A warm hello to you, my fellow artisan. It is a joy to see you back at the workbench, ready to transform a simple strand of yarn into a character with a soul. Today, we focus on Pom-Pom, a creature that embodies elegance through contrasting textures. This project is a beautiful exercise in balance—pairing the rhythmic bobble stitch with the smooth clarity of single crochet. By following my precise shaping for the chubby cheeks and maintaining the low, wide-set gaze, you will capture that soul-stirring innocence that makes a piece truly unforgettable. Let us begin our quiet work together.
About This Creation
Pom-Pom is designed to be a centerpiece of your collection. Inspired by the classic grooming of a show dog but softened for the nursery, she features a large, expressive head and a compact, sturdy body. The use of pastel tones creates a soothing aesthetic, while the varied textures provide a rich tactile experience for anyone who holds her.
Project Snapshot
🧶 Skill Level: Intermediate
🧶 Size: Approximately 14cm tall
🧶 Time: 6-8 hours
🧶 Language: English (US Terms)
Materials
🪡 2.5mm crochet hook for a tight, professional tension
🪡 Sport weight cotton yarn in White and your choice of Pastel (Purple, Pink, Mint, or Yellow)
🪡 10mm safety eyes
🪡 8mm safety nose
🪡 Fiberfill stuffing
🪡 Stitch markers and a long darning needle
🪡 Small gold charm or bell for the collar
Abbreviations
➡️ ch: chain
➡️ sc: single crochet
➡️ inc: increase
➡️ dec: invisible decrease
➡️ bo: bobble stitch (5 double crochet cluster in one stitch)
➡️ st(s): stitch(es)
The Pattern: Head
Using White yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
➡️ Round 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
➡️ Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30)
➡️ Round 6: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36)
➡️ Round 7: [5 sc, inc] x 6 (42)
➡️ Round 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6 (48)
➡️ Round 9 – 13: sc in each st (48)
➡️ Round 14 (Cheek Shaping): 15 sc, [sc, inc] x 3, 6 sc, [inc, sc] x 3, 15 sc (54)
➡️ Round 15 – 17: sc in each st (54)
➡️ Insert safety eyes between rounds 13 and 14, leaving 9 stitches between them.
➡️ Round 18: [7 sc, dec] x 6 (48)
➡️ Round 19: [6 sc, dec] x 6 (42)
➡️ Round 20: [5 sc, dec] x 6 (36)
➡️ Round 21: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30)
➡️ Round 22: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)
➡️ Stuff the head firmly, emphasizing the rounded cheek area.
➡️ Round 23: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)
➡️ Round 24: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)
➡️ Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Hair Cap (The Crown)
Using White yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: [sc, bo] x 3 (6) — Note: Work the bobble into the increase to maintain count. Let’s adjust for volume.
➡️ Round 2: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 3: [sc, bo in same st, sc] x 6 (18)
➡️ Round 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
➡️ Round 5: [sc, bo] x 12 (24)
➡️ Round 6: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30)
➡️ Round 7: [sc, bo] x 15 (30)
➡️ Round 8: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36)
➡️ Round 9: [sc, bo] x 18 (36)
➡️ Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Ears (Make 2)
Using Pastel yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 3: [sc, bo] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 4: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
➡️ Round 5: [sc, bo] x 9 (18)
➡️ Round 6: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
➡️ Round 7 – 9: [sc, bo] x 12 (24)
➡️ Round 10: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)
➡️ Round 11: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)
➡️ Fasten off. Do not stuff. Flatten the ear before sewing.
Snout
Using White yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 3: [3 sc, inc] x 3 (15)
➡️ Round 4: sc in each st (15)
➡️ Insert safety nose between rounds 2 and 3. Fasten off.
Body
Using White yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
➡️ Round 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
➡️ Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30)
➡️ Round 6 – 12: sc in each st (30)
➡️ Round 13: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)
➡️ Round 14: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)
➡️ Stuff firmly. Fasten off.
Legs (Make 4)
Starting with Pastel yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 3: [sc, bo] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 4: [sc, bo] x 6 (12)
➡️ Change to White yarn.
➡️ Round 5 – 10: sc in each st (12)
➡️ Fasten off. Stuff firmly.
Tail
Using White yarn.
➡️ Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
➡️ Round 2: sc in each st (6)
➡️ Change to Pastel yarn.
➡️ Round 3: [inc] x 6 (12)
➡️ Round 4: [sc, bo] x 6 (12)
➡️ Fasten off.
Assembly Instructions
✨ Sew the Snout to the center of the face, positioned between the eyes.
✨ Place the Hair Cap on top of the head and sew securely around the edge.
✨ Attach the Ears to the sides of the Hair Cap between rounds 4 and 8.
✨ Sew the Head to the Body, ensuring the neck is reinforced with extra stuffing for stability.
✨ Position the four Legs on the underside of the body so the poodle stands evenly.
✨ Attach the Tail to the back of the body.
