Whether you want to crochet a tribute to a beloved pet, or a creepy-cute Halloween prop, these realistic amigurumi rats would be just perfect! The pattern starts with instructions for a solid color rat with standard ears, followed by the modifications for dumbo and hooded rats. I also included a simpler design for the front legs, in case you find the original version too fiddly.

Size
About 15 cm (6”) long plus 12.5 cm (5”) for the tail, if made with DK yarn

Tools and materials
~ yarn in any appropriate coat color and a skin color (pink, brown or grey) for a solid color rat; in hood color, white, pink and optionally a darker skin color for a hooded rat
~ crochet hook: 3mm (approx. US size C) if using DK yarn; or size that gives you a tight, no-gaps fabric
~ 7.5mm black or red safety eyes
~ fiberfill stuffing
~ stitch marker, pair of scissors, yarn needle, pins
~ optionally: embroidery floss in pink, brown or grey, and a large, sharp point embroidery needle

Difficulty
This pattern is suitable for intermediate level crocheters who are confident with basic stitches (sl st, sc, hdc, dc) and frequently used amigurumi techniques (magic ring, invisible decrease). The back stripe of hooded rats is added with embroidery.

The pattern is written in English using US crochet terminology (UK/Aus equivalents provided). It contains many in-progress photos, but also includes a text-only appendix for easy printing, if you prefer working from a printed pattern but want to save ink and paper.

Finished amigurumi made from this pattern are yours to keep or gift or sell, I only ask you to credit me as the designer in case you decide to sell them.

A version of this pattern, written with UK terms and containing only instructions for solid color and standard ears, appeared in the Amigurumi for Beginners magazine.