🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern
4.6★ Rating
3-4 Hours Time Needed
1.6K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their sewing journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

Complete in under 2 hours—quick, fun, and perfect for a little creative escape.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Brian the Penguin is a heartwarming amigurumi pattern that tells the story of a little penguin who traveled from the South Pole seeking friendship and color. This beginner-friendly design features a unique construction with an integrated coat and beak that gives Brian his distinctive character. The pattern uses simple continuous rounds and basic stitches to create a sweet 5-inch companion with charming details like embroidered features, safety eyes, and optional rosy cheeks.

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating Brian's purple coat with built-in beak, cream-colored body, yellow feet, and flippers. With options for personalization through blush and embroidery details, you can make your Brian truly unique.

Why You'll Love This Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines storytelling with crafting in the most delightful way! Brian's journey from the cold South Pole to finding friendship makes every stitch feel meaningful. The integrated coat design is clever and eliminates fussy assembly, while the simple techniques make it perfect for practicing your amigurumi skills without feeling overwhelmed. I especially adore how the optional details like eyebrows and rosy cheeks let you add personality, and at just 5 inches tall, Brian is the perfect portable companion to take on your own adventures or gift to someone special!

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different color combinations for Brian! Instead of the classic purple coat, I've created versions in bright teal, soft pink, and even a festive red and white for the holidays. Each color choice gives Brian a completely different personality while keeping his adorable charm intact.

For a more realistic penguin look, I've tried using black for the coat and keeping the white body, which creates a classic emperor penguin vibe. Adding a pop of orange for the feet and beak tip instead of yellow makes it even more authentic. I've also experimented with variegated yarns for the coat, which creates a beautiful color-changing effect as you work through the rounds.

If you want to make Brian extra special, consider adding a tiny scarf around his neck using leftover yarn scraps, or embroider a little heart on his coat. I've even made bow ties and flower accessories that can be sewn on for different occasions. Some crafters have added little felt wings on the sides of the coat for extra dimension, though I find the flippers alone give plenty of character.

For a kawaii twist, I sometimes use pastel colors and add extra blush to the cheeks, along with embroidered sparkles near the eyes. You could also experiment with safety eye sizes – smaller eyes create a more innocent look, while slightly larger ones make Brian look more curious and alert.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not checking coat fit during construction - Try the coat on the body periodically while stuffing to ensure proper sizing and eye placement before closing ✗ Placing safety eyes incorrectly - Eyes should sit between rounds 14-15 with a 9-stitch gap, level with the yellow beak embroidery for proper expression ✗ Overstuffing or understuffing the body - Fill firmly but gently to maintain the penguin's shape without distorting stitches or creating lumpy areas throughout ✗ Skipping the stitch marker when working the beak - Mark your position carefully on round 17 to ensure the beak attaches at the correct location on the coat

Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

Create your own adorable Brian the Penguin with this charming amigurumi pattern! This delightful design features a purple penguin wearing a cozy coat with an integrated beak, complete with cream body, yellow feet, and sweet flippers. Perfect for beginners looking to craft a heartwarming companion, Brian comes with his own backstory of friendship and colorful dreams. Standing approximately 5 inches tall, this little penguin makes a wonderful gift or decorative piece that brings warmth and personality to any space.

Beginner Friendly 3-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Brian the Penguin Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    DK/Light Worsted weight yarn in purple (Colour A) - approximately 25g
  • 02
    DK/Light Worsted weight yarn in cream (Colour B) - approximately 20g
  • 03
    DK/Light Worsted weight yarn in pale yellow (Colour C) - approximately 10g
  • 04
    Small amount of black embroidery thread
  • 05
    Small amount of yellow embroidery thread

— Tools Required

  • 01
    2.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    6mm safety eyes (2 pieces)
  • 03
    Toy stuffing/fiberfill
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Blush for cheeks (optional)
  • 08
    Pins for assembly

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— The Coat :

Info :

Use yarn A. Ch 13

Round 1 :

Work this round in BLO, Sc in 2nd Ch from your hook, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3) in the last Ch. Now work down the other side of your foundation chain. Sc x 10, Sc inc (26)

Info :

Work in continuous rounds

Round 2 :

Sc inc, Sc x 10, Sc inc x 3, Sc x 10, Sc inc x 2 (32)

Round 3 :

Sc, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (38)

Round 4 :

Sc x 2, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (44)

Round 5 :

Sc x 3, Sc inc, Sc x 10 (Sc x3, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (50)

Round 6 :

Sc x 4, Sc inc, Sc x 10, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (56)

Round 7 :

Sc inc, Sc x 15, (Sc inc, Sc x 5) x 3, Sc x 10, (Sc inc, Sc x 5) x 2 (62)

Round 8-16 :

Sc x 62 (62) - 9 rounds

Round 17 :

Sc x 8, Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec, Sc x 2, Mark the stitch just made with a stitch marker. Sc x 5, Sc dec, Sc x 8, Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec, Sc x 7, Sc dec (56)

Info :

SS, break yarn & pull through. Leave a long tail for sewing later

— The Beak :

Info :

Attach yarn A where you placed your stitch marker on round 17 of the coat. Now place your stitch marker 1 stitch back from where you have just joined your yarn. This section is worked in rows. We will Ch 1 and turn at the end of each row. Ch 1. Your first Sc will be made in the same St where you have just joined your yarn

Row 1 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Row 2 :

Sc dec, Sc x 10, Sc dec (12)

Row 3 :

Sc dec, Sc x 8, Sc dec (10)

Row 4 :

Sc dec, Sc x 6, Sc dec (8)

Row 5 :

Sc dec, Sc x 4, Sc dec (6)

Row 6 :

Sc x 6 (6)

Row 7 :

Sc dec, Sc x 2, Sc dec (4)

Row 8 :

Sc x 4 (4)

Row 9 :

Sc dec x 2 (2)

Row 10 :

Sc x 2 (2)

Row 11 :

Sc dec (1)

Row 12 :

Sc x 1 (1) Do not Ch 1 & turn here

Info :

Break yarn & pull through. Weave in the loose end

Edging :

Join yarn A where your stitch marker is now placed. Ch 1 and SS on to the side of the beak. Sc up the edge until you reach the point of the beak. Make 3 Sc in the final St from row 12 of the beak. Sc back down the other side of the beak. SS back on to the next stitch on the coat. Break yarn and pull through. Weave in the loose end

Embroidery :

With yellow thread embroider a small triangle on the tip of the beak

— The Body :

Info :

Use yarn B and work in continuous rounds

Round 1 :

Sc x 6 in to a MR (6)

Round 2 :

Sc inc x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

(Sc, sc inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(Sc x 2, sc inc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

(Sc x 3, sc inc) x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

(Sc x 4, sc inc) x 6 (36)

Round 7 :

(Sc x 5, sc inc) x 6 (42)

Round 8-25 :

Sc x 42 (42) - 18 rounds

Info :

Insert the safety eyes between rounds 14-15. There should be a 9 stitch gap between the eyes. Stuff the body. Continue to stuff the remainder as you go. To check you are happy with the position of your safety eyes and the amount you are stuffing you can try the coat on the body now and then. The eyes should be about level with the yellow embroidery on the beak and about half way between this and the sides of the coat

Round 26 :

(Sc x 5, sc dec) x 6 (36)

Round 27 :

(Sc x 4, sc dec) x 6 (30)

Round 28 :

(Sc x 3, sc dec) x 6 (24)

Round 29 :

(Sc x 2, sc dec) x 6 (18)

Round 30 :

(Sc, sc dec) x 6 (12)

Round 31 :

Sc dec x 6 (6)

Info :

SS in to the next stitch, break yarn & pull through. Try the coat on the body again. Ensure you are happy that you have placed enough stuffing. Weave the loose end through the FLO of the final row of the body to close off the end

Optional Detail :

With a strand of black thread embroider the eyebrows 3 rounds above the eyes over rounds 10-11. Use a small amount of blush to create rosy cheeks on the lower border of the eyes

— The Flippers :

Info :

Use yarn A & make 2. Work in continuous rounds

Round 1 :

Sc x 4 in to a MR (4)

Round 2 :

(Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (6)

Round 3 :

(Sc x 2, Sc inc) x 2 (8)

Round 4 :

(Sc x 3, Sc inc) x 2 (10)

Round 5 :

(Sc x 4, Sc inc) x 2 (12)

Round 6 :

(Sc x 5, Sc inc) x 2 (14)

Round 7 :

(Sc x 6, Sc inc) x 2 (16)

Round 8 :

(Sc x 7, Sc inc) x 2 (18)

Round 9 :

Sc x 18 (18)

Round 10 :

(Sc x 7, Sc dec) x 2 (16)

Round 11 :

Sc x 16 (16)

Round 12 :

(Sc x 6, Sc dec) x 2 (14)

Round 13 :

Sc x 14 (14)

Round 14 :

Sc dec x 7 (7)

Info :

Break yarn & pull through. Leave a long length for sewing. Fold the flipper flat and sew the top closed prior to attaching

— The Feet :

Info :

Use yarn C and make 2. Ch 7

Round 1 :

In BLO, Sc in the 2nd Ch from your hook, Sc x 4, (3 Sc) in the last Ch. Now work down the other side of your foundation chain. Sc x 4, Sc inc (14)

Info :

Work in continuous rounds

Round 2 :

Sc inc, Sc x 4, Sc inc x 3, Sc x 4, Sc inc x 2 (20)

Round 3 :

Sc, Sc inc, Sc x 4, (Sc, Sc inc) x 3, Sc x 4, (Sc, Sc inc) x 2 (26)

Info :

SS, break yarn & pull through. Leave a long tail for sewing. Fold the foot in half. Sew around the edges to secure this

— Construction :

Step 1 :

Place the coat on the body. The little yellow beak should sit equal distance between the eyes. Pin in place and sew the coat to the body. You can use either a whip stitch or a mattress stitch for this

Step 2 :

Sew the feet to the body. The flat end of the feet should point outward. Sew the top of the curved section to the base of the coat

Step 3 :

Sew the flippers to the sides of the coat. The top of the flipper is about level with the eyes

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the completed coat onto the cream body, ensuring the yellow embroidered beak sits centered and level between the safety eyes
  • Pin the coat in place first to check positioning, then sew it securely to the body using either whip stitch or mattress stitch around the entire bottom edge
  • Attach the yellow feet to the base of the body with the flat ends pointing outward, sewing the curved top portion to the bottom of the coat
  • Sew the purple flippers to each side of the coat, positioning them approximately level with the eyes for proper proportion
  • Add optional embroidered eyebrows 3 rounds above the eyes using black thread, working over rounds 10-11 of the body
  • Apply a small amount of blush to the lower border of the eyes to create sweet rosy cheeks for added character

Important Notes

  • 💡Use the same yarn brand or weight for both the coat and body to ensure proper fit, as different brands can vary significantly even when labeled the same weight
  • 💡Try the coat on the body periodically during construction to check eye placement and stuffing amount before closing
  • 💡Place stitch markers carefully when constructing the beak section, as accurate positioning is essential for proper attachment
  • 💡Safety eyes should be inserted between rounds 14-15 with exactly 9 stitches between them and positioned level with the beak embroidery
  • 💡Stuff firmly but not too tightly to maintain the penguin's shape without distorting stitches or creating lumps
  • 💡Fold and close the top of the flippers flat before attaching them to the coat for a cleaner, more polished finish
  • 💡Weave in all loose ends securely as you go to avoid having to deal with multiple ends during final assembly

This adorable Brian the Penguin pattern brings a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure to life in amigurumi form! With his charming purple coat, cream body, and sweet yellow feet, Brian stands ready to become your next crafting companion. The clever integrated coat-and-beak design makes assembly easier while creating a unique character full of personality. Perfect for beginners wanting to practice continuous rounds and basic techniques, this 5-inch penguin friend is quick to make and even more delightful to gift or keep! 🐧💜✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will my finished Brian the Penguin be?

When made with a 2.5mm hook and DK weight yarn as recommended, Brian will measure approximately 5 inches tall. Using a larger hook or bulkier yarn will result in a bigger penguin, while smaller hooks create a tinier version.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but it's crucial to use the same yarn weight/brand for both the coat and body to ensure proper fit. Different brands can work up to different sizes even when labeled the same weight, which may cause the coat to be too tight or too loose on the body.

Are safety eyes safe for young children?

Safety eyes are not recommended for toys intended for young children under 3 years old due to choking hazards. For children's toys, consider embroidering the eyes instead using black yarn or thread for a completely child-safe alternative.

How do I work the beak section that's worked in rows?

The beak is worked in rows rather than rounds, so you'll chain 1 and turn at the end of each row. Make sure to place your stitch marker accurately on round 17 of the coat before starting, as this guides where the beak attaches and ensures proper centering.

Can I customize Brian's colors?

Absolutely! While the pattern uses purple for the coat, cream for the body, and yellow for the feet, you can choose any color combination you like. Just remember to use the same yarn weight throughout to maintain proper proportions and fit.

What does BLO and FLO mean in the pattern?

BLO stands for Back Loops Only and FLO means Front Loops Only. These techniques involve working into only one loop of the stitch instead of both, which creates texture and allows for different construction methods, like the foundation of the coat and feet.