❄️ How to Crochet a Plushie Penguin (Your New Coolest Companion)


Ever wish you had a penguin pal waddling around your room? Maybe one that doesn’t require ice, doesn’t steal your snacks, and never slides into the fridge? Well, you’re in luck — today we’re making a crocheted plushie penguin, and trust me, this little guy is cooler than the other side of the pillow.

Whether you’re a crochet newbie or a yarn veteran, this snuggly penguin is the perfect project. It’s quick, ridiculously cute, and totally customizable (pastel penguin? rainbow penguin? go wild!).

So grab a cup of cocoa, your coziest blanket, and your yarn stash — we’re diving into a chilly but cheerful crochet adventure! 🧶🐧✨

🧺 Supplies You’ll Need

Let’s get your penguin toolkit ready.

🧶 Materials:

  • Yarn: Super bulky plush yarn (like Bernat Blanket, Himalaya Dolphin Baby, Sweet Snuggles, etc.)

    • Main colour (penguin body – black, grey, or pastel blue)

    • White or cream (belly and face)

    • Yellow or orange (beak and feet)

  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K) or as recommended for your yarn

  • Safety eyes: 10 mm–12 mm (or black yarn for embroidery)

  • Stuffing: Polyester fibrefill

  • Stitch marker

  • Yarn needle: For sewing pieces together

  • Scissors

  • Embroidery thread or black yarn (for eyebrows or smile)

🧵 Crochet Stitches & Terms (US)

No fancy stitches — we’re keeping it beginner-friendly!

  • sc – single crochet

  • inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)

  • dec – decrease (sc 2 stitches together)

  • st – stitch

  • rnd – round

  • sl st – slip stitch

  • ch – chain

All parts are worked in continuous rounds, so don’t join unless noted.

🐧 Plushie Penguin Pattern Breakdown

We’ll make the penguin in parts:

  • Body (head + body in one)

  • Belly patch

  • Flippers (arms)

  • Feet (x2)

  • Beak

  • Optional: earmuffs, bow tie, hat — get creative!

🧊 BODY (Head + Body in One)

Start with the main colour (black, grey, or blue).

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* around (24)
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* around (30)
Rnd 6–12: sc in each st (30)

➡️ Insert safety eyes between Rnds 8–9, about 5–6 stitches apart.
➡️ You can add the beak now or wait until later.

Rnd 13: *sc 3, dec* around (24)
Rnd 14: *sc 2, dec* around (18)

➡️ Begin stuffing the head.

Rnd 15: *sc 2, inc* around (24)
Rnd 16: *sc 3, inc* around (30)
Rnd 17–20: sc around (30)
Rnd 21: *sc 3, dec* around (24)
Rnd 22: *sc 2, dec* around (18)
Rnd 23: *sc 1, dec* around (12)

➡️ Stuff the body fully.

Rnd 24: dec around (6)

Fasten off and weave in the tail.

🐣 BELLY PATCH (White Yarn)

Optional, but adds SO much cuteness!

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* around (24)

Fasten off, leave a long tail.  
Flatten slightly and sew to the front centre of your penguin's body.

> 🧵 Tip: Attach it right below the eyes for a balanced look.

🐧 FLIPPERS / WINGS (Make 2)

Use the main colour.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (9)
Rnd 3–5: sc around (9)

Flatten (don’t stuff), and sew one to each side of the body.

🐾 FEET (Make 2)

Use yellow or orange yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (9)
Rnd 3: sc around (9)

Flatten and sew to the bottom of the body.

🧦 Variation: Want to make little boots instead? Switch to red or blue yarn!

🐤 BEAK

Use yellow or orange yarn.

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (6)
Rnd 3: sc around (6)

Stuff lightly and sew between the eyes.

🧵 Assembly Time!

Time to bring your penguin to life!

Step-by-step:

  1. Attach the belly to the front.

  2. Sew on the beak between the eyes.

  3. Sew the flippers to the sides (angled downward).

  4. Attach feet to the bottom of the body.

  5. Add facial features – Embroider a smile, eyebrows, or rosy cheeks (with blush or felt).

  6. Customize! Add a scarf, earmuffs, or bow tie!

🧣 Optional Accessories

Give your penguin some winter flair:

🎧 Earmuffs:

  • Chain 15, sl st to form a loop.

  • Add 2 small yarn puffs or pom-poms to each side and attach across the head.

🧣 Scarf:

  • Chain 20–25

  • Turn, sc across for 2–3 rows.

  • Wrap and sew in place.

🎀 Bow Tie:

  • Chain 6, turn, and sc for 3 rows.

  • Wrap yarn around the middle and sew beneath the beak.

🐧 Ta-Da! You’ve Hatched a Penguin!

Congratulations — you've just crocheted the coolest little plushie on the planet. 🧊🐧 Whether you’re making one as a gift, a desk buddy, or a penguin army to rule your shelf, this soft, squishy cutie is guaranteed to bring smiles.

🧶 Customization Ideas

Here’s how to make each penguin unique:

Feature Ideas
Body Colour Grey, pink, mint, rainbow stripes
Accessories Hat, scarf, glasses, hoodie
Eye Style Embroidered sleepy eyes, big kawaii eyes
Beak Shape Triangular, round, or even a heart
Holiday Theme Santa hat, Halloween cape, Easter egg suit

💬 Final Thoughts

Crocheting a plushie penguin is more than just a cute craft — it’s a cozy little moment of joy. Every stitch adds personality, and every plushie tells a story. Whether it waddles onto your shelf or into someone else’s arms, your penguin is one-of-a-kind.

And let’s be real… you're definitely going to make more than one. 😉

Made your own penguin? I’d love to see it!
Tag me on Instagram, post in the comments, or slide it into a group chat and cause a cuteness overload.

Stay cozy and keep stitching,
Talia El Sersy


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