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I'm thrilled to share this pattern with you! This sweet little ballerina kitten is part of a new trio. She was designed with my youngest in mind, her birthday is next week and I wanted to make similar characters from her favorite book!
Head over here to learn more about the inspiration behind this trio and to find the patterns for the ballerina ostrich and mouse!
The ballerina kitten is made on a smaller scale than some of my other designs. She's 8 inches tall when in a seated position.
With her small size I have kept the body and head as one piece! Feel free to change up the colors to your liking!
If you are new to crocheting stuffed animals, head over to my Tips to Learning Amigurumi page to get started. I go over a lot of the common techniques you'll see in the pattern, plus photos to help you through it!
Be sure to also join the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook if you haven't already! You can share your work and ask any questions you have along the way!
If you plan to make this for a little one under 3 I recommend these crochet eyes as an alternative to the plastic safety eyes!
Pattern
- PIN this pattern to your favorite board to save for later!
- Get an ad-free printable version on Etsy, includes all 3 patterns!
- Add to your Ravelry queue!
You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern!
Materials
- Size 4 worsted weight yarn
- 75g medium gray (I used Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek in Dark Gray)
- 75g choice of color for outfit/bows/slippers
- Small amount of
- White
- Pink for nose
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- 12mm safety eyes
- Crochet thread for eyelashes (optional)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (I love using the bent tip needles)
- Stuffing
- Stitch markers
SC- Single crochet
SC INC- Single crochet increase
INV DEC- Invisible decrease
DC- Double crochet
Ch – Chain
Sl st – Slip stitch
Rep - Repeat
*Slowly stuff as you go, you want it to be firm but not stretched. You will be working in the round, I like using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.
(For this pattern the body and head will be made as one piece.)
Body
With outfit color
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)
Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)
Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)
Round 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (30)
Round 6: SC in the first 4 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (36)
Round 7: SC in the first 5 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (42)
Round 8: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (48)
Rounds 9-12: SC around (48)
Round 13: SC in the back loops only (48)
Rounds 14-15: SC around (48)
Round 16: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (42)
Round 17-18: SC around (42)
Round 19: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (36)
Rounds 20-21: SC around (36)
Round 22: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (30)
Rounds 23-24: SC around (30)
Round 25: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (24)
Change to gray
Rounds 26-27: SC around (24)
Round 28: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (18)
Rounds 29-30: SC around (18)
*We will now start the head*
Round 31: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)
Round 32: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (30)
Round 33: SC in the first 4 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (36)
Round 34: SC in the first 5 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (42)
Round 35: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (48)
Round 36: SC in the first 7 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (54)
Rounds 37-44: SC around (54)
Note: Here is where we will add the facial features before we start closing the head. Insert the eyes between rows 41 and 42, 8 stitches apart. Place your eyes where you would like them and then remove to embroider your eyelashes before attaching the washer to the back. (This creates a little hole to help see where you want your eyelashes to go)
Nose- Using pink yarn place the nose one row beneath your eyes and two stitches in on each side (this will leave 4 stitches in the middle and this is what you will pass your yarn through to create the nose). Pass your thread through 3 times (or as many as you would like for a thinner or wider nose). Use your yarn to make a straight line down 3 rows.
Round 45: SC in the first 7 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (48)
Round 46: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (42)
Round 47: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (36)
Round 48: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (30)
Round 49: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (24) *Continue to stuff the head firmly
Round 50: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (18)
Round 51: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC in the next, rep around (12)
Round 52: INV DEC around (6)
Fasten off and sew remaining part closed, weave in your end
Tutu
To work the tutu, have your kitten’s head towards you and body away from you (see pictures for example).
With color of choice create a slip knot and attach with a slip stitch to one of the front loops from round 13 (For a cleaner look attach at the back of the body)
Round 1: Ch 2 (this does not count as your first stitch), 3DC in the same stitch and in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to the first DC (144) Change to white (I carried my yarn as we will pick it back up for the last round, but fastening off works as well)
*Note – It is not necessary to count each stitch of the tutu, if a few are missed it will still have its nice ruffles
Round 2: Ch 2, DC in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to the first DC (144) Change to color of choice
Round 3: Ch 2, DC in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to the first DC (144)
Fasten off and weave in end
Ears
Rounds 26-27: SC around (24)
Round 28: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (18)
Rounds 29-30: SC around (18)
*We will now start the head*
Round 31: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)
Round 32: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (30)
Round 33: SC in the first 4 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (36)
Round 34: SC in the first 5 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (42)
Round 35: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (48)
Round 36: SC in the first 7 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (54)
Rounds 37-44: SC around (54)
Note: Here is where we will add the facial features before we start closing the head. Insert the eyes between rows 41 and 42, 8 stitches apart. Place your eyes where you would like them and then remove to embroider your eyelashes before attaching the washer to the back. (This creates a little hole to help see where you want your eyelashes to go)
Nose- Using pink yarn place the nose one row beneath your eyes and two stitches in on each side (this will leave 4 stitches in the middle and this is what you will pass your yarn through to create the nose). Pass your thread through 3 times (or as many as you would like for a thinner or wider nose). Use your yarn to make a straight line down 3 rows.
Round 45: SC in the first 7 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (48)
Round 46: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (42)
Round 47: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (36)
Round 48: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (30)
Round 49: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (24) *Continue to stuff the head firmly
Round 50: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (18)
Round 51: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC in the next, rep around (12)
Round 52: INV DEC around (6)
Fasten off and sew remaining part closed, weave in your end
Tutu
To work the tutu, have your kitten’s head towards you and body away from you (see pictures for example).
With color of choice create a slip knot and attach with a slip stitch to one of the front loops from round 13 (For a cleaner look attach at the back of the body)
Round 1: Ch 2 (this does not count as your first stitch), 3DC in the same stitch and in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to the first DC (144) Change to white (I carried my yarn as we will pick it back up for the last round, but fastening off works as well)
*Note – It is not necessary to count each stitch of the tutu, if a few are missed it will still have its nice ruffles
Round 2: Ch 2, DC in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to the first DC (144) Change to color of choice
Round 3: Ch 2, DC in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to the first DC (144)
Fasten off and weave in end
Ears
Make 2
With gray
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC around (6)
Round 3: SC INC in each stitch around (12)
Round 4: SC around (12)
Round 5: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)
Rounds 6-7: SC around (18)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing
(To create a multi-colored ear, I completed one ear with white for the first 4 rounds and gray for the last 3 rounds)
Arms
Make 2
*Lightly stuff the bottom of the arms only*
With white
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)
Round 3: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (15)
Rounds 4-5: SC around (15)
Round 6: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC, repeat around (10)
With gray
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC around (6)
Round 3: SC INC in each stitch around (12)
Round 4: SC around (12)
Round 5: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)
Rounds 6-7: SC around (18)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing
(To create a multi-colored ear, I completed one ear with white for the first 4 rounds and gray for the last 3 rounds)
Arms
Make 2
*Lightly stuff the bottom of the arms only*
With white
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)
Round 3: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (15)
Rounds 4-5: SC around (15)
Round 6: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC, repeat around (10)
Change to gray
Rounds 7-18: SC around (10)
At the end of round 18 pinch the arm flat and make 5 SC across the top to close, fasten off and leave a long tail to sew onto the body.
Legs
Make 2 lightly stuffing the bottom half
With color of choice for slippers
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch (12)
Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)
Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)
Round 5: SC around in the back loops only (24)
Round 6: SC around (24)
Round 7: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC 6 times, SC in the last 6 stitches (18)
Round 8: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC 6 times, SC in the last 3 stitches (12) Change to gray
Rounds 9-24: SC around (12)
At the end of round 24 pinch the leg flat and make 6 SC across the top to close, fasten off and leave a long tail to sew onto the body.
Accessories
“Ribbons” for slippers – Make 2
With color of choice, make a chain until it reaches around the leg, crossing at the front. Tension and stuffing can vary from person to person and this number may be different for some. As a reference my chain was 26. Fasten off leaving about 6 inches to sew onto the slipper.
Bows for Slippers – Make 2
Working in a magic circle make 4 DCs, slip stitch, 4 DCs, and slip stitch again, pull your string tight and wrap it around the middle of the bow 3-4 times. Tie/secure in the back and cut your string leaving a long section to sew with.
Headband
Make a chain long enough to reach around the head, my chain was 48, fasten off leaving a long tail to sew with.
Bow for headband
Working in a magic circle make 7 DCs, slip stitch, 7 DCs, and slip stitch again, pull your string tight and wrap it around the middle of the bow 3-4 times. Tie/secure in the back and cut your string leaving a long section to sew with.
Dress Straps- Make 2
Chain 13
Row 1: SC in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across (12)
Row 2: Chain 1 and turn, SC in each chain across (12)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing
1. Sew the ears onto either side of the head, starting at the 4th round and ending at the 12th round
2. Next, sew on the headband and bow. I placed the headband where I wanted it and sewed it in place, I had enough remaining yarn from my tail to tie a bow at the back.
Rounds 7-18: SC around (10)
At the end of round 18 pinch the arm flat and make 5 SC across the top to close, fasten off and leave a long tail to sew onto the body.
Legs
Make 2 lightly stuffing the bottom half
With color of choice for slippers
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch (12)
Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)
Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)
Round 5: SC around in the back loops only (24)
Round 6: SC around (24)
Round 7: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC 6 times, SC in the last 6 stitches (18)
Round 8: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC 6 times, SC in the last 3 stitches (12) Change to gray
Rounds 9-24: SC around (12)
At the end of round 24 pinch the leg flat and make 6 SC across the top to close, fasten off and leave a long tail to sew onto the body.
Accessories
“Ribbons” for slippers – Make 2
With color of choice, make a chain until it reaches around the leg, crossing at the front. Tension and stuffing can vary from person to person and this number may be different for some. As a reference my chain was 26. Fasten off leaving about 6 inches to sew onto the slipper.
Bows for Slippers – Make 2
Working in a magic circle make 4 DCs, slip stitch, 4 DCs, and slip stitch again, pull your string tight and wrap it around the middle of the bow 3-4 times. Tie/secure in the back and cut your string leaving a long section to sew with.
Headband
Make a chain long enough to reach around the head, my chain was 48, fasten off leaving a long tail to sew with.
Bow for headband
Working in a magic circle make 7 DCs, slip stitch, 7 DCs, and slip stitch again, pull your string tight and wrap it around the middle of the bow 3-4 times. Tie/secure in the back and cut your string leaving a long section to sew with.
Dress Straps- Make 2
Chain 13
Row 1: SC in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across (12)
Row 2: Chain 1 and turn, SC in each chain across (12)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing
Assembly
1. Sew the ears onto either side of the head, starting at the 4th round and ending at the 12th round
2. Next, sew on the headband and bow. I placed the headband where I wanted it and sewed it in place, I had enough remaining yarn from my tail to tie a bow at the back.
3. Attach the arms onto the body at round 26, next sew each strap over the arms. I attached at round 24 on the front and back.
4. Attach the “ribbon” for the slippers to each leg. I attached to one side, wrapped around the back to the front to create an “x” and secured to the other side of the slipper.
5. Sew each bow onto the outsides of the slippers.
6. Sew the legs onto the bottom of the body, making sure to keep them centered with the facial features.
Your ballerina kitten is complete! I hope you have enjoyed making this pattern. Let me know if you have any questions with this pattern or any of my other patterns, I would be happy to help.
Thank you,
Stephanie
