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Crocheting Amigurumi Squirrel an adorable amigurumi squirrel is a delightful project that brings woodland charm to your collection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a sweet squirrel companion complete with a tiny acorn accessory. Perfect for nature lovers, this project combines simple techniques to create a detailed critter with a fluffy tail that’s sure to become a cherished handmade item.
Essential Materials for Your Amigurumi Squirrel
Before starting your woodland friend, gather these materials:
Amigurumi Squirrel Materials List
- Medium weight (4) yarn in:
- Light brown (for the main body, limbs, and ears)
- Dark brown (for the tail and acorn)
- 3mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Fiberfill stuffing
- 8mm safety eyes
- Pet brush (optional, for creating the fluffy tail effect)
Creating Your Amigurumi Squirrel Step by Step
This pattern works from top to bottom, creating the head and body as one continuous piece, then adding the limbs, ears, and bushy tail separately.
Amigurumi Squirrel Head and Body
Start with light brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. Pull tight to close. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around the entire round. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Work the following pattern around: [increase in one stitch, single crochet in the next stitch] 6 times. (18 stitches)
Rounds 4-6: Single crochet in each stitch around for 3 rounds. (18 stitches per round)
Round 7: Single crochet in the first 6 stitches, increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the remaining 11 stitches. (19 stitches)
Eye Placement: Place stitch markers in the 5th stitch and the 10th stitch to mark where the eyes will go later.
Round 8: Single crochet in the first 6 stitches, increase in each of the next 2 stitches, single crochet in the remaining 11 stitches. (21 stitches)
Round 9: Single crochet in the first 6 stitches, decrease over the next 2 stitches, single crochet in the remaining 11 stitches. (19 stitches)
Round 10: Single crochet in the first 6 stitches, decrease once, single crochet in the next 6 stitches. Then work the following pattern twice: [increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the next stitch]. Finish with an increase in the last stitch. (21 stitches)
Round 11: Single crochet in the first stitch, increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 2 stitches. Work the following pattern twice: [decrease once, single crochet in the next 2 stitches]. Single crochet in the next stitch. Work the following pattern twice: [increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 2 stitches]. Increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the last stitch. (23 stitches)
Round 12: Single crochet in the first stitch, increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 14 stitches. Increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 3 stitches, increase in the next stitch, single crochet in the last 2 stitches. (26 stitches)
Round 13: Increase in the first stitch, single crochet in the remaining 25 stitches. (27 stitches)
Eye Insertion: Insert the 8mm safety eyes into the marked positions. Secure them firmly.
Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly at this point.
Rounds 14-17: Single crochet in each stitch around for 4 rounds. (27 stitches per round)
Round 18: Single crochet in the first 8 stitches, slip stitch in the next 9 stitches, single crochet in the remaining 10 stitches. (27 stitches)
Round 19: Single crochet in each stitch around. (27 stitches)
Round 20: Work the following pattern 3 times: [decrease once, single crochet in the next stitch]. Single crochet in the next 7 stitches. Work the following pattern 3 more times: [decrease once, single crochet in the next stitch]. Single crochet in the last 2 stitches. (21 stitches)
Round 21: Decrease 3 times in a row, single crochet in the next 7 stitches, decrease 3 more times in a row, single crochet in the last 2 stitches. (15 stitches)
Stuffing: Continue stuffing the body firmly after each round.
Round 22: Work the following pattern around: [decrease once, single crochet in the next stitch] 5 times. (10 stitches)
Round 23: Decrease 5 times to close the opening. (5 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew the remaining stitches closed to complete the body. Weave in ends.
Amigurumi Squirrel Sitting Legs (Make 2)
Using light brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Rounds 3-4: Single crochet in each stitch around for 2 rounds. (12 stitches per round)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pin each leg onto the body in the desired position and sew on, making sure to add stuffing before fully closing. Weave in ends.
Feet (Make 2)
Using light brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Single crochet in each stitch around. (6 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pin each foot onto the body and sew on, adding stuffing before fully closing. Weave in ends.
Amigurumi Squirrel Arms (Make 2)
Using light brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 4: This is where we’ll form the arm itself. Skip the first 6 stitches and single crochet in the 7th stitch. Place your stitch marker in that first stitch made. We’ve created a new circle with 7 stitches, and we will work within this circle to form the arm. Single crochet in the next 6 stitches. (7 stitches)
Rounds 5-7: Single crochet in each stitch around for 3 rounds. (7 stitches per round)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pin each arm in place and sew onto the body. Weave in ends.
Ears (Make 2)
Using light brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. (6 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold each ear in half and pin in place on the head. Sew on and weave in ends.
Tail
Using dark brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Work the following pattern around: [increase in one stitch, single crochet in the next stitch] 6 times. (18 stitches)
Rounds 4-22: Single crochet in each stitch around for 19 rounds. (18 stitches per round)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Creating the Fluffy Tail (Optional): Use a pet brush to create a furry effect by brushing over the same area of the tail repeatedly until the yarn begins to fluff out. Continue this process around the entire tail until it has the desired fluffy appearance.
Pin the tail onto the back of the squirrel and sew in place. Fold the tail over itself to create a curved shape. Use the tail end of yarn to secure the folded tail in position. Tie the yarn end into a firm knot 2-4 times, then hide the knot inside the tail. Cut any excess yarn.
Acorn Accessory
Acorn Base: Using dark brown yarn:
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochet stitches into it. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 4: Change to light brown yarn. Working in the back loops only, work the following pattern around: [decrease once, single crochet in the next 2 stitches] 3 times. (9 stitches)
Rounds 5-6: Single crochet in each stitch around for 2 rounds. (9 stitches per round)
Add stuffing to the acorn at this point.
Round 7: Decrease 4 times, single crochet in the last stitch. (5 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the remaining stitches closed to complete the acorn base.
Acorn Stem: Using dark brown yarn:
Row 1: Chain 3 stitches. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, single crochet in the remaining chain. (2 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position the stem at the top center of the acorn and sew in place. Weave in ends.
Amigurumi Squirrel Final Assembly
Place the completed acorn between the squirrel’s hands and sew it in place. Ensure all parts are securely attached and all ends are woven in for a professional finish.
Amigurumi Squirrel Customization Ideas
Make your squirrel unique with these creative variations:
- Color Options: Try gray for a gray squirrel, red for a red squirrel, or black for a black squirrel
- Tail Variations: Make the tail shorter or longer based on preference
- Accessories: Create multiple acorns or other woodland items like mushrooms or berries
- Pose Adjustments: Position the limbs differently for standing or jumping poses
- Add Details: Embroider additional features like whiskers or cheek patches
Common Questions About Amigurumi Squirrels
How do I get the best fluffy tail result?
For the fluffiest tail, use a fine-toothed pet brush or even a wire brush, and brush in one direction repeatedly. The more you brush, the fluffier it gets. You can also try using a yarn with a higher mohair or alpaca content for the tail.
Can I make my squirrel larger or smaller?
Yes! To change the size, simply use a different weight yarn and adjust your hook size accordingly. Heavier yarn with a larger hook will create a bigger squirrel, while lighter yarn with a smaller hook will make a miniature version.
How do I securely attach the safety eyes?
Insert the safety eyes before closing the head area, ensuring they’re positioned evenly. Push the washers onto the posts firmly until they click, making sure they’re secure, especially if making the squirrel for a child.
How long does it take to complete this project?
Most intermediate crocheters can finish this project in 3-5 hours, depending on experience level and whether you choose to create the fluffy tail effect.
Check this out :Crochet a Magnificent Amigurumi Lion
Conclusion
Creating your own amigurumi squirrel combines simple crochet techniques to produce a charming woodland creature with personality and character. The detailed tail and cute acorn accessory add special touches that make this project both enjoyable to create and delightful to display. Whether you’re making this as a gift or for your own collection, this detailed pattern provides all the guidance you need for a successful and satisfying project.
Happy crocheting!
