Crochet a Cozy Pilot Penguin: A Detailed Amigurumi Pattern

Crochet a Cozy Pilot Penguin: A Detailed Amigurumi Pattern

ByLina Morgen

Gather your yarn, crafters, because today we’re embarking on a truly special flight of fancy! This isn’t just any penguin; this is a dapper little pilot, ready for adventures in the clouds or cuddles on your couch. With his meticulously crafted colorwork tummy, snug striped hat, and the most adorable tiny pilot’s mask and goggles you’ve ever seen, this project is bursting with character.

This pattern is designed for those who are comfortable with the basics of amigurumi and are looking for a beautiful challenge. It involves working with multiple yarn colors to create a crisp, centered design on the belly—a technique that is incredibly satisfying to master. The addition of small, detailed accessories like the knitted scarf and the crocheted mask makes the final result truly exceptional.

Who will love this pilot penguin? He’s the perfect handmade gift for an aviation enthusiast, a graduate embarking on a new journey, or anyone who appreciates a toy with a story and soul. Working through this pattern is also a wonderful way to level up your crochet skills, learning seamless color changes and intricate shaping. The process is a true labor of love, and the finished friend is a treasure.

So, prepare for takeoff! Let’s gather our supplies and crochet a companion that’s as unique and adventurous as you are. Every careful stitch brings his cheerful personality to life

Materials for Your Aviator

  • Yarn:
    • Main Body (Gray/Brown): Mongolian Camel or similar fine yarn (approx. 100g / 300m).
    • Belly, Hat, Scarf: YarnArt Jeans or similar DK weight (approx. 50g / 160m) in white and a contrast color.
    • Feet & Beak: Drops Alpaca or similar fine yarn (approx. 50g / 167m) in yellow/orange.
    • Pilot’s Mask: Sandnes Garn Duo or YarnArt Jeans (approx. 50g / 160m) in black.
  • Crochet Hook: Size 1.15 mm (or a size comfortable for you to achieve tight stitches).
  • Knitting Needles: Size 2.25 mm (for the scarf).
  • Safety Eyes: 4-5 mm.
  • Fiberfill: For stuffing.
  • Notions: Large tapestry needle for sewing, scissors, pins.
  • Finishing Touch: Soft pastels or blush for cheek details

Crochet Abbreviations

  • ch: chain
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
  • dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
  • MR: magic ring
  • BLO: back loop only

Pattern Instructions

Crochet a Cozy Pilot Penguin: A Detailed Amigurumi Pattern

Body (with Colorwork Belly)

Start with main color yarn.

  1. Ch 12. Starting from the second ch from the hook: inc, 9 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Working down the other side of the chain: 10 sc. (24) Join to work in a continuous spiral.
  2. Round 2: 2 inc, 9 sc, 3 inc, 9 sc, inc. (30)
  3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x2, 9 sc, (1 sc, inc) x3, 10 sc, inc. (36)
  4. Round 4: 36 sc in the BLO.
  5. Round 5: (2 sc, inc) x2, 9 sc, (2 sc, inc) x3, 11 sc, inc. (42)
  6. Round 6: 42 sc.
  7. Round 7: (3 sc, inc) x2, 9 sc, (3 sc, inc) x3, 12 sc, inc. (48)
  8. Round 8: 48 sc.
  9. Round 9: (4 sc, inc) x2, 9 sc, (4 sc, inc) x3, 13 sc, inc. (54)
  10. Round 10: 54 sc.
    *Begin introducing white yarn for the belly. Check your work: the white section must be centered. If it drifts left, adjust by shifting the color change 1-2 stitches to the right on the next round.*
  11. Continue following color chart from original pattern for rows involving color changes (e.g., Rounds 32-34).
  12. After colorwork is complete, switch to main color only.
  13. Rounds 35-36: 42 sc.
  14. Round 37: (5 sc, dec) x6. (36)
  15. Round 38: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
  16. Round 39: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
  17. Round 40: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
  18. Round 41: (1 sc, dec) x6. (12)
  19. Round 42: 6 dec. (6) Close the hole, fasten off, and weave in the end. Stuff firmly before closing.

Wings (Make 2, in Main Color)

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR.
  2. Round 2: (1 sc, inc) x3. (9)
  3. Round 3: 9 sc.
  4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x3. (12)
  5. Rounds 5-6: 12 sc.
    Fold the wing in half lengthwise and sew the open edge closed with 6 sc, joining the two sides. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Beak (in Yellow) – Option 1

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR. Do not join (work in spiral).
  2. Round 2: inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc. (6) Finish with a sl st. Do not turn. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Beak (in Yellow) – Option 2

  1. Round 1: 4 sc in a MR.
  2. Round 2: 2 inc, 2 sc. (6) Finish with a sl st. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Feet (Make 2, in Yellow)

  1. Ch 6. Starting from the second ch from the hook: inc, 2 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Working down the other side: 3 sc. (10) Join to work in a spiral.
  2. Round 2: 2 inc, 2 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, inc. (16)
  3. Continue working in a spiral, making decreases strictly on the sides of the foot until you have 12 stitches total.
  4. Pinch the edges of the foot together and sew them closed by working 6 sc across. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Hat (in Contrast Color)

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR. (6)
  2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
  3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
  5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
  6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
  7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
  8. Rounds 8-13: 42 sc. (6 rounds)
    Now create the ear flaps (working in turned rows, not a spiral):
  9. Row 14 (first flap): Ch 1, starting in the 2nd ch from hook: 7 sc. (8)
  10. Row 15: Ch 1, 7 sc. (9)
  11. Row 16: Ch 1, dec, 3 sc, dec. (6)
  12. Rows 17-18: Ch 1, 5 sc. (2 rows)
  13. Row 19: Ch 1, dec, 1 sc, dec. (4)
  14. Rows 20-21: Ch 1, 3 sc. (2 rows)
  15. Row 22: Ch 1, dec, 1 sc. (3)
  16. Row 23: Ch 1, dec. (2)
  17. Row 24: Ch 1, dec. (2) Fasten off.
    Make the second ear flap on the opposite side of the hat, leaving about 14-16 unworked stitches between the flaps.

Pilot’s Mask & Goggles (in Black)

  1. Ch 12 and join with a sl st to form a ring (first goggle lens).
  2. Ch 2 (this is the bridge of the goggles).
  3. Ch 12 more and join with a sl st to form the second ring.
  4. Now, sl st around the entire shape (both rings and the bridge) to create a defined edge.
  5. To make the strap: From one side of the goggles, ch 40-44, attach to the other side with a sl st, then work the same number of sl sts back along the chain to the start. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Scarf (Knitted, in Contrast Color)

  1. Cast on 70 stitches.
  2. Row 1: Knit all stitches.
  3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
  4. Row 3: Knit all stitches.
  5. Rows 4 & 5: Knit all stitches (garter stitch).
  6. Bind off loosely. Weave in ends

Assembly & Final Touches

  1. Sew on Wings: Attach the wings to the sides of the body.
  2. Attach Feet: Sew the feet to the bottom of the body.
  3. Add Face: Sew the beak in place and attach the safety eyes. Use pastels or blush to add rosy cheeks.
  4. Attach Accessories: Sew the pilot’s mask onto the front of the hat. Place the hat on the penguin’s head and wrap the scarf around his neck.
  5. Stuffing: Ensure all parts are firmly and evenly stuffed for the best shape.

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