I think that giant pandas have to be one of the most universally loved animals. I mean, what’s not to like? They’re cuddly-looking and I think the endangered aspect just adds to their mystique. Also, being a good Chinese girl, I like to think that I just have an affinity for them. Still, my love for them can’t compare to my friend, and since it was her birthday this week, I knew I wanted to try making an amigurumi panda!

• 1/10 skein of Caron Simply Soft – a worsted weight (4) yarn (above colour A: Off White)
• 1/15 skein of Lion Brand Yarns Heartland – a worsted weight (4) yarn (above colour B: Black Canyon)
• 100g Loops and Threads Classic Fiber Fill
• Size E (3.50 mm) hook

Pattern by Abbygale at Abbygurumi
MODIFICATIONS by tick-tock hobbies

As always, I like to use the magic circle to start off rather than chaining. It gives the top a closer and tighter look, and it’s a skill that is definitely worth taking the time to learn, particularly if you are interested in making multiple amigurumis! I would recommend making the parts of this panda in a different order – ears, snout and eyes before the head, and then arms before the body. I think this allows for better placement of the facial features since you can actually attach them to the head before stuffing and sealing!

For the eyes, since there was no pattern for them, I improvised my own. I chained four, and then made it into an oval by single crocheting all the way around the chain. To clarify, that means I did three SC heading towards the initial knot, and then turned the chain to do three more SC on the other side of the chain.. Originally, I was going to add safety eyes as well, but after attaching the crocheted ovals, I thought that having another element to the eyes would actually be a bit excessive, so I left it as is. I like to save safety eyes where I can, since I have to order them off eBay when I run out.

If I were to make this pattern again, I would add a little tail or something to cover up the back of the panda where there are colour changes. Unfortunately, I was a bit short on time because I wanted to finish in time for my friend’s birthday, so I didn’t get a chance to add these little touches. I’m not sure if other people would notice, but I guess the contrast between the two colours really stands out to me.

I also thought that the deliberate size difference between the head and body was slightly bigger than I’m used to in most amigurumi patterns, but I guess this adds to the deliberate cute-ness of this panda. I was flip-flopping between this pattern and a more realistic looking panda, but my friends assured me that cute always wins. I hope that it makes a good birthday present and that this 大熊猫 enjoys his new home!