Easy Pig In A Granny Square Blanket: Free Crochet Pattern
A small, plush piglet peering out from the center of a cozy, textured granny square creates a whimsical addition to any baby blanket or nursery decor. This project blends basic crochet shapes with playful assembly, making it a rewarding afternoon activity for anyone comfortable with fundamental stitches. You will practice joining motifs and working in the round to create a soft, huggable surface that feels substantial in your hands. This pattern is friendly for makers of all levels looking to customize their gifts with a charming, handmade touch that adds warmth to any living space or bedroom corner.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This beginner-friendly amigurumi mushroom project is built on simple spherical shapes, making it the perfect introduction to working in continuous rounds. You will practice the magic ring technique and learn how to manage increases and decreases to create a rounded, stuffed form. Because the project uses less than 50 yards of yarn, it is an efficient way to use up small scraps from your stash while producing a high-quality finished piece. The repetitive nature of the single crochet stitches makes this a relaxing portable project that requires minimal concentration once you complete the initial growth rounds.
I finished this mushroom in one evening and the clear stitch counts kept me on track the whole time. It was so much easier than other toy patterns I have tried.
— Sarah, amigurumi enthusiast
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Construction: Amigurumi style, worked in continuous spiral rounds
- Finished Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches tall and 3 inches wide
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) acrylic or cotton yarn in Red (cap) and Cream (stem), approximately 30 yards total.
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) for a tight, stuffing-proof fabric.
- Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, 6mm safety eyes, tapestry needle, and stitch markers.
- Yarn Substitutions: You can use DK weight yarn with a 3.0 mm hook for a smaller mushroom, or bulky weight yarn with a 4.5 mm hook for a larger, squishier toy.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Decrease (sc2tog, use invisible decrease method for best results)
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- sl st: Slip stitch
- BLO: Back loop only
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Mushroom Cap
- Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into a MR (6 sts).
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18 sts).
- Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (24 sts).
- Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (30 sts).
- Rnd 6-9: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
- Rnd 10: (3 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (24 sts).
- Rnd 11: (2 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (18 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Mushroom Stem
- Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into a MR (6 sts).
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 3: Work in BLO, sc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 4-7: Sc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 8: (2 sc, dec) repeat 3 times (9 sts). Stuff firmly. Fasten off.
Assembly
Position the stem against the center of the underside of the cap. Using the long yarn tail from the cap, sew the cap to the stem using a whip stitch through the final rounds of both pieces. Before closing completely, add a small amount of extra stuffing to the cap if needed to ensure a nice dome shape. Weave in all remaining ends securely inside the body of the mushroom.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash your finished mushroom in cool water with a mild detergent to keep the fiberfill from clumping.
- Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel and allow the piece to air dry completely on a flat surface.
- If the shape becomes distorted over time, gently massage the stuffing back into place and reshape the cap with your hands.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Always use a stitch marker at the start of each round to avoid losing your place in the spiral. Maintaining consistent tension is key to preventing gaps where the stuffing might show through; if your stitches feel loose, drop down a hook size. To make your ends invisible, thread them onto a tapestry needle and pull them through the interior of the piece rather than knotting them on the surface. If you decide to adjust the size, remember that adding more increase rounds will require significantly more yardage, so ensure you have enough yarn before expanding the pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
Yes, you can use any yarn weight as long as you match it with a hook size that creates a tight, dense fabric where the stuffing does not show through the gaps.
Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never made amigurumi?
This pattern is designed for beginners because it uses basic shapes and a simple stitch count, making it a great first project to learn how to manage working in the round.
Can I sell the finished mushrooms I create?
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, provided you credit the designer and do not redistribute the pattern instructions themselves.
What is the best way to keep my stitches tight?
Pull your yarn taut after every stitch and consider using the invisible decrease technique, which involves inserting your hook only into the front loops of the two stitches being combined.
Your finished blanket serves as a charming keepsake that brings a bit of handmade joy to any room. You can swap the traditional pastel pig for a speckled or variegated yarn if you prefer a modern look, or increase the number of surrounding squares to grow your project into a full-sized throw. Tag your progress on social media so others can see your color choices. Browse our archives for more free patterns to find your next project and keep your crochet hooks busy all winter long.
