Sparkle The Crochet Unicorn Pattern
A Crochet Unicorn Plushie: Dive into the magic itself with Sparkle and this free crochet unicorn pattern. There’s even a video tutorial walking you through each step-by-step stitch of this cute Marly Unicorn!
The Magic of Crochet Amigurumi
Amigurumi, derived from the Japanese words ‘ami’ (crocheted or knitted) and ‘nuigurumi’ (stuffed doll), is a delightful art form that involves crafting small, stuffed yarn creatures. The magic lies in the ability to bring yarn to life in the form of adorable animals or characters. Whether it’s a tiny bunny with floppy ears, a whimsical unicorn, or a funny little monster, amigurumi creations never fail to charm and captivate.
What sets amigurumi apart is the attention to detail and the intricate craftsmanship. Each creation is carefully handcrafted, stitch by stitch, using crochet or knitting techniques. These techniques allow for endless possibilities in creating different shapes, textures, and designs. The beauty of amigurumi lies in the ability to experiment and let your imagination run wild. From choosing vibrant colors to embellishing with buttons, beads, or embroidery, every amigurumi piece is a unique work of art.
Adorable Amigurumi
One of amigurumi’s most captivating aspects is its sense of nostalgia and comfort. These adorable little creatures often evoke memories of childhood toys. They can instantly transport us back to a time of innocence and wonder. It’s comforting and heartwarming to hold a small, handmade toy in your hands, knowing it was crafted with love and care.
Why is Amigurumi so popular?
Learn 7 reasons why Amigurumi has become so popular; especially with newer crocheters who watch TikTok
Amigurumi Love…
Amigurumi has gained immense popularity in recent years, not only as a crafting hobby but also as a form of self-expression. Many people enjoy and relax in creating these small art pieces, and the amigurumi community is vibrant and supportive. From sharing patterns and tips to participating in swaps and charity projects, this community is committed to spreading the love for amigurumi and the happiness it brings.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner looking for a new hobby, amigurumi offers a world of creativity and imagination. Through this charming art form, you can bring characters and creatures to life, create personalized gifts, or simply surround yourself with cute and whimsical companions. The art and charm of amigurumi truly knows no bounds.
Who is Sparkle the Crochet Unicorn?
Imagine a world where mythical creatures come to life and charm and charisma embody each crochet coil. In this whimsical realm, we welcome you to meet Sparkle, a mystical and captivating crochet unicorn. We promise to keep you entertained from start to finish!
Sparkle was a glimmer of an idea I had last year during the 24 Days of Quickies Event. I wanted to make a fun Marly Bird mascot, and it was obvious that for Rainbow Maker & Unicorn Wrangler, the mascot needed to be a super cute, cuddly, bright-colored unicorn (not a bird..although I am not opposed to making a fun bird similar to the unicorn style…hmmm). And I’m not talking about a tiny little thing. I wanted a big, squishy rainbow unicorn!
Who Designed Sparkle?
Once I knew I had to have a not-so-little unicorn (and because I am not the best crochet amigurumi pattern writer), I reached out to my friend and the BEST AMIGURUMI PATTERN DESIGNER I know. Enter Megan Kreiner to design a crochet unicorn pattern in amigurumi.
Let’s take a minute to mention that this crochet unicorn pattern is obviously free here on this blog post. But you can purchase the ad-free PDF if you want all the nice and tidy instructions in a downloadable document.
✨You can purchase the ad-free PDF in the Marly Bird Store ✨
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Meet Megan Kreiner: The Artistry Behind Sparkle
A Disney Animator’s Touch
Working with Disney, Megan Kreiner brings stories to life. Her experience in animation gives her a unique touch, capturing the emotion and magic in her amigurumi designs. She exhibits it the best in her amazing patterns and published books.
A Menagerie of Amigurumi
From cuddly hedgehogs to mythical baby beasties, Megan has a rich tapestry of designs. She easily proves her mastery in both knitting and crochet. Several of her best-selling books feature a diverse range of crochet toys, from animals to construction trucks to enchanting fantasy scenes.
Amigurumi on MarlyBird.com by MK Knit and Crochet
Megan’s portfolio for Marly Bird includes the unexpected Holiday Armadillos, the absolutely incredible MenoraTops, and now the magical crochet unicorn pattern, “Sparkle.” Each creation is a testament to her expertise and creativity.
In the world of animation, capturing emotions and bringing characters to life is an essential skill. Megan Kreiner is a Disney animator who transforms into an amigurumi designer in her free time. She’s taken her expertise in animation and applied it to her intricately designed ‘amigurumiations.’ With her unique touch, Megan captures the same magic and emotion in her crocheted and knitted designs as she did in her work for Disney.
Don’t believe me? Just look at Sparkle’s cheerful eyes. Don’t they make you want to smile?
Unicorn Lovers Rejoice!
One of the many reasons why this crochet unicorn pattern is truly unique is because it offers a realistic and adorable design. Unlike many other crochet unicorns that sit on their rumps with their legs sticking out, Sparkle stands on all four legs. This attention to detail makes Sparkle come to life and adds a touch of realism to the finished crochet project.
What sets this pattern apart is the careful consideration given to the unicorn’s posture. By allowing Sparkle to stand upright, the design captures the grace and majesty associated with these mythical creatures. It adds a whole new level of charm to the end result.
Sparkle Unicorn Standing Tall!
Crocheting Sparkle with four sturdy legs also provides practical benefits. The structure ensures that the finished unicorn is stable and won’t easily topple over. This makes Sparkle an adorable addition to any decor or toy collection and a safe and durable playmate for children.
With this free crochet unicorn pattern, you can create a magical unicorn that breaks away from the usual sitting position, resulting in a more lifelike and captivating finished product. Whether you’re a crochet enthusiast or someone looking to make a special gift, this pattern offers a delightful twist on the traditional unicorn design by allowing Sparkle to stand tall and proud (and with rainbow colors for a mane, of course).
Stuffed Crochet Unicorn Pattern Details 🦄 🌈
Designed by Megan Kreiner for MarlyBird.com
SKILL LEVEL
Adventurous Beginner
MEASUREMENTS
Finished Measurements
Unicorn is 24” [61 cm] body circumference by 20” [51 cm] tall.
Gauge
7 sc x 8 rounds = 4” [10 cm] x 4” [10 cm]; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
MATERIALS
Yarn
· Bernat, Baby Blanket Sparkle (100% polyester, 220 yds / 201 m, 10.5 oz/ 300 g, CYCA# 6 super bulky weight yarn)
Color A: #71001 Moonlight Sparkle, 2 balls
Color B: #71008 Golden Sparkle, 1 ball
Color C: #71003 Sunshine Sparkle, 50 g
Color D: #71010 Seaside Sparkle, 50 g
Color E: #71009 Freesia Sparkle, 50g
Color F: #71011 Limeade Sparkle, 50 g
Color G: #71006 Hot Pink Sparkle, 50 g
· Patons, Kroy Socks Yarn (75% washable wool/ 25% nylon, 166 yds / 152 m, 1.75 oz / 50 g, CYCA# 1 super fine)
Color H: #55008 Muslin, 10g
Color I: #55040 Coal, 10 g
Color J: #55741 Plum, 20 g
✨ This crochet unicorn pattern can be made with any weight yarn. Although Sparkle is made with a bulky yarn weight, you can use a worsted weight yarn and get a smaller unicorn.
Crochet Hook
N/13 [9.0 mm] or hook size needed for gauge (of the crochet unicorn)
F/5 [3.75 mm] (for the eyes)
Notions
Fiberfill
Stitch Markers
Yarn Needle
Optional: 6” x 6” [15 cm x 15 cm] piece of cardboard (see notes)
Optional: Sharp upholstery needle for shaping
Optional: Large safety eyes instead of crocheting the eyes.
ABBREVIATIONS
Ch – Chain(s)
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
PM – Place Marker
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
Sp(s) – Space(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
WS – Wrong Side
SPECIAL CROCHET STITCHES
⭐️ Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog): *Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * in next stitch indicated, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook. (1 decrease)
⭐️ Back Post Single Crochet (bpsc) : Insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through the loops on hook.
⭐️ Running Stitch: Insert needle from front to back, *bring the needle up again from back to front one stitch length away, insert needle from front to back one stitch length away; repeat from * across work as indicated in pattern.
NOTES
- All crochet stitches are worked as yarn over not as yarn under.
- Unicorn is worked in pieces and seamed together. Details are added last.
- Body parts are worked in continuous spiral rounds that are not joined at the end of the round.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each new round throughout the project.
- Change colors when 2 loops are left on the last stitch of the old color. Fold in the new color to complete the stitch and start using the new color.
- Optional: Draw and cut out (4) 3” [7.5 cm] diameter circles out of the piece of cardboard. This will be used to strengthen the bottom of the feet of the unicorn. You can use an old shipping container for the cardboard.
Looking for more Tips and Tricks for Beginner Amigurumi makers? Check out this blog post.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
- Weaving in ends >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Adjustable Ring (sometimes called magic ring or magic loop) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- ✨Full Video Tutorial✨ for how to make Sparkle is coming soon to the Marly Bird YouTube Channel!
CROCHET UNICORN PATTERN: SPARKLE THE UNICORN
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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
TAIL
Make 1 of each length (5 total)
Ch-20 Length: With color F, ch 20, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc in each ch across, fasten off with long tail — 57 sc.
Ch-21 Length: With color E, ch 21, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc in each ch across, fasten off with long tail–60 sc.
Ch-22 Length: With color C, ch 22, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc in each ch across, fasten off with long tail –63 sc.
Ch-23 Length: With color G, ch 23, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc in each ch across, fasten off with long tail –66 sc.
Ch-24 Length: With color D, ch 24, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc in each ch across, fasten off with long tail –69 sc.
Attach Tail
Using the leftover yarn tails, attach the tail pieces to the back of the upper body in a tight grouping.
HEART
Note: Work sl sts loosely to make it easier to work into them.
Make 2
With color J and smaller hook, make an adjustable ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, 12 sc in ring, place marker in first st (see notes), pull ring closed, do not join or turn (see notes)–12 sc.
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around–24 sc.
Round 3: *Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; repeat from * around–36 sc.
Round 4: Skip next sc, sl st in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, dc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in next 5 sc, sc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next sc, sl st in next 5 sc, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, dc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, skip next sc, sl st in next sc–34 sts + 1 ch-2 sp.
Round 5: Skip next sl st, sl st in next sc, hdc in next sc, hdc in next hdc, dc in next hdc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in next hdc, hdc in next hdc, hdc in next sc, sl st in next sc, sl st in next 5 sl st, sl st in next sc, (sl st, ch 1, sl st) in ch-2 sp, sl st in next sc, sl st in next 5 sl st, sl st in next sc, hdc in next sc, hdc in next hdc, dc in next hdc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in next hdc, hdc in next hdc, hdc in next sc, skip next sc, sl st in next sl st- -34 sts + 1 ch-1 sp.
Round 6: Skip next sl st, sl st in next hdc, sc in next hdc, hdc in next dc, 6 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next hdc, sl st in next hdc, sl st in next 8 sl st, sl st in ch-1 sp, sl st in next 8 sl st. sl st in next hdc, sc in next hdc, hdc in next dc, dc in next dc, 6 dc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in next hdc, sl st in next hdc, fasten off with long tail.
Attach Hearts
Pin and sew the hearts to the sides of the back hips with a running stitch.
Caring for Your Amigurumi Creation
Cleaning Tips: Spot-cleaning Sparkle when necessary is the best way to keep her looking great. However, if she needs a good cleaning, we recommend a hand wash. Gently with a mild detergent, squeeze out excess water and let her air dry.
Let’s See Your Unicorn Amigurumi Pattern Success!
Are you ready to add some sparkle to your life? We encourage you to share your own SPARKLE with us! And we’re excited to see some of the jazzy features and vibrant color palettes that you may have thought of. Be sure to share your crochet unicorn pattern love with us on social media. Use these hashtags to make it easy for us all to follow: #SparkleWithMarly or #MMMDI or #MarlyMagic.
Categories: Crochet, Free Patterns, Our Free Patterns, Pattern, Uncategorized
This is so cute Marly!!! Great gift for the up coming holidays!!!