A small amigurumi can teach you a surprising amount about crochet construction. The Little Panda project is a compact character measuring 16 cm (6.3″) tall, yet it brings together circular shaping, chain-based construction, increases, decreases, stuffing, sewing, embroidery, bead decoration, color changes, and a separate skirt worked in closed rows. By approaching each stage deliberately, the project becomes much easier to manage from the first chain to the final pompon.
This guide presents the original Little Panda crochet toy pattern by Marina Chuchkalova of MyCrochetWonders as a complete construction lesson. The goal is to make the process easier to understand without changing the technical instructions. The original hook size, yarn specifications, colors, stitch counts, round numbers, shaping instructions, stuffing requirements, and finishing directions are retained.
One important feature of the design is that all details except the skirt are crocheted in a spiral. The skirt is different: it is made in closed rows, beginning with 1 ch and ending with a slip stitch. Understanding this distinction before you begin will prevent one of the most common sources of confusion in the project.
What You Are Making
The finished panda measures 16 cm (6.3″) tall. The construction is divided into several separate crocheted components. You will make two legs, two arms, a body, a head, three pieces that become the ears and tail, two crocheted eye pieces, and the skirt. These components are then assembled and decorated.
The finished appearance depends on the relationship between these parts. The head provides the main facial area, the body establishes the central silhouette, the black limbs create contrast, and the skirt adds the colorful dressed character.
Your Complete Materials List
Prepare the following materials before beginning the crochet work:
- Yarn weight: Sport / 5 ply (12 wpi)
- Yarn Art Jeans №05: light beige
- Yarn Art Jeans №28: black
- Alize Cotton Gold №385: green
- Yarn Art Jeans №35: yellow
- Alternative dress colors: Alize Cotton Gold №98 – orchid and Yarn Art Jeans №18 – pale pink
- Crochet hook: 2.00 mm
- Stuffing: hollofayber
- Eyes: two black halfbeads, 8 mm in diameter
- Attachment material: cotton strong thread or jute twine
- Needle: needle with a big eye
- Glue: Moment glue
- Extra threads: a little white thin thread and a little pink thin thread
The pattern gives two possible dress color combinations. The primary combination uses green and yellow. The alternative uses orchid and pale pink. Keeping the listed yarn colors together before starting makes the later color transition easier to manage.
Abbreviations You Will Encounter
The pattern uses a short set of crochet abbreviations:
- 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 those in brackets n-times
The stitch count shown at the end of a round should be treated as a checkpoint. If the number does not match, it is better to stop and inspect the current round than to continue and attempt to compensate later.
How to Read the Construction
There are two broad types of shaping in this project. Some components begin with a magic ring and expand outward through repeated increases. Others, such as the legs and eyes, begin from a chain and are crocheted around it. After reaching the required width, decreases create the narrower sections.
The project also uses stuffing at different stages. The legs, arms, body, and head are stuffed in the course of crocheting. The tail is stuffed, while the ears are deliberately left unstuffed and folded in half.
These distinctions are small on paper but important in practice. Before starting each component, identify whether it begins with a chain or magic ring and whether it receives stuffing.
Part One: Crochet the Legs First
Make 2 legs in black yarn. Stuff them in the course of crocheting.
Start by crocheting 6 ch.
- 1 rnd: begin crocheting from 2nd loop from hook – inc, 3 sc, 4 sc in last loop of 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)
Pull the opening with a needle and hide the thread inside.
What to Check on the Legs
The first round should contain 14 stitches. The second round increases that number to 22. Rounds 3-5 remain at 22, followed by a decrease to 16 in round 6 and another decrease to 13 in round 7. Rounds 8-17 continue with 13 stitches.
Once both legs are finished, compare them before attaching either one. This is a convenient moment to identify differences in length, stuffing, or shape.
Part Two: Form the Arms
Make 2 arms in black yarn and stuff them while crocheting.
- 1 rnd: 6 sc 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 and hide the end of the thread inside the detail.
The arm grows from 6 stitches to 15 stitches, remains at 15 for two rounds, then decreases to 12. Six rows remain at 12 before the final decrease sequence brings the arm to 9 stitches.
Beginner Tip for Matching Arms
Complete one arm and use it as a physical comparison while making the second. You are not changing the written pattern by doing this; you are simply using the finished first component as a visual reference. Pay particular attention to stuffing because uneven filling can make otherwise identical crocheted pieces appear different.
Part Three: Create the Body
The body is worked in white or light beige and stuffed in the course of crocheting.
- 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 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.
The Body’s Most Important Transition
The body reaches 42 stitches in round 7 and remains at that count through rounds 8-13. Round 14 reduces the count to 36, and rounds 15-16 stay at 36.
The yarn then changes to the dress color. Round 17 reduces the body to 30 stitches. Round 18 is particularly important because it is worked through the back loops only. Rounds 19-21 remain at 30, and round 22 decreases to 24.
Do not replace the back-loop-only instruction with an ordinary single crochet round. It is part of the original construction.
Part Four: Shape the Head
The head is worked in white or light beige and stuffed in the course of crocheting.
- 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 yarn and fasten off. Sew the head to the body.
The head’s widest point is 48 stitches. That count is maintained for ten rounds, from rounds 9-18. The decrease section then moves through 42, 36, 30, and 24 stitches.
Part Five: Make the Ears and Tail
Make 3 pieces from the same pattern.
- 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 is an excellent example of why reading the finishing instruction for every component matters. Although the three pieces are crocheted identically, two become unstuffed folded ears while the third becomes the stuffed tail.
Part Six: Crochet the Eye Pieces
Make 2 eyes in black yarn.
Begin with 6 ch.
- 1 rnd: begin crocheting from 2nd loop from the hook – 2 sc, 3 sc in last loop of chain. 1 sc, inc (8)
- 2 rnd: inc, 1 sc, 3 inc, 1 sc, 2 inc (14)
Leave enough thread for sewing.
The project also uses two black halfbeads measuring 8 mm in diameter. These are glued during the decoration stage.
Part Seven: The Decorative Skirt
The skirt is where the project changes its crochet rhythm. The first row is worked by grasping the front loops of the 18th row. Unlike the spiral construction used for the other details, the skirt is crocheted in closed rows.
Each row begins with 1 ch and ends with sl st in the first stitch of the row. The pattern 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 yarn and fasten off.
Skirt Progress Guide
The skirt begins at 36 stitches and remains at 36 in round 2. Round 3 increases to 42, and rounds 4-5 remain at 42. Round 6 increases to 48, followed by rounds 7-8 at 48. Round 9 increases to 54, round 10 remains at 54, and round 11 finishes with slip stitches around.
Because the skirt contains several puff-stitch rows, the fabric can look different from ordinary single crochet. Use the stitch count and written sequence rather than visual estimation to check your progress.
Assembly Masterclass
Once every crocheted component is complete, the project enters the finishing stage. This stage determines the final proportions and facial expression of the panda.
Attach the Legs With Strong Thread
The original pattern instructs you to attach the legs using thread fastening. The source includes a video reference for the technique:
Leg attachment video reference
The materials list specifies strong cotton thread or jute twine for attaching the arms and legs.
Attach the Arms
Use the specified strong attachment thread. Before making the final attachment, look at the body from the front and compare both sides. This simple visual check can help keep the finished character balanced.
Sew the Head to the Body
The head is sewn to the body after fastening off. Secure the connection before moving to the facial details.
Position the Ears
Because the ears are folded and not stuffed, they should retain a flatter folded shape. Sew them into place after checking their position against the head.
Add the Eyes and Halfbeads
Sew the crocheted eyes and glue the black 8 mm halfbeads. Take care with placement because small changes in the position of the facial details can noticeably change the character’s expression.
Embroider the Nose and Cheeks
Embroider the nose. Then use the pink thread for the cheeks. The original pattern notes that a couple of stitches are enough for the cheek details.
Attach the Tail
Sew the stuffed tail onto the body. Because it contains stuffing, it should maintain its rounded shape when secured.
Add the Neck Pompon
Make a small pompon and attach it to the neck. This completes the decorative assembly specified in the pattern.
Beginner Finishing Advice
Do Not Rush the Sewing
When several crocheted pieces are ready at the same time, it can be tempting to attach everything immediately. Instead, treat each attachment as a separate finishing task. Check the position, secure the piece, and then move to the next component.
Compare Symmetrical Details
The two arms, two legs, two ears, and two eyes are paired elements. Comparing the matching pieces or placements before final attachment can help maintain visual balance.
Keep the Facial Details Subtle
The pattern uses small embroidered details. The cheeks require only a couple of stitches, and the nose is embroidered. Avoid making these decorative details larger simply because the face appears plain before everything is finished.
Respect the Different Stuffing Instructions
The ears are intentionally unstuffed, while the tail is stuffed. The limbs, body, and head are stuffed during crocheting. Following these distinctions helps preserve the intended shapes.
Problem-Solving Guide
My Stitch Count Does Not Match
Stop at the first incorrect round. Recount the stitches and review the increases or decreases in that specific round. Do not add an extra increase to a later round simply to reach the expected final count.
My Body Looks Different Around the Dress
Check the yarn change before round 17 and verify round 18. The 18th round is worked through the back loops only, and it contains 30 stitches.
My Head Does Not Have the Expected Width
Check the increase sequence through round 8. The head should reach 48 stitches at round 8 and remain at 48 through rounds 9-18.
The Skirt Is Not Sitting Correctly
Return to the starting instruction. The first skirt row is worked through the front loops of the 18th row. Also verify that you are using closed rows, beginning with 1 ch and ending with a sl st in the first stitch.
My Ears Are Too Full
Do not stuff the ears. The instructions specify folding them in half without stuffing.
My Tail Looks Too Flat
The tail should be stuffed. If it looks flat, check that the tail was treated differently from the unstuffed ears.
Technical Quick Reference
For a convenient progress audit, keep these main stitch-count sequences nearby:
- 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
These sequences are useful for checking progress, but they should not replace the full round instructions. The exact placement of increases, decreases, color changes, and special stitches remains important.
Complete Finishing Checklist
- Two legs crocheted in black and stuffed during construction.
- Two arms crocheted in black and stuffed during construction.
- Body crocheted in white or light beige and stuffed during construction.
- Dress color change completed at the specified point.
- Body completed through round 22.
- Head crocheted, stuffed, fastened off, and sewn to the body.
- Three matching small pieces completed for the ears and tail.
- Tail stuffed.
- Ears folded in half and left unstuffed.
- Two black crocheted eye pieces completed.
- Skirt completed through round 11.
- Legs attached using thread fastening.
- Arms attached with strong cotton thread or jute twine.
- Ears sewn on.
- Eyes sewn on.
- Two black 8 mm halfbeads glued.
- Nose embroidered.
- Cheeks embroidered with pink thread.
- Tail sewn on.
- Small pompon attached to the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the finished Little Panda?
The finished toy is 16 cm (6.3″) tall.
What hook size does the pattern require?
The specified crochet hook is 2.00 mm.
What yarn weight is used?
The pattern specifies Sport / 5 ply (12 wpi) yarn.
What are the main yarn colors?
The main colors are Yarn Art Jeans №05 in light beige and Yarn Art Jeans №28 in black.
What are the dress colors?
The listed combination is Alize Cotton Gold №385 in green and Yarn Art Jeans №35 in yellow. An alternative is Alize Cotton Gold №98 in orchid and Yarn Art Jeans №18 in pale pink.
Are all components crocheted in a spiral?
All details except the skirt are crocheted in a spiral. The skirt is worked in closed rows.
What size are the halfbeads?
The pattern specifies two black halfbeads measuring 8 mm in diameter.
Which pieces are stuffed while crocheting?
The legs, arms, body, and head are stuffed in the course of crocheting.
What happens to the tail and ears?
The tail is stuffed. The ears are folded in half and are not stuffed.
When does the body change to the dress color?
The yarn changes to the dress color before round 17, with round 17 worked as specified in the pattern.
Why is round 18 important?
Round 18 is worked through the back loops only and contains 30 stitches.
How does the skirt begin?
The first skirt row is worked by grasping the front loops of the 18th row.
How are skirt rows started and finished?
Each skirt row begins with 1 ch and ends with a sl st in the first stitch of the row.
What type of puff stitch is used?
The pattern defines the puff st as a 4-hdc Puff stitch.
What thread is used to attach the limbs?
The materials list specifies strong cotton thread or jute twine for attaching the arms and legs.
A Final Beginner’s Review
Before declaring the project complete, review the panda in the same way you might inspect a small handmade sculpture. Start with the overall silhouette. The finished toy should measure approximately 16 cm (6.3″) tall according to the pattern. Then look at the body and head connection, the limb placement, and the symmetry of the facial details.
Next, inspect the technical details. The body should have the specified color transition, and round 18 should have been worked through the back loops only. The skirt should originate from the front loops of the 18th row and should use closed rows rather than spiral rounds. The tail should be stuffed, while the ears should remain unstuffed and folded.
Finally, check the decorative elements. The black halfbeads should be 8 mm in diameter, the nose should be embroidered, the cheeks should use the pink thread, and the small pompon should be attached to the neck.
Why This Pattern Makes a Useful Crochet Practice Project
The Little Panda brings several foundational amigurumi skills into one manageable project. The legs teach chain-based circular construction and shaping. The arms demonstrate the gradual expansion and reduction of a magic-ring piece. The body and head provide longer examples of increase and decrease sequences. The ears and tail demonstrate how identical crocheted pieces can receive different finishing treatments. The eyes introduce another chain-based shape, while the skirt adds closed-row construction and puff stitches.
For a beginner, the most useful lesson is consistency. The pattern does not require complicated stitch combinations throughout the entire project. Instead, it asks the maker to repeat basic stitches accurately and recognize when the construction changes. Keeping track of stitch counts makes the shaping predictable, while careful stuffing and assembly preserve the intended silhouette.
The project also demonstrates why finishing should not be considered an afterthought. The way the ears are folded, the amount of stuffing in the tail, the placement of the eyes, the embroidered cheeks, and the final neck pompon all contribute to the character of the completed panda.
Finished Project
After the last assembly details are complete, the panda is ready. The final character combines the black and light beige body, the colorful dress, the rounded head, folded ears, stuffed tail, crocheted eye pieces, black halfbeads, embroidered face, and small neck pompon into one compact amigurumi.
The most reliable way to reach this result is to work patiently through the original sequence. Keep every stitch count intact, respect every color transition, follow the special construction of the skirt, and avoid making corrective changes that are not part of the pattern. When a problem appears, return to the last confirmed round rather than improvising a new stitch count.
With those principles in place, this 16 cm (6.3″) Little Panda becomes an approachable project that also provides valuable practice in shaping, stuffing, sewing, embroidery, and decorative crochet.
For makers who share their finished panda on Instagram, the original designer asks that you tag @mycrochetwonders and use #design_by_chuchkalova.