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Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern
4.3★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
2.7K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

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Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a small, friendly amigurumi penguin named Brian with a removable-looking coat detail and tiny beak. It uses DK/light-worsted weight yarns and is written in US terminology. The instructions include every round for the coat, body, beak, flippers and feet, plus finishing and embroidery tips.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for beginners who want a compact project with clear rounds and helpful photos. The finished penguin measures approximately 5 inches tall when made with the recommended hook.

Why You'll Love This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a simple shape with a charming personality — the little coat and embroidered beak give Brian a lot of character. I enjoy how fast it works up, so you can make several colour variations in one afternoon. The pattern is designed to be forgiving for beginners yet flexible enough for makers who like to customise yarn and colour. I also love the way the coat fits over the body so you can check placement as you go, making assembly relaxing and fun.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customise Brian by changing the coat colour — try variegated yarn for a fun textured coat or pastel shades for a softer look.

I often change yarn weight and hook size to produce different sized penguins; use bulky yarn and a larger hook for a cuddlier version, or finer yarn for a tiny keychain friend.

I sometimes embroider tiny accessories like a scarf or hat to give Brian extra character and to practice simple embroidery techniques.

If you want a safer toy for small children, replace safety eyes with French knots or embroidered eyes so there are no detachables.

I recommend experimenting with different beak colours or using felt for a flat beak effect; just sew the felt securely into place for durability.

For a set, make multiple Brians in coordinating colours and display them together — they make a charming shelf or nursery decoration.

I also like adding a small loop at the top of the coat using a short chain so the penguin can hang as an ornament or keyring.

Try adding wire armature inside the flippers for poseable wings if you want a posable display piece — be sure to secure and cover the wire safely.

I sometimes change the face by moving the eyes closer or farther apart to change expression; try different placements on a scrap body to decide what you prefer.

I enjoy using textured stitches on the coat for a cosy effect — a puff or bobble stitch panel down the centre can make a fun wardrobe variation while keeping construction the same.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers when you start shaping the coat can make locating the beak placement difficult; place a stitch marker on the stitch indicated and mark the stitch you join to keep track of placement. ✗ Not stuffing as you go causes an uneven body shape and lumps; stuff gradually and check the coat fit often so you can add or remove stuffing for a smooth finish. ✗ Using different brand yarns for body and coat without checking gauge can lead to a poor fit; use yarns of the same weight and similar characteristics or test gauge so the coat fits the body properly. ✗ Forgetting to count stitches during increases and decreases results in incorrect round counts; count after each round and mark the start of the round with a stitch marker to stay accurate.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Make an adorable pocket-sized penguin with this beginner-friendly crochet pattern. You will enjoy clear step-by-step rounds, helpful notes on placement and finishing, and a compact size perfect for gifts. The pattern includes materials, abbreviations and full assembly instructions so you can crochet Brian with confidence.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    General: DK / Light worsted weight yarn for body and coat (use same brand or yarns that work up to the same size to avoid fit issues)
  • 02
    Colour (A): Made by Penguins DK / Light Worsted Baby Alpaca, Blackberry - approx 25g (used for coat)
  • 03
    Colour (B): Novita DK Baby Merino, Cream - approx 20g (used for body)
  • 04
    Colour (C): Ricorumi DK Cotton, Pale Yellow - approx 10g (used for beak and feet)
  • 05
    Small amounts of black and yellow thread for embroidery and facial detail

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm (recommended)
  • 02
    Safety eyes 6mm x 2 (safety eyes not recommended for young children)
  • 03
    Toy stuffing / polyester filling
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for construction and embroidery
  • 05
    Stitch marker
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Small amount of black and yellow embroidery thread
  • 08
    Blush for rosy cheeks (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— The Coat :

Info :

Use yarn A. Ch 13

Round 1 :

Work this round in BLO, Sc in 2nd Ch from your hook, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3) in the last Ch. Now work down the other side of your foundation chain. Sc x 10, Sc inc (26)

Round 2 :

Sc inc, Sc x 10, Sc inc x 3, Sc x 10, Sc inc x 2 (32)

Round 3 :

Sc, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (38)

Round 4 :

Sc x 2, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (44)

Round 5 :

Sc x 3, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (50)

Round 6 :

Sc x 4, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (56)

Round 7 :

Sc inc, Sc x 15, (Sc inc, Sc x 5) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc inc, Sc x 5) x 2 (62)

Round 8-16 :

Sc x 62 (62) 9 rounds

Round 17 :

Sc x 8, Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec, Sc x 2, Sc x 5, Sc dec, Sc x 8, Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec, Sc x 7, Sc dec (56)

Info :

Mark the stitch just made with a stitch marker.

Round 18 :

SS, break yarn & pull through. Leave a long tail for sewing later.

— The Beak :

Info :

Attach yarn A where you placed your stitch marker on round 17 of the coat. Now place your stitch marker 1 stitch back from where you have just joined your yarn. This section is worked in rows. We will Ch 1 and turn at the end of each row.

Info :

Ch 7. Your first Sc will be made in the same St where you have just joined your yarn.

Round 1 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Round 2 :

Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec (12)

Round 3 :

Sc dec, Sc x 8, Sc dec (10)

Round 4 :

Sc dec, Sc x 6, Sc dec (8)

Round 5 :

Sc dec, Sc x 4, Sc dec (6)

Round 6 :

Sc x 6 (6)

Round 7 :

Sc dec, Sc x 2, Sc dec (4)

Round 8 :

Sc x 4 (4)

Round 9 :

Sc dec x 2 (2)

Round 10 :

Sc x 2 (2)

Round 11 :

Sc dec (1)

Round 12 :

Sc x 1 (1) Do not Ch 1 & turn here. Break yarn & pull through. Weave in the loose end.

Info :

We will now Sc around the edge of the beak. Join yarn A where your stitch marker is now placed (this should be one stitch back from where you joined your yarn to start the beak). Ch 1 and SS on to the side of the beak. Sc up the edge until you reach the point of the beak.

Info :

Make 3 Sc in the final St from row 12 of the beak. This should give you a nice point. Sc back down the other side of the beak. SS back on to the next stitch on the coat. Break yarn and pull through. Weave in the loose end. With yellow thread embroider a small triangle on the tip of the beak.

— The Body :

Info :

Use yarn B and work in continuous rounds.

Round 1 :

Sc x 6 in to a MR (6)

Round 2 :

Sc inc x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

(Sc, sc inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(Sc x 2, sc inc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

(Sc x 3, sc inc) x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

(Sc x 4, sc inc) x 6 (36)

Round 7 :

(Sc x 5, sc inc) x 6 (42)

Round 8-25 :

Sc x 42 (42) - 18 rounds

Info :

Insert the safety eyes between rounds 14 -15. There should be a 9 stitch gap between the eyes.

Info :

Stuff the body. Continue to stuff the remainder as you go.

Info :

To check you are happy with the position of your safety eyes and the amount you are stuffing you can try the coat on the body now and then. The eyes should be about level with the yellow embroidery on the beak and about half way between this and the sides of the coat.

Round 26 :

(Sc x 5, sc dec) x 6 (36)

Round 27 :

(Sc x 4, sc dec) x 6 (30)

Round 28 :

(Sc x 3, sc dec) x 6 (24)

Round 29 :

(Sc x 2, sc dec) x 6 (18)

Round 30 :

(Sc, sc dec) x 6 (12)

Round 31 :

Sc dec x 6 (6)

Round 32 :

SS in to the next stitch, break yarn & pull through. Try the coat on the body again. Ensure you are happy that you have placed enough stuffing. Weave the loose end through the FLO of the final row of the body to close off the end.

Info :

Optional detail: With a strand of black thread embroider the eyebrows 3 rounds above the eyes over r 10-11. Use a small amount of blush to create rosy cheeks on the lower border of the eyes.

— The Flippers :

Info :

Use yarn A & make 2. Work in continuous rounds.

Round 1 :

Sc x 4 in to a MR (4)

Round 2 :

(Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (6)

Round 3 :

(Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (8)

Round 4 :

(Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (10)

Round 5 :

(Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (12)

Round 6 :

(Sc x 5, Sc inc) x 2 (14)

Round 7 :

(Sc x 6, Sc inc) x 2 (16)

Round 8 :

(Sc x 7, Sc inc) x 2 (18)

Round 9 :

Sc x 18 (18)

Round 10 :

(Sc x 7, Sc dec) x 2 (16)

Round 11 :

Sc x 16 (16)

Round 12 :

(Sc x 6, Sc dec) x 2 (14)

Round 13 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Round 14 :

Sc dec x 7 (7)

Round 15 :

Break yarn & pull through. Leave a long length for sewing. Fold the flipper flat and sew the top closed prior to attaching.

— The Feet :

Info :

Use yarn C and make 2. Ch 7.

Round 1 :

In BLO, Sc in the 2nd Ch from your hook, Sc x 4, (3 Sc) in the last Ch. Now work down the other side of your foundation chain. Sc x 4, Sc inc (14)

Round 2 :

Sc inc, Sc x 4, Sc inc x 3, Sc x 4, Sc inc x 2 (20)

Round 3 :

Sc, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 4, (Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (26)

Round 4 :

SS, break yarn & pull through. Leave a long tail for sewing. Fold the foot in half. Sew around the edges to secure this.

— Construction :

Info :

Place the coat on the body. The little yellow beak should sit equal distance between the eyes. Pin in place and sew the coat to the body. You can use either a whip stitch or a mattress stitch for this.

Info :

Sew the feet to the body. The flat end of the feet should point outward. Sew the top of the curved section to the base of the coat.

Info :

Sew the flippers to the sides of the coat. The top of the flipper is about level with the eyes.

Info :

Congratulations your MBP Penguin is complete!!

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the coat on the body with the beak centred between the eyes, pin in position, then sew the coat to the body using a whip stitch or mattress stitch for an invisible join.
  • Position and sew the flippers to the sides of the coat so the top of each flipper is roughly level with the eyes; fold the flipper flat and sew the top closed before attaching.
  • Sew the feet to the base of the body with the flat end pointing outward; fold each foot in half and stitch around the edges to secure prior to attaching.
  • Attach the beak at the stitch marker position on round 17 of the coat, then embroider a small yellow triangle at the tip of the beak and weave in ends securely.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a stitch marker to mark the start of rounds and the stitch where you join the coat — this helps with beak placement and decreases.
  • 💡Insert safety eyes between rounds 14 and 15 with a 9-stitch gap; remember safety eyes are not recommended for very young children.
  • 💡Stuff gradually as you work to avoid lumps — try the coat on the body to check stuffing and eye placement before final sewing.
  • 💡Use yarns of the same brand or yarns that work up to a similar size to avoid a poor fit between the coat and body.
  • 💡Weave in ends and secure all embroidered details so small parts remain attached through handling.

This cheerful Brian the Penguin was designed to brighten your day and make a delightful pocket-sized friend. Whether you make a colourful coat or a classic black-and-white look, Brian is quick to make and full of charm. You will love gifting or collecting these little penguins — happy crocheting! 🧶🐧

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 5 inches tall when made with the recommended yarn and a 2.5mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but this will change the final size; if you use a different yarn weight, choose an appropriate hook and test gauge to make sure the coat still fits the body.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly; basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, decreases and working in the round is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 2-3 hours, though time may vary depending on experience and customisations.