Ducks in a Row

A little while back my mum asked me to make her an amigurumi duck. I, not being one to shy away from a creative challenge, gladly rose to the occasion. Not wanting to make just any old duck for her I decided to do something special. Naturally the first thing that came to mind was a superhero duck. And so, SUPER PLACEBO DUCK was born (complete with mild-mannered alter ego):

(Font from dafont.com. Please forgive the lameoid pictures.)

Don’t asked me why I decided to name him Placebo Duck. For once, there was no logic behind my madness. Anyway, my mum, she absolutely loved her duck. I even gave her a list of his super powers and weakness, just in case she needed to know someday. Super Placebo Duck’s super powers include: Flight (has not figured out landing yet, though); Bread Vision (can turn anything into bread with his crusty gaze!); Super Duck Strength (7 times the strength of a normal cape-less duck); and Witty Comebacks (self-explanatory.) His only weakness: Pears.

Originally she had wanted a duck  for her desk at work, but once she saw SPD she decided to keep him home. Unfortunately, one of the other amis I had made for her, a little blue penguin, was recently stolen and she was afraid that would be the fate of this little guy. So for now Super Placebo Duck is safe in his lair, keeping an eye on those nasty super villains roaming the city streets, waiting to make his move…

With ducks on the brain (and just a touch of crazy) I thought it might be nice if I offered up a new free pattern. So I set out to make a little crochet cutie I could share with you all. And thus we have, Filbert!

Filbert, Super Placebo Duck’s younger cousin, doesn’t have any ducky super powers, unless you count the power of his cuteness.

Here’s how to make your own baby duck:

S U G G E S T E D M A T E R I A L S
• Small amounts of worsted weight yarn in two colors (main color for head, wings, tail; secondary color for beak and feet)
• G/7 4.50MM crochet hook
• One (1) pair of 6MM safety eyes
• Scissors
• Needle & thread
• Fiberfill stuffing

A B B R E V I A T I O N S (U.S.)
MC – magic circle (magic loop/magic ring)
RND – Round
sc – single crochet(s)
inc – increase
ibl – in back loops only
dec – decrease
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
trc – triple crochet
sl slt – slip stitch
*actions in asterisks should be repeated until round completion or to the indicated stopping point in the round*
(number in parentheses indicates total number of stitches after round/row completion)
FO – fasten off

This little duckling is pretty tiny. Finished size is just a few inches tall (so he crochets up super quick!). Given its size, it is not suggested that this toy be given to any very little ones.

Please contact me if you have any questions, or if you find any goofs :D

T H E  P A T T E R N

H E A D (x1)

MC 6
RND 1) *inc* (12)
RND 2) *sc, inc* (18)
RND 3) *2sc, inc* (24)
RNDs 4-9) *sc*
RND 10) *sc, dec* (16)
FO

B O D Y (x1)
MC 6
RND 1) *inc* (12)
RND 2) *sc, inc* (18)
RND 3) *ibl sc* (18)
RND 4) *2sc, inc* (24)
RNDs 5-7) *sc* (24)
RND 8) *2sc, dec* (18)
RND 9) *sc* (18)
FO

W I N G S (x2)
Chain 6, plus 1 for turning (chain 7 total). Make a single crochet in the second chain from hook. Next work two hdc, one after another. After that work one dc, one trc, and finally a hdc in the last stitch. FO. You should now have a sort of triangular piece of fabric. The thicker end (with the yarn tails hanging off it) will be sewn to the body. (Therefore, the smaller end opposite that is the bottom of the wing.) For a visual of this kind of technique check out my Confused Owl pattern.

B E A K (x1)
The beak is super simple. What we need to do is create a magic circle. Instead of working single crochets in our circle, though, we’re going to make half-double crochets. So to start make your magic circle. Slip stitch once. Then work 5 hdcs. Slip stitch once more, then fasten off. Don’t completely pull the yarn tail (thus closing the circle.) Just pull the yarn tail enough to make the beak look like a semi-circle. There’s your beak! You can sew it right to the head, weaving in the ends. You can attach your eyes after sewing the beak.

F E E T (x2)
The feet are made just the same as the beak, only instead of 5 hdcs, just work 3. Sew ’em to the body and weave in ends.

T A I L (x1)
The tail, as you might’ve maybe guessed, is worked just like the beak and feet. The difference this time is this: instead of working 5 hdsc, work 5 dcs. That’s it! Fasten off, sew it on your duck’s booty and weave in ends.

Okie doke. So here’s a top view of all the pieces you ought to have:

I had already sewn the beak to the head in this photo. Also, sorry for no sewing pics. I loathe the sewing part of amigurumi making, so I can’t really offer any useful tips or whatnot. I just fight and argue with my needle and thread until I say screw it, it’s good enough :P

Go ahead and sew everything where it needs to be, stuff the head and the body, and then sew those two together. Weave in ends and there’s you oh so adorable mini duck.

Please note: This is an original design and pattern. I do not grant permission to anyone to sell any products made as the result of this pattern and/or design. Please, if you do use this pattern or design direct others to this original posting so that they too can enjoy the super ducky cuteness.

I almost forgot: Some have asked if I’ll be posting the pattern for my manatee. Happy to say I do hope to release it sometime this spring/summer :)

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Like this post? Check out these other cute amigurumi patterns available from ea1701:

  

For a full list of amigurumi-related posts visit the amigurumi page. Have fun!

2014

04/14

CATEGORY

Amigurumi
Crochet pattern

TAGS

amigurumi
baby duck
crochet
duckling pattern
free pattern

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