Backyard Critters 1 Crochet Amigurumi Pattern with Beaver, Squirrel & Fox

Backyard Critters 1 Crochet Amigurumi Pattern

Designer: CraftyAlien (Designs by Lisa Eberhart)

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating three adorable stuffed amigurumi toys inspired by woodland animals. The Backyard Critters collection features a Beaver, Squirrel, and Fox, each designed as a standalone project that can be made individually or as a complete set. These intermediate-level crochet toys are perfect for crafters looking to expand their amigurumi skills with recognizable animal characters.

What is Being Made

The pattern includes three separate amigurumi designs:

• Beaver – crafted in Chocolate and Black yarn
• Squirrel – created in Taupe and Putty yarn
• Fox – made in Pumpkin and White yarn

Each finished amigurumi measures approximately 3½ to 4 inches (8.9 to 10.2 centimeters) tall, making them ideal size for small decorative toys, gifts, or collectible pieces. The animals are designed with realistic color combinations that capture the natural appearance of each woodland creature.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate pattern employs several fundamental amigurumi construction techniques. The projects utilize the Make Ring (MR) method to begin pieces, which involves creating a loop with the yarn tail and working stitches into the ring—a standard approach for starting circular amigurumi pieces. Crafters will work in continuous rounds (RND), building three-dimensional forms by increasing and decreasing stitches strategically throughout each round.

The pattern incorporates the invisible decrease (INVDEC) technique, which creates seamless shaping by inserting the hook through the front loops of consecutive stitches, then pulling yarn through both loops simultaneously. This method produces a cleaner, more professional finish compared to standard decreases. Additionally, back loop only (BLO) stitching is employed to create textural details and definition in specific sections of the animals.

Assembly involves attaching separate crocheted pieces together, and embroidery stitching—specifically chain stitch—is used to add facial features and fine details to bring each animal character to life.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on essential crochet stitches suitable for amigurumi construction:

• Chain (CH) – the foundational stitch used to create the initial ring and transition between rounds
• Single Crochet (SC) – the primary stitch for building dense, sturdy fabric in amigurumi
• Single Crochet Two Together (SC2TOG) – a decrease stitch for shaping and reducing stitches
• Invisible Decrease (INVDEC) – an advanced decrease technique for seamless shaping
• Slip Stitch (sl St) – used to join rounds and create clean transitions
• Back Loop Only (BLO) – a variation technique for textural effects
• Chain Stitch (embroidery) – applied with a needle for facial features and embellishments

Materials

Yarn: The pattern specifies worsted weight yarn in multiple colors. The designer recommends Loops & Threads Impeccable yarn, with each color requiring one skein (4.5 ounces / 127.5 grams; 285 yards / 260 meters). Specific color requirements include Chocolate and Black for the Beaver, Taupe and Putty for the Squirrel, and Pumpkin and White for the Fox.

Tools: A crochet hook appropriate for worsted weight yarn is required (specific hook size is referenced in the pattern). An embroidery needle is needed for adding chain stitch details and facial features to complete each animal.

The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, making it easy to reference on screens or print for convenient crafting. This intermediate-level project is suitable for crocheters with basic amigurumi experience who are ready to tackle multi-piece animal designs with detailed finishing work.