Amigurumi Morne the Ostrich

Amigurumi Morne the Ostrich Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

Morne the Ostrich is a charming amigurumi toy designed by Stacey Trock. This stuffed crochet ostrich stands approximately 8.5 inches tall and makes an adorable handmade gift or decorative piece. The pattern was originally created in November 2009 and is available as a downloadable PDF from Fresh Stitches. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed toys and figurines, and this ostrich design showcases the technique beautifully with its compact, huggable size.

Techniques Used

This crochet pattern employs fundamental amigurumi construction techniques. The design utilizes stitching into the back loop throughout most of the project, which creates a distinctive textured appearance and helps define the ostrich's features. The pattern requires working in the round to build three-dimensional forms, a core technique for creating stuffed toys. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases, with single crochet 2 stitches together (sc2tog) used to taper sections as needed. The toy is constructed from separate pieces that are assembled together and then stuffed with fiberfill to create the final form.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on basic crochet stitches that are accessible to intermediate crafters:

• Chain (ch) - used for foundation and connecting pieces
• Single crochet (sc) - the primary stitch for building the ostrich's body and features
• Double crochet (dc) - used for selected sections to vary texture and structure
• Single crochet 2 together (sc2tog) - used for decreasing stitches to shape the toy

Materials and Yarn

The pattern requires less than 220 yards of yarn total, meaning a single skein of each color is sufficient. Worsted weight yarn is the specified yarn weight, providing the ideal thickness for creating a sturdy, well-defined amigurumi toy. The sample shown uses 100% wool worsted weight yarn from Ella Rae Classic, though the designer notes that any worsted weight yarn works equally well. The color palette includes four yarn colors: Black (Ella Rae Classic color #32) for the main color, Beige (Ella Rae Classic color #22) for secondary details, White (Ella Rae Classic color #01) for accent pieces, and Orange (Ella Rae Classic color #27) for finishing touches like the beak and legs.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires an H crochet hook, appropriately sized for worsted weight yarn. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and assembling pieces, two 12mm black animal eyes to bring the ostrich to life, and fiberfill stuffing (a few handfuls) to fill the completed toy and give it dimension and weight.

Pattern Notes

The pattern emphasizes working into the back loop for most stitches unless otherwise directed, which is a signature technique in this design. This approach creates visual definition and helps distinguish different sections of the ostrich. The downloadable PDF includes detailed abbreviations and step-by-step directions to guide crafters through the construction process, making it suitable for those with intermediate crochet experience.