Thursday 27 April 2017

Alpaca

This Alpaca is mostly one piece. The ears are separate.
This is a pattern for someone who is more experienced in making amigurumi.


You will need:
  • 3mm crochet hook
  • Yarn needle 
  • Yarn (approx 40g or 120m)
  • Black embroidery thread or 3mm safety eyes.
  • Soft toy filling
Stitches and abbreviations used:
(I am from England but use US crochet terms)
  • MC - Magic circle/ring (sc unless otherwise specified)
  • Ch - Chain 
  • SC - Single crochet 
  • Inc - Increase stitch (2 single crochets into one stitch)
  • Dec - Decrease stitch (single crochet 2 stitches together)
  • ST - Stitch 
  • FLO - Front loop only 
  • BLO - Back loop only 
  • SLST - Slip stitch 
  • FO - finish off
  • WS – Wrong side
  • RS – Right side   
  • PC - Popcorn stitch        
Other things to note....
  • This is worked in continuous rounds. It is helpful to use a stitch marker to keep track
  • The number in ( ) at the end of each round indicates the total stitch count for that round
  • *  * indicates repeated series of stitches
  • Use invisible decreases for a neater finished product
  • Stitches in [ ]  are worked into one stitch
  • Stuff as you work, little and often. 

Rounds 1-4 of body 

Legs x4
1. MC (6)
2. *1sc, inc* (9)
3-5. 9sc (9) (for 3 rounds)
6. *2sc, inc* (12)
7-12. 12sc (12) (for 6 rounds)
13. 1sc into the first 11 stitches, 1sc and 1slst into the last sc 
     FO leaving hole open. 

Body
1. ch 9, turn 
2. 1sc in the 3rd chain from the hook, 1sc into the next 5 chains, 3sc into the last chain, 1sc into the back of each 6 chains, 3sc into the space between the skipped chains 1 and 2. (18) - put stitch marker in the last stitch and work in rounds. 
3. 6sc, inc x3, 6sc, inc x3 (24)
4. 6sc, *1sc, inc* x3, 6sc, *1sc, inc* x3 (30)
st 21 of round 5
st 10 of round 5 
5. 9sc, join 1st leg, inc, join 2nd leg, 10sc, join 3rd leg, inc, join 4th leg, 1sc (72) - Join leg1sc through the WS of body and RS of leg, 1sc into the RS of the next 10 stitches around the leg (skipping the slst). 1sc through the WS of leg and RS of the next available stitch in the round of the body. Use the yarn tails left over from the legs to close any gaps if needed and tie off for extra security.

Video on how to join the legs can be found here! 


6-7. 72sc (72) (for 2 rounds)
8. *10sc, dec* (66)
9. 66sc (66)
10. *9sc, dec* (60)
11. 60sc (60)
Round 15a, st 14
12. *8sc, dec* (54)
13-14. 54sc (54) (for 2 rounds)


In rounds 16a and 15b, choose either the orange method for both rounds of the yellow method for the both rounds. Complete all non highlighted stitches. Both give the same finish.

15a. 3sc, ch 10, skip the next 32st, 1sc into the next 19 stitches
16a. 3sc, 14sc around the chain (not through the loops of the chain) OR sc, inc, sc, inc, sc x2, inc, sc, inc, sc, 19sc (36)
17a. 4sc, dec x6, 20sc (30)
18a. 4sc, dec x3, 11sc, *inc, sc* x3, 3sc (30)
19a. 30sc (30)
20a. *3sc, dec* (24)
21a. *2sc, dec* (18)
22a. *4sc, dec* (15) - do not finish off, but cut yarn loose as you will need to rejoin it later, as you would a colour change, to finish this part (unless you have two yarn balls of the same colour)


Round 15b, st 33
15b. join yarn on st 4 of round 15 (The first unworked stitch of the body when the neck is facing to your right). 32sc, 10sc spread evenly where the chain was in round 16a, OR 1sc through each of the 10 back loops of the chain  (42)
16b. *5sc, dec* (36)
17b. *4sc, dec* (30)
18b. *3sc, dec* (24)
19b. *2sc, dec* (18)
20b. *1sc, dec* (12)
21b. *dec* (6)
FO and close hole


23a. rejoin yarn, 15sc (15)
24a-31a. 15sc (15) (for 8 rounds)
32a. inc x2 in FLO, 12sc, inc in FLO (18)
33a. inc x3 in FLO, 15sc (21)
34a. inc x7 in FLO, 14sc (28)
35a-38a. 28sc (28) (for 4 rounds)
39a. 5sc, dec x4, 15sc (24)
40a. 3sc, dec x4, 13sc (20)
41a. 1sc, dec x4, 11sc (16)
42a. dec x4, 8sc (12)
43a. dec x6 (6)
FO and close hole. 

Ears x2
1. MC (6)
2-5. sc (6) (for 4 rounds)
FO and close hole leaving it in a peak as this will be the tip of the ear


Cut some strands of yarn and attach them on the head in the space between the ears. Use a crochet hook to help pull them through between two stitches. 
The alpaca on the left has less strands and shorter strands than the one on the right. You can add as many as you want. Then fray the yarn by running your yarn needle through each strand. 


Tail
(once body is fully made) Attach and secure yarn to desired place. Do a PC stitch on the surface (made up of 5dc) and then secure the yarn tail into place. 

Any questions or corrections please comment :)



63 comments:

Bella said...

Boy, are they cute! If I ever come around do doing them, I'll be sure to link to your blog! Many thanks!

alw2468 said...

Gorgeous! I'm going to make some! Question, is it okay to sell the finished alpaca if I credit your pattern?

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

You are welcome to sell the alpaca once you have made it, as long as it is credited to my pattern here. Thanks you! :)

Unknown said...

on the list to make. thank you

KattyKatt777 said...

Pattern doesn't tell how many oz. or g. Of yarn is needed to make Item?

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

For this pattern it is approximately 40g or 120m

KattyKatt777 said...

Thank you.

Isakalû Tejidos said...

HERMOSISIMO

Unknown said...

Maybe I missed it but about how tall does this cute guy stand?

Amy's Crochet Cave said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amy's Crochet Cave said...

He is approx 17cm tall (that is from feet to afro!). I neglected to include the measurements. By accidentally mainly however I then realised that most people are not from the UK like myself and therefore use thicker than DK yarn as their standard to measurements may be different. Just a heads up for you there. Hope this helps. Any issues, lets me know

Unknown said...

Thank you so much! I am familiar with UK yarn v US yarn differences so this really helps! I am actually going to size down in weight and hook to make him a little smaller. Your pattern reads really well. Thank you so much for sharing it and all the help. :)

Anonymous said...

great easy to follow pattern. Just an fyi your count on 41a is wrong. It should be 16 not 14

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

Thank you. I have just had a check through and you are correct. Thank you very much for the correction

chrustineg said...

I LOVE your patterns however, when printing them there is a lot of ink used due to the non "white" background. :/

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

Thank you for your feedback. I did not realise this. I am adding a print friendly button. It may take a few days for it to appear and be of use.

Anonymous said...

Hallo ihr Lieben, ich bin erst Anfänger und kann mit den Runden 15a und folgend nichts anfangen. Ist der Körper unterteilt?
Vielen Dank für eure Hilfe.
Lg

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

From this point, the body is divided into two sections. Section A makes up the neck part and section B closes up the back of the body.

Unknown said...

I'm confused when it comes to attaching the legs. Is the another way it could be explained please?

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

No none underlined parts of round 5 of the body are worked solely onto the body. The underlined parts are worked using the 'joining leg' instructions.

BlondeeinNV said...

Hi Amy, I have to first say I absolutely LOVE your amazing patterns, they’re all soo adorable.

Ok now why I’m replying... I don’t see the Printer Friendly link anywhere. I have to say that it really, really does suck up the ink with the tan colored background. I even tried switching to black & white (ink) thinking (or hoping) the background might be white, but it made it a dark gray color so ohh yea it sucked up a LOT of ink again. ��

I printed out a pattern from someone else a couple weeks ago and I had just got my new whole colored cartridge two days before that and I didn’t pay attention that her background was ALL in blue so it sucked up the whole complete cartridge of blue and then somehow I still don’t understand how or why but it switched over to my pink ink and ohh yea you guessed it ALL my pink was gone too, ughhhhh and it was 15 pages!!!! �� I just wanted to cry or scream!! And I just printed out your Alpaca pattern and yep again it turned the background to dark gray even changing it to black and white again. �� I’ll sure be glad when your Printer Friendly link works! ��

Hope you understand and don’t think l’m a whiny baby or a complainer. Have a wonderful weekend! ��
(BlondeeinNV from Ravelry)

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

Can you see the link and press it? When I do that, the only colour used is the pictures. The text and background is black and while. Is the button just not there for you as I can only see the button on web view not mobile view.
Let me know if not and I’ll get it sorted. Sorry for steeling your ink. So annoying when that unexpectedly happens

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

The link is at the bottom of the each pattern before the comments section.

Unknown said...

Thank You soo much.

Anonymous said...

I’m not sure what you mean in 16a. The orange highlighted part when you say stitch around the chain and not through the loops I’m definitely a beginner to all of this and choose this pattern as my first. If you could give any clarification that would be really appreciated!

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

The orange on 16a, I would describe it as similar to when making the MC where you make your SC around the the strands of yarn in a circle. The yellow option is easier to space out.
Let me know if this makes sense or you need anymore help :)

Unknown said...

Is this in UK or US terms?

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

I use US terms :)

henbva oijen2@gmail.com said...

Wat een leuke alpaca.

henbva oijen2@gmail.com said...

Wat een leuke alpaca.

Anonymous said...

pattern needs refining.....
which is rs/ws?
when do you stuff?
why have 2 different set of instructions?

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

This pattern does require some knowledge of amigurumi and crochet in general.
The two different ways are there as options as some people find one way easier than the other.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what I did but my alpaca's head appears to be facing to the right (I am currently at the base of the head, rounds 35a-38a). Is it supposed to do that or did I do something wrong? Thank you

Anonymous said...

I just went back and redid most of the neck, checked if I was doing my rounds correctly, and checked my stitch count but I am still getting the same results. If you can help me with this I will be most thankful and I appreciate your help, thank you so much

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

It could be something like a slight change in tension. The dec stitches in the rounds after might help to straighten it out. I had this issue myself when using a silky yarn. I found once made, I was able to manipulate the head straighter.
If you have any pictures I might be able to help further.

Anonymous said...

I really appreciate your response, thank you. I think it might just be that I am using a thicker yarn and needle (5mm) which could be causing the problem, but I will just slightly manipulate the repeated sc rounds so that way the head is facing in a somewhat normal direction. Again I really appreciate your help and you have such a talent to be able to create these things! I will definitely be trying more of your projects in the near future!

Unknown said...

Hi, when joining the legs, the st count increases by 40 (10 per leg), plus 2 inc. But each leg has 12 st. Can you show how to join a 12 st leg in 10 st please. Thanks

Unknown said...

I can not figure out for the life of me how to attach the legs and the pictures confuse me even more. PLEASE HELP

Unknown said...

I need help with attaching the legs. Can anyone help please

radka said...

I am confusing in attaching legs also... :(

Anonymous said...

can someone tell me what is meant by point two of the body? 1sc in the 3rd chain from the hook, 1sc into the next 5 chains, 3sc into the last chain, 1sc into the back of each 6 chains, 3sc into the space between the skipped chains 1 and 2. (18). where do you get only 6 chains from? and where is the space between 1 and 2? :(

Maria said...

Hi Amy, I love your alpaca!
I’ve made loads of toys but am completely flummoxed by attaching the legs.
Do you have a picture with just one or two attached so I can see what it is supposed to look like please?
Many thanks,
Maria

RiceBall66 said...

I'm assuming your not counting the stitch where you attach the leg to the body. And they said not to sc in the stitch where you did the single and slip st.

Edida said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Edida said...

I've got the 4 legs, I've got the under part of the body, but how do I attache these 4 legs onto the body???? Do I attache the first stitch as shown in the picture and then what???? Never did this befor, but I sure would like to learn and make this lovely apalca.
I see more people are having difficulty with this part, so please give us more pictures or better yet a video turorial!!! :-)
I'll be putting the parts aside, waiting for a quick repley of someone who managed it. (Note: I'm dutch, so if my English is incorrect...., please forgive!)

Edida said...

Hello Amy,
How pleasantly surpised I was yesterday evening (my time) when I saw you've placed a video tutorial about attaching the leg(s). I immediatly started this project a again and finished it all the way. Had a few things different (f.e. 70 st. instead of 72, and after joining the 2nd leg I put in 9 SC to get 3 and 4 in the middle), but I could work around that, and I'm so very happy with the result. So, thank you very, very much of placing this video!!!!
If you don't mind, still a few tips: Putt a colon (:) in place of the dash (-) behind your explanation 'Join leg:' (in italic);
Tell people where/when to put in the safety eyes; tell them (and show in a picture) where to place the tail; tell them when to stuff several parts of you beautiful Alpaca - sometimes (like me) people will forget, and then there is no place to do this properly.
I'm very sure I will make this one a few times more! :-)
Again: many thanks!!!

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

Hi Edida and everyone who has commented!
I have been unable to post or reply to comments on my blog for sometime now which has been very frustrating! I have read that some other people have had this issue with their own blogs and changing the format to a pop up box helps, but it does mean I can't reply to comments in a chain.

Edida, I got 70 at the end of round 5 a few times. I think it is where I sometimes find it unclear what is the next stitch to work on when I go back to crocheting around the piece from the leg or I forget the increases in that round.
This was one of my first patterns so I have changed a lot in how I write them up now, but this is still my most popular pattern so I should update it. Thank you for your tips, they are greatly appreciated!

Edida said...

Indeed, it gives a pop-up now. Thanks for answering to my comment. I just finished attaching the legs to 'my'second Alpaca, and again I got 70 Stitches at the end, but... there where some big holes in the last two legs, so I went back to do those again, and guess what... now I got 72 Stitches! YEAH!!!
Good for you to update this one. You'll be making many 'crocheters' very happy, I'm sure! :-)
If I knew how I would post a picture of my Alpaca's ;-)
Thanks again!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amigurumi Ücretsiz Türkçe Tarifler said...

Thank you for this beautiful pattern! I wrote my blog post and I follow you. Achievements. Amigurumi Tarifleri

Unknown said...

Hi Amy,

Thank you for your pattern!

I would like to know how many centimeters the eyes are? And if you use safety eyes for it? I'm beginner and it's my first amigurumi and the eyes used in your Alpaca seems so tiny! I would like the same finish as you :)

Thanks for posting this pattern for free and for reading my message!

Have good day :)

(sorry if I make mistakes in english i'm french.. :) )

Amy's Crochet Cave said...

I used 4mm safety eyes in one and french knots in another one. Hope this helps :)

Unknown said...

Thank you Amy for your quick answer and thanks again for your pattern!! This Alpaca will make a new born happy soon!

Have good day :)!

Anonymous said...

I’m planning on making this for my niece but before I start is it suitable for left-handed crochet. I’m quite experienced but patterns are usually for right-handed people and this can cause problems as I crochet in opposite direction. Have made a couple of your other patterns with no problems but this is worked as one piece.

Anonymous said...

I needed to as, I have learned to crochet based off of youtube. So on round 5 of the body how do you crochet into the wrong side of the body and into the right side of the leg?

Anonymous said...

Marcellache here . . . just found your pattern - absolutely adorable!! Love the afro. A good friend of mine has an alpaca farm in NJ. I am going to make a while herd of these alpaca in different colors and send them to her! <3 Thank you!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for this great pattern! This is only my second amigurumi and it went really well. Thanks a lot!

Dan said...

Hi Amy, I love your patterns! I'm just curious why you cut loose and do the back and then go back and do the head - is there any reason why you can't just do 15a - 43a and then do 15b-21b? Maybe I'm misunderstanding the instructions.

Dan said...

I ended up continuing with 15a-43a and doing the body last. The neck gets in the way a TINY bit while finishing up, but generally I liked this approach. It makes it easier to put safety eyes in too, because you can go up the neck. I also ran into the issue where his head was turned to the right, but I took two stitches off the end of round 31a and continued from there and it worked well. I used impeccable medium weight yarn.

Edida said...

@Dan, Can we see your end result, please? :-)

Dan said...

@edida https://www.ravelry.com/projects/dlonline/amigurumi-alpaca-2

Edida said...

@Dan

A little bit late, but still: Thanks for sharing. Nice things you make. Keep it up! :-)

Anonymous said...

Hello for the body at round 5 i kept getting 66 stitches instead of 72 i don’t know what mistake i have made 😭😭