Paf the Panda Dad Crochet Guide: From Individual Pieces to a Finished Character

Paf the Panda Dad is an intermediate crochet amigurumi project built from a collection of carefully shaped pieces. The finished character combines a white rounded head and body with Anthracite details, expressive eye pieces, rounded ears, stuffed arms and legs, a small tail, and French Blue overalls. At approximately 22 cm (8.6 inches), the finished panda is large enough to show the construction details clearly while remaining a manageable project for an experienced amigurumi crocheter.

This second guide approaches the project as a construction workshop. Instead of treating the pattern as one long sequence, the process is organized around the way the character is actually built: establish the materials and tension, make the smaller components, shape the head and body, construct the clothing, and then use the assembly checkpoints to bring everything into alignment. The technical instructions remain those of the original Paf – Panda Dad pattern, No. 1020-211-2748.

Project Specifications at a Glance

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Hook: 2.50 mm
• Finished size: Approx. 22 cm (8.6 inches)
• Yarn: Friends Cotton 8/4
• White: #001, 1 skein
• Anthracite: #122, 1 skein
• French Blue: #084, 1 skein
• Safety eyes: 2, 8 mm
• Wooden buttons: 2, 12 mm
• Additional materials: black scrap yarn and fiberfill

The pattern defines the abbreviations as follows: ch for chain, sc for single crochet, sl st for slip stitch, mr for magic ring, inc for increase, dec for decrease, rnd(s) for round(s), and the number in parentheses as the stitch count after the completed round. The pattern is worked using the terminology supplied in the source, so those terms should remain consistent throughout the project.

Set Up Your Work Before the First Round

Good preparation is particularly helpful with a character that has several sewn components. Put the three main yarn colors within easy reach and keep the black scrap yarn, safety eyes, buttons, stuffing, needle and stitch markers nearby. The 2.50 mm hook is the specified hook for the project.

The original pattern gives three useful construction reminders. Stuff the head and body firmly. Add stuffing between the head and body while sewing the head onto the body so the finished head does not become wobbly. Finally, work tightly enough to avoid holes between the stitches. These points are especially important for amigurumi because the stuffing should remain contained inside the crocheted fabric.

Build the Arms First

The two arms are crocheted in Anthracite (#122). Each arm starts with a compact magic ring and expands before continuing as a narrow tube.

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

Stuff the hand and arm as you work. Then shape the upper part with Round 8: (dec) 5 times, 8 sc (13). Continue with Rounds 9-23: 1 sc in each st (13). Fasten off.

Make two identical arms. Because they will later be incorporated into Body Round 38, keep their finishing tails available rather than trimming them unnecessarily.

Prepare the Eye Components

The eyes are assembled from two crocheted layers. The white part is made in White (#001), while the larger grey portion is made in Anthracite (#122).

White Eye Part

Make 2 in White (#001).

Round 1: 4 sc in a mr.

Do not tighten the loop. Leave a tail long enough for assembly.

Grey Eye Part

Make 2 in Anthracite (#122). 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 an 8 mm safety eye at the edge of the grey part, 3 rounds below the top of the eye. The curved part should point outwards, following the visual direction shown in the pattern.

Shape the Head and Establish the Face

The head is worked in White (#001). Its increase sequence creates the broad rounded foundation needed for the panda’s face.

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

At this point, attach the complete grey eye pieces together with the safety eyes. Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 6 and 7, with 12 sc between the eyes and approximately 6 sc between the upper parts of the grey eye pieces. The snout should point upwards. Place the white part around each safety eye and tighten the magic ring, then sew the grey eye pieces into position.

Stuff the head as you continue. Rounds 14-25 remain at 66 stitches. The decrease sequence then brings the head down gradually:

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

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

Create the Body as the Main Structural Piece

The body is worked in White (#001), then changes to Anthracite (#122) near the lower section. The first eleven rounds steadily increase the stitch count until the body reaches 66 stitches.

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

Stuff the body as you make it. Continue with Round 25: (9 sc, dec) 6 times (60), then Rounds 26-27: 1 sc in each st (60). Round 28 is (8 sc, dec) 6 times (54), followed by Rounds 29-30: 1 sc in each st (54).

Round 31 is (7 sc, dec) 6 times (48), followed by Rounds 32-33: 1 sc in each st (48). Round 34 is (6 sc, dec) 6 times (42).

Change to Anthracite (#122). Work Rounds 35-36: 1 sc in each st (42), then Round 37: (5 sc, dec) 6 times (36).

Round 37 is also the preparation point for attaching the arms. The source specifically instructs you to crochet through both layers of the arm, using all 4 loops on the arm. Then work Round 38 as 8 sc, 6 sc with arm, 15 sc, 6 sc with arm, 1 sc (36). Continue with Round 39: 1 sc in each st (36), Round 40: (4 sc, dec) 6 times (30), and Round 41: 1 sc in each st (30). Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Shape the Legs and Ears

Legs

Make 2 legs in Anthracite (#122).

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

Stuff the foot firmly and the rest of the leg lightly with fiberfill. Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Ears

Make 2 ears in Anthracite (#122).

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

Fasten off and leave a sufficiently long tail for sewing.

Construct the French Blue Overalls

The clothing is crocheted separately in French Blue (#084). This part of the project adds several shaping and joining steps, so it is useful to complete the pants before attaching them to the panda.

Pants Legs

1. Round 1: ch 30 and join into a ring with a sc in the first ch.
2. Rounds 2-12: 1 sc in each st (30).

Fasten off the first pants leg. Make the second pants leg but do not break off the yarn. Chain 6 and attach the second pants leg to the first. Then work around both legs.

1. Round 13: 30 sc around one leg, 6 sc in the chains between the two legs, 30 sc around the second leg, 6 sc in the chains between the two legs (72).
2. Rounds 14-18: 1 sc in each st (72).
3. Round 19: 13 sc, dec, 34 sc, dec, 21 sc (70).
4. Rounds 20-31: 1 sc in each st (70).
5. Round 32: 15 sc to end at the side of the pants and finish nicely.

Fasten off.

Front Panel

Using French Blue (#084), work:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Round 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times (24).
5. Rounds 5-13: 1 sc in each st (24).

Fasten off. Attach the front panel to the front side of the pants in the middle and crochet the two layers together with 12 sc.

Overall Straps

Make 2 straps in French Blue (#084).

1. Round 1: ch 48, turn.
2. Round 2: begin in the 2nd chain from the hook, 46 sc.

Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Add the Snout and Tail

Snout

Using Anthracite (#122), work Round 1: 6 sc in a mr, 1 sl st. Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Tail

Using Anthracite (#122), work:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a mr.
2. Round 2: (inc) 6 times (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18).
4. Rounds 4-6: 1 sc in each st (18).
5. Round 7: (1 sc, dec) 6 times (12).

Stuff the tail lightly. Fasten off and leave a tail long enough for sewing.

Use the Assembly Sequence as Your Final Road Map

Once all the crocheted components are ready, the project changes from shaping to positioning. The source gives a specific assembly sequence, and following it in order makes the finishing stage easier to manage.

1. Sew the ears onto Round 23 with approximately 13 sc between them.
2. Embroider the eyebrows between Rounds 11 and 12 with 6 sc between them.
3. Sew the snout to the tip and embroider a stripe downwards.
4. Sew the legs diagonally from Round 3.
5. Attach the overalls to the body.
6. Sew the straps onto the middle of the back side of the overalls with approximately 10 sc between them.
7. Sew the buttons in front of the straps.
8. Fold the pants legs up 2-3 times.
9. Sew on the head.
10. Sew the tail onto the middle of the back side of the pants.

The head attachment deserves particular attention. The pattern specifically recommends stuffing between the head and body while sewing the head on. This helps support the join and prevents the finished head from becoming wobbly.

Construction Checkpoints Before You Finish

Face Check

Confirm that the safety eyes were inserted between Rounds 6 and 7, with 12 sc between them. The upper parts of the grey eye pieces should have approximately 6 sc between them. The snout should point upwards, and the grey eye pieces should be sewn securely around the safety eyes.

Ear Check

The ears are sewn on Round 23 with approximately 13 sc between them. Before securing them permanently, compare both sides of the head so that the finished ears appear balanced.

Arm Check

The arms are not simply sewn to the finished body. They are incorporated into Round 38 by crocheting through both layers of each arm, using all 4 loops on the arm. Make sure both arms are caught correctly before continuing.

Leg Check

The legs are sewn diagonally from Round 3. This positioning is part of the original assembly instructions and should be preserved rather than substituting a different attachment point.

Clothing Check

The overalls should be attached to the body, with the straps sewn onto the middle of the back side and approximately 10 sc between them. The wooden buttons are sewn in front of the straps, and the pants legs are folded up 2-3 times.

Tail Check

The tail is sewn in the middle of the back side of the pants. Since the tail is lightly stuffed, it should remain soft enough to sit naturally against the back.

Beginner-Friendly Troubleshooting Without Changing the Pattern

The Fabric Has Visible Holes

Check your tension first. The source specifically recommends working tightly to avoid holes between stitches. If the stuffing is visible, adjust your tension so the crochet fabric closes more securely rather than changing the stated hook size.

The Head Feels Loose After Sewing

Check the stuffing at the join. The pattern instructs you to stuff between the head and body while sewing the head onto the body. This additional support is intended to avoid a wobbly head.

The Eye Pieces Look Uneven

Return to the placement checkpoints before sewing everything permanently. The safety eyes belong between Rounds 6 and 7, with 12 sc between the eyes and approximately 6 sc between the upper portions of the grey eye pieces. Use those measurements as your guide rather than relying only on visual estimation.

The Legs Do Not Look Symmetrical

Review the assembly instruction that places the legs diagonally from Round 3. The issue may be the attachment angle rather than the crocheted leg itself.

A Practical Finishing Checklist

• Head securely closed after Round 35.
• Body completed through Round 41.
• Both arms attached through all 4 loops during the specified body round.
• Two legs completed and stuffed with the specified firmness.
• Two ears completed and positioned on Round 23.
• Two eye assemblies completed with 8 mm safety eyes.
• Snout sewn and downward stripe embroidered.
• Eyebrows embroidered between Rounds 11 and 12.
• Overalls joined and front panel attached with 12 sc.
• Two 48-chain straps completed.
• Two 12 mm wooden buttons attached.
• Pants legs folded up 2-3 times.
• Tail lightly stuffed and sewn to the middle back of the pants.
• Head securely sewn to body with stuffing between the two pieces.

Why the Construction Order Works

Paf is easier to assemble when the small pieces are prepared before the main body is finished. The arms need to be ready for their integrated attachment during Body Round 38. The eyes need to be prepared before the head reaches its facial placement rounds. The legs, ears, snout and tail all require sewing tails, so leaving those tails long enough from the beginning saves time during finishing.

The overalls are treated as their own miniature crochet project. The two pants legs are first established, then joined with a chain bridge, followed by the longer body section. The front panel is made separately, while the two straps are simple chain-and-single-crochet pieces. Once these elements are finished, they can be positioned on the panda without interfering with the shaping of the body itself.

This modular approach also makes it easier to inspect your work. Each component can be checked for stitch count, shape and stuffing before it becomes part of the final character.

Final Thoughts on Making Paf the Panda Dad

Paf the Panda Dad is a project where careful construction matters as much as the crochet itself. The individual pieces use familiar amigurumi techniques, but the character comes to life through precise placement: the eye pieces establish the expression, the ears frame the head, the arms and legs define the body posture, and the French Blue overalls give the panda his distinctive dressed-up look.

The best approach is to treat every stitch count and placement measurement as a checkpoint. The source does not call for improvisation in these areas, and keeping the original numbers intact helps preserve the intended proportions. Tight tension, appropriate stuffing, and careful sewing then complete the transformation from separate crocheted parts into one cohesive panda.

When the final loose ends are woven in and the buttons, straps, facial details and tail are securely attached, the result is an approximately 22 cm (8.6 inch) Panda Dad with a rounded, expressive face and a detailed handmade outfit. It is a satisfying intermediate project for crocheters who enjoy the full amigurumi process, from magic ring and increases all the way through shaping, garment construction and final assembly.