There is something especially appealing about a small crochet panda: the design is simple enough to recognize immediately, yet the finished character depends on many small construction details. This project combines a rounded white head and body with black panda markings, a green sweater, and pink foot details. The result is a compact amigurumi that can be checked visually at every major stage.
This guide presents the supplied panda pattern as a complete beginner-friendly workshop. Rather than treating the instructions as one uninterrupted block of rounds, the project is divided into practical milestones: prepare the tools, crochet the matching components, establish the face, construct the body, make the joins, and finish the toy. The technical instructions, stitch counts, measurements, colors, and placement details remain those specified by the source.
The finished size is 19 cm with tight crochet and approximately 15 cm sitting. The specified crochet hook is 2.5 mm. The yarn is YarnArt Jeans, 55% cotton / 45% polyacrylic, 50 g / 160 m. The source lists white color 62 at approximately 20 g, black color 53 at approximately 20 g, green color 69 at approximately 15 g, and pink color 74 at approximately 5 g. It also specifies 10 mm safety eyes and hollow fiber filling.
Before You Crochet: Set Up a Reliable Workstation
For amigurumi, a small amount of preparation can prevent many problems later. Put the 2.5 mm hook, the four yarn colors, safety eyes, stuffing, scissors, yarn needle, and stitch marker where they are easy to reach. Keep the black pieces separate from the green sweater pieces so that the color changes are obvious while you work.
The source gives the yarn as YarnArt Jeans with 50 g / 160 m per ball and a fiber composition of 55% cotton and 45% polyacrylic. Because the panda uses relatively small amounts of each color, the listed quantities provide a useful project-planning reference: approximately 20 g white, 20 g black, 15 g green, and 5 g pink.
Finished Size Reference
- Standing/overall finished measurement: 19 cm with tight crochet.
- Sitting measurement: approximately 15 cm.
- Hook: 2.5 mm.
- Safety eyes: 10 mm.
- Stuffing: hollow fiber.
Keep the finished-size information in mind while working. If the toy becomes substantially larger or smaller, the most useful first thing to examine is tension. Do not alter the stitch counts simply to force a different finished size.
Pattern Language You Will Use
The source uses several standard crochet abbreviations. Keeping the terminology consistent makes the long rounds easier to follow.
- R — row
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- hdc — half double crochet
- dc — double crochet
- tr — treble crochet
- inc — 2 sc in one stitch
- dec — 2 sc together, worked through the front loop according to the source
The supplied source also includes visual stitch symbols. If you normally work from charts, use those symbols together with the written rounds rather than substituting your own stitch interpretation.
Milestone One: Crochet the Legs
The legs are among the first pieces to complete because they later become part of the body. Each leg begins with the pink foot section and then changes to black. Make both pieces before starting the body so you can compare their length, shape, and orientation.
- R1: Start with 7 chains. In the second chain from the hook: aum, 4 sc, 4 sc in one chain, 4 sc, aum [16].
- R2: aum, 5 sc, 4 aum, 5 sc, aum [22].
- R3: (3 sc in one stitch), 7 sc, (3 sc in one stitch), 4 sc, (3 sc in one stitch), 8 sc [28].
- R4-5: 28 sc [28].
- R6: 1 sc, dism, 25 sc [27].
- R7: 8 sc, 6 dism, 7 sc [21].
- R8: 7 sc, 4 dism, 6 sc [17].
- R9: 7 sc, 2 dism, 6 sc [15].
- R10: 7 sc, dism, 6 sc [14].
- R11-17: 14 sc [14].
- R18: 1 sc, 2 dism, 9 sc [12].
- R19: 12 sc [12].
- R20: Crochet only 2 sc. Fold the piece in half and crochet 6 sc.
The source specifies hollow-fiber stuffing only through R14. This is an important detail because the upper part of the leg must remain suitable for the later body connection.
Leg Checkpoint
At the end of the legs, compare both pieces side by side. The key count sequence is [16], [22], [28], [27], [21], [17], [15], [14], [12], and [12]. If one piece does not match the other, return to the last round where the counts diverged rather than correcting the difference during assembly.
Milestone Two: Shape the Hands
The hands are compact pieces with black lower sections and green sections that become part of the panda’s sweater. Their final joining happens later, so the pair should be completed and checked before the body reaches R25.
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring [6].
- R2: (aum) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3: (2 sc, aum) repeat 4 times [16].
- R4-5: 16 sc [16].
- R6: (6 sc, dism) repeat 2 times [14].
- R7-8: 14 sc [14].
- R9: 14 sc [14].
- R10: (5 sc, dism) repeat 2 times [12].
- R11-17: 12 sc [12].
- R18: (4 sc, dism) repeat 2 times [10]. Fold in half and crochet 5 sc.
Fill the hands with hollow fiber only through R16. The final two rounds are part of the closing structure, so do not treat the stuffing instruction as permission to pack the entire piece.
Milestone Three: Small Details That Define the Panda
Ears
Make two ears using the exact short sequence below.
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring, or 2 ch and in the second chain from the hook work 6 sc [6].
- R2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3: (5 sc, aum) repeat 2 times [14].
- R4-5: 14 sc [14].
- Fold in half and crochet 7 sc.
Tail
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring [6].
- R2: (aum) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3-6: 12 sc [12].
- R7: (1 sc, dism) repeat 4 times [8].
- Fold in half and crochet 4 sc.
Keep the tail available when you begin the body because it is joined during R13. The ears, in contrast, are incorporated during R17 of the head.
Milestone Four: Make the Two Eye Patches
The face is one area where the source deliberately distinguishes the left and right pieces. Do not combine the two R3 instructions into a single generic patch recipe.
Left Eye Patch
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring [6].
- R2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3: (2 hdc, dc) in one stitch, (dc, tr) in one stitch, tr.
Right Eye Patch
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring [6].
- R2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3: tr, (tr, dc) in one stitch, (dc, 2 hdc) in one stitch, 1 sl st.
The source specifies 10 mm safety eyes. They are fixed between R7 and R8 at a distance of 12 hdc. The nose is inserted in R1.
Milestone Five: Crochet the Head
The head is built from a small center and expanded into a rounded form. The stitch counts provide a useful progress map: the head grows to 56 stitches, remains there through R16, then decreases until the final six stitches.
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring [6].
- R2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3: 2 sc, (3 sc in one loop) repeat 2 times, 4 sc, (3 sc in one loop) repeat 2 times, 2 sc [20].
- R4: 4 sc, 3 aum, 7 sc, 3 aum, 3 sc [26].
- R5-6: 26 sc [26].
- R7: 10 sc, (2 hdc in one stitch) repeat 7 times, 9 sc [33].
- R8: aum, 7 sc, aum, 1 sc, 2 hdc, (2 hdc in one stitch, hdc) repeat 6 times, 1 hdc, 1 sc, aum, 6 sc [42].
- R9: 1 sc, aum, 7 sc, aum, 7 sc, aum, 4 sc, aum, 4 sc, aum, 8 sc, aum, 5 sc [48].
- R10: 15 sc, (aum, 6 sc) repeat 4 times, 5 sc [52].
- R11: 22 sc, aum, 10 sc, aum, 18 sc [54].
- R12: 27 sc, aum, 2 sc, aum, 23 sc [56].
- R13-16: 56 sc [56].
Place the Ears in R17
R17: 18 sc, 7 sc to join the body with the sc stitches in the ear, 11 sc, 7 sc to join the body with the sc stitches in the ear, 13 sc [56].
The source states that the ears are symmetrical with 11 sc between them. This is the most useful visual checkpoint for the top of the head.
- R18-19: 56 sc [56].
- R20: (5 sc, dism) repeat 8 times [48].
- R21: (6 sc, dism) repeat 6 times [42].
- R22: (5 sc, dism) repeat 6 times [36].
- R23: (4 sc, dism) repeat 6 times [30].
- R24: (3 sc, dism) repeat 6 times [24].
- R25: (2 sc, dism) repeat 6 times [18].
- R26: (1 sc, dism) repeat 6 times [12].
- R27: 6 dism [6].
Finish and hide the yarn. Sew the eye patches to the head as shown in the supplied photographs. The face should be evaluated from the front before moving to the body.
Milestone Six: Establish the Body Base
The body begins in white. Its first eight rounds increase from 6 stitches to 48 stitches. R9 through R12 hold that 48-stitch circumference, creating the base volume before the legs and tail are introduced.
- R1: 6 sc in a magic ring, or 2 ch and in the second chain from the hook work 6 sc [6].
- R2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12].
- R3: (1 sc, aum) repeat 6 times [18].
- R4: (2 sc, aum) repeat 6 times [24].
- R5: (3 sc, aum) repeat 6 times [30].
- R6: 1 sc, aum, (4 sc, aum) repeat 5 times, 3 sc [36].
- R7: (5 sc, aum) repeat 6 times [42].
- R8: 2 sc, aum, (6 sc, aum) repeat 5 times, 4 sc [48].
- R9-12: 48 sc [48].
The Critical R13 Join
R13 is the most complicated body round because it changes from ordinary circular crochet to multi-piece assembly. Work 9 sc, 6 sc to join the body with the sc stitches of one leg, 18 sc, 6 sc to join the body with the sc stitches of the other leg, 7 sc [46]. Work 2 sc without crocheting. Then work 4 sc to join the body with the sc stitches of the tail. Place the marker because this is the beginning of R14, and change to green.
Before moving forward, look at the body from the front. The legs should have a consistent orientation, and the tail should be incorporated exactly as specified. Because R13 finishes at [46], this round should be checked against the written instructions before proceeding.
Milestone Seven: Crochet the Green Sweater
Once the marker is placed after the R13 construction, the body changes to green. The following rounds shape the sweater and narrow the body toward the upper section.
- R14-16: 48 sc [48].
- R17: 11 sc, dism, (6 sc, dism) repeat 3 times, 11 sc [44].
- R18: 7 sc, dism, (5 sc, dism) repeat 4 times, 7 sc [39].
- R19: 2 sc, dism, 12 sc, dism, 3 sc, dism, 12 sc, dism, 2 sc [35].
- R20: 9 sc, dism, 13 sc, dism, 9 sc [33].
- R21: 33 sc [33].
- R22: 11 sc, dism, (3 sc, dism) repeat 2 times, 10 sc [30].
- R23: 4 sc, dism, 19 sc, dism, 3 sc [28].
- R24: (5 sc, dism) repeat 4 times [24].
- R25: 5 sc, 5 sc to join the body with the sc stitches of one hand, 7 sc, 5 sc to join the body with the sc stitches of the other hand, 2 sc [24].
- R26: (4 sc, dism) repeat 4 times [20].
R25 is the hand-placement round. The source says the hands should be at the sides and look harmonious with the body. Check the toy from the front before continuing.
How to Keep the Panda Symmetrical
Symmetry is easier to achieve when it is checked several times instead of only at the end. The first check is after completing the two legs. The second is after making the hands and ears. The third is the face, where the eye patches and eyes create the strongest visual center. The fourth is the body, especially immediately after R13 and R25.
When comparing paired pieces, place them flat beside each other rather than judging them one at a time. Compare the number of rounds, the color transitions, and the final width. For the ears, the R17 placement of the head provides the numerical symmetry checkpoint.
Face Placement: A Practical Visual Routine
Once the head is finished, place it upright as though the panda were looking directly at you. Check the top edge and identify the ear positions. Then inspect the eye patches. The left and right patches have different R3 instructions, so make sure they are not accidentally swapped.
The safety eyes are 10 mm and are fixed between R7 and R8 at a distance of 12 hdc. The nose is inserted in R1. These measurements should be treated as fixed reference points. If the face appears visually different from the photograph, first verify that these source instructions were followed.
Stuffing Without Losing the Shape
Hollow fiber is the specified filling material. The small components have explicit stuffing limits, and those limits are important. The legs are filled only through R14, while the hands are filled only through R16.
For the larger head and body, the practical goal is an even rounded form. Work the filling into the corners gradually rather than pushing a large mass into the opening. Check the surface from different directions as you go. If one side is visibly fuller, redistribute the filling before closing.
The neck is the final major stuffing checkpoint. During the head-to-body sewing, the source specifically instructs you to add more stuffing at the neck so that the head fits perfectly to the neck. Perform this adjustment while the seam is accessible.
Assembly Order for a Clean Finish
- Finish the two legs.
- Finish the two hands.
- Finish the ears and tail.
- Complete the left and right eye patches.
- Complete the head, including the ear joins.
- Place the 10 mm safety eyes and nose according to the source.
- Complete the white body through R12.
- Use R13 to join the legs and tail.
- Change to green as specified after the R13 marker instruction.
- Continue the sweater through R24.
- Join both hands during R25.
- Finish R26.
- Sew the head to the body.
- Add neck stuffing during the head-to-body sewing.
- Hide the yarn ends and perform the final symmetry check.
This order keeps the construction accessible. In particular, the legs and tail are joined while the body is still open enough to manage the interior, and the hands are incorporated during the sweater stage.
Troubleshooting for Common Construction Problems
The finished panda is a different size.
The stated finished size assumes tight crochet and a 2.5 mm hook. Before changing anything in the pattern, examine your tension. The source stitch counts should remain unchanged.
The two legs are not the same.
Check their rounds and stitch counts. The legs should follow the same R1-R20 sequence. Compare the pieces before attaching them.
The face looks uneven.
Verify the two eye patches separately because their R3 instructions are different. Then check the 10 mm eyes between R7 and R8 and the 12 hdc distance.
The ears are too close or too far apart.
Review R17 of the head. The instruction includes 11 sc between the two ear joins.
The body becomes confusing during R13.
Break the round into sections: 9 sc, first 6-sc leg join, 18 sc, second 6-sc leg join, 7 sc, then 2 sc without crocheting, followed by the 4-sc tail join. The marker and color change follow that sequence.
The arms look too high or too low.
Check the R25 placement rather than sewing the hands higher or lower by eye. The source joins 5 sc for the first hand, works 7 sc, then joins the second hand over 5 sc before the final 2 sc.
The head does not sit securely.
During the final seam, follow the source’s instruction to add more stuffing at the neck so the head fits the neck correctly.
Quick Pattern Reference
| Checkpoint | Exact source detail |
|---|---|
| Hook | 2.5 mm |
| Finished size | 19 cm with tight crochet; approximately 15 cm sitting |
| Safety eyes | 10 mm |
| Eye position | Between R7 and R8, 12 hdc apart |
| Nose | Inserted in R1 |
| Ear placement | R17, with 11 sc between the ears |
| Leg join | R13 |
| Tail join | R13 |
| Hand join | R25 |
| Leg stuffing | Through R14 |
| Hand stuffing | Through R16 |
Color and Stitch Checkpoints
The color sequence is part of the character design, so keep the changes clear. The legs begin with pink and then become black. The hands use black and green. The head remains white. The body begins white and changes to green after the R13 joining sequence. This produces the green sweater visible in the finished photographs.
For quick stitch checking, remember the main progression of the head: [6], [12], [20], [26], [33], [42], [48], [52], [54], and [56], followed by the decreasing rounds back to [6]. The body expands through [48], reaches [46] during the R13 joining sequence, then continues through the green-body counts [48], [44], [39], [35], [33], [33], [30], [28], [24], [24], and [20].
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is used for this panda?
The source specifies YarnArt Jeans, 55% cotton and 45% polyacrylic, 50 g / 160 m.
Which colors are required?
White color 62, black color 53, green color 69, and pink color 74.
How much of each color is listed?
Approximately 20 g white, 20 g black, 15 g green, and 5 g pink.
What crochet hook size is required?
The specified hook is 2.5 mm.
What size are the safety eyes?
The pattern uses 10 mm safety eyes.
Where do the safety eyes go?
They are fixed between R7 and R8 at a distance of 12 hdc.
Where is the nose inserted?
The source specifies inserting the nose in R1.
How are the ears aligned?
They are joined during R17, with 11 sc between the ears for symmetry.
When are the legs joined?
The legs are incorporated into the body during R13.
When is the tail joined?
The tail is incorporated during the same R13 body sequence.
When are the hands attached?
The hands are joined during R25.
What filling is recommended?
The specified stuffing is hollow fiber.
Final Finishing Checklist
- ☐ 2.5 mm hook used.
- ☐ Correct YarnArt Jeans colors prepared.
- ☐ White color 62 checked.
- ☐ Black color 53 checked.
- ☐ Green color 69 checked.
- ☐ Pink color 74 checked.
- ☐ Two legs match.
- ☐ Two hands match.
- ☐ Two ears match.
- ☐ Tail completed.
- ☐ Left and right eye patches kept distinct.
- ☐ 10 mm safety eyes positioned between R7 and R8.
- ☐ 12 hdc eye spacing checked.
- ☐ Nose inserted in R1.
- ☐ R17 ear spacing checked at 11 sc.
- ☐ R13 leg and tail joins checked.
- ☐ Green sweater begins after the specified R13 sequence.
- ☐ Hands joined during R25.
- ☐ Head sewn securely to body.
- ☐ Neck received additional stuffing during sewing.
- ☐ Yarn ends hidden.
- ☐ Finished silhouette compared with the supplied photographs.
The Finished Panda
Once the final seam is complete, take a moment to inspect the panda from the front, side, and sitting position. The finished project should retain the compact proportions indicated by the source: approximately 19 cm with tight crochet and about 15 cm sitting. The white head and belly should contrast clearly with the black panda markings, while the green sweater and pink feet complete the character.
The most reliable way to finish this project is to combine the written numbers with the photographs. Use stitch counts to determine whether a round has been worked correctly, and use the images to check shape, orientation, and placement. When a visual difference appears, return to the relevant round rather than inventing a new stitch count or changing the pattern.
With the paired pieces matched carefully, the facial measurements respected, the R13 body joins completed in sequence, the R25 hands positioned at the sides, and the neck supported during final sewing, the individual components come together into the finished panda shown in the supplied references. The result is a practical amigurumi project that can be worked systematically from the first small component to the final finishing stitch.