Free Crochet Mini Penguin Pattern

Free Crochet Mini Penguin Pattern 3 Adorable Amigurumi for Winter

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ByIrina Chmyk
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There’s something about tiny handmade penguins that makes winter feel warmer. Maybe it’s the round little body, the carrot-shaped beak, or the way they look like they’re always ready for a snow day. This crochet mini penguin pattern gives you three different versions of the same adorable design: a beanie-wearing penguin with a matching scarf, a pullover penguin with a heart on its sweater, and a light turquoise penguin that looks like it just waddled off an iceberg. Each one stands about 5 inches tall, uses super bulky chenille yarn, and works up quickly enough to make a whole colony before the season ends.

Below is a complete guide to the Mini Penguin pattern. You’ll find the materials, abbreviations, step-by-step instructions for all three versions, plus the wings, claws, beak, and finishing touches, along with tips and answers to common questions.

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Why This Crochet Mini Penguin Pattern Stands Out

Plenty of amigurumi penguin patterns exist, but this one has a few qualities that make it especially charming.

  • Finished size: About 5 inches tall when using the recommended yarn.
  • Skill level: Intermediate beginner. You need to know magic ring (or starting ring), single crochet, increase, decrease, and color changes.
  • Yarn: Super bulky chenille yarn (100g/120m), such as Katia Bambi, Himalaya Dolphin Baby, Premier Parfait Chunky, or Hobbii Honey Bunny.
  • Hook: 4.0 mm main hook (5.0 mm and 6 mm for specific parts).
  • Eyes: 12 mm black safety eyes (2 per penguin).
  • Three versions: Beanie version, pullover version, and light turquoise version.
  • Details: Carrot beak, flipper wings, three-toed claws, and optional cheeks.
  • Accessories: The beanie version includes a hat with a pompom and a two-color scarf.

The pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your rounds.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your supplies first. The pattern uses specific yarn amounts for each version.

Yarn for the Beanie Version

  • Super Bulky Chenille:
    • White: 15 grams
    • Grey: 20 grams
    • Gold: 8 grams
    • Fuchsia: 15 grams
    • Light Coral: 10 grams

Yarn for the Pullover Version

  • Super Bulky Chenille:
    • White: 8 grams
    • Black: 15 grams
    • Red: 20 grams
    • Orange: 8 grams
    • Light Pink: 2 grams

Yarn for the Light Turquoise Version

  • Super Bulky Chenille:
    • White: 15 grams
    • Light Turquoise: 20 grams
    • Gold: 8 grams
    • Light Pink: 2 grams

Other Materials

  • Main crochet hook: 4.0 mm.
  • Other hooks: 5.0 mm and 6 mm for specific parts.
  • Fiberfill stuffing.
  • Black safety eyes: 12 mm (2 per penguin).
  • Scissors and yarn needle.
  • Stitch marker.

Notes on Chenille Yarn

Chenille yarn is soft but tricky. The pattern recommends working with a 4.0 mm hook. If you crochet tightly, you may need a 5.0 mm hook. If you need to remove a round, do it carefully because chenille frays easily. When sewing parts together, use a finer, resistant cotton yarn in a similar color — it’s much easier to work with. Choose a sewing needle with a large hole to minimize yarn damage.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

  • ch — chain stitch
  • sc — single crochet stitch
  • dc — double crochet stitch
  • hdc — half double crochet stitch
  • trc — triple crochet stitch
  • FPhdc — front post half double crochet
  • BPhdc — back post half double crochet
  • slst — slip stitch
  • sk — skip
  • inc — increase (2 sc into the same stitch)
  • dec — invisible decrease (2 sc together in 1 stitch)
  • Rnd/s — round/rounds
  • st/sts — stitch/stitches
  • BLO — back loop only
  • FLO — front loop only
  • TLO — third loop only
  • [..]..x — work instructions between brackets and repeat as many times as indicated
  • {..+..} — work instructions between curly brackets into the same stitch
  • (..) — total number of stitches at the end of a round/row
  • Bobble dc x — a bobble stitch made of “x” double crochet stitches

Starting Ring

Instead of a magic ring, this pattern uses a starting ring: Ch 2, sc 8 in 2nd ch from hook. You can substitute a magic ring if you prefer.

Invisible SC Decrease

Insert hook into the front loop of the first stitch of the decrease, insert the hook into the front loop of the next stitch, yarn over and draw through both loops on hook, yarn over and draw through last two loops on hook.

Color Change

Work the last stitch with the first color until only two loops remain on the hook. With the new color, yarn over and pull through the two remaining loops. The next stitch is the first stitch in the new color.

Bobble dc 5

Yarn over, insert hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over and draw through. You now have three loops. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Repeat four more times in the same stitch. You should have 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all 6 loops.

Front Post Half Double Crochet (FPhdc)

Yarn over, insert hook from front to back between the posts of the corresponding stitch, insert hook from back to front between the posts, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Back Post Half Double Crochet (BPhdc)

Yarn over, insert hook from back to front between the posts of the corresponding stitch, insert hook from front to back between the posts, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

How to Crochet the Mini Penguin Beanie Version

Head and Body

With grey yarn, ch 2, sc 8 in second ch from hook.

  • Rnd 1: [inc] 8x (16 sts)
  • Rnd 2: [sc 1, inc] 8x (24 sts)
  • Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc, sc 2] 6x (30 sts)
  • Rnd 4: sc 30 (30 sts)
  • Rnd 5: sc 10, white color, sc 3, grey color, sc 4, white color, sc 3, grey color, sc 10 (30 sts)
  • Rnd 6: sc 9, white color, sc 5, grey color, sc 2, white color, sc 5, grey color, sc 9 (30 sts)
  • Rnd 7: sc 9, white color, sc 12, grey color, sc 9 (30 sts)
  • Rnd 8: sc 4, inc, sc 4, white color, sc 5, inc, sc 6, grey color, sc 3, inc, sc 5 (33 sts)

Insert the safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7. The first eye goes between stitches 12 and 13, the second eye between stitches 18 and 19.

Beak

Place the open part of the head facing you. Work around stitches 15 and 16 of round 7.

Attach gold yarn in the 16th stitch between rounds 8 and 9.

  • Step 1: {ch 1 + sc 1} in 16th st, sc 1 in 15th st (3 sts)
  • Turn the head 90 degrees to the right. Insert hook between sts 14 and 15 of rnd 7. sc 1 (1 st)
  • Turn the head 90 degrees to the right. Insert hook in 15th st between rnds 6 and 7. sc 1 in 15th st, sc 1 in 16th st (2 sts)
  • Turn the head 90 degrees to the right. Insert hook between sts 16 and 17 of rnd 7. sc 1 (1 st)

Use the tails to close the nose and hide them inside the head.

Continue with the Body

  • Rnds 9–10: sc 10, white color, sc 13, grey color, sc 10 (33 sts)
  • Rnd 11: sc 6, inc, sc 3, white color, sc 7, inc, sc 5, grey color, sc 5, inc, sc 4 (36 sts)
  • Rnds 12–13: sc 11, white color, sc 14, grey color, sc 11 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 14: sc 12, white color, sc 12, grey color, sc 12 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 15: sc 36 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 16: FLO [sc 4, dec] 6x (30 sts)
  • Rnd 17: [sc 1, dec] 10x (20 sts)
  • Rnd 18: [dec] 10x (10 sts)

Stuff the head and body. Close using the front loops of the last stitches. Fasten off.

How to Crochet the Mini Penguin Pullover Version

The pullover version follows the same head and body construction but uses black instead of grey, and the body continues with a red pullover.

Head and Body (Begin with Black)

Work rounds 1–8 as the beanie version, using black instead of grey.

Insert safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7. Make the beak with orange yarn as described above.

Continue with the Body

  • Rnd 9: BLO red color, sc 33 (33 sts)
  • Rnd 10: sc 33 (33 sts)
  • Rnd 11: sc 10, inc, sc 4, white color, sc 2, red color, sc 1, white color, sc 2, red color, sc 1, inc, sc 10, inc (36 sts)
  • Rnd 12: sc 16, white color, sc 5, red color, sc 15 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 13: sc 17, white color, sc 3, red color, sc 16 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 14: sc 18, white color, sc 1, red color, sc 17 (36 sts)
  • Rnds 15–16: black color, sc 36 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 17: FLO [sc 4, dec] 6x (30 sts)
  • Rnd 18: [sc 1, dec] 10x (20 sts)
  • Rnd 19: [dec] 10x (10 sts)

Stuff the head and body. Close using the front loops of the last stitches. Fasten off.

Pullover Collar

Place the top of the head facing you. Attach red yarn in the 1st st on the front loop of round 8.

  • Rnd 9: ch 2, hdc 33, slst 1 in top ch (36 sts)

Secure the tails inside the body.

How to Crochet the Light Turquoise Penguin

This version follows the same construction as the beanie version but uses light turquoise instead of grey.

Head and Body (Begin with Light Turquoise)

Work rounds 1–8 as the beanie version, using light turquoise instead of grey.

Insert safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7. Make the beak with gold yarn as described above.

Continue with the Body

  • Rnds 9–10: sc 10, white color, sc 13, light turquoise color, sc 10 (33 sts)
  • Rnd 11: sc 6, inc, sc 3, white color, sc 7, inc, sc 5, light turquoise color, sc 5, inc, sc 4 (36 sts)
  • Rnds 12–13: sc 11, white color, sc 14, light turquoise color, sc 11 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 14: sc 12, white color, sc 12, light turquoise color, sc 12 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 15: sc 36 (36 sts)
  • Rnd 16: FLO [sc 4, dec] 6x (30 sts)
  • Rnd 17: [sc 1, dec] 10x (20 sts)
  • Rnd 18: [dec] 10x (10 sts)

Stuff the head and body. Close using the front loops of the last stitches. Fasten off.

How to Make the Beak, Wings, and Claws

Wings (All Versions)

The wings are worked directly into the body.

Left Wing: Work from st 5 to 10 on rnd 9 (beanie) or rnd 10 (pullover and turquoise). Place the lower part of the body facing you. Work in the opposite direction than usual.

  • Attach yarn between sts 9 and 10. ch 2 (2 sts)
  • Work between sts 8 and 9: dc 1 (+1 st)
  • Work between sts 7 and 8: trc 2 in the same st (+2 sts)
  • Work between sts 6 and 7: dc 1 (+1 st)
  • Work between sts 5 and 6: {ch 2 + slst 1} to the same st (+3 sts)

Right Wing: Work from st 24 to 29 on rnd 9 (beanie) or rnd 10 (pullover and turquoise).

  • Attach yarn between sts 28 and 29. ch 2 (2 sts)
  • Work between sts 27 and 28: dc 1 (+1 st)
  • Work between sts 26 and 27: trc 2 in the same st (+2 sts)
  • Work between sts 25 and 26: dc 1 (+1 st)
  • Work between sts 24 and 25: {ch 2 + slst 1} to the same st (+3 sts)

Secure the tails and hide them inside the body.

Claws (All Versions)

Place the penguin’s head facing you and its face up.

Left Claw: Attach gold (or orange) yarn between sts 13 and 14 on rnd 16 (beanie and turquoise) or rnd 17 (pullover).

  • [(ch 1 + sc 1 + ch 1 + slst 1) to the same st] 3x (12 sts)

Right Claw: Attach yarn between sts 19 and 20.

  • [(ch 1 + sc 1 + ch 1 + slst 1) to the same st] 3x (12 sts)

Secure the tails and hide them inside the body.

Cheeks

Use blush and a soft brush, or light pink yarn and a needle, to add small stitches under each eye between rounds 7 and 8, one stitch outward from each eye.

How to Make the Beanie, Scarf, and Pompom

Beanie

Work with fuchsia yarn.

  • Rnd 1: [inc] 8x (16 sts)
  • Rnd 2: [sc 1, inc] 8x (24 sts)
  • Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc, sc 2] 6x (30 sts)
  • Rnd 4: sc 30 (30 sts)
  • Rnd 5: [sc 4, inc] 6x (36 sts)
  • Rnds 6–7: 36 sc (36 sts)

Fasten off the fuchsia yarn.

  • Rnd 8: Light coral color, [FPhdc 1, BPhdc 1] 18x. Invisible fasten off (36 sts)

Pompom

Use a 5.0 mm hook. Attach light coral yarn by inserting the hook from round 1, passing under the starting ring and coming out at the center.

  • ch 3 + bobble dc 6 + ch 1. Fasten off (10 sts)

Pull the tail through the opposite stitch and out the other side of the beanie. Tie a knot with the tails and hide them inside.

Scarf

Use a 6.0 mm hook. Take light pink and dark pink yarn together. Make a loop to start.

  • Pass the hook under the dark pink yarn, yarn over with dark pink, and draw through the loop.
  • Pass the hook under the light pink yarn, yarn over with light pink, and draw through the loop.
  • Continue alternating until the scarf reaches your desired length (the design has 120 repetitions).
  • Tie a knot at both ends with the tails.

Putting Your Crochet Mini Penguin Together

  1. Stuff the head and body generously but not too tightly.
  2. Close the body using the front loops of the last stitches.
  3. Make the beak before finishing the body, as described in each version.
  4. Add the wings directly into the body as described.
  5. Add the claws directly into the body.
  6. Add the cheeks with blush or light pink yarn.
  7. For the beanie version: Place the beanie on the head and glue it on. Wrap the scarf around the neck and tie a knot on one side.
  8. For the pullover version: The collar is already worked into the body.
  9. Hide all yarn tails inside the body.

Tips for a Neater Crochet Mini Penguin Pattern

  • Use a stitch marker. Continuous rounds make it easy to lose your place.
  • Count your stitches. The color changes depend on accurate counts.
  • Stuff as you go. It’s easier to shape the head and body before closing.
  • Use cotton yarn for sewing. Chenille frays easily, so a finer cotton yarn makes assembly much easier.
  • Choose the right needle. A needle with a large hole minimizes yarn damage.
  • Work carefully with chenille. If you need to undo a round, do it slowly.
  • Match your hook to your tension. If you crochet tightly, use a 5.0 mm hook instead of 4.0 mm.
  • Add the beak before closing the body. It’s much harder to reach afterward.
  • Embroider the cheeks before attaching the beanie. It’s easier to see the face without the hat in the way.

FAQ About the Crochet Mini Penguin Pattern

What skill level is this crochet mini penguin pattern?

It’s intermediate beginner. You need to know magic ring (or starting ring), single crochet, increase, decrease, and color changes.

How big is the finished mini penguin?

About 5 inches tall when using super bulky chenille yarn and a 4.0 mm hook.

What yarn is used for this crochet mini penguin pattern?

The pattern uses super bulky chenille yarn (100g/120m), such as Katia Bambi, Himalaya Dolphin Baby, Premier Parfait Chunky, or Hobbii Honey Bunny.

What size safety eyes do the penguins need?

12 mm black safety eyes (2 per penguin).

How many versions are included in this pattern?

Three: the Beanie version, the Pullover version, and the Light Turquoise version.

Can I make this penguin without safety eyes?

Yes. The pattern notes that safety eyes are not recommended for children under 3 years of age. In that case, embroider the eyes with black yarn.

Where do I place the eyes?

Insert the safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7. The first eye goes between stitches 12 and 13, the second eye between stitches 18 and 19.

How do I make the beak?

The beak is worked around stitches 15 and 16 of round 7, turning the head 90 degrees for each side. Full instructions are in the pattern.

Can I use a magic ring instead of the starting ring?

Yes. The pattern notes that you can replace the starting ring with a magic ring if you prefer.

Your Next Stitch

This crochet mini penguin pattern is one of those projects that brings a little joy to every stitch. Whether you make the beanie version with its cozy hat and scarf, the pullover version with its heart sweater, or the light turquoise penguin with its icy charm, you’ll end up with a 5-inch friend who looks like it just waddled in from the snow. They’re small enough to make in an evening, detailed enough to feel rewarding, and cute enough that you’ll want to make a whole colony.

So gather your chenille yarn, pick your hook, and start with that first chain. If you get stuck on the beak or the wings, come back to this guide and work through it step by step. And when your mini penguins are finished, share them — post a photo, and show off your work. Your next project might be exactly what someone else needs to see.

Happy crocheting!

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