Deep in the heart of the amigurumi forest, where yarn becomes fairy tale characters, the Shrek amigurumi stands proudly as a beloved ogre turned soft and huggable. This crocheted incarnation of the grouchy yet endearing hero from the land of Far Far Away is a hit with crafters and movie lovers alike. From his green skin and layered outfit to his distinctively ogre-ish ears, the Shrek amigurumi is a call to adventure, offering a challenge to crocheters to bring out his unlikely charm in the comfort of their own swamp – or living room.
Creating Shrek in amigurumi form is as enchanting as the story itself. Each stitch brings Shrek’s character to life – from his rugged vest to his baggy trousers, and that unmistakable face only a Donkey could love. Crocheters work diligently, perhaps with a fairy tale audiobook in the background, to emulate his tough exterior which conceals a heart of gold. The texture of his clothing, the curves of his face, and his gentle giant posture are all translated into crochet form, inviting crafters to get lost in the details of this well-loved ogre’s representation.
If you’re ready to welcome Shrek into your world, the amigurumi pattern is your enchanted quill, scripting your path to creating a cuddly ogre companion. It provides a clear guide from the base of his boots to the tip of his funnel-shaped ears, ensuring your crochet Shrek is as formidable and adorable as the character that inspired it. Whether he’s set on a shelf for all to admire or given to a child for story-inspired play, this Shrek amigurumi is sure to be a conversation starter. So, prepare your greenest yarns, and warm up your crochet hooks – it’s time to bring a piece of the fairy tale world into your hands. The pattern for this beloved ogre awaits, ready for you to stitch your way into the heart of the swamp.
Materials Needed:
- Green yarn for the body
- White yarn for the eyes
- Black yarn for the pupils and mouth
- Brown yarn for the vest
- Light beige or cream yarn for the shirt
- Dark brown or grey yarn for the trousers and boots
- Crochet hook (size appropriate for your yarn, typically a size smaller than recommended for tighter stitches)
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Fiberfill for stuffing
- Optional: Wire for making the arms and legs poseable
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec = decrease (sc 2 together)
- sl st = slip stitch
- BLO = back loop only
- FLO = front loop only
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
Shrek Amigurumi Pattern:
Head: Start with green yarn. Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a magic ring (6) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12) Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, inc] repeat around (18) Rnd 4: [Sc in the next 2 sts, inc] repeat around (24) Rnd 5: [Sc in the next 3 sts, inc] repeat around (30) Rnd 6-10: Sc in each st around (30) Start adding the eyes between Rnd 8-9, spacing them about 6 sts apart. Rnd 11: [Sc in the next 3 sts, dec] repeat around (24) Rnd 12: [Sc in the next 2 sts, dec] repeat around (18) Stuff the head firmly. Rnd 13: [Sc in the next st, dec] repeat around (12) Rnd 14: Dec around (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the head to the body.
Ears (make 2): With green yarn. Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a magic ring (4) Rnd 2: [Inc] repeat around (8) Rnd 3-4: Sc in each st around (8) Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew ears to the head.
Body: With green yarn. Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a magic ring (6) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12) Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, inc] repeat around (18) Rnd 4: [Sc in the next 2 sts, inc] repeat around (24) Rnd 5: [Sc in the next 3 sts, inc] repeat around (30) Rnd 6-12: Sc in each st around (30) Switch to the color of the shirt (light beige or cream). Rnd 13-16: Sc in each st around (30) Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the body to the head.
Arms (make 2): Start with green yarn for the hands. Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a magic ring (6) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12) Rnd 3-4: Sc in each st around (12) Switch to shirt color. Rnd 5-10: Sc in each st around (12) Stuff lightly, fold flat and sc through both sides across to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew arms to the body.
Legs and Boots (make 2): Start with dark brown or grey yarn for boots. Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a magic ring (6) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12) Rnd 3-4: Sc in each st around (12) Switch to trouser color. Rnd 5-10: Sc in each st around (12) Stuff the boots firmly, but only stuff the legs lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew legs to the body.
Vest: With brown yarn. Row 1: Ch 15, turn, dc in 4th ch from hook and across (12) Row 2-6: Ch 3, turn, dc across (12) Make two pieces, one for the front and one for the back. Sew the shoulders and sides together, leaving armholes.
Assembly:
- Sew the head to the body.
- Attach the ears to the head.
- Sew the arms to the body at shoulder level.
- Sew the legs to the bottom of the body.
- Place the vest over the body and sew into place.
- Using black yarn, embroider a mouth and add details to the eyes.
- Add any additional details you desire, like a belt or patches on the vest.
This pattern provides a framework for creating a Shrek Amigurumi. For an even more professional look, consider making small tweaks and customizations as you work through the pattern, such as shaping the ears or adding texture to the vest. Always remember to count your stitches, work in a spiral without joining the rounds, and use a stitch marker to keep your place. Enjoy your crocheting!