Toad Super Mario video game character - Kinopio

Toad Super Mario Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

This is an amigurumi crochet pattern for creating Toad, the iconic protector character from the Super Mario video game franchise. The finished toy stands 9 inches tall and captures the distinctive appearance of Kinopio with his characteristic mushroom cap and cheerful expression. This downloadable PDF pattern allows crocheters to craft a soft, stuffed plush toy suitable for display, play, or gift-giving.

Craft and Technique Overview

Amigurumi is a Japanese crochet technique that creates three-dimensional stuffed toys and figurines. This pattern uses the fundamental amigurumi approach of working in continuous rounds to build cylindrical and spherical forms that are then stuffed and assembled into a complete character. The technique requires understanding how to increase and decrease stitches strategically to shape different body parts, from the rounded head and mushroom cap to the limbs and facial features.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch used to begin sections and create connecting loops
• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch for building dense, sturdy fabric in amigurumi construction
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Used selectively for texture variation and specific shaping
• Single Crochet Decrease (dec): Essential for tapering shapes and closing openings as pieces are completed
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between sections
• 4-Double Crochet Bobble: A decorative textured stitch that adds dimension and visual interest to the design

Materials Required

This pattern calls for worsted weight yarn (also known as aran weight), which provides appropriate thickness and sturdiness for a toy that will be handled and potentially played with. Multiple yarn colors are essential: a base skin tone, white, red, blue, brown, and mustard to recreate Toad's vibrant appearance. A Size G (4 mm) crochet hook is specified to work with the worsted weight yarn at the proper gauge. Additional materials include pink, black, and white embroidery floss with an embroidery needle for stitching facial features, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembling pieces, fiberfill or polyester stuffing to fill the toy, and stitch markers to track the beginning of rounds during construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes the crocheter has foundational skills including comfort with basic stitches, understanding of amigurumi construction principles, and experience with increasing and decreasing to shape pieces. The multi-color work and assembly of multiple components require attention to detail and pattern-following ability.