Free Penguin Buddy Crochet Pattern: Adorable Huggable Crochet Pattern

Isn’t this little Penguin Buddy Crochet Pattern a cute winter companion? I first designed this toy in 2019. Immediately, my boys began asking to keep these penguins for themselves. So, I know from firsthand experience that these are great handmade gifts for little ones.

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You don’t have to be little to enjoy this penguin stuffy, though! He is cute for holiday decor or to just have around at any time of year. And of course, I think he makes an excellent gift for all ages. Who wouldn’t enjoy cuddling up with this toy? Plus, knit and crochet penguins are trending this year, which is why I’ve decided to republish this pattern. I wanted to make sure you could find it if you haven’t seen it, yet.

Check out the Penguin Buddy Knit Pattern, which is the knit version of this cute crochet penguin design.

Fun Facts About Penguins

Why are knit and crochet penguins trending right now? Partly it’s because they’re cute. Partly it’s because it’s winter and they’re snuggly. But there’s also a resurgence of interest in penguins in general because they are really special creatures. Here are just a few fun facts about penguins:

• Penguins live in various places all around the world. Surprisingly, only one of ~18 species lives above the Southern Hemisphere.

• Penguins range in size from just 10″ tall to over 4′ tall! Our little crochet penguin is just a little bit smaller than the smallest real penguins out there.

• Penguins are monogamous. The father watches the eggs of unhatched babies while the mom goes out to hunt. Go Mom Penguins!

• Penguins swim; they don’t fly. Some can swim over 20 mph. They typically only go about 30-60 feet deep. However some species go much deeper; the biggest ones go well over 1000 feet deep.

Supplies for the Penguin Buddy Crochet Pattern

• Size US G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Removable stitch markers if needed
• Yarn needle to weave in ends
• Fiberfill or stuffing

Yarn:
Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK Yarn
in colorways:
Ivory
Cedar
Linen
Dijon
Yarn substitutions (check gauge):
• Bernat Baby Sport
• Paintbox Yarns Baby DK
• Plymouth Yarn Deambaby DK

Skill Level:
• Advanced Beginner

Measurements:
Penguin stands about 7.5” (19 cm) tall

Abbreviations:
• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet two together
• st(s) – stitch(es)

Yardage:
• 135 yards (124 m)

Gauge:
• 22 sts and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm)
in single crochet stitch

Notes for the Penguin Buddy Crochet Pattern:

• This crochet buddy is worked in pieces and then hand sewn together.

• The Ch 1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.

• In order to reduce a traveling seam use the hook over method. This occurs when completing the last step of the single crochet. Instead of placing the yarn over the hook, place the hook over the yarn, and complete stitch.

• This pattern is worked in the round continuously without joining. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds.

Helpful Videos
Here are some of the video tutorials that will help you with the Penguin Buddy Crochet Pattern in case you get stuck.

No More Twisted Chains:

Magic Circle/Ring:

Invisible Decrease (sc2tog):

Penguin Buddy Crochet Pattern Instructions:

Begin to stuff with fiberfill as you go. 30 sts

Rnd 17:

*sc2tog, sc 3; repeat * around. 24 sts

Rnd 18:

*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around.  18 sts

Rnd 19:

*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat * around.  12 sts

Rnd 20:

sc2tog around.

Fasten off and use tail end to weave through remaining stitches and close hole. Weave in ends, set aside until assembly.  6 sts

Crochet Penguin Body:

Rnd 1:

With Light Grey yarn chain 20. 20 sts

Rnd 2:

*2 sc in first, sc 4; repeat * around.   24 sts

Rnd 3:  

sc in each stitch around.  24 sts

Rnd 4:  

*2 sc in first, sc 5; repeat * around.   28 sts

Rnd 5:  

sc in each stitch around.  28 sts

Rnd 6:  

*2 sc in first, sc 6; repeat * around.  32 sts

Rnd 7:  

sc in each stitch around.  32 sts

Rnd 8:  

*2 sc in first, sc 7; repeat * around.  36 sts

Rnd 9:  

sc in each stitch around.  36 sts

Rnd 10:  

*2 sc in first, sc 8; repeat * around.  40 sts

Rnd 11:  

sc in each stitch around.  40 sts

Rnd 12:  

*2 sc in first, sc 9; repeat * around.  44 sts

Rnd 13:  

sc in each stitch around.  44 sts

Rnd 14:  

*2 sc in first, sc 10; repeat * around.  48 sts

Rnd 15:  

sc in each stitch around.  48 sts

Rnd 16:  

*2 sc in first, sc 7; repeat * around.  54 sts

Rnd 17:  

sc in each stitch around.  54 sts

Rnd 18:  

*2 sc in first, sc 8; repeat * around.  60 sts

Rnd 19:  

sc in each stitch around.  60 sts

Rnd 20:  

*2 sc in first, sc 9; repeat * around.  66 sts

Rnds 21-26:  

sc in each stitch around.  66 sts

Rnd 27:  

*sc2tog, sc 9; repeat * around.  60 sts

Rnd 28:  

*sc2tog, sc 8; repeat * around.  54 sts

Rnd 29:  

*sc2tog, sc 7; repeat * around.  48 sts

Rnd 30:  

*sc2tog, sc 6; repeat * around.  42 sts

Rnd 31:  

*sc2tog, sc 5; repeat * around.  36 sts

Rnd 32:  

*sc2tog, sc 4; repeat * around.  30 sts

Rnd 33:  

*sc2tog, sc 3; repeat * around.  24 sts

Rnd 34:  

*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around.

Begin to stuff with fiberfill as you go. 18 sts

Rnd 35:  

*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat * around.  12 sts

Rnd 36:  

sc2tog around.

Fasten off and use tail end to weave through remaining stitches and close hole. Weave in ends, set aside until assembly.  6 sts

Crochet Penguin Arms (make 2):

Rnd 1:

With Light Grey yarn sc 6 in Magic Ring. 6 sts

Rnd 2:

2 sc in each stitch around.  12 sts

Rnds 3-4:

sc in each stitch around. 12 sts

Rnd 5:

*2 sc in first, sc 5; repeat * around. 14 sts

Rnd 6:

sc in each stitch around. 14 sts

Rnd 7:

*2 sc in first, sc 6; repeat * around. 16 sts

Rnd 8:

sc in each stitch around. 16 sts

Rnd 9:

*2 sc in first, sc 7; repeat * around. 18 sts

Rnd 10:

sc in each stitch around. 18 sts

Rnd 11:

*2 sc in first, sc 8; repeat * around. 20 sts

Rnds 12-16:

sc in each stitch around. 20 sts

Rnd 17:

*sc2tog, sc 8; repeat * around.

Begin to stuff with fiberfill as you go. 18 sts

Rnd 18:

sc in each stitch around. 18 sts

Rnd 19:

*sc2tog, sc 7; repeat * around. 16 sts

Rnd 20:

sc in each stitch around. 16 sts

Rnd 21:

*sc2tog, sc 6; repeat * around. 14 sts

Rnds 22-23:

sc in each stitch around.

Fasten off and leaving a 12 inch tail, set aside until assembly. 14 sts

Crochet Penguin Head Piece:

Row 1:

With Black yarn ch 5, sc in 2nd stitch form hook and across, turn.  4 sts

Rows 2-5:

Ch 1, sc 4, turn.  4 sts

Row 6:

Ch 1, 2sc in first, sc until last stitch, 2 sc in last, turn.  6 sts

Rows 7-22:

Repeat row 6 until stitch count is 38 38 sts

Work in Rounds  

Ch 2, sl st in first stitch from previous row to join and begin working in the round.

Rnd 23:

sc in each stitch around (including chains). 40 sts

Rnd 24:

*sc2tog, sc 6; repeat * around. 35 sts

Rnd 25:

*sc2tog, sc 5; repeat * around. 30 sts

Rnd 26:

*sc2tog, sc 4; repeat * around. 25 sts

Rnd 27:

*sc2tog, sc 3; repeat * around. 20 sts

Rnd 28:

*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around. 15 sts

Rnd 29:

*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat * around.

Fasten off and use tail end to weave through remaining stitches and close hole. Weave in ends, set aside until assembly. 10 sts

Crochet Penguin Beak:

Rnd 1:

With Yellow yarn sc 4 in Magic Ring. 4 sts

Rnd 2:

*2sc in first, sc; repeat * around.   6 sts

Rnd 3:

*2sc in first, sc 2; repeat * around.  8 sts

Rnd 4:

*2sc in first, sc 3; repeat * around.  10 sts

Rnd 5:

*2sc in first, sc 4; repeat * around.

Fasten off and leaving a 12 inch tail, set aside until assembly. 12 sts

Crochet Penguin Toes Small (make 4):

Rnd 1:

With Black yarn sc 4 in Magic Ring, join. 4 sts

Rnd 2:

Ch 1, 2 sc in each stitch around, join.

Fasten off and leave tail end to attach to other toes. Weave in ends, set aside until penguin feet. 8 sts

Crochet Penguin Toes Big (make 2):

Rnd 1:

With Black yarn sc 4 in Magic Ring, join.

Rnd 2:

With Black yarn sc 4 in Magic Ring, join.

Rnd 3:

Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc 3; repeat * around, join. Fasten off and leave the tail end to attach to other toes. Weave in ends, set aside until penguin feet.

Penguin Feet (make 2):

For each foot, one big toe and two small toe pieces will be used. Using a yarn needle, sew one small toe and a big toe together by joining one stitch on each side. Repeat one more time by sewing a small toe to the other side of the big toe. Attach yarn and prepare to crochet around the remaining stitches, the sewn joined stitches will not be worked. 24 total stitches are worked around the exterior of the joined toes.

 Rnd 1:

sc in each stitch around.  24 sts

Rnd 2:

*sc2tog, sc 4; repeat * around. 20 sts

Rnds 3-5:

sc in each stitch around. 20 sts

Rnd 6:

*sc2tog, sc 3; repeat * around. 16 sts

Rnd 7:

sc in each stitch around. 16 sts

Rnd 8:

*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around. Begin to stuff foot with fiberfill.  12 sts

Rnd 9:

*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat * around.

Fasten off and use tail end to weave through remaining stitches and close hole. Weave in ends, set aside until assembly 8 sts

Penguin Assembly:

Using a yarn needle and black yarn, sew the headpiece onto the penguin head.

Next, sew the head to the body.

Then attach arms, feet, and beak. Use pins to put in place if helpful.

For the eyes, use black yarn to stitch a U, or upside-down U, and small eyelashes.

Newborn Penguin Crochet Outfit

I got my start as a designer in the photography prop industry. It was soon after I had my first son I loved anything newborn-related. By the time I had my second son, I had such a passion for newborn photography that I had become a newborn photographer. While I no longer take photography clients, I still enjoy designing newborn props. It’s also nostalgia for when mine were so little. If I could reverse time, I would put my baby boys in this cuddly Newborn Penguin Crochet Outfit outfit.

You don’t have to be little to enjoy this penguin stuffy! He is cute for holiday decor or to just have around. And of course, I think he makes a great gift for all ages.

Supplies for the Newborn Penguin Crochet Outfit:

• Size US G (4.0 mm) crochet hook 

US I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Removable stitch markers if needed
• Yarn needle to weave in ends
• Fiberfill or stuffing

Yarn:
Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK Yarn
in colorways: Ivory, Cedar, Linen, Dijon
Yarn substitutions (check gauge):
• Bernat Baby Sport
• Paintbox Yarns Baby DK
• Plymouth Yarn Deambaby DK

Skill Level:
• Advanced Beginner

Measurements:
Bonnet Depth 5” (13 cm)
Bonnet Height 5.5” (14 cm)
Wrap Length 60” (152 cm)
Wrap Width 12” (30 cm)

Abbreviations:
• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet two together
• st(s) – stitch(es)

Yardage:
• 850 yards (777 m) for each wrap
• 125 yards (114 m) for bonnet

Gauge:
• 22 sts and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm)
in single crochet stitch

Notes for the Newborn Penguin Crochet Outfit:

• The Ch 1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.
• To reduce a traveling seam when working in the round, use the hook over method. This occurs when completing the last step of the single crochet. Instead of placing the yarn over the hook, place the hook over the yarn, and complete the stitch.
• An alternative to crocheting the wraps is to purchase a stretchy knit fabric 12 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Newborn Penguin Crochet Outfit Instructions

Penguin Wrap (make two, 1 Cedar and 1 Ivory):

Row	Description	Stitch Count
1	With I hook, Ch 68 sts, sc in 4th chain from hook (these chains will count as first st) *ch 1, skip 1, sc 1; repeat * until end of the row, turn.	66
2	Ch 2, sc in chain space from the previous row, *ch 1, skip 1, sc 1; repeat * until end of row. The last sc will be worked into the space between the ch 2 turning chain and the sc from the previous row.	66
3-270	Repeat Row 2 for 270 rows or desired length. Fasten off and weave in ends.	66

Penguin Bonnet Ivory:

Round	Description	Stitch Count
1	With Ivory yarn and G hook, sc 8 in Magic Circle, join.	8
2	Ch 1 (doesn’t count as stitch), 2 sc in each stitch around, join.	16
3	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	16
4	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next; repeat * around, join.	24
5	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	24
6	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 2; repeat * around, join.	32

7	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	32
8	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 3; repeat * around, join.	40
9	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	40
10	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 4; repeat * around, join.	48
11	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	48
12	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 5; repeat * around, join.	56
13	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	56
14	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 6; repeat * around, join.	64
15-34	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	64
	Fasten off and weave in ends. Set aside until bonnet assembly.

Penguin Bonnet Cedar:

Row	Description	Stitch Count
1	With Cedar yarn and G hook, ch 11, sc in the second chain from hook and across, turn.	10
2	Ch 1 (doesn’t count as stitch), 2sc in first, sc until last st, 2sc in last, turn.	12
3-28	Repeat row 2 until stitch count is 64	64
29	Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc 6; repeat * across, turn.	56
30	Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc 5; repeat * across, turn.	48
31	Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc 4; repeat * across, turn.	40
32	Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc 3; repeat * across, turn.	32
33	Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * across, turn.	24
34	Ch 1, sc2tog, sc 20, sc2tog, turn.	22
35	Ch 1, sc2tog, sc 18, sc2tog, turn.	20

Finishing: Fold the flat row worked in half and seam closed to create the back of the bonnet. Weave in ends

Penguin Bonnet Beak:

Round	Description	Stitch Count
1	With Dijon yarn and G hook, sc 8 in Magic Circle, join.	8
2	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next; repeat * around, join.	12
3	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	12
4	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 2; repeat * around, join.	16
5	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join.	16
6	Ch 1, *2sc in first, sc in next 3; repeat * around, join.	20
7-8	Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join. Leaving a long tail to sew to bonnet, fasten off.	20

Penguin Bonnet Assembly & Ties:

I find it’s easier to sew the ivory and cedar bonnet pieces together by placing them onto a small ball. Line up the back base of bonnets together and pin it into place. Pull the front edges together and pin them in place at the top center.

Using a yarn needle and cedar yarn, sew the cedar bonnet headpiece onto the ivory bonnet piece. Using the tail end of the beak, stitch to the front top center of the bonnet.

Ties: Using G-hook, attach yarn to one side front bottom corner of the bonnet. Chain 51, slip stitch in the second chain from hook and across. Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for the other side.