The Chubby Panda: Your Cozy Amigurumi Pattern

There is something undeniably comforting about a panda. With their soft curves, soulful eyes, and iconic black-and-white contrast, they are the definition of “huggable.” This Chubby Panda is designed to be the ultimate stress-busting project. He’s round, he’s sturdy, and he’s the perfect size for resting on a desk or tucked onto a bookshelf.

This pattern leans into the “Squishmallow” aesthetic—focusing on a slightly wider, pear-shaped body that gives the panda his signature plump look.

Project Overview

• Skill Level: Intermediate (due to color changes)
• Finished Size: Approx. 5 inches tall
• Time Required: 4–6 hours
• Style Notes: The secret to this panda is the “tight stitch.” By using a smaller hook than recommended for your yarn, you ensure that the black and white yarns don’t show through each other.

What You’ll Need

• Yarn: DK weight cotton in White and Black.
• Hook: 2.5mm or 3.0mm.
• Safety Eyes: 10mm or 12mm black safety eyes.
• Extras: Polyester fiberfill, tapestry needle, stitch markers, and black embroidery thread for the nose/mouth.

The Pattern

Body & Head (One Piece)

Start with White yarn.

1. MR, 6 sc (6)
2. Inc in each st (12)
3. [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18)
4. [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)
5. [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)
6. [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)
7. [5 sc, inc] 6 times (42)
   8-12. Sc around (42)
   Switch to Black yarn for the mid-section.
   13-16. Sc around (42)
   Switch back to White yarn.
   17-20. Sc around (42)
8. [5 sc, dec] 6 times (36)
9. [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)
   Insert safety eyes between rows 19 and 20.
10. [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)
11. [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)
    Stuff firmly until round.
12. Dec 6 times, FO.

Eye Patches (Make 2)

Using Black yarn.

1. MR, 6 sc (6)
2. Inc in each st (12)
3. Sl st to join. Sew over the eye position before inserting safety eyes.

Muzzle

Using White yarn.

1. MR, 6 sc (6)
2. [1 sc, inc] 3 times (9)
3. Sc around (9)
   Stuff lightly and sew centered between the eye patches.

Arms, Legs, and Ears (Make 2 each)

Using Black yarn.

1. MR, 6 sc (6)
2. [1 sc, inc] 3 times (9)
   3-5. Sc around (9)
   Leave slightly under-stuffed for a soft, floppy feel.

Expert Tips for the “Chubby” Look

1. The Color Transition Trick

When switching colors for the black mid-section, you will notice a “jog” where the row begins. To keep your stripes perfectly smooth, use the Invisible Join method at the end of each round. It takes a few extra seconds, but it prevents that stair-step look in your color changes.

2. Positioning the Eye Patches

The “chubby” look relies on the eyes being wide apart. Place your black eye patches so they are slightly angled, almost like they are “hugging” the white muzzle. This creates that wide-eyed, innocent panda expression.

3. Stuffing for the “Plump” Factor

This panda should feel substantial! As you stuff, focus on pushing the fiberfill into the sides of the body rather than just the top. By creating a wider base, your panda will have that perfect, grounded, chubby silhouette that makes him so stable on a tabletop.

4. The Nose Detail

Use your embroidery thread to stitch a small, inverted “T” or “Y” shape on the white muzzle. This is the hallmark of a panda face. Keep your tension firm so the nose looks neat and sharp against the white yarn.

Why Handmade Matters

There is a unique tranquility in the repetitive motions of crochet. As you work through the rounds of this panda, think of it as a form of meditation. You aren’t just making a toy; you are creating a small, tangible piece of happiness.

Ready to bring your panda to life?
Gather your yarn and a quiet space to focus. Don’t stress if your panda looks a little different than the one in the photo—that is the beauty of handmade. Every panda has its own personality, and yours is going to be wonderful.