I just can’t get enough hugs from George The Koala, he is so squishy and fluffy!

This amigurumi is a very nice cuddly toy size, and works up very quickly with a 4.5mm hook and baby blanket yarn. When made with same yarns as the sample (details below) he will measure 27cm/11inches tall and 23cm/9inch wide at the ears. Mixing the different textured yarns for the body, tummy and ear trim creates an unusual and super-huggable toy.

The pattern is written in US crochet terms with added charts for the flat elements. The main body, head, legs and arms are worked in a round and joined seamlessly to minimise the sewing. There are lots of step by step photos detailing how to make the pieces and sew together the toy.

You’ll need to know how to:

• make a magic ring
• work in a round
• single crochet
• increase/decrease
• invisible decrease
• half double crochet
• work in back loops or front loops only
• chain stitch
• slip stitch

To make a grey koala you will need:

• 1 ball (about 210m/230 yards or 70gr) Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny - Gray Owl colour
• 20g King Cole Cuddles Chunky - White
• 5g Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake DK Elephant Grey
• 5g DMC Natura Just Cotton Noir (4-ply)
• 4.5mm hook
• 3.5mm hook
• 4 black koala claws (look for them on Etsy or Ebay or make in black yarn instead)
• 10mm black safety eyes
• LOTS of Toy Stuffing
• 4 Stitch Markers or Safety Pins
• Darning Needle
• Sewing Needle
• Scissors
• Wire brush to fluff up the textured yarn at the end

Alternative colourway details are included in the materials list on the pattern.

I would love to see your koala - tag with #irenestrange and #amigurumihugs to share the hugs on Instagram!