Sakura the pig

Sakura the Pig Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

Sakura the pig is a stuffed amigurumi toy designed by Meow. This crocheted plush pig measures approximately 30cm (11.8 inches) in finished size, making it a medium-sized decorative or play toy. The design features a charming pig character created entirely through crochet techniques, filled with toy stuffing and finished with safety eyes for a complete, child-safe toy.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using crochet as the primary construction method. Amigurumi is the specialized crochet technique employed throughout this pattern—a Japanese craft tradition of crocheting small, stuffed three-dimensional toys and figurines. The pattern is classified as beginner difficulty level, making it accessible to newer crocheters, though the instructions reference intermediate techniques for achieving professional results.

Crochet Stitches and Methods Used

The pattern utilizes a variety of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to construct Sakura:

• Magic ring (MR): Used to begin rounds in the round construction method typical of amigurumi
• Single crochet (sc): The primary stitch for building dense, tight fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc): Employed for specific shaping sections
• Double crochet (dc): Used for texture and structural variation
• Chain (ch): Creates foundation and connecting elements
• Slip stitch (sl st): Joins rounds and secures stitches
• Increases (inc): Expands stitch counts to shape wider sections
• Decreases (dec): Reduces stitch counts to taper and shape the toy
• Front loop only (FLO) and back loop only (BLO) stitching: Creates textural details and defined edges
• Cross stitch single crochet: A specialized technique recommended via video tutorial to achieve a beautiful, polished pig appearance

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for YarnArt Jeans yarn in sport weight (4-ply), a durable, slightly textured yarn ideal for amigurumi. The specific colors and quantities required are:

• YarnArt Jeans white 01: 20 grams
• YarnArt Jeans light peach 73: 70 grams (primary body color)
• YarnArt Jeans light pink 18: 30 grams
• YarnArt Jeans pink lilac 20: 20 grams
• YarnArt Jeans pink raspberries 42: 20 grams
• YarnArt Jeans baby blue 76: 30 grams

Tools and Notions

Construction requires a 2mm crochet hook, appropriately sized for sport weight yarn and tight amigurumi stitching. Additional materials include one pair of 12mm safety eyes for facial features, toy filling for stuffing, and basic crochet tools: scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly, stitch markers for tracking rounds, and pins for holding pieces during construction.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24.0 stitches over 4 inches, essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The instructions emphasize crocheting with tight stitches to prevent holes in the fabric through which stuffing might show. This tight tension is characteristic of quality amigurumi work and ensures a polished, professional appearance for Sakura the pig.