Pif Panda Mum Crochet Tutorial: A Detailed Step-by-Step Amigurumi Guide

If you are looking for an intermediate crochet project with plenty of character, Pif Panda Mum is a delightful amigurumi design to work on. This charming panda combines a rounded white head and body with silver-grey limbs, ears, eye details, and a small tail. A Candyfloss-pink apron and decorative ribbon complete the look, while the little yarn balls placed on her head give the finished figure an especially playful handmade appearance.

The original pattern is called Pif – Panda Mum, pattern number 1020-211-3353. The finished panda measures approximately 24 cm, or 9.4 inches. The project is classified as intermediate and is worked with a 2.50 mm crochet hook.

This version of the tutorial focuses on organizing the project into clear construction stages. Rather than treating the panda as one large pattern, you can think of it as a collection of smaller pieces that are crocheted, stuffed, positioned, and finally sewn together. That approach makes it much easier to keep track of the stitch counts and assembly details.

All stitch counts, round numbers, row numbers, colors, materials, measurements, and placement instructions in this tutorial follow the supplied pattern. Keep the original instructions nearby while crocheting, particularly during the eye placement and final assembly stages.

What You Will Make

Pif Panda Mum is built from several separate crocheted components. The main structure consists of the head and body, while the arms and legs create the sitting shape. The ears, eye pieces, snout, and tail provide the facial and animal details.

The character also has a complete crocheted apron in Candyfloss (#045), matching tie-strings, and a ribbon that is decorated with three small balls of yarn. These decorative elements are what give the panda her distinctive appearance.

The color arrangement is simple but effective. White (#001) is used for the main head and the beginning of the body. Silver (#118) provides the panda’s grey details and later body section. Candyfloss (#045) is reserved for the apron, apron ties, and ribbon.

Materials and Supplies

Prepare the complete supply list before beginning. This project contains several small pieces, so having the materials organized beforehand will make the process smoother.

• Friends Cotton 8/4 in White (#001) – 1 skein
• Friends Cotton 8/4 in Silver (#118) – 1 skein
• Friends Cotton 8/4 in Candyfloss (#045) – 1 skein
• 2.50 mm crochet hook
• 2 safety eyes, 8 mm
• 1 wooden button, 12 mm
• A piece of black scrap yarn for the eyebrows
• Scrap yarn in 3 different colors for the ribbon
• Fiberfill
• 2 matches, or another suitable item, for the knitting needles in the ribbon

The original pattern contains an important safety note concerning the matches. It recommends not using matches if the finished product is intended for babies or children.

Crochet Abbreviations Used in the Pattern

Keeping the abbreviations visible while working will make the round-by-round instructions easier to follow.

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• mr = magic ring
• hdc = half double crochet
• inc = increase – 2 stitches in the same stitch
• dec = decrease – 2 stitches together
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• (xx) = number of stitches after the ended round

Before Crocheting: Prepare for Amigurumi Construction

The supplied pattern gives three important construction reminders that are worth following from the beginning.

First, the head and body should always be stuffed firmly. Second, when sewing the head onto the body, add stuffing between the two pieces as you sew. This helps prevent the head from becoming loose or wobbly after assembly.

Third, work tightly enough to avoid holes between the stitches. This is especially important when using fiberfill because large gaps can allow the stuffing to become visible through the crochet fabric.

Because the project contains many shaped components, it is also helpful to check the stitch count at the end of every increase or decrease round. The numbers in parentheses are useful checkpoints and should not be skipped.

Part One: Create the Arms

The arms are worked first in Silver (#118). Make two identical arms. Each arm begins with a six-stitch magic ring and expands before continuing into the longer arm section.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnds 4-7: 1 sc in each st (18).

At this point, begin adding fiberfill. The pattern specifically says to stuff the hand and arm lightly as you work.

Continue with:

1. Rnd 8: (dec) 5 times, 8 sc (13).
2. Rnds 9-23: 1 sc in each st (13).

Fasten off. Leave a tail long enough for later sewing. Repeat the complete process to make the second arm.

Part Two: Build the Eye Components

The eyes are an important part of Pif Panda Mum’s expression. Each eye combines a white crocheted edge, a grey crocheted piece, and an 8 mm safety eye.

White Eye Edge

Using White (#001), make two pieces.

Rnd 1: 4 sc in a mr.

Do not tighten the loop. Leave a tail long enough for assembling the piece later. The pattern also provides an alternative option: instead of crocheting the white edge, you can embroider a white edge around the eye.

Grey Eye Piece

Using Silver (#118), make two pieces. Chain 1 to turn the work after each completed row.

1. Row 1: Ch 4, turn.
2. Row 2: Begin in the 2nd chain from the hook, (inc) 3 times, ch 1, turn (6).
3. Row 3: (inc) 6 times, ch 1, turn (12).
4. Row 4: Make an edge around the entire eye, working 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each corner (19).

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Attach one 8 mm safety eye at the edge of the grey eye piece, 3 rounds below the top of the eye. The curved part of the grey piece should point outwards as shown in the pattern.

Part Three: Crochet the Head

The head is crocheted entirely in White (#001). It begins with six stitches and expands to 66 stitches before the long straight section and subsequent decreases shape the rounded head.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnd 4: 1 sc in each st (18).
5. Rnd 5: (inc) 6 times, 12 sc (24).
6. Rnd 6: (1 sc, inc) 6 times, 12 sc (30).
7. Rnd 7: (4 sc, inc) 6 times (36).
8. Rnd 8: 1 sc in each st (36).
9. Rnd 9: (5 sc, inc) 6 times (42).
10. Rnd 10: (6 sc, inc) 6 times (48).
11. Rnd 11: (7 sc, inc) 6 times (54).
12. Rnd 12: (8 sc, inc) 6 times (60).
13. Rnd 13: (9 sc, inc) 6 times (66).

After Rnd 13, the facial pieces are positioned. Attach the entire grey eye pieces together with the safety eyes. Insert the safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7 on the head.

The pattern specifies 12 sc between the eyes and approximately 6 sc between the upper parts of the grey eye pieces. Make sure the snout points upwards while positioning the pieces.

Place the white crocheted eye pieces around the safety eyes and tighten the magic rings. Sew the grey eye pieces securely onto the head. Continue stuffing the head while working through the remaining rounds.

Finish the Head Shape

Work Rnds 14-25 with 1 sc in each stitch (66).

The decreases then begin:

1. Rnd 26: (9 sc, dec) 6 times (60).
2. Rnd 27: (8 sc, dec) 6 times (54).
3. Rnd 28: (7 sc, dec) 6 times (48).
4. Rnd 29: (6 sc, dec) 6 times (42).
5. Rnd 30: (5 sc, dec) 6 times (36).
6. Rnd 31: (4 sc, dec) 6 times (30).
7. Rnd 32: (3 sc, dec) 6 times (24).
8. Rnd 33: (2 sc, dec) 6 times (18).
9. Rnd 34: (1 sc, dec) 6 times (12).
10. Rnd 35: (2 sc, dec) 3 times (9).

Fasten off and leave a long enough tail for closing the final opening. Using a needle, gather the final 9 stitches through the front loop. Pull the yarn to close the hole neatly and weave in the ends.

Part Four: Work the Body in White

The body begins in White (#001) and follows a steady increase sequence until it reaches 66 stitches.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times (24).
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times (30).
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) 6 times (36).
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) 6 times (42).
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) 6 times (48).
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) 6 times (54).
10. Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) 6 times (60).
11. Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) 6 times (66).

Continue with Rnds 12-24: 1 sc in each st (66).

Stuff the body as you make it. The stuffing should be firm, with the fiberfill distributed evenly so that the body keeps its rounded shape.

Part Five: Shape the Lower Body

After the long straight section, begin the decreases that narrow the body.

1. Rnd 25: (9 sc, dec) 6 times (60).
2. Rnds 26-27: 1 sc in each st (60).
3. Rnd 28: (8 sc, dec) 6 times (54).
4. Rnds 29-30: 1 sc in each st (54).
5. Rnd 31: (7 sc, dec) 6 times (48).
6. Rnds 32-33: 1 sc in each st (48).
7. Rnd 34: (6 sc, dec) 6 times (42).

Change to Silver (#118).

Work Rnds 35-36: 1 sc in each st (42).

Rnd 37: (5 sc, dec) 6 times (36).

Now prepare to join the arms directly into the body. The pattern specifically instructs you to crochet through both layers of each arm, meaning all 4 loops on the arm.

Rnd 38: 8 sc, 6 sc with arm, 15 sc, 6 sc with arm, 1 sc (36).

Rnd 39: 1 sc in each st (36).

Rnd 40: (4 sc, dec) 6 times (30).

Rnd 41: 1 sc in each st (30).

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Part Six: Make the Two Legs

Each leg is crocheted in Silver (#118). The first part creates the rounded foot, followed by a narrower leg section.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times (24).
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times (30).
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) 6 times (36).
7. Rnds 7-10: 1 sc in each st (36).
8. Rnd 11: (dec) 6 times, 24 sc (30).
9. Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec) 6 times (24).
10. Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) 6 times (18).
11. Rnds 14-24: 1 sc in each st (18).

The stuffing instructions are different for different areas of the leg. Stuff the foot firmly, while the remainder of the leg should be stuffed lightly with fiberfill.

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing. Make the second leg using the same instructions.

Part Seven: Add the Ears

The ears are made in Silver (#118), with two identical pieces required.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnd 4: (5 sc, inc) 3 times (21).
5. Rnds 5-7: 1 sc in each st (21).

Fasten off and leave a sufficiently long tail for sewing. Do not discard the tails because they will be needed when the ears are attached to the head.

Part Eight: Crochet the Candyfloss Apron

The apron is crocheted in Candyfloss (#045). It begins with a circular base and then changes into a front panel worked in rows.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times (24).
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times (30).
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) 6 times (36).
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) 6 times (42).
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) 6 times (48).
9. Rnd 9: 1 sc in each st (48).

Now work the front panel in rows. Chain 1 to turn after each completed row.

1. Rows 10-13: 8 sc, ch 1, turn.
2. Row 14: skip the first st, 7 sc, ch 1, turn.
3. Row 15: skip the first st, 6 sc, ch 1, turn.
4. Row 16: make an sc row around the entire apron, approximately 58 sc.
5. Row 17: skip 1 st, (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc) in the same st, repeat all the way around.
6. Row 18: ch 40 for the strap that goes around the neck and attach it at the other side of the row.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Part Nine: Make the Apron Tie-Strings

The apron requires two tie-strings, both made in Candyfloss (#045).

Rnd 1: ch 37.

Rnd 2: begin in the 3rd chain from the hook and work 35 hdc.

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

These pieces will later be sewn at each side of the apron and on the back side as specified in the assembly instructions.

Part Ten: Crochet the Snout

The small snout is made in Silver (#118) and is intentionally very simple.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr, 1 sl st.

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Although this is one of the smallest pieces in the project, its position is important because it completes the center of the panda’s face. The pattern later instructs you to embroider a stripe downward from the snout.

Part Eleven: Crochet the Tail

Make the tail in Silver (#118).

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Rnd 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rnds 4-6: 1 sc in each st (18).

Stuff the tail lightly.

Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) 6 times (12).

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Part Twelve: Create the Ribbon

Using Candyfloss (#045), crochet the ribbon as follows.

Rnd 1: ch 75.

Rnd 2: join into a ring in the first ch and work 74 sc.

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

The pattern also includes three decorative balls of yarn. Wind three balls of yarn in colors of your preference. One should be approximately 3.5 cm, another approximately 3 cm, and the smallest approximately 2.5 cm.

The original sample uses two matches as knitting needles for the yarn balls, with the edges smoothed slightly using sandpaper. Follow the pattern’s safety note and do not use matches if the finished product is intended for babies or children.

Assembly Stage: Position Everything Carefully

Once every crocheted component has been completed, the project changes from crocheting to assembly. This is the stage where careful positioning makes the biggest difference.

It is helpful to lay out the pieces before sewing them permanently. Place the ears, arms, legs, snout, apron, ribbon, and tail near the body and head so you can see how the finished character will come together.

Attach the Ears

Sew the ears onto round 23 of the head, leaving approximately 13 sc between them.

Check the spacing from the front before completing the stitching. Keeping the ears at similar heights will help preserve the balanced appearance of the panda.

Add the Eyebrows

Use the black scrap yarn to embroider the eyebrows between rounds 11 and 12, with 6 sc between them.

Because the eyebrows are embroidered rather than crocheted, take care to keep the two sides visually balanced.

Sew on the Snout

Sew the snout onto the tip of the face. Once it is securely attached, embroider a stripe downward from the snout.

Attach the Legs

Sew the legs diagonally from round 3. The diagonal placement contributes to the sitting posture of the finished panda.

Attach the Ribbon and Yarn Balls

Sew the three yarn balls onto the head together with the ribbon. Arrange them securely so they remain attached while preserving the decorative shape shown in the finished design.

Attach the Apron

Attach the apron to the body and prepare it for the head assembly. The apron should sit neatly on the front of the panda.

Sew the Head to the Body

Sew the head onto the body. While completing this seam, remember the original instruction to stuff between the head and body as you sew. This helps create a firm connection and prevents a loose or wobbly head.

Attach the Tie-Strings

Sew the tie-strings at each side of the apron and on the back side. Then sew the 12 mm wooden button onto the tie-string on the back side of the apron.

Attach the Tail

Sew the tail onto the middle of the back side.

Important Stitch Count Checkpoints

For a project with this many shaping rounds, checking the stitch counts regularly is one of the easiest ways to avoid construction problems.

• The head reaches 66 stitches at Rnd 13.
• The head remains at 66 stitches through Rnds 14-25.
• The head decreases to 9 stitches at Rnd 35.
• The body reaches 66 stitches at Rnd 11.
• The body remains at 66 stitches through Rnds 12-24.
• The body reaches 42 stitches at Rnd 34.
• The body changes to Silver after Rnd 34.
• Rnd 37 brings the body to 36 stitches before the arms are incorporated.
• Rnd 38 remains at 36 stitches after both arms are joined.
• The final body round contains 30 stitches.
• Each arm uses 13 stitches through Rnds 9-23.
• Each leg uses 18 stitches through Rnds 14-24.
• Each ear finishes with 21 stitches.
• The apron reaches 48 stitches at Rnd 8.
• The apron remains at 48 stitches in Rnd 9.

Stuffing Guide for Each Component

Different parts of this panda require different stuffing levels. Following these instructions helps preserve the intended proportions.

The head should be stuffed firmly as you work. The body should also be stuffed firmly. The arms, however, are stuffed lightly. For the legs, the foot is stuffed firmly while the rest of the leg is stuffed lightly.

The tail is stuffed lightly.

Do not wait until the very end to add all of the stuffing. The original pattern repeatedly instructs you to stuff as you work, especially for the head and body. Gradual stuffing gives you better control over the shape and reduces the chance of large empty areas inside the pieces.

Facial Placement Check

The face is one of the most placement-sensitive areas of the project. Before sewing the grey eye pieces permanently, check the distance between the eyes and their position relative to the top of the head.

The safety eyes are inserted between rounds 6 and 7, with 12 sc between the eyes. The upper parts of the grey eye pieces should have approximately 6 sc between them. The snout should point upwards.

After positioning the safety eyes, place the white eye edging around them and tighten the magic rings. The grey eye pieces are then sewn securely into position.

Body and Arm Joining Check

The arm joining stage deserves special attention because it is worked directly into the body. On Rnd 38, the pattern instructs you to crochet through both layers of each arm, using all 4 loops on the arm.

The exact round is:

Rnd 38: 8 sc, 6 sc with arm, 15 sc, 6 sc with arm, 1 sc (36).

After this joining round, continue with Rnd 39: 1 sc in each st (36), then Rnd 40: (4 sc, dec) 6 times (30), and Rnd 41: 1 sc in each st (30).

Following this sequence exactly helps preserve the intended position of the arms around the upper body.

Apron Construction Check

The apron has two distinct construction sections. The first nine rounds create the rounded base. The front panel is then formed with rows rather than continuous rounds.

Remember that Rows 10-13 use 8 sc, followed by ch 1 and a turn. Row 14 skips the first stitch and works 7 sc, while Row 15 skips the first stitch and works 6 sc.

Row 16 adds an sc edge around the entire apron, approximately 58 sc. Row 17 creates the decorative edging using the repeated combination of 1 sc, ch 2, and 1 sc in the same stitch.

Finally, Row 18 creates the neck strap with ch 40 and attaches it at the other side of the row.

Final Assembly Checklist

• Both 8 mm safety eyes are positioned correctly.
• The grey eye pieces are securely sewn.
• The white eye pieces are tightened and positioned around the safety eyes.
• The snout is attached to the tip of the face.
• The downward stripe is embroidered from the snout.
• The eyebrows are embroidered between rounds 11 and 12.
• The ears are attached on round 23 with approximately 13 sc between them.
• The arms are incorporated through both layers as instructed.
• The legs are sewn diagonally from round 3.
• The apron is attached to the front.
• The neck strap is attached correctly.
• The apron tie-strings are sewn into place.
• The 12 mm wooden button is attached to the back tie-string.
• The ribbon is sewn onto the head.
• The three yarn balls are secured to the ribbon.
• The tail is sewn onto the middle of the back.
• The head is securely attached to the body.
• Stuffing is firm in the head and body.
• The arm and leg stuffing follows the pattern’s instructions.
• All yarn ends are woven in securely.

Tips for Keeping the Panda Symmetrical

Symmetry is especially noticeable in amigurumi faces. When preparing the eye pieces, compare them side by side before attaching them to the head. Make sure the grey pieces have the same general orientation and that the safety eyes are placed consistently.

The ears should also be checked from both the front and the side. The original assembly instructions place them on round 23 with approximately 13 sc between them. Use this as your main placement reference.

For the legs, the pattern specifies diagonal placement from round 3. Position both legs before completing the sewing so that the panda sits evenly.

The apron should be centered on the front of the body. Once it is attached, check the neck strap and tie-strings before sewing them permanently.

Why the Color Combination Works

The original design uses three main Friends Cotton 8/4 colors. White (#001) creates the dominant body color, Silver (#118) provides the panda’s contrasting features, and Candyfloss (#045) adds the soft pink apron and decorative elements.

The color changes are limited, but they have a strong visual effect. The body changes from White to Silver after Rnd 34, giving the upper section a contrasting neckline and arm area. The apron then adds a separate layer of color over the front.

The decorative yarn balls introduce additional color because the pattern allows you to choose the colors of the three small balls. Their approximate sizes are 3.5 cm, 3 cm, and 2.5 cm.

Finishing the Project

Once all of the sewing, embroidery, and finishing work is complete, take a final look around the entire panda. Check the face from the front, inspect the apron from the front and back, and make sure the limbs are firmly attached.

The finished project should measure approximately 24 cm or 9.4 inches when made according to the supplied instructions.

Keep in mind that the finished size is connected to the original yarn, hook, tension, and construction details. For that reason, maintaining the 2.50 mm hook and working tightly enough to avoid holes is important if you want to stay close to the stated finished measurement.

Quick Reference for the Main Colors

• White (#001): Head and beginning of the body; white eye pieces.
• Silver (#118): Arms, grey eye pieces, later body rounds, legs, ears, snout, and tail.
• Candyfloss (#045): Apron, apron tie-strings, and ribbon.
• Black scrap yarn: Eyebrows.
• Three additional yarn colors: Decorative yarn balls for the ribbon.

Project Details at a Glance

• Pattern: Pif – Panda Mum
• Pattern number: 1020-211-3353
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Hook: 2.50 mm
• Finished size: Approximately 24 cm (9.4 inches)
• Main yarn: Friends Cotton 8/4
• Safety eyes: 8 mm
• Wooden button: 12 mm
• Stuffing: Fiberfill

Final Thoughts on the Pif Panda Mum Crochet Project

Pif Panda Mum is a satisfying intermediate amigurumi project because it combines familiar crochet techniques with detailed shaping and assembly. The head and body provide the main structure, while the arms, legs, ears, snout, and tail build the recognizable panda silhouette.

The face requires the most careful placement work. The grey eye pieces, safety eyes, white eye edging, snout, and embroidered eyebrows all work together to create the finished expression. Taking your time here is worthwhile.

The pink apron and decorative ribbon provide the final character details. The three small yarn balls are particularly charming and give the finished panda a craft-themed personality.

As you work through the pattern, use the stitch counts as checkpoints, keep the stuffing levels consistent with the instructions, and follow the stated assembly positions carefully. With those details under control, the separate pieces come together into a polished 24 cm Pif Panda Mum.

Enjoy working through each stage, from the first magic ring to the final sewing stitches, and take your time with the finishing details that make this panda so distinctive.