It's often heard that the act of crocheting is a therapy. However, it can also be said that the end product serves as a therapy tool, too...especially my newest design!
Meet the Comfort Critters, pocket-sized amigurumi dolls that are sure to bring security and alleviate anxiety! This play-based project features tiny animals (a mouse, bear, and bunny) with tiny beds that you can tuck them into.
Not to mention, they are the perfect size for little hands, as you can see...
Yep, my daughter's already a fan of these little guys!
Use for Comfort
The Comfort Critters, as the name suggests, are designed for comfort!
They serve as great "worry buddies" (also commonly phrased as "worry dolls") for children with anxiety or sensory difficulties, as they can use a tangible little friend to calm down if needed. Since these animals are so small and portable, they can easily be tucked into pockets and carried around.
They can help ease some first-day-of-school jitters for the new school year. Children with autism, sensory needs, or other special needs may also find these dolls useful for calming down and self-regulating by holding them and practicing deep breathing.
(For more therapy toys, be sure to check out my Free Crochet Pattern Roundup of Amigurumi for Therapy.)
The Yarn I Used
For this project, I used the Brava Mini Packs from KnitPicks. I got it in the "Rainbow" color scheme, which included 24 gorgeous colors, ranging from pastels to vibrant, jewel-toned shades!
As an amigurumi artist who often needs to use a large variety of colors, this was the PERFECT product for me because I can so conveniently pursue my color cravings...without having to buy full skeins! In addition, it's also soft and easy to work with. It's seriously the perfect solution and I know I'm sticking to Brava for my amigurumi needs!
Make this project for...
Little ones who would love to have a portable "buddy" to take with them on the go! Toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids will love playing with these fun, colorful dolls and their miniature bed sets. It’s a gender neutral and unisex toy that can be gifted to boys, girls, and everyone in-between! They make great presents for kids birthdays, holidays, as party favors, or as craft fair products. They can also be back-to-school projects for students to take with them on the first day of school.
Want more Worry Dolls?
Here are two other versions that I have! They use the same "bed" patterns, so you make a variety of different dolls that will fit into the same bed.
If you like this design of mine, you can check out the other Amigurumi Patterns I have on my site, or click to see all my Free Crochet Patterns!
The FREE Pattern
The pattern instructions for the bear doll and his bed are available for free on my blog! I've also made a complete, step-by-step video tutorial from start to finish.
Want the Full PDF Pattern?
The full pattern instructions for crocheting all three types of animals are available in the PDF download! The PDF is printable, ad-free, easy-to-read, and helps support Sweet Softies. (If you enjoy my free patterns, you can consider it as a donation to me when you buy one of my pattern PDFs! It allows me to maintain my blog and continue sharing more free patterns!)
COMFORT CRITTERS
Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
Copyright Notice -- © 2021 Sweet Softies (www.sweetsofties.com). You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but you must credit Sweet Softies as the owner/creator of this pattern by linking to my website (www.sweetsofties.com). No wholesale. You may not translate, copy, alter, or sell my patterns in part or in whole in any way. My patterns may not be used in video tutorials or teaching online classes. My patterns may be used in teaching in-person classes ONLY with written consent from me. You may link to this pattern but you may not copy any part of the pattern instructions on other websites.
Size:
Full height from ears to toes: 3.75 to 4.25 inches (9.5-11 cm)
Level of Difficulty:
★★☆☆☆ Familiar Beginner.
Requires familiarity with stitches used (below), attaching yarn, changing yarn colors, attaching safety eyes, and sewing parts together.
Stitches/Terms Used:
- FO = fasten off
- MR = magic ring
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- inc = increase
- dec = decrease
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- fhdc = foundation half double crochet
- Surface slip stitch
Materials:
- Medium weight yarn in desired colors
- 6mm plastic safety eyes
- 2.75mm crochet hook (for doll)
- 4mm crochet hook (for bed)
- Stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
HEAD
Use C1 yarn.
R1: In MR, sc 6. (6 sts)
R1: In MR, sc 6. (6 sts)
R2: Inc around. (12 sts)
R3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)
R4: (Sc 2, inc) x 6. (24 sts)
R5-R8: Sc around. (24 sts)
R9: (Sc 2, dec) x 6. (18 sts)
R10: (Sc, dec) x 6. (12 sts)
FO. See ‘Finishing’ section for attaching eyes.
ARMS & LEGS (x4)
Use C1 yarn.
- Ch 8. Sl st in 4th ch from hook.
- In the ring you just made, insert 3 sc.
- Then, sl st in the remaining 4 ch down to where you began.
- FO with a long tail for sewing later.
BEAR EARS (x2)
Note: For instructions on how to make all three sets of animal ears (mouse, bunny, and bear), get the PDF pattern!
Use C1 yarn.
R1: In a MR: sc, hdc 3, sc.
Pull ring tight, then FO with a long tail for sewing to the head later.
BODY
Note: If desired, alternate every other st with C3 yarn from R4-R7 (e.g., Mouse, Bear). Or, you can alternate every other st with C1 yarn for R4, R6, and R8 only (e.g., Bunny).
Use C2 yarn.
R1: In MR, sc 6. (6 sts)
R2: Inc around. (12 sts)
R3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)
R4-R7: Sc around. (18 sts)
R8: (Sc 4, dec) x 3. (15 sts)
R9: (Sc 3, dec) x 3. (12 sts)
FO with a very long tail for sewing to the head later.
- Insert 6mm eyes between R6-R7 of the head, 4 or 5 sts apart. (For reference, I placed the eyes 4 sts apart for the mouse, 5 sts apart for the bear and bunny.)
- If you haven’t already, pull the yarn ends of each ear into the head and tie the yarn ends into a tight knot inside the head. Do the same with attaching the legs and arms to the body. (For reference, I attached the legs between R2-R3 of the body and the arms to the body’s last round, R9.)
- If desired, sew a nose and mouth to the head. (I sewed an “X” shape.)
- Stuff the head and body firmly. Sew the body to the head.
- Starting from the back of the doll, use the surface slip stitch technique with C2 yarn in each stitch between the head and body. FO and weave in the ends.
- Tuck the doll into bed, and you are done!
Would you rather make your Comfort Critter using my step-by-step video tutorial? I welcome you to crochet with me!
If you haven't already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the little "bell" icon to turn on notifications! This helps me greatly as a budding content creator to create more video tutorials! Thank you for your support!
There are so many ways to customize your Comfort Critters! Here's a list of some starting-off points to get your creative juices flowing...
- Use different yarn colors and play around with changing/alternating colors, whether by rows or stitches
- Add appliques and embellishments to your critters' heads (e.g., bows, flowers) or bodies (e.g., buttons, beads)
- Instead of using plastic safety eyes, embroider them or sew closed, sleepy eyes
- Crochet different shapes for the ears to create a greater variety of animals
- Embroider designs, such as flowers, directly onto your critter's body
If you have other ideas for customization, please do share with me in the comments below! I'd love to hear about how you're making your critter special and unique!
Want the full PDF pattern?
The full pattern instructions for crocheting all three types of animals are available in the PDF download! The PDF is printable, ad-free, easy-to-read, and helps support Sweet Softies. (If you enjoy my free patterns, you can consider it as a donation to me when you buy one of my pattern PDFs! It allows me to maintain my blog and continue sharing more free patterns!)
If you enjoyed this project, you might like my other designs! Simply click on the image below for the pattern, or check out all my free patterns here.
If you made this project and would like to share photos, I'd absolutely love to see! Here are links for sharing your finished creation:
- Sweet Softies Facebook Page
- Sweet Softies Amigurumi & Crochet Community Facebook Group
- Instagram, @SweetSofties
- Email: sweetsofties [at] gmail.com
Best wishes,
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