Giant Pandas

Meet the newest members of my neighborhood....Mr. and Mrs. Panda (sorry guys, I haven't been feeling very creative with names lately, heh). 

Seeing that the leaves are finally turning around here, Mr. and Mrs. Panda decided to take a spin around Central Park to properly view the autumn foliage.  After all, Mr. and Mrs. Panda are always proper.

The happy couple enjoyed their stroll in Central Park, and were even able to catch a glimpse of the New York City Marathon.  "Ah, yes," Mr. Panda had said to his wife, "those runners are quite accomplished."  Mrs. Panda agreed.  "Quite," she said, impressed.  "I could run the distance, too," Mr. Panda boasted, "if I did not have to use this silly cane."  Mrs. Panda smiled at her husband.  He had always hated the thought of being overshadowed by somebody else.  "Of course you could, dear."

The youngest Panda did not join his parents for the stroll outside.  Glenny hated life in New York.  He spent most of his time indoors, holed up reading nature books.  He carried a selection of his favorites around with him at all times in a bookbag. 

Glenny resented the life to which he was born.  Giant pandas were not supposed to drink tea and eat scones like his parents, much less live in a big city. (Never-you-mind about reading books.  Education is a priority for everyone.  Even pandas.)  Glenny especially hated being a 3.5 inch tall giant panda.  Giant panda.  What a joke.

"Teenagers!" exclaimed a flustered Mrs. Panda, shaking her head.  Mr. Panda gave her a knowing look.  "He's just like me when I was a young bear.  He's naturally curious.  An intellectual.  Everything is going to be fine."  He gently patted his wife's hand, and the two shared a rare smile together.

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Giant Panda  

The Pandas are top-heavy bears; they have disproportionately big heads (hey, I meant that literally), and their arms are slightly longer than their legs.  If this bothers you, feel free to swap the arm and leg pieces for a more conventional-looking panda doll. *Note: Amigurumi animals are worked in the round, in one continuous spiral; do not join the rounds unless specifically instructed to do so.

Body

R1: Make a magic yarn loop, and sc 6 times into the loop.  Pull end to tighten loop.

R2: 2sc in each sc around (12 sts)

R3: *3sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (15 sts)

R4: *4sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (18 sts)

R5-10: sc in each sc around (18 sts)

R11: *4sc, sc dec in next 2 sc*  Repeat around (15 sts).  Fill bottom with some weighted plastic pellets (this helps keep Glenny upright after his huge head is attached), and stuff the body firmly with your stuffing material of choice.

R12: *3sc, sc dec in next 2 sc*  Repeat around (12 sts)

R13: sc dec in next 2 sc around (6 sts) to close.  Fasten off.

Head

R1: Make a magic yarn loop, and sc 4 times into the loop.  Pull end to tighten loop.

R2: 2sc in each sc around (8 sts)

R3: *sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (12 sts)

R4: *2sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (16 sts)

R5: *3sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (20 sts)

R6: *4sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (24 sts)

R7: *5sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (28 sts)

R8: *6sc, 2sc in next sc*  Repeat around (32 sts)

R9-11: sc in each sc around (32 sts).  Begin stuffing the head, and continue stuffing as you work the following rows.

R12: *6sc, sc dec in next 2 sts*  Repeat around (28 sts)

R13: *5sc, sc dec in next 2 sts*  Repeat around (24 sts)

R14: *4sc, sc dec in next 2 sts*  Repeat around (20 sts)

R15: *3sc, sc dec in next 2 sts*  Repeat around (16 sts)

R16: sc in next 2 sts across (12 sts).  Fasten off.

Leg (make 2)

R1: Make a magic yarn loop, and sc 4 times into the loop.  Pull end to tighten loop.

R2: 2sc in each sc across (8 sts)

R3-4: sc in each st around (8 sts).  Fasten off.

Arm (make 2)

R1: Make a magic yarn loop, and sc 4 times into the loop.  Pull end to tighten loop.

R2: 2sc in each sc across (8 sts)

R3-5: sc in each st around (8 sts).  Fasten off.

Ear (make 2) Note: not worked in the round!

R1: ch2, 4sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch1, turn (4 sts)

R2: 2sc in each sc around, ch1, turn (8 sts)

R3: *2sc, 2sc in next sc* Repeat across (12 sts). Fasten off.

Tail

R1: Make a magic yarn loop, and sc 4 times into the loop.  Pull end to tighten loop.

R2: *sc, 2sc in next sc* Repeat across (6 sts).  Fasten off.

Eye Pieces (make 2)

R1: Make a magic yarn loop, and sc 5 times into the loop.  Pull end to tighten loop.

R2: 2sc in each sc around (10 sts).  Fasten off.

To make up: Attach ears and eye pieces to head.  Sew head to body.  Attach arms, legs, and tail to body.  Weave in ends.  Use scrap yarn to embroider eyes, or attach beads. 

Comments

[*karen]

Oh, Glenny, I can feel your angst! You are a panda after my own heart. (If only I could crochet...I've been saying that for two years now).

[Oiyi]

The Pandas are so cute! Thank you for the pattern.

[lera]

I love them, Shirley.

I really should try it. I'm a little intimidated.

[lynn]

Hi: Can you help me please?
I googled baby crochet and found the picture of the pretty babty sweater & hat you made.

But when I tried to find the link to baby itscold outside...it doesn't seem to work.

Do you have a pattern you could send me. One of my staff members is expecting a baby...and I would like to make it for her before she is due and before the arthritis in my hands get worse.

Thanks in advance
Lynn

[joe]

this is cool. i like the panda pimp.

[Bambina]

i love your work made my own cat too

[selena]

awesome cute staff you got there. me likely. so are those staff are on sale. well i have to say bye to you right know. see you.