March 2020 UPDATE:
With many thanks to the group Learn Amigurumi Crochet With Us on faceook, this pattern has been chosen by the admins there for a CAL.(crochet-along). Thank you admins!
Please visit that group's page for more info regarding CAL # 47.
PS:
I heard that they are also planning a CAL with the Catbus this year too!
This Totoro pattern is larger, approximately 6 inches tall depending on materials used, than the other Totoro patterns I have available. Read more about my other patterns below.
To clear up any confusion,
I made the grey Totoro, pictured above, to go with the Catbus but after I published that pattern I wanted a smaller Totoro, seen in the video clip below, that would fit inside the Catbus.
A bit later on I added the Soot Sprites and a tiny white Totoro to make it a set.
All sizes of Totoro go nicely with the Catbus,
But if you want one that fits inside then, go to pattern #2 in the link list below, use the same weight yarn and a smaller hook as you use for the Bus or just use a lighter weight yarn so that it will fit without too much squeezing.
Other patterns available:
In 2015 I designed Nesting Totoros using plastic Easter Eggs.
I also designed a large Sootball worker (link #4) that has nothing to do with the Catbus or any of the Totoro's pictured. It's a stand alone pattern that's too large to go with any of my Totoro patterns.
Pattern links numbered as is numbered in the photo below.
I hope this additional info has helped!
Scroll down this page for the Totoro pictured below. This is the one being used for CAL 47.
Abbreviations:
st = stitch
sc = single crochet
2tog = 2 stitches together
ch1 = chain one
sl st = slip stitch
f/o = finish off
What I used to make Totoro:
grey worsted weight yarn medium #4
cream colored or off-white worsted weight yarn medium #4
9mm black safety eyes
3.75mm hook
Pieces of Felt
yarn needle
hot glue
Magic ring:
Parts of this amigurumi begin with a magic ring. I have 2 short video tutorials that will show you 2 different methods of making a magic ring. Use the one that is easiest for you. View 1st method here and 2nd method here.
How to read the rows:
Add a maker at the end of row 2 and move that marker each time you finish a row. Each row has a sequence. Example: 1sc then 2sc in next st means repeat that sequence 1sc then 2sc in next st followed by 1sc then 2sc in next st over and over to the end of that row. When you land on the marker you should be putting in 2sc. If it is a decreasing row then you should be crocheting 2tog when you land on the marker. The number inside the parentheses ( ~ ) is the number of stitches you should have at the end of that particular row.
How to print the pattern:
Click here to find out how to print it off for free.
Body: with grey yarn
1) magic circle with 6sc (6)
2) 2sc in each st (12)
3) 1sc then 2sc in next st (18)
4) 1sc in next 2st then 2sc in next st (24)
5) 3sc in first 2st then 1sc in next 10st (32)
6-12) 1sc in each st for 7 rows
13) 1sc in next 3st then 2sc in next st (40)
14) 1sc in each st
15) 1sc in next 7st then 2sc in next st (45)
16-22)1sc in each st for 7 rows
23) 1sc in next 7st then 2tog (40)
24) 1sc in each st
25) 1sc in next 3st then 2tog (32)
26) 1sc in each st
27) 1sc in next 6st then 2tog (28)
start stuffing doll and shape as you stuff
28) 1sc in next 5st then 2tog (24)
29) 1sc in next 4st then 2tog (20)
30) BLO 1sc in next 3st then 2tog (16)
stuff some more. It will take lots of stuffing and push stuffing towards the sides of the body closer to the bottom of Totoro to make his shape more fat at the bottom. It's always a good idea to keep a picture of the actual character to refer to as you stuff and shape
31) 1sc in next 2st then 2tog (12)
32) 2tog 6 times then f/o. Use a yarn needle to close up any remaining gap then hide yarn tail inside body.
Tummy: with off white or cream color yarn
1) magic circle with 6sc (6)
2) 2sc in each st (12)
3) 1sc in next st, 2sc in next st (18)
4) 1sc in next 2st, 2sc in next st (24)
5) 1sc in next 3st, 2sc in next st (30)
6) 1sc in next 4st, 2sc in next st (36)
7) 1sc in next 5st, 2sc in next st (42)
8) 1sc in each st
sl st into next st and f/o leaving long tail for sewing.
Use a yarn needle and grey yarn to put in the markings in as pictured. Sew piece to body when done. The top edge of the tummy should be sewn at the top edge of the 13th row of Totoro's body. Hide yarn tails in body
ARMS: with grey yarn
1) magic circle with 6sc (6)
2) 2sc in each st (12)
3) 1sc in next 5st then 2sc in next st (14)
4-8) 1sc in each for 5 rows
9) 1sc in next 5st then 2tog (12)
10-11) 1sc in each for 2 rows
12) ch1 and turn, 1sc in next 6st
f/o leaving long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff lower part of arm and sew the top of the arm to the top of the 13th row of Totoro's body.
Hide yarn tails in body.
EARS: with grey yarn
1) magic circle with 6sc (6)
2) 1sc in each st
3) 2sc in each st (12)
4-7) 1sc in each st for 4 rows
8) 2tog 6 times (6)
stuff and shape
9-10) 1sc in each for 2 rows
sl st into next st and f/o leaving long tail for sewing. It is easier to pin the ears in place then sew them in once you are happy with the placement. Hide yarn tails in body
Tail: with grey yarn
1) magic circle with 6sc (6)
2) 2sc in each st (12)
3) 1sc in each st
4) 1sc in next st, 2sc in next st (18)
5) 1sc in each st
6) 1sc in next 2st, 2sc in next st (24)
7) 1sc in each st
8) 1sc in next 2st then 2tog (18)
9) 1sc in each st
sl st into next st and f/o leaving long tail for sewing.
It is easier to partially sew the tail in place then stuff. Finish sewing tail on then hide yarn tail in body
Eyes, Nose and Mouth:
I found a penny a great template for the white parts of the eyes. Place a penny over white felt, trace and then cut. Fold circle in half and snip a tiny slit with scissors. Push a 9mm black safety eye through the slit and then place the stem of the safety eye in between the 7th and 8th row. If you are happy with the spacing and placement then hot glue in place. I found it easier to dab some hot glue on the stem of the eye first, push into head then carefully hot glue the felt down.
With black yarn go through the side of the head as shown, whip stitch a nose in, put a small stitch in for the mouth then carry your yarn back out through the same hole you went into on the side of the head, knot the 2 yarn tails off and hide them inside the body
Why donating is important and my thank you here.