Skunks are undeniably the most dramatic creatures in the forest, and Skuni leans all the way into that energy. With her bold black-and-white coloring, magnificent fluffy tail, and expressive face, she practically demands to be displayed somewhere prominent. This adorable amigurumi is a substantial, huggable gift that makes a memorable addition to any nursery shelf, a unique market-table item, or a cherished handmade present for a fellow crochet enthusiast. At approximately 31 cm tall, she is a showpiece that combines plush texture with intricate detailing.
Gift and Use Ideas
Skuni is designed to be more than just a static decoration. Because she features a wire armature in her limbs, you can pose her arms and curl her tail to fit your specific display needs. She is an excellent candidate for a “first amigurumi” gift for a child who loves animals, or a sophisticated decor piece for a woodland-themed nursery. Her soft velour texture makes her perfect for cuddling, while her distinct markings make her a standout prop for photography or a playful accent on a desk.
Project Overview
This pattern is rated intermediate. It utilizes a mix of velour and Mink-style yarns to create an irresistibly soft, plush texture. The project features a wire armature inside the arms, legs, and tail, allowing for posing. The hand-crocheted eyes, detailed face overlays, and layered color panels set this pattern apart from standard amigurumi.
Materials
- Yarn A: Yarn Art VELOUR (100 g / 170 m), color 843 beige — approximately 0.5 skein
- Yarn B: Yarn Art VELOUR (100 g / 170 m), color 842 black — approximately 1.3 skeins
- Yarn C: Yarn Art Mink (50 g / 75 m), color 330 cream/milk — 1 skein
- Yarn D: Yarn Art Mink (50 g / 75 m), color 346 black — approximately 1.2 skeins
- Yarn E: Pehorka Detskaya Novinka or similar fingering-weight yarn (50 g / 200 m), black — approximately 10 g (for the nose)
- Yarn F: Alize Forever or similar fine thread-weight yarn (50 g / 300 m) — small amounts of beige, white, blue, and black (for the crocheted eyes)
- Hooks: US Steel 6 / 1.0 mm (for crocheted eyes and nose); US C-2 / 2.5 mm (for body, velour, and mink sections)
- Fiberfill: Polyester stuffing
- Wire Armature: 1.2 mm diameter wire (for arms); 1.6 mm diameter wire (for legs and tail)
- Stiff cardboard or plastic sheet: For cutting insoles inside the feet
- False eyelashes: To glue onto the finished eyes
- Tools: Stitch markers, yarn needle / tapestry needle, scissors, straight pins
Abbreviations
- BLO: Back Loop Only
- ch: Chain
- dc: Double Crochet
- dec: Decrease (invisible decrease — insert hook through front loops of next 2 sts, draw up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops)
- dtr: Double Treble Crochet
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- hdc-inc: Half Double Crochet Increase (2 hdc in same stitch)
- inc: Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: Single Crochet
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- st / sts: Stitch / Stitches
- tr: Treble Crochet
- dc-inc: Double Crochet Increase (2 dc in same stitch)
Pattern Notes
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology. All body pieces are worked in a continuous spiral — no joining slip stitch, no turning chain, no rise stitch at the start of each round. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round and move it up as you go.
The overlay pieces (Head Overlay, Belly Overlay, Back Overlay, Tail panels) are worked in flat rows with a turning chain at the start of each row. Note that the turning chain does NOT count as a stitch unless the instructions explicitly state otherwise.
Stitch count is given in parentheses at the end of each round or row: (##).
Velour yarn tip: Velour does not tolerate frogging well — the fibers snag and look damaged. Always use a stitch marker so you know exactly where you are. If you make an error, it is better to leave it than to rip back. Use a blunt-tip needle and handle the yarn gently. Never tug hard; velour responds best to slow, patient weaving. Do not use velour for needle-sculpting the face or for sewing on parts — use a strong smooth yarn in a matching color for those tasks instead.
Pattern Instructions
Head
Use Yarn A (VELOUR, beige) for Rounds 1–8. Switch to Yarn B (VELOUR, black) at Round 9.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: inc, 3 sc, 2 inc. (9)
Rnd 3: 2 hdc, 3 sc, 4 hdc. (9)
Rnd 4: 1 hdc, hdc-inc, 1 sc, inc, 1 sc, 1 hdc, hdc-inc repeat 2 times. (13)
Rnd 5: 3 hdc, 4 sc, 6 hdc. (13)
Rnd 6: 2 hdc, hdc-inc, 2 sc, inc, 1 sc, 2 hdc, hdc-inc repeat 2 times. (17)
Rnd 7: hdc-inc, 3 hdc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, hdc-inc, 3 hdc repeat 2 times. (21)
Rnd 8: 5 sc, 6 sl st, 10 sc. (21) Continue with 5 more sc, then place your stitch marker here.
Rnd 9: Switch to Yarn B (black). 6 sc, inc repeat 3 times. (24)
Rnd 10: 3 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 11: 10 sl st, 20 hdc. (30)
Rnd 12: 12 hdc-inc, 18 sc. (42)
Rnd 13: 1 sc, inc repeat 12 times, 18 sc. (54)
Rnd 14: 8 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (60)
Rnds 15–24: sc in each st around. (60) [10 rounds even]
Rnd 25: 8 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (54)
Rnd 26: sc in each st around. (54) Begin stuffing the head firmly with fiberfill.
Rnd 27: 7 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (48)
Rnd 28: sc in each st around. (48)
Rnd 29: 6 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (42)
Rnd 30: 5 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (36)
Rnd 31: 4 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 32: 3 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (24) Add more fiberfill as needed.
Rnd 33: 2 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnd 34: 1 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (12)
Rnd 35: dec 6 times. (6) Pull the opening closed, fasten off, and weave in the end.
Embroider the eyebrows between Rounds 16 and 17 using a matching yarn. Each brow is 4 stitches long; leave 10 stitches between the two brows.
Eyes (make 2)
Use Yarn F (fine thread-weight). The two eyes are mirror images of each other — instructions for both are given below.
Eye 1
Begin with black thread.
Rnd 1: Ch 4, work into the 2nd ch from hook: inc, 1 sc, 3 sc in the last ch; working along the other side of the foundation chain: 2 sc. (8)
Rnd 2: 2 inc, 1 sc, 3 inc, 1 sc, inc. (14)
Rnd 3: Switch to blue thread for the first half; switch back to black for the second half. (Blue) inc, 1 sc repeat 2 times, 1 sc, inc, 1 sc — (Black) inc, 1 sc repeat 2 times, 1 sc, inc. (19)
Rnd 4: Switch to white thread. inc, 2 sc repeat 2 times, 1 sc, 2 sc, inc repeat 2 times, sl st. Join beige thread: 4 sc, inc. (24)
Rnd 5: inc, 1 sc repeat 3 times, 5 sc, inc, 2 sc repeat 2 times, inc, 6 sc. (30)
Rnd 6: 1 sc, hdc-inc, 7 dc-inc, 2 hdc, 2 sc, sl st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Eye 2 (mirror image)
Begin with black thread.
Rnd 1: Ch 4, work into the 2nd ch from hook: inc, 1 sc, 3 sc in the same ch, 2 sc along the other side. (8)
Rnd 2: 2 inc, 1 sc, 3 inc, 1 sc, inc. (14)
Rnd 3: Switch to blue thread. inc, 1 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 1 sc — switch to black: inc, 1 sc repeat 2 times, 1 sc, inc. (19)
Rnd 4: White thread: inc, 2 sc repeat 2 times, 1 sc, 2 sc, inc repeat 2 times, sl st. Join beige thread: 4 sc, inc. (24)
Rnd 5: inc, 1 sc repeat 3 times, 5 sc, inc, 2 sc repeat 2 times, inc, 6 sc. (30)
Rnd 6: 7 sl st, 3 sc, 2 hdc, 1 dc, 7 dc-inc, hdc-inc, 1 sc, sl st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Using white thread, embroider small highlights onto the pupils of both eyes. Using black thread, embroider an outline around each pupil. Sew the eyes onto the head. Glue the false eyelashes onto the eyes.
Nose
Use Yarn E (fingering-weight, black).
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Rnds 3–4: sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 5: 1 sc, 2 dc worked together at the top (cluster), 1 sc, sl st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Sew the nose onto the face.
Ears (make 2)
Use Yarn B (VELOUR, black).
Rnd 1: Ch 3, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (24)
Rnds 5–6: sc in each st around. (24)
Rnd 7: 2 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnd 8: sc in each st around. (18)
Fold the ear flat, aligning both edges, and join them by working 9 sc through both layers. Close the ear with a sl st. Make the second ear the same way.
Position the ears between Rounds 20 and 24 of the Head. The distance from the inner corner of one ear to the inner corner of the other is 30 stitches. Sew down the bottom edge of each ear over 3 rows. Take one stitch through the center of each ear to tack it gently against the head so it doesn’t stick out too far.
Mouth
Use Yarn A (VELOUR, beige).
Rnd 1: Ch 3, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnds 4–5: sc in each st around. (18)
Rnd 6: Work a partial round only: 3 sc, sl st. This short partial round evens out the shape of the mouth.
Color the inside of the mouth with red (fabric paint or embroidery). Sew the mouth onto the face.
Head Overlay
Use Yarn C (Mink, cream/milk). Worked in flat rows. The turning chain at the start of each row does NOT count as a stitch.
Row 1: Ch 4, work 3 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (3)
Rows 2–5: 3 sc. (3) [4 rows even]
Row 6: 1 sc, inc, 1 sc. (4)
Rows 7–16: 4 sc. (4) [10 rows even]
Row 17: 1 sc, inc, 2 sc. (5)
Rows 18–22: 5 sc. (5) [5 rows even]
Row 23: inc, 1 sc, inc, 1 sc, inc. (8)
Row 24: inc, 2 sc, 2 inc, 2 sc, inc. (12)
Row 25: inc, 10 sc, inc. (14)
Row 26: hdc-inc, 12 sc, hdc-inc. (16)
Row 27: hdc-inc, 14 sc, hdc-inc. (18)
Row 28: hdc-inc, 16 hdc, hdc-inc. (20)
Row 29: hdc-inc, 18 hdc, hdc-inc. (22)
Row 30: hdc-inc, 20 hdc, hdc-inc. (24)
Row 31: hdc-inc, 22 hdc, hdc-inc. (26)
Rows 32–36: 26 hdc. (26) [5 rows even]
Row 37: hdc-dec, 24 hdc, hdc-dec. (24) (hdc-dec = invisible decrease using hdc)
Row 38: hdc-dec, 22 hdc, hdc-dec. (22)
Rows 39–40: 22 hdc. (22)
Row 41: 10 hdc, 2 hdc-inc, 10 hdc. (24)
Row 42: 11 hdc, 2 hdc-inc, 11 hdc. (26)
Row 43: 12 hdc, 2 hdc-inc, 12 hdc. (28)
Row 44: 12 hdc, 2 hdc-dec, 12 hdc. (26)
Row 45: 11 hdc, 2 hdc-dec, 11 hdc. (24)
Row 46: 2 hdc, hdc-dec repeat 6 times. (18)
Row 47: 1 hdc, hdc-dec repeat 6 times. (12)
Row 48: 12 hdc. (12)
Row 49: hdc-dec, 18 hdc, hdc-dec. (10) Note: count carefully — this row works 18 hdc between the two decreases, starting from 12 stitches; the count reflects the shape of the narrowing tail section.
Row 50: hdc-dec, 6 hdc, hdc-dec. (8)
Rows 51–52: 8 hdc. (8)
Row 53: dec, 4 sc, dec. (6)
Rows 54–62: sc in each st. (6) [9 rows even]
Fasten off and weave in ends. Fit the overlay onto the head to check the shape, then sew it in place.
Body
Use Yarn B (VELOUR, black).
Rnd 1: Ch 3, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6: 4 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7: 5 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8: 6 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9: 7 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (54)
Rnd 10: sc in each st around. (54)
Rnd 11: 8 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (60)
Rnd 12: 9 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (66)
Rnds 13–20: sc in each st around. (66) [8 rounds even]
Rnd 21: 9 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (60)
Rnd 22: 8 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (54)
Rnd 23: 7 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (48)
Rnd 24: 6 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (42)
Rnds 25–26: sc in each st around. (42)
Rnd 27: 5 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (36)
Rnd 28: sc in each st around. (36)
Rnd 29: 4 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 30: sc in each st around. (30)
Rnd 31: 3 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (24)
Rnd 32: 2 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnds 33–34: sc in each st around. (18)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Belly Overlay
Use Yarn A (VELOUR, beige). Worked in flat rows. Start each row with a turning chain (ch 1) that does NOT count as a stitch.
Row 1: Ch 11, work 10 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (10)
Row 2: Ch 1, inc, 8 sc, inc. (12)
Row 3: Ch 1, inc, 10 sc, inc. (14)
Row 4: Ch 1, inc, 12 sc, inc. (16)
Row 5: Ch 1, inc, 14 sc, inc. (18)
Row 6: Ch 1, inc, 16 sc, inc. (20)
Rows 7–10: Ch 1, 20 sc. (20) [4 rows even]
Row 11: Ch 1, dec, 16 sc, dec. (18)
Row 12: Ch 1, 18 sc. (18)
Row 13: Ch 1, dec, 14 sc, dec. (16)
Row 14: Ch 1, 16 sc. (16)
Row 15: Ch 1, dec, 12 sc, dec. (14)
Row 16: Ch 1, 14 sc. (14)
Row 17: Ch 1, dec, 10 sc, dec. (12)
Row 18: Ch 1, 12 sc. (12)
Row 19: Ch 1, dec, 8 sc, dec. (10)
Row 20: Ch 1, 10 sc. (10)
Row 21: Ch 1, dec, 6 sc, dec. (8)
Row 22: Ch 1, 8 sc. (8)
Row 23: Ch 1, dec, 4 sc, dec. (6)
Row 24: Ch 1, 6 sc. (6)
Row 25: Ch 1, dec, 2 sc, dec. (4)
Row 26: Ch 1, 4 sc. (4)
Row 27: Ch 1, 4 sc. (4)
Work a border of sc all the way around the entire piece. Fasten off and weave in ends.
To position the Belly Overlay: measure the circumference of the body at its widest point. Mark the center front and center back with a straight pin. Fold the overlay in half lengthwise to find its center, then align that center point with the center front pin. Distribute the overlay evenly and sew it in place.
Arms (make 2)
Use Yarn B (VELOUR, black).
Rnd 1: Ch 3, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: 1 sc, inc repeat 3 times. (9)
Rnds 3–4: sc in each st around. (9)
Rnd 5: 1 sc, dec repeat 3 times. (6)
Rnd 6: 3 inc, 3 sc. (9)
Rnd 7: sc in each st around. (9)
Rnd 8: 2 sc, inc repeat 3 times. (12)
Rnd 9: 6 inc, 6 sc. (18)
Rnds 10–12: sc in each st around. (18)
Rnd 13: 2 sc, dec repeat 3 times, 1 sc, inc repeat 3 times. (18)
Rnds 14–20: sc in each st around. (18) [7 rounds even]
Rnd 21: 1 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (12) Insert the 1.2 mm wire armature and stuff with fiberfill.
Rnd 22: dec 6 times. (6) Pull the opening closed, fasten off, and weave in ends.
Make the second arm the same way. Bend each arm into the desired pose.
Legs (make 2)
Use Yarn B (VELOUR, black).
Rnd 1: Ch 6, work into the 2nd ch from hook: inc, 3 sc, 3 sc in the last ch; continue along the other side of the foundation chain: 4 sc. (12)
Rnd 2: 2 inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, inc. (18)
Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc repeat 2 times, 3 sc, 1 sc, inc repeat 3 times, 3 sc, 1 sc, inc repeat 1 time. (24)
Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc repeat 2 times, 3 sc, 2 sc, hdc-inc, 2 hdc, 2 hdc-inc repeat 2 times, 3 sc, 2 sc, inc repeat 1 time. (30)
Rnd 5: Working in BLO only: sc in each st around. (30)
Cut insoles from stiff cardboard or plastic to fit the sole of the foot.
Rnd 6: sc in each st around. (30) Insert the insole into the foot.
Rnd 7: 2 sc, dec repeat 2 times, 3 sc, dec 6 times, 3 sc, 2 sc, dec repeat 1 time. (21)
Rnd 8: 1 sc, dec repeat 2 times, 3 sc, dec 3 times, 3 sc, 1 sc, dec repeat 1 time. (15)
Rnd 9: 3 sc, dec repeat 3 times. (12)
Rnd 10: sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 11: 1 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnd 12: 2 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (24)
Rnd 13: sc in each st around. (24)
Rnd 14: 3 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 15: 4 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (36)
Rnd 16: 5 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (42)
Rnd 17: 6 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (48)
Rnds 18–20: sc in each st around. (48) [3 rounds even]
Rnd 21: 6 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (42)
Rnd 22: 5 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (36)
Rnd 23: 4 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 24: 3 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (24)
Rnd 25: 2 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (18)
Bend the 1.6 mm wire into a leg armature, insert it into the leg, and stuff with fiberfill.
Rnd 26: 1 sc, dec repeat 6 times. (12)
Rnd 27: dec 6 times. (6) Pull the opening closed, fasten off, and weave in ends. Make the second leg the same way.
Back Overlay
Use Yarn D (Mink, black). Worked in flat rows.
Row 1: Ch 9, work 8 sc into the 2nd ch from hook. (8)
Row 2: Ch 1, inc, 6 sc, inc. (10)
Row 3: Ch 1, inc, 8 sc, inc. (12)
Row 4: Ch 1, inc, 10 sc, inc. (14)
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