Arnold Shortman Amigurumi brings the iconic “football head” from Hey Arnold! to life in a charming, handcrafted form. This delightful crocheted rendition perfectly captures Arnold’s unique look: his signature blonde hair (often described as resembling a football), those large, expressive eyes, and his classic red and yellow striped shirt with blue pants. Every detail, from his slightly upturned nose to the tiny blue cap and red and white sneakers, is meticulously crafted. This charming Arnold amigurumi is more than just a toy; it’s a nostalgic piece of animated history, ideal for display or gifting to a fellow fan of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon.
Crafting Your Hey Arnold Shortman Amigurumi
For those eager to recreate this beloved protagonist, embarking on an Arnold Shortman Amigurumi project offers a rewarding and fun challenge. While a specific pattern isn’t provided, observing the image reveals the intricate shaping and color work involved. The head and body are likely worked in continuous rounds of single crochet, forming his distinct proportions. The real artistic challenge lies in perfecting his iconic hair, which appears to be crafted from multiple crocheted pieces strategically attached to create his unique “football head” look. Color changes for his striped shirt, blue pants, and two-toned shoes are essential for accuracy. With careful attention to detail and a love for the character, crocheters can bring this kind-hearted city kid to life, stitch by heartwarming stitch.
Pattern Here
Arnold Shortman Amigurumi Pattern: Hey, It’s Crochet Time!
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (due to hair detail)
Finished Size: Approximately [X] inches / [Y] cm tall (when made with specified yarn and hook).
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn in:
- Light Beige/Skin Tone (head, nose, ears, arms)
- Gold/Mustard Yellow (hair, shirt details)
- Red (shirt, shoes)
- Blue (pants, cap)
- White (shoe laces/soles, eye whites if crocheted)
- Black (pupils, smile, eyebrows)
- Crochet hook: [Hook Size, e.g., 3.0mm (D) or 3.5mm (E)] – adjust as needed to achieve tight stitches without gaps.
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Safety eyes: [Size, e.g., 8mm or 9mm round]
- Scissors
- Optional: Wire for internal neck support (for stability of head)
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: single crochet increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec: single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
- sl st: slip stitch
- FO: Fasten off
- st(s): stitch(es)
- […] : repeat instructions in brackets
- (…) : stitch count at the end of the round/row
- BLO: Back Loop Only
- FLO: Front Loop Only
Important Notes:
- This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, unless stated otherwise, to maintain shape.
- Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will ensure a neat finish and good proportions.
- Color changes should be made on the last pull-through of the previous stitch for a cleaner transition.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
Head (Light Beige/Skin Tone Yarn)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Round 2: [Inc] x6. (12)
- Round 3: [Sc, inc] x6. (18)
- Round 4: [2 sc, inc] x6. (24)
- Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x6. (30)
- Round 6: [4 sc, inc] x6. (36)
- Round 7: [5 sc, inc] x6. (42)
- Rounds 8-15: Sc in each st around. (42)
- Round 16: [5 sc, dec] x6. (36) – Insert safety eyes between Rounds [12 and 13], approximately [8-10] stitches apart.
- Round 17: [4 sc, dec] x6. (30) – Start stuffing firmly here.
- Round 18: [3 sc, dec] x6. (24)
- Round 19: [2 sc, dec] x6. (18)
- Round 20: [Sc, dec] x6. (12)
- Round 21: [Dec] x6. (6)
- FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.
Hair (Gold/Mustard Yellow Yarn)
- Hair Base (fits over head):
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Round 2: [Inc] x6. (12)
- Round 3: [Sc, inc] x6. (18)
- Round 4: [2 sc, inc] x6. (24)
- Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x6. (30)
- Round 6: [4 sc, inc] x6. (36)
- Round 7: [5 sc, inc] x6. (42)
- Rounds 8-9: Sc in each st around. (42)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Hair Sections (approx. 8-10 pieces, vary size/length):
- These are worked in short rows and shaped to create the “football head” look.
- Example Piece (adjust chain length and row count for desired size):
- Ch 6.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, 4 sc. Ch 1, turn. (5)
- Row 2: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (5)
- Repeat Row 2 for 2-4 more rows, then sl st along side to create curve. FO, leaving tail for sewing.
- Create various sizes of these curved pieces. Some can be straight rows, some curved, to give that spiky, defined look.
Ears (Make 2 – Light Beige/Skin Tone Yarn)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Round 2: [Sc, inc] x3. (9)
- Round 3: Sc in each st around. (9)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pinch flat and do not stuff.
Nose (Light Beige/Skin Tone Yarn)
- Round 1: 4 sc in MR. (4)
- Round 2: [Sc, inc] x2. (6)
- Round 3: Sc in each st around. (6)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.
Body / Shirt / Pants (Start with Blue Yarn for Pants)
- Make 2 Legs first:
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Round 2: [Inc] x6. (12)
- Rounds 3-8: Sc in each st around. (12) – Adjust for desired leg length before shoes.
- FO for first leg. Do NOT FO for second leg.
- Join Legs:
- Round 9: Ch 2 from second leg, join with sl st to any stitch on first leg. Sc in 12 st on first leg, sc in 2 ch, sc in 12 st on second leg, sc in 2 ch. (28)
- Rounds 10-14: Sc in each st around. (28) – Adjust for pant height.
- Change to Red Yarn (for Shirt).
- Round 15: Sc in BLO around. (28) – This creates a cleaner line for the shirt.
- Rounds 16-24: Sc in each st around. (28) – Adjust for shirt length.
- Round 25: [5 sc, dec] x4. (24)
- Round 26: [4 sc, dec] x4. (20)
- Round 27: [3 sc, dec] x4. (16)
- Round 28: [2 sc, dec] x4. (12)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head. Stuff body firmly as you go.
Arms (Make 2 – Light Beige/Skin Tone Yarn)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Rounds 2-10: Sc in each st around. (6) – Adjust for desired arm length.
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly, leaving the top open.
Shoes (Make 2 – Red Yarn & White Yarn)
- Start with Red Yarn.
- Chain 6.
- Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Working down other side of ch: 4 sc. (11)
- Round 2: Inc, 3 sc, inc x3, 3 sc, inc x2. (17)
- Round 3: Sc in BLO around. (17) – This creates a defined sole.
- Round 4: [Sc, dec] x5, 2 sc. (12)
- Round 5: [Dec] x6. (6)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.
- White Trim: Using White yarn, sl st or sc into the FLO of Round 2 for the bottom sole detail. Or embroider small “laces” on top.
Cap (Blue Yarn)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Round 2: [Inc] x6. (12)
- Round 3: [Sc, inc] x6. (18)
- Round 4: Sc in each st around. (18)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the top dome.
Assembly:
- Attach Head to Body: Sew the head to the body. If using wire support, insert it now.
- Attach Nose: Sew the nose to the center of the face, slightly above the anticipated smile line.
- Attach Ears: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, roughly in line with the eyes.
- Attach Hair: Sew the hair base onto the top of the head. Then, strategically sew the individual hair sections onto the base and head, creating Arnold’s unique “football” hairstyle. Refer to the image for placement and layering.
- Attach Cap: Sew the small blue cap to the very top center of the hair.
- Attach Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the red shirt.
- Attach Shoes: Sew the red and white shoes to the bottom of the blue legs.
- Embroider Shirt Details (Gold/Mustard Yellow Yarn):
- Collar: Create a short ch and sew around the neck opening for the collar.
- Stripes: Embroider horizontal lines or short vertical stitches on the red shirt to mimic the yellow stripe design.
- Embroider Facial Features (Black Yarn):
- Smile: Embroider a small, curved smile below the nose.
- Eyebrows: Embroider thin, slightly arched eyebrows above the safety eyes.
- Weave in all remaining loose ends securely.
Copyright and Selling:
- This pattern is for personal use only.
- Please do not sell, distribute, or reproduce this pattern in any form, in whole or in part.
- You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please give credit to [Your Name/Pattern Name] as the designer.
