work together.

🎨 The Artisan's Vision: Why This Project is Special

Dotty is more than a simple amigurumi; she is conceived as an heirloom. With her sweet, trusting eyes and playful demeanor, she is designed to be the perfect centerpiece for a serene nursery or a cherished gift at a baby shower. The techniques we will use—from the cleanly appliquéd spots to the soulful eyes—elevate this project from a mere craft to a piece of art that whispers stories of care and affection. This isn't just about making a dog; it's about crafting a memory.

✨ Skills You'll Master (And Why They Matter)

This pattern is a beautiful opportunity to refine your craft. You will practice:

• Advanced Sculptural Shaping: Moving beyond simple spheres to create an expressive, contoured head and muzzle that give Dotty her personality.
• The Appliqué Technique: We will crochet the spots as separate flat pieces and sew them on. This is a vital skill for creating clean, professional-looking details on any amigurumi project.
• Detailed Embroidery & Embellishment: You'll learn to use felt and floss to bring eyes to life and add charming details like blush, transforming a good creation into a great one.

🧶 The Alchemist's Trove: Materials & Tools

To begin our work, gather these essential supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran, 10-ply) yarn in the following colors: Bright White, Jet Black, Cherry Red, and a small amount of Soft Pink.
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4) or a size that matches your yarn and tension.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 18mm black safety eyes.
• Detailing Supplies: A small sheet of white craft felt, black embroidery floss, fabric glue (optional).
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill for a firm, huggable shape.
• Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, and scissors.

💡 The Language of the Craft: Stitches & Abbreviations

This pattern is written in standard US crochet terminology.

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: Chain
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: Invisible Decrease (crochet next 2 stitches together through front loops only)
• [...] x: Repeat the instructions in brackets x times
• (...): The number in parentheses at the end of a round indicates the total stitch count.

💡 The Artisan's Advisor: Pro Tips & FAQs

How do I get the spots to look so clean and sharp?▼

The secret is the appliqué method! Instead of struggling with color changes mid-round, we crochet the spots separately as flat circles or ovals. This gives you complete control over their shape and placement. When you sew them on, use a matching black yarn and make your stitches small and neat around the edge for a seamless, professional finish.

What is the best way to attach the head so it doesn't wobble?▼

A sturdy neck is crucial for an heirloom toy. Before sewing, push a generous amount of stuffing into the neck area of both the head and the body. Use pins to secure the head in the exact position you want. When sewing, go around the neck twice. On the first pass, pick up a stitch from the head and a stitch from the body. On the second pass, use a ladder stitch to create an invisible and very strong seam. This double-pass method provides the stability our Dotty deserves.

How do I achieve the 'sparkle' in the eye from the picture?▼

That soulful look comes from adding a simple white felt accent. Before you secure the safety eye, cut a small crescent or circle shape from white felt, slightly larger than the eye itself. Poke a hole in the center of the felt piece. Thread the post of the safety eye through the felt, then through your crochet stitches, and attach the washer on the inside. The white felt creates a beautiful, bright highlight that truly brings your creation to life.

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

📖 Woven into Being: The Complete Dotty the Dalmatian Puppy Pattern

A small meditation... As you work, remember to stuff your creation firmly as you go, especially just before closing any pieces. This gives your amigurumi a solid, professional feel that will last for years to come.

Head

(Using Bright White yarn)

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] x 6 (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 (36)

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x 6 (42)

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6 (48)

Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x 6 (54)

Rnd 10-20: sc in each stitch around (54) - 11 rounds

Rnd 21: [7 sc, dec] x 6 (48)

Rnd 22: [6 sc, dec] x 6 (42)

Rnd 23: [5 sc, dec] x 6 (36)

Rnd 24: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30)

Pause here to insert safety eyes with white felt backing between Rnds 16 and 17, about 10 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the head firmly.

Rnd 25: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)

Rnd 26: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)

Finish stuffing. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Body

(Using Bright White yarn)

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] x 6 (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 (36)

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x 6 (42)

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6 (48)

Rnd 9-16: sc in each stitch around (48) - 8 rounds

Rnd 17: [6 sc, dec] x 6 (42)

Rnd 18-19: sc in each stitch around (42) - 2 rounds

Rnd 20: [5 sc, dec] x 6 (36)

Rnd 21-22: sc in each stitch around (36) - 2 rounds

Rnd 23: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30)

Rnd 24: sc in each stitch around (30)

Rnd 25: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)

Rnd 26: sc in each stitch around (24)

Rnd 27: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)

Start stuffing firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)

(Start with Jet Black yarn)

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] x 6 (12)

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)

(Switch to Bright White yarn)

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)

Rnd 5-8: sc in each stitch around (24) - 4 rounds

Rnd 9: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)

Rnd 10-11: sc in each stitch around (18) - 2 rounds

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Fold the opening flat and sew it closed.

Legs (Make 2)

(Start with Soft Pink yarn)

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] x 6 (12)

(Switch to Bright White yarn)

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)

Rnd 4-6: sc in each stitch around (18) - 3 rounds

Rnd 7: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)

Rnd 8-9: sc in each stitch around (12) - 2 rounds

Stuff firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Arms (Make 2)

(Using Bright White yarn)

Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR (5)

Rnd 2: [inc] x 5 (10)

Rnd 3-8: sc in each stitch around (10) - 6 rounds

Stuff lightly, leaving the top flat. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tail

(Using Bright White yarn)

Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR (4)

Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x 2 (6)

Rnd 3-6: sc in each stitch around (6) - 4 rounds

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Spots (Make 5-7 various sizes)

(Using Jet Black yarn)

Small Spot: Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. Sl st to join. (6)

Medium Spot: Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6). Rnd 2: [inc] x 6 (12). Sl st to join.

For variety, you can also make oval shapes by starting with a chain. Example: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, 3 sc in last ch. Working on other side of chain: sc, inc. Sl st to join.

Fasten off on all spots, leaving long tails for sewing.

Bows (Make 2)

(Using Cherry Red yarn)

Chain 40 for the neck bow, Chain 25 for the head bow.

Tie each chain into a neat bow. Use a small dab of fabric glue or a stitch of red yarn to secure the knot. With white yarn, embroider small dots onto the loops of the bow. Set aside.

🧵 The Final Flourish: Assembly & Embellishment

1. Body & Head: Sew the head to the body using the long tail from the head. Ensure it is centered and secure, using the double-pass method described in the FAQ for stability.
2. Limbs: Sew the legs to the bottom front of the body so Dotty can sit nicely. Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
3. Ears & Tail: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, around Rnds 7-14. Sew the tail to the lower back of the body.
4. Spots: This is where she truly becomes a Dalmatian! Arrange the black spots on the body, head, and even one on an ear, using pins to hold them in place. Once you are happy with the arrangement, sew them on securely.
5. Face Details: Using black embroidery floss, stitch a small inverted 'Y' shape for the nose/mouth on the muzzle area. With soft pink yarn, make a few horizontal stitches under the eyes for her rosy cheeks.
6. Bows: Attach the larger bow to her neck and the smaller bow to her head, just in front of one of the ears. A few stitches with matching red yarn will hold them permanently in place.

💌 From Patricia's Hook & Heart: A Final Word

And there she is. Our Dotty, brought into being by your hands, your focus, and your heart. Step back and admire your creation. See the warmth in her eyes, the playful tilt of her head. You have not just followed a pattern; you have been an alchemist, turning simple yarn into a tangible piece of joy. May she bring a smile to all who see her, a beautiful testament to the magic of this craft. Well done, my dear creator. Well done.