If you are looking for a large, cuddly amigurumi project with a distinctly festive personality, this plush crochet panda with a Christmas hat is a wonderful project to explore. The finished toy has the classic black-and-white appearance of a panda, while the red-and-white hat gives it a cheerful seasonal touch. The pattern can also be used to create the panda without the hat if you prefer a simpler year-round plush toy.
This is not a tiny, quick amigurumi project. The panda is relatively large and involves several separate components, including the head, tail, two ears, two arms, two legs, body, Christmas hat, pom-pom, and two hat straps. The construction takes time, but the individual sections are built from familiar amigurumi techniques such as magic rings, single crochet, increases, invisible decreases, stuffing, color changes, folding pieces, and sewing.
The pattern is designed by plushworld_by_stefi. The original project uses plush yarn in white, black, and red, together with fluffy yarn for the pom-pom and a small amount of black and white cotton yarn for face sculpting and embroidery. The combination of soft yarn and a carefully sculpted face gives the finished panda a particularly plush appearance.
What Makes This Panda Pattern Special?
The appeal of this project comes from the way several simple crocheted shapes are combined into one substantial character. The head is worked in white and receives the safety eyes and safety nose at specific points in the rounds. The black ears, arms, legs, and tail provide the characteristic panda coloring, while the body changes from white to black to create the panda’s recognizable torso.
The Christmas hat is especially interesting because it is constructed through repeated increases and deliberate red-and-white color changes. The ear openings are incorporated directly into Round 26, allowing the hat to fit around the panda’s ears. The hat is then finished with a fluffy or plush edge and topped with a separate white pom-pom.
Because the project contains many individual pieces, organization is important. Keeping the components labeled or separated as you work can make the later assembly much easier. A stitch marker is also useful throughout the pattern, particularly when maintaining round counts and when positioning the arms and legs during body construction.
Materials and Tools
Before beginning, gather all of the materials specified for the original pattern. The yarn choice has an important effect on the appearance of a plush amigurumi, so work with yarn that is appropriate for the recommended hook size and safety components.
- Plush yarn: Wolans Bunny Baby in white, black, and red was used for the original panda.
- Fluffy yarn: Used for the pom-pom.
- Black and white cotton yarn: A small amount is used for face sculpting and embroidering the mouth, eyes, and eyebrows.
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm.
- Safety eyes: 12 mm.
- Safety nose: 12 mm.
- Needle: For sewing and embroidery.
- Fiber filling: For stuffing the appropriate pieces.
- Scissors.
- Stitch marker.
The original instructions also note that you can use a hook size and safety eyes matching your yarn. However, the stated hook size for this pattern is 3.5 mm, and the specified safety eyes and safety nose are both 12 mm.
Understanding the Abbreviations
Keeping the terminology beside you while crocheting makes this long project much easier to follow. The pattern uses the following abbreviations:
- MR: Magic ring
- st/sts: Stitch/stitches
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- Rnd/Rnds: Round/rounds
- inc: Single crochet increase, meaning 2 sc in 1 stitch
- dec: Invisible decrease, decreasing 2 stitches together through the front loops only
- (…)*: Repeat the instruction inside the brackets the stated number of times
- (…): Total number of stitches in the round or row
- sl st: Slip stitch
Begin with the Panda Head
The head is crocheted in white and should be stuffed as you go. Starting with the magic ring, the piece gradually expands through several rounds before reaching its widest point. It then decreases steadily to close the shape.
Work the following rounds exactly:
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR (6)
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. (1 sc, inc)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 4. (2 sc, inc)* 6 (24)
- Rnd 5. (3 sc, inc)* 6 (30)
- Rnds 6-8. 30 sc (3 Rnds)
- Rnd 9. (4 sc, inc)* 6 (36)
- Rnds 10-13. 36 sc (4 Rnds)
The placement of the facial safety pieces is important. Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 9 and 10, with a distance of 5 visible stitches between them. Insert the 12 mm safety nose between Rounds 11 and 12.
After the facial pieces are positioned, begin decreasing the head:
- Rnd 14. (4 sc, dec)* 6 (30)
- Rnd 15. (3 sc, dec)* 6 (24)
- Rnd 16. (2 sc, dec)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 17. (1 sc, dec)* 6 (12)
- Rnd 18. 6 dec (6)
Sew the opening closed, fasten off, and weave in the ends. Since the face will receive additional sculpting and embroidery, take care not to disturb the safety eye and nose placement while finishing the head.
Face Sculpting and Embroidery
The face is one of the most distinctive parts of this panda. The pattern uses tightening and sculpting to give the facial area more definition rather than leaving the head as a simple rounded shape.
Follow the steps shown in the original picture for the tightening process. Tighten each end of the thread well and then tighten both ends at once. This process helps shape the face before the embroidered details are added.
After the tightening, embroider the eyelids and eyebrows. The muzzle should be embroidered below the nose according to the placement shown in the original instructions and reference image.
When working on embroidered facial details, the most useful approach is to keep checking the face from the front as you work. This is not a change to the pattern; it is simply a practical way to maintain symmetry and make sure your stitches remain where the reference image indicates.
Make the Black Tail
The tail is crocheted in black. Stuff it as you go, following the compact four-round construction:
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. 12 sc
- Rnd 4. 6 dec
Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. The completed tail is sewn onto the back of the panda between Rounds 8 and 9. Keeping this placement consistent with the pattern is important because the tail is part of the panda’s final silhouette.
Shape the Two Ears
Make two ears in black. Unlike the stuffed head and body, the ears are not stuffed. Their folded construction gives them a flatter, rounded shape.
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. 12 sc
Fold each ear and crochet 6 sc through both layers. Fasten off and leave a sewing tail.
There is an important assembly detail concerning the ears: do not sew them onto the panda until after making the hat. This allows you to check the correct fitting of the hat and the position of the ear openings. The original placement for sewing the ears is between Rounds 5 and 9.
Crochet the Two Arms
The arms are crocheted in black and stuffed as you go until Round 7. The shaping around Rounds 4 through 6 creates the narrower upper section of each arm.
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. (1 sc, inc)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 4. (1 sc, dec)* 6 (12)
- Rnd 5. 3 sc, 3 dec, 3 sc (9)
- Rnd 6. 3 sc, dec, 4 sc (8)
- Rnds 7-11. 8 sc (5 Rnds)
Fold each arm and crochet 4 sc through both layers. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Make sure both arms are prepared before moving on to the body, since both will be joined directly into the body during Round 17.
Build the Two Legs
The legs are also crocheted in black. Stuff each leg as you go until Round 11. The first several rounds create the larger lower section before the decreases shape the leg.
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. (1 sc, inc)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 4. (2 sc, inc)* 6 (24)
- Rnds 5-6. 24 sc (2 Rnds)
- Rnd 7. 6 sc, 6 dec, 6 sc (18)
- Rnd 8. 5 sc, 4 dec, 5 sc (14)
- Rnd 9. 5 sc, 2 dec, 5 sc (12)
- Rnds 10-14. 12 sc (5 Rnds)
Fold each leg and crochet 6 sc through both layers. Fasten off and weave in the ends. The legs will later be connected directly to the body in Round 8, so prepare both pieces before starting the body.
Construct the Panda Body
The body begins in white. Stuff as you go. The first seven rounds gradually expand the body before the legs are incorporated.
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. (1 sc, inc)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 4. (2 sc, inc)* 6 (24)
- Rnd 5. (3 sc, inc)* 6 (30)
- Rnd 6. (4 sc, inc)* 6 (36)
- Rnd 7. (5 sc, inc)* 6 (42)
Round 8 is the first major joining point. Connect the legs during this round:
Rnd 8. 8 sc, 6 sc with the left leg, 14 sc, 6 sc with the right leg, 8 sc (42)
Continue with Rounds 9 and 10 using 42 sc for each round. Then begin shaping the body:
- Rnds 9-10. 42 sc (2 Rnds)
- Rnd 11. (5 sc, dec)* 6 (36)
- Rnd 12. 36 sc
- Rnd 13. 2 sc, dec, (4 sc, dec)* 5, 2 sc (30)
- Rnd 14. 30 sc
Change the color to black for Round 15.
- Rnd 15. 30 sc
- Rnd 16. (3 sc, dec)* 6 (24)
The arms are connected in the next round. Place the stitch marker in the center of the back. Add or remove sc if necessary so that the positioning is correct.
Rnd 17. 4 sc, 4 sc with the left arm, 8 sc, 4 sc with the right arm, 4 sc (24)
Finish the body with:
- Rnd 18. (2 sc, dec)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 19. (1 sc, dec)* 6 (12)
Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing the body with the head. Before final sewing, check that the body is adequately shaped and that the attached limbs are positioned as intended.
Make the Festive Christmas Hat
The Christmas hat is worked from the top downward, beginning with red yarn. Its alternating red and white sections create the classic festive appearance. Keep the color changes exactly where indicated because the rounds determine the stripe sequence and the eventual position of the ear holes.
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. (2 sc, inc)* 2 (8)
- Rnd 3. 8 sc
- Rnd 4. (3 sc, inc)* 2 (10)
Change the color to white.
- Rnd 5. 10 sc
- Rnd 6. (4 sc, inc)* 2 (12)
Change the color to red.
- Rnd 7. 12 sc
- Rnd 8. (5 sc, inc)* 2 (14)
Change the color to white.
- Rnd 9. 14 sc
- Rnd 10. (6 sc, inc)* 2 (16)
Change the color to red.
- Rnd 11. 16 sc
- Rnd 12. (7 sc, inc)* 2 (18)
Change the color to white.
- Rnd 13. 18 sc
- Rnd 14. (8 sc, inc)* 2 (20)
Change the color to red.
- Rnd 15. 20 sc
- Rnd 16. (9 sc, inc)* 2 (22)
Change the color to white.
- Rnd 17. 22 sc
- Rnd 18. (10 sc, inc)* 2 (24)
Change the color to red.
- Rnd 19. 24 sc
- Rnd 20. (5 sc, inc)* 4 (28)
Change the color to white.
- Rnd 21. 28 sc
- Rnd 22. (6 sc, inc)* 4 (32)
Change the color to red.
- Rnd 23. 32 sc
- Rnd 24. (7 sc, inc)* 4 (36)
Change the color to white.
Rnd 25. 36 sc
The next round creates the openings for the panda’s ears:
Rnd 26. 8 sc, chain 6 (skip 6), 8 sc (between the ears), chain 6 (skip 6), 8 sc (36)
Change the color to red and continue:
- Rnd 27. (5 sc, inc)* 6 (42)
- Rnd 28. (6 sc, inc)* 6 (48)
- Rnd 29. 48 sc
The next round is crocheted with fluffy yarn:
Rnd 30. 48 inc
If you crochet with plush yarn instead of fluffy yarn, the original instructions specify an alternative finish: make a chain and work slip stitches all around the hat.
Create the White Pom-Pom
The pom-pom is crocheted separately in white and stuffed as you go. Its construction creates a small rounded ball that can be attached securely to the top of the hat.
- Rnd 1. 6 sc in MR
- Rnd 2. 6 inc (12)
- Rnd 3. (1 sc, inc)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 4. (2 sc, inc)* 6 (24)
- Rnds 5-6. 24 sc (2 Rnds)
- Rnd 7. (2 sc, dec)* 6 (18)
- Rnd 8. (1 sc, dec)* 6 (12)
- Rnd 9. 6 dec
Sew the hole closed, fasten off, and leave a tail for sewing the pom-pom to the hat. The pom-pom is sewn onto Round 1 of the hat. After securing it, fasten off and weave in the ends.
Add the Two Hat Straps
Make two straps in red. Attach the yarn to the side of the hat at Round 29, directly under the edge of the ear holes. Make a chain of 30, then work 1 sc in each loop and attach the strap to the hat with a slip stitch in the same loop.
Repeat the process for the second strap. These straps complete the festive hat and allow the accessory to sit securely on the panda.
Assembly Order for a Neat Finish
Because this project contains many separate components, assembly is easier when you work methodically. The body already incorporates the legs during Round 8 and the arms during Round 17, so these components are not simply sewn on afterward.
The head and body are joined using the long tail left after completing the body. The tail is sewn onto the back between Rounds 8 and 9. The ears are sewn between Rounds 5 and 9, but remember that the original instructions specifically recommend waiting until after the hat is made before sewing them into place. This makes it possible to establish the correct hat fitting around the ear openings.
For the face, complete the tightening and embroidery details before considering the head fully finished. The safety eyes belong between Rounds 9-10 with 5 visible stitches between them, while the safety nose belongs between Rounds 11-12. Keeping these reference points in mind helps preserve the intended facial proportions.
Helpful Tips for Working with Plush Yarn
Plush yarn can make an amigurumi exceptionally soft, but its fuzzy surface can also make individual stitches harder to see. A stitch marker can therefore be especially helpful when tracking rounds. Count carefully at the end of increase and decrease rounds rather than relying only on visual inspection.
Stuffing should be gradual where the pattern says “stuff as you go.” This is particularly relevant for the head, body, arms, legs, tail, and pom-pom. Add filling progressively rather than waiting until the end. This makes it easier to distribute the stuffing while preserving the intended shape.
When making matching parts such as the two ears, two arms, and two legs, complete one piece and then use it as a visual reference for the second. The stitch counts and round instructions remain the same, but comparing the pieces before assembly can make symmetrical placement easier.
Common Checkpoints Before Assembly
- Confirm that the head reaches 36 stitches at Rounds 9-13 before decreasing.
- Check that the safety eyes are between Rounds 9-10 with 5 visible stitches between them.
- Check that the safety nose is between Rounds 11-12.
- Make sure the tail is sewn between Rounds 8 and 9.
- Remember that the ears are not stuffed.
- Wait to sew the ears until after the hat has been made.
- Confirm that the legs are connected during Body Round 8.
- Confirm that the arms are connected during Body Round 17.
- Place the body stitch marker in the center of the back before joining the arms.
- Keep the red-and-white hat color changes in their specified rounds.
- Do not miss the ear openings in Hat Round 26.
- Attach the pom-pom to Round 1 of the hat.
- Attach the hat straps at Round 29 under the ear-hole edges.
Troubleshooting the Construction
My round count does not match
Stop and recount the stitches before continuing. In amigurumi, one missed increase or decrease can affect several later rounds. Pay particular attention to rounds that contain multiple repeated sections and to the joining rounds where another piece is incorporated.
The face does not look symmetrical
Check the safety-eye placement first. The eyes should be between Rounds 9-10 with 5 visible stitches between them, while the safety nose should be between Rounds 11-12. After checking those reference points, follow the face-sculpting image and tighten the thread ends as instructed.
The hat does not fit around the ears
Do not sew the ears permanently before testing the hat. The pattern intentionally creates ear openings in Round 26. Complete the hat first, position it on the panda, and then sew the ears between Rounds 5 and 9 according to the original instructions.
The plush stitches are difficult to see
This is a common practical challenge with fluffy yarn. Use the stitch marker consistently and count completed rounds rather than depending only on the appearance of the stitches. Good lighting can also make it easier to identify the stitch loops.
A Simple Project Workflow
For a long plush amigurumi project such as this one, dividing the work into stages can make the process feel much more manageable. First, gather the yarn, hook, safety components, stuffing, needle, scissors, and stitch marker. Then work the head and facial details, followed by the smaller black components. After that, construct the body and join the legs and arms according to their specified rounds.
Once the panda itself is assembled, turn your attention to the Christmas accessories. The hat requires careful color changes and has a dedicated ear-opening round. The pom-pom is made separately and attached afterward, while the two red straps provide the final accessory detail.
This workflow also allows you to keep track of which pieces have been completed without changing the actual pattern instructions or their construction order.
Why This Makes a Great Christmas Crochet Project
The panda’s black-and-white body already gives it a charming character, but the red and white Christmas hat transforms it into a seasonal decoration or gift. Because the hat can be made separately from the panda, the project also offers flexibility: the panda can be displayed without the hat outside the holiday season and dressed in the festive accessory during Christmas.
The plush yarn makes the finished toy especially suitable for a soft, cuddly appearance. The embroidered facial details add character, while the ears, rounded limbs, tail, and striped hat create a recognizable silhouette even from a distance.
Final Finishing Checklist
- Head completed and closed at 6 stitches.
- Safety eyes installed in the specified position.
- Safety nose installed in the specified position.
- Face sculpting completed according to the reference image.
- Eyelids and eyebrows embroidered.
- Muzzle embroidered below the nose.
- Tail attached between Rounds 8 and 9.
- Two black ears completed without stuffing.
- Two arms completed and joined through both layers at their ends.
- Two legs completed and joined through both layers at their ends.
- Legs incorporated into Body Round 8.
- Arms incorporated into Body Round 17.
- Head and body sewn together using the long sewing tail.
- Christmas hat completed with all specified red and white changes.
- Ear holes completed in Hat Round 26.
- Pom-pom completed and sewn onto Round 1 of the hat.
- Two red straps completed from Round 29.
- Ends fastened off and woven in where appropriate.
Final Thoughts
This plush crochet panda with a Christmas hat is a substantial amigurumi project, but its construction is organized into clearly defined sections. The head establishes the character’s face, the black limbs and tail create the panda’s recognizable coloring, and the body brings all of the major components together. The Christmas hat then adds a festive finishing touch through its striped color changes, ear openings, fluffy edge, pom-pom, and straps.
The key to a successful result is careful attention to the original stitch counts and placement instructions. Keep track of every round, stuff the pieces as directed, and use the specified facial and assembly checkpoints when positioning the components. In particular, the safety-eye spacing, safety-nose placement, body joining rounds, hat ear openings, and ear placement are details worth checking carefully.
With patience and consistent counting, the result is a large, soft panda amigurumi with a cheerful Christmas personality. Whether displayed as a seasonal decoration or enjoyed as a plush companion, this project offers a satisfying combination of traditional amigurumi construction, plush texture, facial sculpting, and festive crochet details.