5-in-1 Blue Alien Amigurumi Bundle — Crochet Pattern PDF

The step-by-step instructions take you part by part. You crochet the main shapes of the alien first, stuff them and shape them, then join everything together so the character sits nicely. With the base character complete, you move on to the costume pieces that give each variation its look.

Finishing comes last. This is where the face and the little costume details come together, so take your time and compare your work to the photos of the finished alien. Small adjustments in the placement of the eyes make a big difference to the expression.

Amigurumi characters like this one generally use a familiar toolkit of skills:

• Working in continuous rounds with a stitch marker
• Increases and decreases to shape the head and body
• Color changes for costumes and details
• Stuffing evenly and closing pieces neatly
• Joining parts and embroidering small facial details

Choose a soft, smooth yarn in a bright blue for the alien and a palette of contrasting shades for the costumes. A yarn with good stitch definition shows off the shaping, while a plush or chenille-style yarn gives a cuddlier, fuzzier finish. Both work; they simply create a different look.

Whichever yarn you choose, use a hook that gives you a tight, dense fabric. Amigurumi is crocheted more firmly than garments so the stuffing stays inside. Keep in mind that switching to a thicker or thinner yarn changes the size of the finished alien, so if you are making several costumes, stick to the same yarn to keep the collection in proportion.

Stuff your alien firmly and evenly so the head holds its shape and the alien sits upright. If the toy is meant for a baby or toddler, embroider the eyes with yarn instead of using safety eyes, and sew every part on securely.

To keep your aliens looking fresh, hand wash them gently in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, press out the water in a towel and let them dry flat. Display pieces usually need nothing more than a light dusting.

• A single costumed alien as a birthday surprise for a space-loving child
• A themed outfit as a seasonal gift for the holidays
• A small set of aliens to decorate a playroom or nursery shelf
• A collection of variations for your market table or craft fair display

Invent your own costumes by changing colors or adding small accessories such as a scarf, a bow or a tiny hat. Embroider rosy cheeks or a different expression, or create a pastel version of the alien for a softer nursery look. Once you know the base character, the possibilities are endless. Keep a small notebook of the color combinations you use, so you can recreate a favorite alien later or design a matching friend for it.