Little Humpty

Little Humpty Amigurumi Toy by Irene Strange

What is Being Made

Little Humpty is a downloadable crochet amigurumi pattern designed by Irene Strange. This project creates a stuffed toy character using the amigurumi technique, a Japanese method of crocheting small, three-dimensional figures. The finished toy is suitable for intermediate-level crocheters and makes an ideal handmade gift or decorative piece.

Craft and Primary Technique

This pattern uses crochet as the primary craft method. Amigurumi construction involves working in continuous rounds to build dimensional shapes that are then stuffed and assembled. The pattern is written in US Crochet Terms, making it accessible to crocheters familiar with American terminology and abbreviations.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Little Humpty pattern employs a variety of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to create texture and structure:

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to create foundation chains and chain spaces
• Slip stitch (slst) – Joins rounds and creates seamless transitions
• Single crochet (sc) – The primary stitch for building amigurumi fabric
• Double crochet (dc) – Adds height and variation to stitched sections
• Increase (inc) – Expands stitches to shape wider sections
• Decrease (dec) – Reduces stitch count to taper and shape the toy
• Invisible decrease (inv dec) – Creates seamless decreases for a polished finish
• Single crochet 3 together (sc3tog) – Decreases three stitches into one for shaping
• Magic ring – An alternative cast-on method for starting amigurumi projects in the round
• Chain space (ch-sp) – Creates openings and decorative elements
• Round (rnd) – Indicates continuous circular working

Materials and Tools

The sample toy is crafted using DK weight cotton yarn from Paintbox Yarns, a 100% cotton fiber that provides durability and a smooth finish ideal for amigurumi. The specific colors used include:

• White (Light Champagne 403) – 1 ball (50gr/125m/137yds)
• Blue (Dolphin Blue 437) – approximately 20gr used
• Light Blue (Duck Egg Blue 436) – approximately 20gr used
• Pink (Blush Pink 454) – less than 5gr used
• Red (Pillar Red 415) – less than 10gr used

A 3.5mm crochet hook is used to work with the DK weight yarn at the appropriate gauge. Additional materials include:

• 10mm safety eyes for facial features
• Black embroidery thread or yarn for embroidering the mouth
• Toy stuffing to fill the completed amigurumi
• Musical rattle insert (optional) – adds sound and sensory play
• Weighted plastic pellets in a fabric pouch (optional) – provides weight and movement
• Tapestry needle for seaming, weaving in ends, and embroidery work
• Scissors for cutting yarn

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle three-dimensional shaping and assembly. The use of decreases, invisible decreases, and the magic ring technique requires some experience, though the pattern provides clear guidance through repeating sections marked within round brackets.

Yarn Weight Options

While the sample is worked in DK weight, this pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights including 4-ply, DK, and worsted options. Using different yarn weights will affect the final size and yardage requirements, allowing crafters to customize their finished toy.