Sunset Raccoon with Star Patches: Free Crochet Pattern
Sunset Raccoon with Star Patches: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little raccoon is a gentle, whimsical friend for anyone who is new to amigurumi or simply wants a quick, cheerful project. Its head and body are one continuous stuffed sphere worked in horizontal sunset bands, so you get a beautiful ombre effect without ever changing colors mid-round. The charcoal ears, white muzzle, and tiny eye patches give it that classic raccoon face, while white embroidered stars scattered across its back add a touch of fairycore magic. At about 5 inches tall, it fits in your palm and makes a sweet gift, shelf companion, or pocket pal.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn, approx. 120 yds total, in these colors:
- Color A (light peach): 30 yds
- Color B (coral): 25 yds
- Color C (magenta): 20 yds
- Color D (deep plum): 20 yds
- Color E (dark charcoal): 10 yds
- Color F (white): 5 yds
- Color G (black): 5 yds
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Finished size: Approx. 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall, excluding the tail
Abbreviations
- MR: Magic ring — an adjustable loop you work the first stitches into.
- sc: Single crochet — insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- inc: Increase — work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
- dec: Decrease — single crochet 2 stitches together into one.
- ch: Chain
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- rnd(s): Round(s)
- FO: Fasten off
Gauge
20 sc x 22 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet worked in the round. To check, crochet a small swatch in the round and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed so your raccoon comes out at the right size.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker at the start of each round — amigurumi is worked in a continuous spiral, so the marker keeps your place.
- Change colors on the last stitch of the previous round (pull the new color through the final two loops) for clean, even bands.
- Stuff the body firmly but in small pieces as you go, before the opening gets too small.
- Keep your tension tight and even so the stuffing doesn't show through the stitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Head/Body (Color A, then B, C, D, E)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts)
Rnds 6-10: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Change to Color B.
Rnds 11-14: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Change to Color C.
Rnds 15-18: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Change to Color D.
Rnds 19-22: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Change to Color E.
Rnd 23: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 24: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 25: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts)
Stuff firmly.
Rnd 26: dec x6 (6 sts)
FO, weave the tail through the remaining stitches and pull closed.
Ears x2 (Color E)
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc (4 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x4 (8 sts)
Rnd 3: sc in each st around (8 sts)
Rnd 4: [sc, dec] x2 (6 sts)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Muzzle (Color F)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: sc in each st around (12 sts)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tail (Color B, then C, D, E)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnds 3-6: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Change to Color C.
Rnds 7-10: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Change to Color D.
Rnds 11-14: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Change to Color E.
Rnds 15-18: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 19: [sc, dec] x4 (8 sts)
Rnd 20: dec x4 (4 sts)
FO, weave closed. Do not stuff.
Eye Patches x2 (Color E)
Row 1: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, sc in last ch (4 sts)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the ears to the top of the head with the tapestry needle, using the long tails. Sew the muzzle to the front of the face and stuff it lightly before closing the seam. Sew the eye patches above the muzzle, angling them slightly for a friendly look. With Color G, embroider two French knots for the eyes and a small satin-stitch nose on the muzzle. Using Color F, embroider 5-point star patches on the back with straight stitches, each about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) wide, scattered randomly. Sew the tail to the lower back. Weave in all ends securely, then lightly steam or damp-block the piece and let it dry fully to settle the stitches.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the sunset palette for a cool twilight ombre (lavender to navy) for a different mood.
- Add a tiny crocheted or felt star to the tail tip for extra sparkle.
- Use a smaller hook (3.0 mm) for a firmer, more defined fabric if you tend to crochet loosely.
