Small piglet

Quincy the Small Piglet Crochet Pattern by Kristi Tullus

What Is Being Made

Quincy the Small Piglet is an amigurumi-style crocheted toy pig designed by Kristi Tullus. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a finished stuffed piglet measuring 20 cm (8 inches) from head to toe. The project is suitable for crafters with intermediate crochet experience who want to create a charming handmade toy with realistic proportions and movable joints.

Techniques Used

This crochet pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to construct the three-dimensional toy. The pattern requires crocheting in spiral, which is essential for creating seamless amigurumi pieces without visible seams. Color changes are incorporated throughout the design to add visual interest and detail to the piglet's features. The pattern includes simple shaping techniques that allow the crocheter to form the pig's distinctive body structure. Additionally, the pattern involves small details that bring character to the finished toy, making it an engaging intermediate-level project that builds practical skills beyond basic crochet.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a focused selection of essential crochet stitches. Crafters will work with chain stitch for foundation and structural elements, single crochet stitch as the primary fabric-building stitch, and slip stitch for joining rounds and finishing edges. The pattern also incorporates increasing and decreasing techniques, which are fundamental shaping methods in amigurumi construction. These stitches work together to create the compact, densely-stitched fabric characteristic of stuffed toy projects.

Materials and Tools

The pattern specifies sport weight yarn for optimal results. Kristi Tullus used Alize Cotton Gold, a cotton-acrylic blend with a yardage of 329 meters per 100 grams (360 yards per 3.53 ounces). The yarn is classified as fine weight with 14 wraps per inch. You will need approximately 20 grams of light pink yarn (shade #393) and 10 grams of dark pink yarn (shade #265) to complete the project.

A 2.50 to 3.00 mm crochet hook (US sizes 2/C through 3/D) is recommended for working with the sport weight yarn. The smaller hook size creates the tight, even stitches necessary for amigurumi construction and prevents stuffing from showing through the fabric.

For stuffing and finishing, you will need polyester fiberfill, wool, or similar material to fill the piglet and give it shape and dimension. The pattern calls for 8 mm (1/3 inch) safety eyes or buttons, beads, or felt for the pig's eyes, offering flexibility based on your preference and the intended use of the toy. For articulation and realistic movement, the pattern specifies two 15 mm (3/5 inch) and two 12 mm (1/2 inch) plastic doll joints, or alternatively safety eyes, buttons, and thread for the limbs. Additional supplies include black or dark brown embroidery floss for details such as the snout or mouth, along with a yarn needle, scissors, and stitch marker for construction and finishing.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate (Difficulty 3), making it appropriate for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle projects involving color changes, small details, and simple shaping techniques. The spiral crochet method and the coordination required for adding safety eyes and joints make this a rewarding project that develops practical amigurumi skills.