Add a touch of clever charm to your crochet collection with this Amigurumi Magpie pattern! Known for their striking black-and-white plumage and curious personalities, magpies make a delightful subject for yarn artistry. Whether you’re crafting for a bird lover, decorating a nature-inspired nook, or simply indulging in a unique project, this feathered friend is sure to stand out with its elegant shape and playful spirit. 🧶🐦✨
Designed for detail and flair, this pattern invites you to explore bold colorwork, expressive features, and fun extras like a long tail, shiny trinket, or even a tiny nest. Customize your magpie with realistic markings or whimsical touches to reflect your own style. Whether perched on a shelf, nestled in a gift basket, or starring in a handmade garden scene, this Magpie Amigurumi is a joyful and satisfying project—perfect for stitching up a little handmade mischief, one loop at a time! 💖🌿🪶
🖤 Amigurumi Magpie Crochet Pattern
Celebrate the striking elegance of nature with this realistic amigurumi magpie! With its glossy black and white colorwork, beautifully fanned wings, and expressive pose, this project is perfect for advanced crocheters looking to challenge their skills and make a stunning showpiece. Let’s bring this bold bird to life with detailed shaping and dramatic wings!
✨ Skill Level
Advanced – Includes shaping, color changes, layered construction, and structural elements.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) from beak to tail using DK weight yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
- DK yarn in the following colors:
- Color A: Black
- Color B: White
- Color C: Grey (for beak and legs)
- Crochet hook: 2.5 mm
- Safety eyes (10–12 mm)
- Polyfill stuffing
- Pipe cleaners or craft wire (for shaping legs)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional: Wooden base and hot glue for mounting
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – Magic Ring
- sc – Single Crochet
- inc – Increase
- dec – Decrease
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- ch – Chain
- hdc – Half Double Crochet
- dc – Double Crochet
- BLO – Back Loop Only
- FO – Fasten Off
🪶 Body (Start with Color B – belly)
Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted.
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
6–10. sc around (30) - (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
12–14. sc around (36) - Switch to Color A: sc around (36)
16–22. sc around (36) - (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
– Stuff body firmly - (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
- dec x6 (6)
FO and close.
🧠 Head (Color A)
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
5–10. sc around (24) - (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
– Insert safety eyes between Rnds 5–6, approx. 5 sts apart
– Stuff firmly - dec x6 (6)
FO and sew to top of body.
🪶 Color Change Tips
For smooth transitions between black and white:
- Always change color on the last yarn-over of the stitch before the color change.
- For sharp patterns (as on the wing tips), fasten off and reattach the yarn for cleaner contrast.
- Use invisible color change: When switching yarns, pull new color through the last loop of previous stitch, then continue in new color.
🧷 Beak (Color C)
- MR, 4 sc (4)
- (1 sc, inc) x2 (6)
- sc around (6)
- (1 sc, dec) x2 (4)
FO, stuff lightly, sew under eyes.
🪽 Wings (Make 2 – Color A & B, layered feathers)
Inner Wing Base:
With Color A:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
4–6. sc around (18) - Flatten into a semi-circle and ch 1, sc across edge to form base for feathers. FO.
Feather Layers (Make 5 per wing):
Large Feathers (3 pcs each wing – Color B):
- ch 7
- Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, hdc, sc, sl st
- FO and leave tail for sewing.
Small Feathers (2 pcs each wing – Color B):
- ch 5
- Starting in 2nd ch: sl st, sc, sc, sl st
- FO and leave tail.
Attach feathers in a fanned arrangement on the wing base. Sew small feathers toward the body and longer ones radiating out. Repeat for second wing. Attach wings with edges slightly forward in a “mid-flap” position.
🦶 Feet (Color C – Make 2)
For realistic bird feet, use pipe cleaner or craft wire wrapped in yarn.
Each Foot:
- Cut 3 equal lengths of pipe cleaner (~7 cm).
- Twist two pieces together to make the toes:
- Bend into 3 “claws” per foot.
- Wrap yarn tightly around the entire wire using slip knots or simple wrapping.
- Bend and pose into shape, then hot glue to underside of body. Optionally, secure into wooden base.
🪶 Tail (Color A)
- ch 20
- Row 1: sc in each ch (19)
- Rows 2–3: sc across (19)
- Fold in half lengthwise and sc edges together to form a sturdy flat tail.
- FO and sew to back of body.
✂️ Assembly
- Attach head to body.
- Sew beak in place.
- Position wings slightly raised and angled backward.
- Attach tail horizontally.
- Position and glue feet or insert into a wooden stand.
- Weave in all ends and shape with hands.
💡 Extra Ideas
- Add iridescent thread to wings for a shiny feather effect.
- Create a nature-themed diorama with a branch perch.
- Use glow-in-the-dark yarn for a magical touch.
This elegant magpie is sure to become the centerpiece of your amigurumi bird collection. With its expressive posture and layered feathers, it’s a rewarding project that brings your crochet skills to life! 🪶✨
