This title is very close to your last beginner article, which I wrote as a whale, so I chose a new animal: a chubby little frog. The body is one round ball, and the only other parts are two eye bumps, two arms, two feet, and a belly patch. If you can make a magic ring and work single crochet, increases, and decreases, you can make this frog. Give it as a gift, set it on a desk, or make a whole pond in different greens.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, using only basic stitches.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The body is worked in one piece in continuous rounds. The eyes, arms, feet, and belly patch are worked separately and sewn on. The smile is embroidered.
Estimated size: About 9 cm (3.5 in) tall and 10 cm (4 in) wide, 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 leaf green, approximately 25 g, for the body, eyes, arms, and feet.
- Cream or light green yarn, approximately 4 g, for the belly patch.
- Black thread for the smile, and pink thread for the cheeks.
- 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 frog 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.
Body (green)
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 7–15: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 9 rounds]
Round 16: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 17: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Stuff firmly now, and flatten the bottom slightly so the frog sits.
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. The closed hole is the back of the frog.
Eye Bumps (make 2, green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Rounds 3–4: Sc in every stitch. [12 per round; 2 rounds]
If you are using safety eyes, insert one in the center of Round 2 now, and fit the back securely.
Round 5: Dec × 6. [6]
Stuff lightly. Fasten off with a long tail, draw closed, and sew the bumps to the top of the head, about 4 stitches apart, with the eyes facing forward.
Arms (make 2, green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Rounds 3–6: Sc in every stitch. [9 per round; 4 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff very lightly. Sew to the sides of the body at about Rounds 11–12, angled slightly forward.
Feet (make 2, green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Rounds 3–4: Sc in every stitch. [12 per round; 2 rounds]
Round 5: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off with a long tail. Flatten and sew to the bottom front of the body, about 6 stitches apart, with the toes pointing forward.
Belly Patch (cream)
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]
Sl st in the next stitch and fasten off with a long tail. Pin the patch to the lower front of the body and sew all around the edge with small stitches.
Face and Finishing
- Smile: With black thread, embroider a wide, gentle curve about 3 rounds below the eye bumps, about 8 stitches wide, with a tiny upturned stitch at each end.
- Cheeks: With pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches below and outside each eye.
- Shape: Roll the body gently between your palms and press the sides slightly so the frog looks wide and squat.
- Hide every tail and give each part 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 bumps flop. Stuff them a little more firmly, and sew them on with several passes.
The frog tips forward. Flatten the bottom, and sew the feet on at the same height.
The belly patch puckers. Sew it on with small, loose stitches and press it flat first.
There are gaps between the stitches. Go down a hook size and crochet more tightly.
FAQ
What yarn should a beginner use? Smooth, light-colored cotton or acrylic in DK weight. Dark yarn hides the stitches and is harder to read.
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a frog about twice the size, and add 2 extra plain rounds before the decreases.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make small black satin-stitch ovals in the center of each eye bump, and add a tiny white highlight stitch.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try lime, teal, or yellow, or add small red spots for a tree frog.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Free Easy Amigurumi for Beginners Pattern (Whale)
- Tiny Crochet Chick Pattern
- Easy Crochet Strawberry Pattern
Save This Pattern
Pin this Free Easy Amigurumi for Beginners Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next first project. Happy crocheting!
