Boggle the Gumdrop Monster

After creating my first amigurumi monster, I became obsessed with cute, little monsters and wanted to make more. I began doodling (not so skillfully) in my sketchbook inanimate objects that I had around me. I guess I had been eating gumdrops because I found myself drawing small dome shapes everywhere. Then I added 2 eyes, a smile, and a lone tooth and my first rendition of Boggle was complete.

I then got to crocheting. I immediately loved how Boggle came out, but I felt that something was missing. He had no hands or feet! I kind of felt bad for the little guy. 

I decided to to add little arms so at least he would have his sense of touch. I figured that Boggle wouldn't need feet. He can use his springy, almost-gel-like body to jump around!

And now, I would love for you all to finally meet Boggle the Gumdrop Monster!


PATTERN                              

Note: I use the magic ring to start my amigurumi (tutorial by June Gilbank here), but if you feel uncomfortable with this technique, you can chain 2 and start the round in the 2nd chain from your hook.

Materials Needed:
F hook
Worsted weight yarn in orange, white, and black
8mm safety eyes
White felt
Your choice of stuffing. I use polyester fiberfill
Cardboard
Pencil
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Fabric glue or white embroidery thread

Abbreviations:
sc: single crochet
inc: 2 single crochet in 1 stitch
dec: single crochet 2 stitches together
*...*: repeat anything in between
(#): # of stitches in each round
FO: Finish off.

Body:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *inc* (12)
Rnd 3: *sc, inc* (18)
Rnd 4: *2 sc, inc* (24)
Rnd 5: *3 sc, inc* (30)
Rnd 6-8: *sc* (30)
Rnd 9: *4 sc, inc* (36)
Rnd 10-13: *sc* (36)
Rnd 14: *11 sc, inc* (39)
F/O. Weave in tails.

Base:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *inc* (12)
Rnd 3: *sc, inc* (18)
Rnd 4: *2 sc, inc* (24)
Rnd 5: *3 sc, inc* (30)
Rnd 6: *4 sc, inc* (36)
Rnd 7: *11 sc, inc* (39)
F/O. Leave long tail to sew together base and body.

Arms: Make 2
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)
Rnd 2: * sc, inc* (6)
F/O. Leave tail to sew to body.

Eyes: Make 2
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *inc* (12)
Rnd 3: *sc, inc* (18)
Rnd 4-6: *sc* (18) Attach safety eyes between rounds 4 and 5.
Rnd 7: *sc, dec* (12)
Stuff. F/O. Leave tail to sew to body.

Attachment:
1. Embroider smile with black yarn onto the body. My smile is between rounds 11 and 12 and 5 stitches apart. The outer curves are 2 stitches apart and go diagonally up 1 round. (Basic smile tutorial made by me using another one of my amigurumi patterns can be found here. Scroll down to see it.)

2. Use the base to trace a circle onto a piece of cardboard. Cut circle out. This will be used to keep Boggle's bottom flat.

3.- Using the tail of the base, begin sewing the base and body together. Be consistent! I recommend using a whip stitch to sew through either both loops or only the front loops of the base and body.
  - When half way done sewing, start stuffing the body. Insert cardboard circle between stuffing and base. Continue sewing and stuffing until completely closed. Weave tail into body and F/O.

4. Sew eyes to body. The top of my eyes are sewn around rounds 5 and 6 of the body. Weave tail into body and F/O.

5. Sew arms to body. My arms are between rounds 11 and 12.Weave tail into body and F/O.

6. Cut a triangle out of the white felt and glue or sew onto the smile.

There you have it! Your very own Boggle the Gumdrop Monster! I hope you enjoyed this pattern.