This Crochet Panda Pattern makes a chubby little amigurumi panda with a round white head, black ears, big black eye patches, a tiny nose, black arms and legs, and a plump white body. It uses only basic stitches and simple color changes, so it is a lovely first panda for beginners. Give it as a gift, set it on a desk, or make a mama and cub pair.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, with basic shaping, embroidery, and sewing.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The head and body are worked separately in continuous rounds. The ears, eye patches, arms, and legs are worked separately and sewn on. The nose and mouth are embroidered.
Estimated size: About 15 cm (6 in) tall when sitting, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and feature placement to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in white, approximately 35 g, for the head and body.
- Black yarn, approximately 15 g, for the ears, eye patches, arms, legs, and nose.
- Pink thread for the cheeks, and black thread for the mouth and optional embroidered eyes.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Two 8 mm black safety eyes, or black thread for embroidered eyes.
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
Use embroidered eyes if the panda is for a baby or young child.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly but evenly, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. Count your stitches at the end of every round. It is the best habit a beginner can build.
Pin the eye patches and eyes before you commit. Patches tilted slightly downward toward the outer corners give the classic sweet panda look.
Head (white)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) × 6. [42]
Rounds 8–14: Sc in every stitch. [42 per round; 7 rounds]
Pin the eye patches on Rounds 9–12, about 8 stitches apart. Insert the safety eyes through the center of each patch position, fit the backs securely, then sew the patches on around them. Pin the nose at the center front on Round 13.
Round 15: (5 sc, dec) × 6. [36]
Round 16: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 17: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Stuff the head firmly now, and keep adding small amounts as the opening narrows.
Round 18: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Round 19: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Round 20: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off, thread the tail through the remaining front loops, draw closed, and hide the end.
Body (white)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 7–12: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 6 rounds]
Round 13: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 14: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff firmly, flatten the bottom slightly so the panda sits upright, and leave the opening for sewing to the head.
Eye Patches (make 2, black)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Sl st in the next stitch and fasten off with a long tail. Press each patch into a slightly slanted oval. Sew to the face with the narrow ends pointing toward the nose and the wide ends angled outward and down.
Ears (make 2, black)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: Sc around. [12]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten and pinch the base, then sew to the top-sides of the head at about Rounds 3–5, about 12 stitches apart.
Nose (black)
Round 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 2. [6]
Fasten off with a long tail. Sew to the pinned position, or embroider a small black oval in satin stitch instead.
Arms (make 2, black)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Rounds 3–8: Sc around. [9 per round; 6 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly, leaving the top unfilled. Sew to the sides of the body just below the head, angled slightly forward.
Legs (make 2, black)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Rounds 4–5: Sc around. [18 per round; 2 rounds]
Round 6: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Round 7: Sc around. [12]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff firmly in the foot and lightly in the leg. Sew to the lower front of the body with the feet pointing forward, so the panda can sit.
Assembly and Face
- Head to body: Pin the head over the body opening, with the closure underneath, and sew all around with small, strong stitches. Check that the head sits straight before finishing.
- Ears and patches: Sew on the ears and eye patches if you have not already.
- Arms and legs: Sew them on at the same height on each side.
- Mouth: With black thread, embroider a short vertical line from the nose, then two small curves to make a smile.
- Cheeks: With pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches on each side of the nose.
Hide every tail and give each ear, limb, and patch a gentle tug to check it holds.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
My stitch count is off. Count at the end of every round. If you are one stitch off, undo the round and redo it.
The eye patches look uneven. Pin both patches and check from the front and from above before sewing.
The panda will not sit up. Flatten the bottom of the body, and sew both legs on at the same height.
The ears flop forward. Pinch the bases together and sew them on with several passes.
The head looks lopsided. Check that the stuffing is even, and roll the head between your palms.
FAQ
What yarn should a beginner use? Smooth, light-colored cotton or acrylic in DK weight. Dark yarn hides the stitches, so practice counting on the white head and body first.
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook. The panda will be about one and a half times larger.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make two small white satin-stitch dots on the center of each black patch, with a tiny black stitch in the middle of each for a sparkle.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try brown and cream for a bear, or pink and white for a pastel panda.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Crochet Koala Pattern
- Teddy Bear Amigurumi Pattern
- Crochet Polar Bear Pattern
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