Creating a small amigurumi panda becomes much easier when the project is approached as a sequence of clearly defined components rather than as one large piece. This little panda combines simple spiral crochet, carefully shaped increases and decreases, embroidered facial details, movable-style limb attachment, and a decorative skirt. The finished toy is designed to be approximately 16 cm (6.3″) tall, making it a compact project with plenty of character.
This guide is based on the original Little Panda crochet toy pattern by Marina Chuchkalova of MyCrochetWonders. The technical instructions below retain the original stitch counts, round numbers, color information, construction sequence, and finishing details. The surrounding explanations are designed to make the construction process easier to follow, especially when you are working through several small amigurumi pieces.
Project at a Glance
The panda is constructed from individual crocheted sections. You will make two legs, two arms, one body, one head, three small pieces for the ears and tail, two eye pieces, and a skirt. The body, head, limbs, ears, tail, and eyes are worked separately before the final assembly and decoration.
- Finished toy: 16 cm (6.3″) tall
- Hook: 2.00 mm
- Yarn weight: Sport / 5 ply (12 wpi)
- Main yarn: Yarn Art Jeans №05 – light beige and №28 – black
- Dress yarn: Alize Cotton Gold №385 – green and Yarn Art Jeans №35 – yellow
- Alternative dress colors: Alize Cotton Gold №98 – orchid and Yarn Art Jeans №18 – pale pink
- Stuffing: hollofayber
- Eyes: two black halfbeads, 8 mm in diameter
- Attachment thread: strong cotton thread or jute twine
All details except the skirt are crocheted in a spiral. The skirt is worked in closed rows, so it has a different construction rhythm from the rest of the toy.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
Before beginning, gather every material listed in the original pattern. Having the materials ready is particularly useful for amigurumi because several finishing operations require items that are not part of the crochet itself.
- Sport / 5 ply (12 wpi) yarn
- Yarn Art Jeans №05 – light beige
- Yarn Art Jeans №28 – black
- Alize Cotton Gold №385 – green
- Yarn Art Jeans №35 – yellow
- Alternative dress combination: Alize Cotton Gold №98 – orchid and Yarn Art Jeans №18 – pale pink
- 2.00 mm crochet hook
- Hollofayber stuffing
- Two black halfbeads measuring 8 mm in diameter
- Strong cotton thread or jute twine for attaching the arms and legs
- Needle with a big eye
- Moment glue
- A little white thin thread
- A little pink thin thread
Pattern Abbreviations
Keep this reference nearby while crocheting. The pattern uses standard crochet terminology, with a few abbreviations specific to the instructions.
- st – stitch
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase, crocheting 2 sc in one loop
- dec – decrease, crocheting 2 sc together
- sl st – slip stitch
- puff st – 4-hdc Puff stitch
- (sc, inc) × n – repeat the stitches inside the brackets n-times
Because the majority of the pieces are worked in spirals, careful attention to the round number and stitch count is important. A stitch marker can be helpful for identifying the beginning of a round, even though the original instructions do not require a particular marker.
Build the Panda in This Order
A useful way to understand this project is to divide it into four construction groups. First come the limbs: two legs and two arms. Next comes the main structure: the body and head. The smaller details follow with ears, tail, and eyes. Finally, the skirt and decorative assembly complete the character.
This organization does not change the technical instructions. It simply gives you a mental map of what each component contributes to the finished toy.
Legs: Establishing the Lower Shape
Make 2 legs using black yarn. Stuff them in the course of crocheting. Each leg begins with a chain rather than a magic ring, and the first round is worked around the chain to establish the foot shape.
- 1 rnd: begin crocheting from 2nd loop from hook – inc, 3 sc, 4 sc in the last loop of the chain. 3 sc, inc (14)
- 2 rnd: inc, 3 sc, 6 inc, 3 sc, inc (22)
- 3-5 rnd: 1 sc in each st around (22)
- 6 rnd: 5 sc, 6 dec, 5 sc (16)
- 7 rnd: 5 sc, 3 dec, 5 sc (13)
- 8-17 rbd: 10 rows – 1 sc in each st around (13)
At the end, pull the opening with the needle and hide the end of the thread inside the detail.
The important checkpoints for the legs are the changes in stitch count: the first round finishes at 14 stitches, the second increases to 22, the straight rounds remain at 22, the shaping rounds reduce the piece to 16 and then 13, and rounds 8-17 maintain 13 stitches. These counts help you confirm that the foot and leg are developing according to the original instructions.
Arms: A Narrower Matching Component
The arms are also crocheted in black and stuffed while they are being worked. Unlike the legs, each arm begins with a magic ring.
- 1 rnd: 6 sc in the magic ring (6)
- 2 rnd: (1 sc, inc) × 3 (9)
- 3 rnd: (2 sc, inc) × 3 (12)
- 4 rnd: (3 sc, inc) × 3 (15)
- 5-6 rnd: 2 rows – 1 sc in each st around. (15)
- 7 rnd: (3 sc, dec) × 3 (12)
- 8-13 rnd: 6 rows – 1 sc in each st around (12)
- 14 rnd: (2 sc, dec) × 3 (9)
- 15-16 rnd: 2 rows – 1 sc in each st around (9)
Pull the opening with the needle and hide the end of the thread inside the detail.
When making the second arm, use the first completed arm as a visual reference for length and stuffing firmness. The stitch counts themselves remain the authority: the arm expands from 6 to 15 stitches, decreases to 12, stays at 12 through rounds 8-13, then narrows to 9 stitches for the final two rounds.
The Body: The Central Framework
The body is crocheted with the white or light beige color and is stuffed during crocheting. This is one of the most important components because the head, limbs, skirt, and tail ultimately relate to its shape.
- 1 rnd: 6 sc in the magic ring (6)
- 2 rnd: 6 inc (12)
- 3 rnd: (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- 4 rnd: (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- 5 rnd: (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- 6 rnd: (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- 7 rnd: (5 sc, inc) × 6 (42)
- 8-13 rnd: 6 rows – 1 sc in each st around. (42)
- 14 rnd: (5 sc, dec) × 6 (36)
- 15-16 rnd: 2 rows – 1 sc in each st around (36)
Change the yarn to the dress color.
- 17 rnd: (4 sc, dec) × 6 (30)
- 18 rnd: back loops only – 1 sc in each st around. (30)
- 19-21 rnd: 3 rows – 1 sc in each st around (30)
- 22 rnd: (3 sc, dec) × 6 (24)
Leave enough thread for sewing.
Body Stitch Checkpoints
There are several useful moments to stop and check your work. After round 7, the stitch count should be 42. Rounds 8-13 continue at 42. Round 14 brings the count down to 36, followed by two rounds at 36. The dress-color transition begins at round 17. Round 18 is particularly important because it is worked through the back loops only. Rounds 19-21 remain at 30 stitches before round 22 reduces the body to 24 stitches.
Do not replace the back-loop-only instruction in round 18 with ordinary single crochet. That round is part of the construction of the dress section and is deliberately different from the surrounding rounds.
Head: Creating the Panda’s Main Facial Surface
The head is worked in white or light beige and is stuffed as you crochet. Its gradual increases create the rounded form needed for the face.
- 1 rnd: 6 sc in the magic ring (6)
- 2 rnd: 6 inc (12)
- 3 rnd: (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- 4 rnd: (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- 5 rnd: (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- 6 rnd: (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- 7 rnd: (5 sc, inc) × 6 (42)
- 8 rnd: (6 sc, inc) × 6 (48)
- 9-18 rnd: 10 rows – 1 sc in each st around (48)
- 19 rnd: (6 sc, dec) × 6 (42)
- 20 rnd: (5 sc, dec) × 6 (36)
- 21 rnd: (4 sc, dec) × 6 (30)
- 22 rnd: (3 sc, dec) × 6 (24)
Cut the yarn and fasten off. Sew the head to the body.
The head reaches its widest point at 48 stitches. This gives you a useful numerical checkpoint before the decreases begin. If you are checking the shape as you work, the sequence is 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 stitches during the increase section. The straight section then stays at 48 through rounds 9-18 before the decrease sequence begins.
Ears and Tail
Make 3 pieces using the same instructions. The finished pieces become the two ears and the tail.
- 1 rnd: 6 sc in the magic ring (6)
- 2 rnd: 6 inc (12)
- 3-4 rnd: 2 rows – 1 sc in each st around (12)
- 5 rnd: (dec, 4 sc) × 2 (10)
Leave enough thread for sewing. Stuff the tail. Fold the ears in half and do not stuff them.
This distinction matters during finishing. The tail receives stuffing, while the ears are folded rather than filled. Treating all three pieces in exactly the same way would change their intended shape.
Eyes: Small Pieces With a Defined Shape
The two eyes are crocheted in black. Each starts from a chain and is shaped around that chain.
- 1 rnd: begin crocheting from the 2nd loop from the hook – 2 sc, 3 sc in the last loop of the chain. 1 sc, inc (8)
- 2 rnd: inc, 1 sc, 3 inc, 1 sc, 2 inc (14)
Leave enough thread for sewing.
These crocheted eye pieces are part of the facial construction, while the pattern also specifies two black 8 mm halfbeads. During final decoration, the black halfbeads are glued into place according to the original finishing instructions.
Making the Skirt
The skirt is the one major section that differs from the spiral construction used for the other pieces. The first row is crocheted by grasping the front loops of the 18th row. The skirt is worked in closed rows: begin each row with 1 ch and finish it with a sl st in the first stitch of the row.
The pattern also specifies making 4-hdc puff stitches with another color.
- 1 rnd: (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- 2 rnd: (5 sc, puff st.) × 6 times (36)
- 3 rnd: (5 sc, inc) × 6 (42)
- 4 rnd: 1 sc in each st around (42)
- 5 rnd: 2 sc, puff st., (6 sc, puff st.) × 5 times, 4 sc (42)
- 6 rnd: (6 sc, inc) × 6 (48)
- 7 rnd: 1 sc in each st around (48)
- 8 rnd: 6 sc, puff st., (7 sc, puff. st.) × 5 times, 1 sc (48)
- 9 rnd: (7 sc, inc) × 6 (54)
- 10 rnd: 1 sc in each st around (54)
- 11 rnd: sl st in each st around
Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Understanding the Skirt’s Construction
The skirt gradually expands from 36 stitches to 54 stitches. The first increase occurs in round 1, followed by a puff-stitch row. Round 3 increases the count to 42, and round 5 adds another sequence of puff stitches. Round 6 reaches 48 stitches, followed by another puff-stitch arrangement in round 8. Round 9 increases the skirt to 54 stitches. The final two rounds complete the lower edge with ordinary single crochet and then slip stitches.
Because the skirt is worked in closed rows, remember that its beginning and ending method is different from the spiral rounds used elsewhere in the project.
Assembly: Turning the Pieces Into One Panda
Once all crocheted components are complete, the project changes from crochet construction to assembly and decoration. This stage is where symmetry, positioning, and secure attachment become more important than stitch counting.
Attach the Legs
The original pattern instructs you to attach the legs using thread fastening. The source also provides a video reference for this operation:
Leg attachment video reference
Use the strong cotton thread or jute twine specified in the materials list for the attachment of the arms and legs. The purpose of this strong thread is to create a secure connection between the crocheted limbs and the body.
Attach the Head
The head is sewn to the body after the head has been fastened off. Take time to position it before completing the sewing so that the face sits naturally over the body.
Position the Ears and Eyes
Sew the ears into position and sew the crocheted eyes. Then glue the black halfbeads. Since the pattern calls for two black halfbeads measuring 8 mm, use that exact size rather than substituting a different size if you want to preserve the original specifications.
Embroider the Nose and Cheeks
Embroider the nose as directed in the assembly section. The cheeks are made with pink thread, and the source notes that a couple of stitches are enough. The finishing details are intentionally small, so avoid making the cheek embroidery heavier than necessary.
Finish With the Tail and Pompon
Sew the stuffed tail into position. The final decorative step is to make a small pompon and attach it to the neck.
Beginner-Friendly Construction Checks
Even when the pattern itself is straightforward, small amigurumi pieces can become difficult to troubleshoot if a mistake is allowed to continue for several rounds. The following checkpoints can help you identify problems early without changing the original pattern.
Check the Stitch Count Before Continuing
At the end of an increase or decrease round, pause and count your stitches. The pattern provides stitch counts in parentheses for nearly every shaping section. These numbers are valuable checkpoints rather than optional information.
Compare Matching Pieces
When making the second leg, second arm, or second eye, compare it with the first completed piece. Matching pieces should be visually consistent. If one piece is noticeably longer or wider, review the round numbers and stitch counts before moving on.
Control the Stuffing
The instructions specify stuffing the legs, arms, body, and head in the course of crocheting. Add stuffing gradually rather than waiting until a piece is almost finished. This makes it easier to distribute the filling through the shape while maintaining the intended proportions.
Keep the Openings Neat
The legs and arms are finished by pulling their openings with a needle and hiding the thread end inside the detail. Make sure the thread is secured before hiding it so the opening does not loosen during assembly.
Troubleshooting Common Construction Problems
The Stitch Count Is Wrong
If your count does not match the number printed at the end of a round, stop before beginning the next round. Count the stitches again and review the increases or decreases in that round. Correcting a discrepancy immediately is much easier than trying to compensate several rounds later.
The Body Does Not Look Even
Check the transition at round 17 and especially the back-loop-only instruction in round 18. Also confirm that rounds 19-21 remain at 30 stitches before the final decrease to 24 stitches.
The Head Looks Too Small or Too Large
Review the increase sequence through round 8 and confirm that round 8 ends with 48 stitches. The head then remains at 48 stitches through rounds 9-18 before the decrease sequence begins. Do not add or remove rounds to compensate for an unexpected appearance.
The Ears Look Too Bulky
Remember that the ears are not stuffed. After completing each ear, fold it in half as specified. The tail, by contrast, is stuffed.
The Skirt Does Not Sit Correctly
Check that the first skirt row is worked by grasping the front loops of the 18th row. Also remember that the skirt is worked in closed rows, beginning with 1 ch and ending with a sl st in the first stitch of the row.
Quick Reference for the Main Stitch Counts
- Legs: 14 → 22 → 22 → 16 → 13
- Arms: 6 → 9 → 12 → 15 → 12 → 9
- Body: 6 → 12 → 18 → 24 → 30 → 36 → 42 → 36 → 30 → 24
- Head: 6 → 12 → 18 → 24 → 30 → 36 → 42 → 48 → 42 → 36 → 30 → 24
- Ears/Tail: 6 → 12 → 12 → 10
- Eyes: 8 → 14
- Skirt: 36 → 36 → 42 → 42 → 42 → 48 → 48 → 48 → 54 → 54
This quick-reference section is not a replacement for the full instructions. It is simply a convenient way to identify whether the major shaping stages are progressing according to the original pattern.
Final Finishing Checklist
- Two legs completed and finished.
- Two arms completed and finished.
- Body completed with the dress-color transition in the specified rounds.
- Head completed and sewn to the body.
- Three small pieces completed for the two ears and tail.
- Tail stuffed.
- Ears folded in half without stuffing.
- Two crocheted eye pieces completed.
- Two black 8 mm halfbeads prepared.
- Legs attached with strong cotton thread or jute twine.
- Arms attached securely.
- Ears sewn on.
- Eyes sewn on and black halfbeads glued.
- Nose embroidered.
- Cheeks embroidered with a couple of pink stitches.
- Tail sewn on.
- Small pompon attached to the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the finished panda?
The finished toy is specified as 16 cm (6.3″) tall.
What crochet hook size does the pattern use?
The pattern uses a 2.00 mm crochet hook.
What yarn weight is specified?
The pattern specifies Sport / 5 ply (12 wpi) yarn. The main colors are Yarn Art Jeans №05 in light beige and №28 in black.
What colors are used for the dress?
The listed dress combination is Alize Cotton Gold №385 in green and Yarn Art Jeans №35 in yellow. The pattern also lists an alternative combination of Alize Cotton Gold №98 in orchid and Yarn Art Jeans №18 in pale pink.
Are all parts crocheted in a spiral?
No. All the details except the skirt are crocheted in a spiral. The skirt is worked in closed rows, beginning with 1 ch and ending with a sl st in the first stitch of the row.
What size are the black halfbeads?
The materials list specifies two black halfbeads measuring 8 mm in diameter.
Which pieces are stuffed?
The legs, arms, body, and head are stuffed in the course of crocheting. The tail is stuffed during finishing. The ears are folded in half and are not stuffed.
How is the skirt attached?
The first skirt row is crocheted by grasping the front loops of the 18th row. The skirt then continues in closed rows according to the specified eleven-round sequence.
What is used to attach the limbs?
The pattern specifies strong cotton thread or jute twine for attaching the arms and legs.
How are the cheeks made?
The cheeks are embroidered using pink thread. The original finishing instructions state that a couple of stitches are enough.
A Practical Way to Approach the Finished Panda
The most reliable approach is to treat every piece as a small checkpointed project. Finish the legs and verify them against each other. Do the same with the arms and eyes. Keep the body and head stitch counts visible while crocheting, particularly around the increase and decrease sections. When the crocheted components are complete, move carefully into assembly instead of rushing through the placement of the details.
The project is small, but the final appearance depends heavily on the relationships between its parts. The symmetry of the ears and eyes, the position of the head, the attachment of the limbs, and the placement of the embroidered details all contribute to the personality of the finished panda.
Final Thoughts
This Little Panda project is a compact example of how basic amigurumi techniques can be combined to create a highly recognizable character. The construction relies on single crochet, increases, decreases, spiral rounds, controlled stuffing, separate component assembly, and a decorative skirt made with puff stitches.
The most important part of the project is not speed. It is consistency. Keep the stitch counts accurate, follow each round in its stated order, respect the specified color changes, and use the finishing instructions for each component exactly as written. The body, head, limbs, ears, tail, eyes, and skirt each have their own shaping logic, and preserving that logic is what allows the final pieces to fit together naturally.
Once the final pompon has been attached to the neck and the facial details are complete, the original pattern’s finishing message says it clearly: the little panda is ready. The finished 16 cm (6.3″) toy combines the soft rounded shape of amigurumi with a small dressed character design, making the project a rewarding piece to complete from start to finish.
If you share photos of a panda crocheted from the pattern on Instagram, the original designer asks makers to tag @mycrochetwonders and add the hashtag #design_by_chuchkalova.