Penelope the Penguin 62488 Free Pattern

Introducing Penelope the Penguin: A Heirloom Knitted Toy

Create a charming, heirloom-quality amigurumi penguin with a textured, hand-knit body and delicate embroidered details. This pattern offers a fresh take on classic toy making, perfect for gifting or nursery decor. Penelope is a sweet, soft, and sturdy companion that any child (or adult!) will adore. The combination of simple knit-in-the-round techniques and careful assembly makes this a rewarding project for knitters looking to expand their skills into toy making.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the suggested yarn will help you achieve the exact look and feel of the sample, but any worsted weight yarn will work.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in the following colors:
  • Charcoal grey (main body and head) – approximately 50g
  • Cream (belly) – approximately 25g
  • Black (beak and feet) – small amount (less than 10g)
  Suggested: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted.
• Needles: US size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle long enough for the magic loop method.
• Notions:
  • Tapestry needle for embroidery and assembly
  • Stitch markers (one to mark the beginning of each round)
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Black embroidery floss or small amount of black yarn for eyes (optional)
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit in the round). Gauge is not critical but will affect the finished size. The sample measures approximately 6 inches tall (without hat).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
m1 = make one (increase)
st(s) = stitch(es)
Rnd = round

Important Notes

All pieces are worked in the round on DPNs or using the magic loop method. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Work tightly to avoid gaps, especially when increasing and decreasing.

Body (Charcoal Grey)

Cast on 6 stitches. Distribute evenly on 3 DPNs (2 stitches each). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

• Rnd 1: k all sts.
• Rnd 2: *k1, m1* repeat around (12 sts).
• Rnd 3: k all sts.
• Rnd 4: *k2, m1* repeat around (18 sts).
• Rnd 5: k all sts.
• Rnd 6: *k3, m1* repeat around (24 sts).
• Rnd 7: k all sts.
• Rnd 8: *k4, m1* repeat around (30 sts).
• Rnd 9: k all sts.
• Rnd 10: *k5, m1* repeat around (36 sts).
• Rnd 11: k all sts.
• Rnd 12: *k6, m1* repeat around (42 sts).
• Rnds 13-20: k all sts (8 rounds even).

Shape Belly (Cream)

Switch to cream yarn.

• Rnd 21: k all sts.
• Rnd 22: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Rnd 23: k all sts.
• Rnd 24: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Rnd 25: k all sts.
• Rnd 26: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Rnd 27: k all sts.
• Rnd 28: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (18 sts).
• Rnd 29: k all sts.
• Rnd 30: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (12 sts).
• Rnd 31: k all sts.
• Rnd 32: *k2tog* repeat around (6 sts).

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and secure the end inside the body.

Head (Charcoal Grey)

Cast on 6 stitches. Distribute on 3 DPNs.

• Rnd 1: k all sts.
• Rnd 2: *k1, m1* repeat around (12 sts).
• Rnd 3: k all sts.
• Rnd 4: *k2, m1* repeat around (18 sts).
• Rnd 5: k all sts.
• Rnd 6: *k3, m1* repeat around (24 sts).
• Rnds 7-12: k all sts (6 rounds even).
• Rnd 13: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (18 sts).
• Rnd 14: k all sts.
• Rnd 15: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (12 sts).
• Rnd 16: k all sts.
• Rnd 17: *k2tog* repeat around (6 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Wings (Make 2, Charcoal Grey)

Cast on 4 stitches. Distribute on 2 DPNs (2 stitches each). Work in the round.

• Rnd 1: k all sts.
• Rnd 2: *k1, m1* repeat around (8 sts).
• Rnds 3-8: k all sts (6 rounds even).
• Rnd 9: *k2tog* repeat around (4 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Leave a long tail (at least 8 inches) for sewing the wing to the body.

Beak (Black)

Cast on 3 stitches. Distribute on 2 DPNs (1 and 2 stitches). Work in the round.

• Rnd 1: k all sts.
• Rnd 2: *k1, m1* repeat around (6 sts).
• Rnds 3-4: k all sts.
• Rnd 5: *k2tog* repeat around (3 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Feet (Make 2, Black)

Cast on 4 stitches. Distribute on 2 DPNs.

• Rnd 1: k all sts.
• Rnd 2: *k1, m1* repeat around (8 sts).
• Rnds 3-4: k all sts.
• Rnd 5: *k2tog* repeat around (4 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Follow these steps carefully to bring Penelope to life.

1. Stuff the body and head: Firmly stuff both the body and head with fiberfill. Make sure they are evenly filled but not so tight that the stitches stretch. The body should be a rounded oval, and the head a perfect sphere.
2. Attach the head to the body: Using the tail from the head, sew the head to the top of the body. Align the cream belly with the front of the head. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch, sewing through the edge stitches of both pieces. Ensure the head is centered and securely attached.
3. Sew the beak: Position the beak at the center front of the head, just above where the cream belly begins. Using the long tail, sew the beak securely in place. The beak should point slightly downward.
4. Embroider the eyes: Using black embroidery floss or a doubled strand of black yarn, embroider two small eyes above the beak. Use a satin stitch to create a small, solid oval, or make French knots for a round, glossy look. Place the eyes about 1/2 inch apart and 1/4 inch above the beak.
5. Sew the wings: Position the wings on the sides of the body, slightly below the head. The flat, closed end of the wing should face the body. Using the long tails, sew each wing securely. Make sure they are at the same height on both sides.
6. Sew the feet: Turn the penguin upside down. Position the feet at the bottom of the body, spaced evenly so the penguin stands upright. Sew each foot securely using the long tails. The feet should be flat against the bottom.
7. Optional details: For extra charm, you can knit a tiny hat or scarf using leftover yarn. A simple 1x1 ribbed rectangle sewn into a tube makes a cute hat, and a garter stitch strip works well as a scarf.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely using a tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn. If desired, gently block the penguin by lightly steaming or wet-blocking to even out the stitches and give it a professional finish. Allow to dry completely before gifting or displaying.

Your Penelope the Penguin is now complete! Enjoy your handcrafted, heirloom-quality toy.