Flounder the fish - free crochet pattern

I'm sharing the pattern for the flounder amigurumi I made as companion for the Ariel mermaid doll  for my granddaughter. This one have the stripes worked in tapestry crochet. But you may also add in the stripes later, like in this first model I made.

Flounder Amigurumi
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2019
This pattern can only be found on this link:
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2019/04/flounder-fish-free-crochet-pattern.html


Materials
Worsted weight yarn - yellow and blue
Crochet hook size 4mm
Polyester fiberfill
Small amounts of crochet thread for facial features - black, white and green (for eyes, eyebrows), red for lips
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Crochet Gauge: 9 sts = 2 inches

Notes: Do not join rnds, work in a continuous spiral, marking the beginning of rnds as you go. 

Head and Body
With yellow, start with a magic ring, 
Rnd 1: 6 sc in ring (6 sc).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc).
Rnd 3: (sc in sc, 2 sc in next) 6 times (18sc).
Rnd 4: work in back loops only for this rnd, (sc in next 2 sc , 2 sc in next) 6 times (24sc)
Rnd 5: ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, sl st in next sc, sc in each sc around, sc on each st on the opposite side of ch 4 in the beginning of this rnd, sc again on the last st (31 sc)
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (31 sc)
Rnd 7: sc in next 24 sc, sc and hdc in next, sc, hdc and sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc (33 sts) 
Rnd 8:, Sc in 3 sc, sc and hdc in next, hdc and sc in next. sc in next 20 sc, sc2tog twice, sc in last 4 sc (33 sc)
Rnd 9:, Sc in 2 sc, sc2tog twice, sc in 27 sc (31 sc)

Rnd 10: sc in each sc around (31sc)

Rnds 11-13: sc in 23 sc, change to blue (for the stripe), sc in 15 sc (move marker up the rnd as you go; carry unused yarn at the back of work), change to yellow, sc in 16 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 35 sc (31 sc)

Rnd 14: sc in each sc around (31 sc)
Rnds 15-17: sc in 23 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 7 sc, sc2tog. sc in 7 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 22 sc 

Rnd 18: (sc in 8 sc, sc2tog) 3 times (27sc)
Rnds 19-21: sc in 20 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 12sc, change to blue, sc in 7 sc sc2tog, sc in 6 sc, change to yellow, sc in next sc, sc2tog, (sc in 7 sc, sc2tog) twice, sc in 7 sc ( 24 sc at the of rnd 21) 
Rnd 22: (sc in 6 sc, sc2tog) three times (21sc)
Rnd 23-25: (sc in 6 sc, sc2tog) twice, change to blue, sc in 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in 5 sc, change to yellow, sc in 3 sc, sc2tog, sc in 2 sc, change to blue, sc in 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in 4 sc, change to yellow, sc in 2 sc, sc2tog, sc in 7 sc (15 sc at the end of rnd 25)
Begin stuffing.

Rnd 26: (sc in 3 sc, sc2tog) 3 times (12sc) Sc in 6 sc, change to blue,

Sl st in next st, cut-off yellow yarn, continue on with blue yarn.

Tail

Rnd 1: ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in 1st sc to join (12 sc)

Rnd 2: ch 1, (sc in sc, 2 sc in next) repeat around, sl st to join (18 sc)

Rnd 3: ch 1, 2 sc in sc, sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in 7 sc, 2 sc in last sc, join ( 22 sc)

Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in 5 sc, sl st in next sc, sc in 10 sc, sl st in next, sc in 5 sc, join (22 sts)

Rnd 5: ch 2, dc in same st, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in sl st, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2, (2 dc in next sc) twice, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in sl st, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2, 2 dc in last sc, join (26 sts)

Cut off yarn, leaving enough length for sewing. Sew the tail end to close.

Fins (make 2) 

Row 1: Cn 7, turn, sl st in top loops only, from the 2nd ch from hook and next 5 chs, turn..
Row 2: Ch 1, sl st in 3 sts, sc in next 2 st, sc and hdc in last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sl st in 1 st, sc in 3 sts, sl st in 3 sts, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sl st in 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sl st in 6 sts. Fasten off leaving 12 inches for sewing.
Sew about 3 sts below the first blue stripe.

Top Flap
Row 1: Ch 16 for base, *ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 2 ch, sc in next**, turn and sl st in the 2nd sc from hook, turn, repeat from * to **, sl st on the sc in base, hdc in the next ch, repeat * to **, dc on the same st where hdc was made, dc in next 7 chs, hdc in 3 chs, sc in 2 chs, sl st in 2 chs, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, skip the 1st sl st, sl st in next, sl st in 2 sc, sc in 3 hdc, hdc in 4 dc, dc in 4 dc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2, hdc in 3 sts, sc in next, sl st in next. Fasten off leaving 12 inches for sewing.
Sew across top of head and body.

Mouth
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring
Rnd 2: (1 sc, 2 sc in next) 3 times (9sc)
Rnd 3:2 sc in each sc (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 5, skip 5 sc, sc in next 13 sc, 5 sc in ch 5 space, sl st in next sc. Fasten off leaving 18 inches for sewing.

Cheeks (make 2)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring
Rnd 2: (1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next) 3 times (9sc)
Rnd 3: (1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next) 3 times, sl st in next sc (12 sc)
Fasten off leaving 12 inches for sewing.

Eyes (make 2)
With crochet thread and 1.75 (or 1.5 mm) hook,
Rnd 1: With black, 6 sc in magic ring.
Rnd 2, change to green, (2 sc in sc, sc in next) 3 times.
Rnd 3: change to white, 2 sc in sc, sc in next 2 sc) twice, change to black, sl st in remaining sts. Fasten off white, leaving 12 inches for sewing and for embroidering the dot in the pupil. Fasten off black leaving 18 inches for sewing and embroidering of eyebrow.


Update: April 13, 2020
Finished another flounder for my 6yr. old niece today...while we are on quarantine.

The Little Mermaid Crochet

My granddaughter likes Disney Movies. She loves to sing the theme songs, dress up in Princess costumes and play with character dolls. So I wanted to surprise her - I planned to make some dolls and other characters in the Disney movies...and this is the first one I finished:

Little Mermaid Crochet

Based mainly on this pattern. This is made from cotton thread using 1.75mm hook...so it took a while to finish. My granddaughter got excited when she saw it for the first time. I also finished a Flounder amigurumi and have yet to surprise her with it...

Flounder Amigurumi

Free crochet pattern for Flounder, now published here.

Lion Handpuppet - free crochet pattern

Lion Hand-puppet
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2018
This pattern can only be found on this link:
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2018/06/lion-handpuppet-free-crochet-pattern.html

Materials
Worsted weight yarn - Color A - lighter color (for mouth, cheeks and chin) about 50gms; Color B - darker color (for nose, head and neck), about 100gms
Crochet hook size 4mm and 3.5mm (for the nose only)
Polyester fiberfill
Felt fabric - small amounts black, white and pink (for eyes, eyebrows, ears, nostrils, inside of mouth, tongue and teeth)
Sewing needle and thread
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Crochet Gauge: 9 sts = 2 inches

Note: Ch 2 at the beginning of rnds does not count as a stitch.
This pattern provides complete written instruction for the crochet parts. Only general instructions for sewing and finishing with felt parts, are provided.

Lower mouth
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 10 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (10 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (20 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (30 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc).
Rnds 5-7: Repeat rnd 4 (30 dc).
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Upper Mouth
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (12 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (24 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (36 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (36 dc).
Rnds 5-8: Repeat rnd 4 (36 dc).
Attaching the lower mouth
After rnd 8, ch 1, take the lower mouth put it on top of the upper mouth, with right sides together,  sc the two parts together on the next 12 stitches. (12 sc) (see pic below)
Fasten off.

Head
Using color B, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 15 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (15 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (30 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (40 dc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (40 dc)
Rnd 6: Repeat rnd 5 (40 dc).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (48 dc).
Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).
Join mouth to the head
Ch 1, put the upper mouth on top of the head matching the last round of sts, sc the two parts together on the next 16 stitches (16 sc) (see pic below)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, dc in 32 dc of head, sc in next 16 sc, sl st on 1st dc to join (32 dc, 16 sc).
Rnd 10: Ch 2, (dc in 7 dc, 2 dc in next) 4 times dc in remaining sts, join (52 dc).
Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc in 36 dc, ch 20, skip the next 16 dc, do not join (36 dc).
Rnd 12: Dc in 1st dc of rnd 11 (see pic below), dc in next 35 dc, sl st on the 3rd ch.
Join head to lower mouth
Hold the bottom of mouth and sc together each ch and each of the next 16 sts (centered) on the bottom of mouth, sl st on 1st dc to join. (36 dc,16 sc).
Rnd 13: Ch 2, (dc in 7 dc, dc2tog) 4 times, sc in the next 16 sc, join with sl st on the 1st dc of this rnd (32 dc, 16 sc).
Rnd 14: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join (48 dc).
Rnd 15: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).

Rnds 16-21: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).

Nose 
Using color B and 3.5mm hook, start with magic ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 5 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (5 dc).
Rnds 2-4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (5 dc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, join (10 dc).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, join (20 dc)
Rnds 7-8: Repeat rnd 6.
Rnd 9: Ch 2, (dc in dc, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (30 dc)
Rnds 10-11: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc)

Rnd 12: Ch 1, (sc in 3 sts, hdc in 3, dc in next, tr in next, dc in next, hdc in 3, sc in 3) twice, join (30 sts).

Fasten off. 

Nostrils: Attach color A in back loop only on the 2nd st from the end of rnd 12. Work the next sts in back loop only of previous rnd, ch 1, hdc in 3 sts, dc in 3 sts, 2 tr in tr st, dc in 3 sts, hdc in 3 sts.

Fasten off. Stuff nose lightly and sew nostril to the opposite edge of rnd 12 to close.

Cheeks (make 2)
Using color A, start with magic ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 1, 10 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (10 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 dc in each dc, join (20 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (1 dc in dc, 2 dc in next dc), repeat around, join (30 dc).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. 

Chin
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 7 dc in ring, turn (7 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next 5 dc, dc in last dc, turn (12 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) 5 times, dc in last dc, turn (17 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (17 dc)
Leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly and sew edges to under the mouth.

Assembly and Finishing
1. Position the nose starting just below the 3rd rnd of head, sew in place. Cut out nostril tip with black felt, sew in place.
2. Position cheeks, stuff with fiberfill and sew.
3. Cut out black felt to the shape of the inside of mouth for top and bottom. Cut out the tongue from light pink felt. Sew each part.

cut from felt fabric

Mouth joining

join mouth to head

lion and hippo

Crochet for kids

When I saw my granddaughter delighted with a dolphin designed candle-holder (that she didn't hold for she knows its breakable), I thought of making her this pair of dolphins, a mama and a baby dolphin that she can easily hold and play with. I was right, she loved playing with it.

amigurumi dolphins

Little kids are easy to please - make them a toy and they will surely be delighted. However, they also get easily attracted to new toys and after a short while get bored with their old toys. This doesn't discourage me from making toys for my granddaughter...I just make sure she'll like what I make, and she won't find anything else like it. Hopefully she will remember how much she enjoyed what I made for her when she's grown up.

nana made me toy dolphins

When my sons make a request for me to make them something, I really try my best to do so...since they don't often make requests. So, recently my son wanted a hand-puppet animal for him and my granddaughter to play with. They both liked watching the Madagascar movies and so he asked if I could make the 4 animals who starred in the movie. Ok I said, not knowing how to go about it. What is the most loved animal there - the lion, of course. I could first make that and see how it goes. After a lot of experimenting, I was happy with the final result. Everyone thinks its good...my granddaughter will be so surprised when she sees it for the first time.

Crocheted Lion of Madagascar Handpuppet

Crochet Kits for the young and young-at-heart

I've just discovered these crochet kits - all the goodness of your favorite characters, materials and patterns, all in one package!

Are you a fan of Peanuts cartoons? Want to have your own Charlie Brown, Sally, and the rest of the gang come alive in crochet? Here they are in this crochet kit/book package that you can now order from The Book Depository!

more details on The Book Depository

And this caught my eye - Disney Frozen Crochet Kit, includes all the materials for two projects and pattern book for 12 characters! Available now for pre-order at The Book Depository.

Disney Frozen Crochet

Another irresistible set of characters come alive in Disney Classic Crochet. Materials for two characters are included in the package.

All that and more from The Book Depository.

Humpty Dumpty Crochet Puzzle Toy

I stumbled upon this free pattern from Book People Studio (details on Ravelry).
I had so much fun with this project! (details here.) I'll be giving this to my 17-mo-old nephew, and will be making another one for my 2 yr old nephew ;)

humpty dumpty crochet

I followed the pattern except for the arms and legs which got a total makeover.

Arms (make 2)
Rnd 1: (Hand) With white, 6 sc in magic ring Rnd 2: dec 1 sc (5) Rnd 3: Change color to red, sl st in next sc, ch 13, sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in each ch, sl st in next 2 sc of hand, turn. (12) Rnd 4: Sc in each sc across, ch 1 turn (12), Rnd 5: Sc in each sc across, sl st in next 2 sc of hand (12) Rnd 6: join edge of rnd 3 with edge of rnd 5 with sl st on each st. FO, leaving enough tail for sewing.

Legs (make 2)
Rnd 1: (shoe) Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in next 2 chs, 3 sc in last ch, on the other side of foundation ch, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st (10) Rnd 2: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc (16) Rnd 3: working in back loops only, sc in each sc (16) Rnd 4: sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, 2 times, sc in next 6 sc (14)Rnd 5: sc in next 4 sc, sc3tog, 2 times, sc in next 4 sc (10) Rnd 6: sc in each sc (10) Rnd 7: working in front loops only, sc in each sc (10)stuff shoe Rnd 8: working in back loops of rnd 6, sc 5 times skipping every other sc (5) Change color to blue, sl st in next sc, Rnd 9: ch 19, sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in each ch, sl st in next 2 sc of shoe, turn. (18)Rnd 10: Sc in each sc across, ch 1 turn (18), Rnd 11: Sc in each sc across, sl st in next 2 sc of shoe (18) Rnd 12: join edge of rnd 9 with edge of rnd 11 with sl st on each st. FO, leaving enough tail for sewing.

Hello Kitty Crochet

Hello Kitty Crochet

My order is on its way! I can't wait to tell you about this cute little amigurumi crochet book, which I pre-ordered from The Book Depository several weeks ago. Its now available and my copy will soon arrive in the mail. Remember, the price on The Book Depository site already includes shipping worldwide, so I guess its the best place to order books.
Hello Kitty Crochet is all about Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends depicted in the art of amigurumi (Japanese for crocheted dolls). Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or just a beginner, you’ll find helpful tips and how-tos for creating the dolls and its accessories. If you're into amigurumi and love Hello Kitty characters, you'll love this book. It was released in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Japan’s most famous kitty.

More crochet projects for February

Here is another projects update!
From hats to cellphone cases, now here are some scrunchies ;)

Two scrunchies I finished in two days. I love this pattern by Moira, the resulting crochet fabric is exactly what I want for a scrunchie - not too lacey or frilly and not too thick. And as a bonus, Moira invented a way to unlock the finishing seam so you can replace the garter when it is worn out. As we know crochet is very durable, but the elastic inside can wear out and will need to be replaced. This is the ultimate scrunchie pattern, try  it and see for yourself!

Now back to cellphone cases, I just finished another one!
I love the animal theme and I love the natural colors...I'll try to make more variations.
Here's my bear cellphone case:

Can't help but say, its soooo cute!

Another puppy cellphone case

Finished another puppy cellphone case and made it pose on the scanner...hehe. 

While I intended to make items to sell, I'm not making much progress since I've been making stuff that I could use myself. Both of these puppy cellphone cases are protecting my two cheap cellphones ;)

Puppy with heart cellphone case

While browsing online, I saw some cute cellphone cases. I got inspired and went on to crochet with one of the animal design inspiration in mind. Here is what I made:

Construction starts at the bottom, and continues in a spiral to the top, then ears and handle is crocheted continuously. The paws, muzzle,and eyelids are crocheted separately and sewed in place. Then a tiny heart is sewed on its hand.
It could even stand on its own, though I really didn't plan on making it that way ;)

The Year 2011 in Crochet Stuff

First of all, Happy New Year everyone! Thank you once again for your continued support :)

Its been a long while...I took a little trip down memory lane. I went to the Internet Archives and found a view of my old blog:
http://web.archive.org/web/20051231102443/http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/

and here's a not so far away flashback:
http://web.archive.org/web/20080512203610/http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/

Hmm...looks like not much has changed in appearance, since I started in 2005. But I did work on a lot of crochet stuff, when life didn't get in the way :p I have a lot more free patterns now, a lot more published patterns and more patterns for sale :)

Here are some statistics:

Blog followers: 304
Likes me on Facebook: 409
Ravelry Designs: 88
Ravelry Projects: 458
Free patterns: 34
Self-published patterns: 83
Printed patterns by Coats Manila Bay: 7
Published pattern in a magazine: 1
Published patterns in a book: 2
Published in Crochet Calendar: 5 yrs.
Total patterns sold on Ravelry since May 2008: xxx
Total patterns sold on Etsy since Nov 2007: xxx
Total blog visits since May 2005: 1,021,728
Total page views is 1,972,841
Blog advertising income received in 2011: $xxx.

Well, there's still a lot of room for improvement; I'm showing the numbers for comparison at the end of 2012. Hopefully I will get rich in 2012...haha!
As this year ends, I'm just thankful that I'm still doing what I love to do, and promise myself to devote more time to my designs and to teaching and sharing crochet whenever the opportunity comes.

Here's another look at my crochet designs and projects in 2011:

Striped Scarf with Knotted Fringe

Summer Shells Scarf
     free pattern

Lacey Shrug project

Crochet-covered button

     free pattern   

Summer Crochet Band  - free pattern

 

Mini Booties Souvenir

     free pattern

     Blooming Flower Motif Shrug

Flower Accent - free pattern

Coin Bracelet
     free pattern

Dachshund Amigurumi

   free pattern 

Puppy Cellphone Charm project

Scottish Terrier Amigurumi projects

Santa Dog Amigurumi projects

Christmas Star Ornament
     free pattern

I couldn't show here yet some designs I finished...hopefully those will be happily introduced in the coming months :)