Posted inAmigurumi Patterns Fantasy Creature Patterns Intermediate Patterns

Amigurumi Tanuki – FREE Crochet Pattern

Posted inAmigurumi Patterns, Fantasy Creature Patterns, Intermediate Patterns
Amigurumi Tanuki – FREE Crochet Pattern
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Oh, the joy of diving into the whimsical world of amigurumi! There’s something incredibly delightful about creating these charming little crochet creatures, and when it comes to crafting a tanuki, the process is even more enchanting. Tanuki, with their mischievous expressions and rounded features, make for an adorable amigurumi project. As I gather my colorful yarn and trusty crochet hook, I can already envision the cute little tanuki taking shape in my hands. The beauty of amigurumi lies in its ability to transform simple yarn into characters full of personality and charm, and the tanuki is no exception. 🎨🐾

Embarking on this creative journey, I start with a clear vision of the tanuki’s playful face, those captivating eyes, and its fluffy tail. The process involves following a carefully crafted pattern where each stitch and loop builds upon the next, slowly bringing the tanuki to life. It’s like painting a picture, but instead, my canvas is made of yarn. The repetitive nature of crocheting can be quite soothing, and it’s a joy to watch the tanuki emerge, piece by piece, with each completed round. The satisfaction of sewing the parts together and adding those final touches, like a mischievous twinkle in its eyes, is unparalleled. Creating amigurumi is not just a hobby; it’s an adventure filled with creativity and a bit of magic. 🌟🧶

Realistic crochet image for Amigurumi Tanuki - FREE Crochet Pattern

🇯🇵 Amigurumi Tanuki in Kimono with Drum – Crochet Pattern

This sweet Tanuki is dressed in a traditional kimono and ready to put on a performance! Great for intermediate crocheters who want to explore garments and accessories.

📏 Finished Size

Approximately 20–22 cm (8–9 inches) tall

🧶 Skill Level

Intermediate

🧵 Materials

  • Worsted weight yarn:

    • Charcoal gray (main body)

    • White (face, chest, ears)

    • Black (eye mask & accents)

    • Red & white (kimono)

    • Brown & beige (drum)

  • 2.5–3.0 mm crochet hook

  • 10 mm safety eyes

  • Embroidery thread (black for nose and mouth)

  • Tapestry needle

  • Stitch markers

  • Fiberfill stuffing

✂️ Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • MR – Magic Ring

  • sc – Single Crochet

  • inc – Increase

  • dec – Decrease

  • ch – Chain

  • sl st – Slip Stitch

  • FO – Fasten Off

🦝 Head

With dark gray:

  1. MR, 6 sc

  2. inc x6 (12)

  3. (sc, inc) x6 (18)

  4. (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)

  5. (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
    6–11. sc around (30)

  6. (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)

  7. (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
    Insert safety eyes between rows 7–8, 6 sts apart
    Stuff firmly

  8. (sc, dec) x6 (12)

  9. dec x6 (6)
    FO and weave shut

🦝 Body

With dark gray:

  1. MR, 6 sc

  2. inc x6 (12)

  3. (sc, inc) x6 (18)

  4. (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
    5–12. sc around (24)

  5. (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)

  6. (sc, dec) x6 (12)
    Stuff firmly

  7. dec x6 (6)
    FO and sew to head

🐾 Arms (make 2)

  1. MR, 6 sc with dark gray

  2. (sc, inc) x3 (9)
    3–6. sc around (9)

  3. dec, sc x4, dec (7)
    Stuff lightly
    FO and sew to sides of body

🦶 Legs (make 2)

  1. MR, 6 sc

  2. inc x6 (12)
    3–5. sc around (12)

  3. (sc, dec) x4 (8)
    Stuff and FO. Attach to bottom front of body

🐻 Ears (make 2)

Inner ear (white):

  1. MR, 6 sc

  2. (sc, inc) x3 (9)
    FO

Outer ear (gray):
Repeat steps above, do not FO.
Place inner ear on outer ear and sc around both layers together.
Leave tail for sewing.

🦝 Face Mask

With black yarn:

  1. Ch 5, turn

  2. Row 1: sc across (4)

  3. Row 2–3: inc at beginning and end of row

  4. Mirror for other side, shaping a wide band

  5. Embroider or stitch across eye area
    FO and stitch to face below eyes.

🧥 Kimono (Simple Robe)

With red yarn:

  1. Ch 21, turn

  2. Row 1–8: sc across (20)

  3. Split for sleeves:

    • sc 4, ch 6, skip 4, sc 8, ch 6, skip 4, sc 4

  4. Row 9–11: sc across all sts
    FO and sew to fit around tanuki’s body, attaching sleeves.
    Use white yarn to embroider fan patterns or stitch around neckline.

🥁 Drum

With beige:

  1. MR, 6 sc

  2. inc x6 (12)

  3. (sc, inc) x6 (18)

  4. (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
    5–6. sc around (24)
    Switch to brown:

  5. (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)

  6. sc around (18)

  7. (sc, dec) x6 (12)

  8. dec x6 (6)
    FO and close
    Embroider or crochet thin rope detailing with cream yarn to simulate drum stringing.
    Glue or sew to hands.

🥢 Drumsticks (Optional)

  • Use 2 short toothpicks or small crochet chains with tiny yarn balls on ends

🐾 Final Assembly

  • Sew ears on top sides of head

  • Sew face mask and embroider smile

  • Attach kimono

  • Stitch or glue drum to body and arms

  • Add embroidery or fringe to kimono if desired


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