Klara originally was born back in 2013. It was part of my advent calendar back then and it was published bit by bit.
However I never was completely satisfied with her eyes and at some point back then I just lost interest in her. This eyes made me crazy. The pattern was available for nearly two years – still without eyes. These were only published on the blog, but never made it into the pdf.
So I decided to take the pattern down, until I would finally make new pictures, with eyes on the doll. And what can I tell you? Life! It just stopped me, I’m so sure that all of you know this. You plan to do something and then you just forget about it. Over and over again.
(I’ve recently read a nice text about this: you know when you enter a room and you wanted to do something and then you just forget about it? at that same moment there were aliens in the room with you, and then the Men in Black appeared, fought off the alien, then they neuralyzed you. That’s how you forgot..) Just a little site note, but I found it funny.
Well I don’t think I got neuralyzed over and over again to forget about Klara. I actually was reminded quite often of her. I never had so many questions on a pattern before. So many of you guys asked me about her disappearance and if Klara will be live again someday, TODAY is this day 🙂
for the abbreviations I use in this pattern please read here
Klara is worked in classic amigurumi style, which means in a long spiral round, never join a round after finishing one. Also I like my amigurumi to be worked through both loops (whereas I know couple fellow amigurumi makers who prefer the back loop only). So do whatever you like best.
Size | yarn | hook
I used catania yarn from Schachenmayr and my beloved 3.5 mm hook. My Klara mermaid is about 16 cm from top to bottom (and about 22c, when I stretch her tail to the maximum)
So, your little mermaid will be the size you choose, go with bigger yarn and a bigger hook and you will get a bigger mermaid. If you decide to go smaller, of course your Klara will be smaller, as easy as this right?
Easy or difficult?
Well, I would think intermediate. I write my patterns stitch by stitch, quite similar to knitting patterns actually. If you are familiar with my patterns you might think this is easy, as you only need the classic single crochet and slip stitch throughout most of the pattern. But it takes concentration so I think intermediate is quite fair 🙂
Final tip!!
use a stitch marker! I never give stitch count at the end of a round. All stitches are written to reach the end of the row. So if you are left with stitches before you reach the end please check you stitches.
I love to use a small piece of scrap yarn (I prefer pearl yarn, it stays unfuzzy pretty long) for marking my rounds. Another plus with scrap yarn, they don’t bulk the stitches around them and I can always choose a contrasting color.
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Sooo, the little amigurumi mermaid Klara – – the pattern:
Tail
Fins – make 2
1 – – make a double magic ring with 4 sc
2 – – m2 x2, sc2tog
3 – – sc1, m2x2, sc2
4 – – sc2, m2x3, sc2
5 – – sc4, m2x3, sc3
6 – – sc2tog, sc4, m2x3, sc3, hdc1
7 – – hdc2, sc1, slst9, sc1, hdc2
8 – – hdc2tog, hdc1, sc3, sc2tog, sc1, sc2tog, sc2, hdc2tog
9 – – hdc1, hdc2tog, sc1, slst5, sc2tog
10 – – sc1, sc2tog x2, sc2, sc2tog
- In row 10 on first fin: sc1, sc2tog x2, sc2__you will stop two stitches before the marker, secure the loop, cut yarn about ten inches and start the second fin
- Don’t cut the yarn on the second fin. Now it’s time to crochet both parts together and start on the tail itself.
- Continue on fin #2 with row 11 and add the first fin when indicated: just put the loop on the hook and keep crocheting
11 – – sc3, put the loop of first fin onto hook as well, sc2tog, sc4 – now continue to crochet on former second fin with sc2 – only use the last two sts before the marker, which means to leave 1 stitch of each fin untouched.
12 – – sc2, sc2tog, sc3, sc2tog, sc1
- if you want to switch colors for fin and main tail like in the front picture, do so now
13 – – sc8
14 – – m2, sc2, slst4, sc1
15 – – sc9
Use yarn end of first fin to sew the little gap between both fins together
16 – – sc2, m2, sc1, slst5
17 – – sc10
18 – – sc2, m2, sc2, slst5
19 – – slst1, sc2, m2, sc7
20 – – sc3, m2, sc2, m2, slst5
21 – – slst3, sc2, m2, sc6, m2, sc1
22 – – sc6, m2, sc4, slst5
23 – – slst4, sc12, m2
24 – – sc5, m2, sc4, m2, sc2, slst5
25 – – slst4, sc5, m2, sc8, m2, sc1
26 – – sc2, m2, sc13, slst6
27 – – slst5, sc14, m2, sc3
28 – – m2, sc3, m2, sc12, m2, slst6
29 – – slst8, m2, sc15, m2, sc2
30 – – sc1, m2, sc2, m2, sc15, m2, slst8
31 – – slst10, m2, sc17, m2, sc3
32 – – sc1, m2, sc5, m2, sc9, sc2tog, sc8, m2 , slst6
33 – – slst10, m2, sc22, m2, sc2
34 – – sc2, m2, sc4, m2, sc8, sc2tog, sc4, sc2tog, sc5, slst9
35 – – slst14, sc6, sc2tog, sc16
36 – – sc3, m2, sc16, sc2tog, sc4, slst11
37 – – slst17, sc1, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc10
38 – – m2, sc8, m2, sc15, slst10
39 – – slst5, chain 1, now only use the front loops: sc32
40 – – still using the front loops: sc5
Bind off the tail color with a slst
Body and Head
Now add the new body color to the back loops of R39 where you started with the single chain stitch.
See the arrow in the picture below.
The dot marks the old marker, I use pieces of wastes yarn as markers.
As you can see we are shifting the position of the marker from its the last position.
Now start in the same stitch that you attached the new color to. In R40 we will work 37 sts – it may seem like you can squeeze in 38, but this extra space results from the ch1 & BO and we won’t use this extra stitch.
40 – – slst15, sc22
41 – – sc13, sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog, sc5, slst9
42 – – slst9, sc6, sc2tog, sc2, sc2tog, sc14
43 – – sc12, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc5, slst7
44 – – slst7, sc4, sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog, sc10
45 – – sc2tog, sc9, sc2tog, sc3, sc2tog, sc5, slst6
46 – – slst6, sc3, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc8
- Stuff, take care to firmly stuff the tails end 47 (sc2, sc2tog) x6
48 – – (sc2tog, sc1) x6 49 sc12
- Stuff rest of the body
50 – – (m2, sc1) x6
51 – – (sc2, m2) x6
52 – – sc1, m2, (sc3, m2) x5, sc2
53 – – (sc4, m2) x6
54 – – sc2, m2, (sc5, m2) x5 sc3
55 – – (sc6, m2) x6
56 – – sc3, m2, (sc7, m2) x5, sc4
57 – – sc54
58 – – sc29, dc1, B3, dc1, sc22
59 – – sc54
60 – – sc4, sc2tog, (sc16, sc2tog) x2, sc12
61 – – sc51
62 – – sc12, sc2tog, (sc15, sc2tog) x2, sc3
63 – – sc48
64 – – (sc6, sc2tog) x6
65 – – sc42
66 – – sc3, sc2tog, (sc5, sc2tog) x5, sc2
67 – – (sc2tog, sc4) x6
68 – – (sc3, sc2tog) x6
- at this point, in case you want to use plastic safety eyes instead of the crocheted ones indicated below, add them now. In round 58 we made a nose, so you’ll have an idea where the front of your little mermaid is
69 – – (sc2tog, sc2) x6
70 – – (sc2tog, sc1) x6
- stuff head (and in case you need to also squeeze in some more stuffing to the body)
71 – – sc2tog x6
BO with a slst
- in case you need to, add a little more stuffing to the head and sew hole closed. Now you can either
- hide the yarn end or leave it to help fix the hair in place.
Hair
1 – – make a double magic ring with sc5, close with slst
2 – – (chain 4, slst into base of chain to form a loop, secure loop with sc1 into next sc of starting ring) x5 … you created 5 loops
3 – – (into loop: sc1, hdc2, chain 2, sc1 into second chain from hook, hdc1, sc1) slst1 into next sc of previous round to secure first fish scale * repeat everything 4 more times … now you have made 5 fish scales
4 – – from now on always work behind your created rounds of scales, (chain 4, sc1 into same stitch that you started the chains from, chain 2, sc1 into center of scale, chain 2, sc1 into stitch between scales) x4, chain 4, sc into same stitch that you started the chains from, chain 2, sc1 into center of scale, chain 1
5 – – into the loop: *(sc1, hdc3, chain 2 and sc1 into second loop from hook, hdc2, sc1) , sc1 into next ch2sp, sc1 into sc between both ch2sp, sc1 into next ch2sp * repeat 3 more times
For the 5th scale, repeat everything but only work 2 of the 3 final sc
6 – – repeat round 4
7 – – (hdc1, dc3, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, dc2, hdc1) sc1 into second sc of previous round * repeat 4 more times
8 – – (chain 3, sc1 at center of scale of previous round, chain 3, sc1 between two scales) x4, chain 3, sc1 at center of scale of previous round, chain 3, slst between two scales
9 – – (Chain 5, sc3 into next ch3sp, sc1 between both ch3sp, sc3 into next ch3sp, sc1 into sc between both scales) repeat 3 more times. For the last scale repeat everything but only sc1 into the very last ch3sp
10 – – [into loops: (dc5, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, dc4), skip 3 sc, sc1 into next sc, skip 3 sc] x5
11 – – repeat row 8
12 – – repeat row 9
13 – – repeat row 10
14 – – (chain4, sc1) x10
15 – – (chain 5, [sc4 into next ch4sp, sc1 between both ch4sp] x2) x4, for the last scale: ch3, sc4 into next ch4sp, sc1 between both ch4sp, sc1 into next ch4sp
16 – – [(tr, dc4, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, dc3, tr1), skip 4 sc, sc1 into next sc, skip 4 sc] x4, into ch3loop: (dc4, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, dc3), skip 4 sc and sc1 into nect sc
- if you wish, mark the last scale (the one made into the ch3loop) with a removable marker, this will be the front scale later and I found it easier to identify it later, when it’s marked
17 – – (ch4, sc1 at center of scale, ch4, sc1 between two scales) x3, ch4, sc1 at center of next scale – you have 7 ch4sp
18 – – turn work, into ch4sp: sc5, sc1 between ch4sp, (ch3, sc5 into ch4sp, sc1 between ch4sp) x5 – you have 5 ch3loops
19 – – turn work, start in 2nd sc from hook: slst1, sc1, [(into loop: dc4, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, dc3, skip 2 sc, sc1 into next sc, skip 2 sc) x2, into next loop: (dc1, hdc3, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, hdc2, dc1, skip 2 sc, sc1 into next sc, skip 2 sc), into last two loops: dc4, chain 2 and sc1 into second chain from hook, dc3, skip 2 sc, sc1 into next sc, skip 2 sc
BO with a slst and cut yarn – leave long enough to start sewing the hair scales to the head.
Arms
1 – – make a double ring with 6sc
2 – – m2 x6
3 – – sc3, m2, sc5, m2, sc2
4 – – sc14
5 – – sc4, B2 x2, sc4, sc2tog, sc2
6 – – sc13
right arm
7 – – sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog, sc3
8 – – sc2tog, sc9
9 – – sc3, slst5, sc2
10 – – sc2tog, sc8
11 – – sc3, slst4, sc2
12 – – sc9
- start stuffing
13 – – sc4, slst4, sc1
14 – – sc1, sc2tog, sc6
15 – – sc8
16 – – sc8
- stuff rest of arm, don’t stuff too firm, leave upper two rows un-stuffed, to sew it on. I found a flatter arm looks best here
17 – – sc2tog x4 BO with a slst
left arm
7 – – sc1, sc2tog, sc5, sc2tog, sc3
8 – – sc6, sc2tog, sc2, slst1
9 – – slst4, sc6
10 – – sc6, sc2tog, sc2
11 – – slst4, sc5
12 – – sc9
stuff hand
13 – – sc1, slst4, sc4
14 – – sc7, sc2tog
15 – – sc8
16 – – sc8
- stuff rest of arm, don’t stuff too firm, leave upper two rows un-stuffed, to sew it on I found a flatter arm looks best here
17 – – sc2tog x4 BO with a slst
Sew arms to sides of body, take care to point the thumbs in the right direction.
Eyes
make a double ring with: sc1, hdc3, sc1
pull ring closed and sew in end, leave a yarn end long enough to sew the eyes to the head
use some white to add highlights to the pupil, you can see below: (1a) pupil fresh from hook (1b) pupil wth ends woven in (2) white highlights embroidered over the short side of the pupil (3) white highlights embroidered over the long side of the pupil
Sew eyes to head
and you’re done 🙂
if you find anything strange, or have a question, please leave a comment, so I can update the pattern or add some more information 🙂 thanks, Diana
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Danielle Kellogg-Howard February 14, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Thank you, I have been waiting for this release since I found your little mermaid. I’m so excited.
Hannah (BitterSweet) February 20, 2016 at 10:16 pm
Oh wow, this is simply incredible! I’ve never seen an amigurumi doll with such shape and character. It’s incredibly generous of you to share the pattern for free.
Diana February 21, 2016 at 3:59 pm
thank you so much for your comment 🙂 it made my day
Danielle Kellogg-Howard February 24, 2016 at 9:32 pm
I have a question… When it comes to the slip stitches (I’m working on the tail right now), do you crochet through the loops they make or through the previous row that they are on top of. Thank you.
Diana February 27, 2016 at 7:27 am
Hi Danielle,
I crochet through the loops they make 🙂
Silvia March 14, 2016 at 9:42 am
So cute! Thanks for the pattern 🙂
Terry Oakley March 28, 2016 at 11:08 pm
Thank you so much!!! I too have been waiting for the re-release of this pattern since I found her on Ravelry 9 months ago . She is so cute!! And Thank you so much for sharing her for free that is very generous of you as this doll is so unique you could have easily made this a paid pattern!
Diana April 1, 2016 at 7:47 am
You are more than welcome Terry 🙂
Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback
Avivit Gai April 6, 2016 at 5:24 am
gorgeous!
tanya April 16, 2016 at 6:54 pm
Totally love how my first one came out. Awesome pattern thanks for making it. Smiles
Diana April 24, 2016 at 12:13 pm
you’re welcome 🙂 did you post any pictures online? I’d love to see it
hugs
tanya April 24, 2016 at 3:40 pm
I have pictured of her in my shop Sweetdreamies.etsy.com
Rocio Garcia June 1, 2016 at 5:17 am
So wonderful!! I just made one, with another hair. I’m in love with the little mermaid
Diana June 1, 2016 at 6:05 pm
thanks a lot Rocio 🙂
Rocio Garcia June 1, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Hi again! I’m Rocio. I’m now in my house, with my laptop. I made the seahorse in july 2015. The link that I found was: http://guiaparatejerbien.foroactivo.com/t4202-caballito-de-mar No mention to author 🙁 I want to apologize honestly. I will update my blog with the correct link to your blog and work. Sincerely yours, Rocio Garcia
Kelly Dizon Arce June 18, 2016 at 8:08 pm
This pattee is great! May i just ask if i can sell the finished product made from this pattern?
Diana June 19, 2016 at 6:59 am
Hi Kelly 🙂
yes you can sell it, just make sure to read the Q&A section, linked above and credit me as the designer 🙂
also I’d love to see your finished dolls, in case you share them online let me know 🙂
have a great sunday, Diana
Heather June 23, 2016 at 3:58 pm
I am having a little trouble understanding what to do on row 11 for the tail. After I add the loop for the first gin on the crochet hook am I sc2tog, sc4 on both the fins or just the first fin? Do I use the long tai from the first fin or the working yarn from the 2nd fin to work these crochets?
Diana June 23, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Hi Heather,
after adding the first fin back onto the hook and sc2tog you work the next stitches on the 1st fin only. This was you will be able to form a “tube” that will be the tail soon and will end in the two fins .
You don’t use the long tail, this can be stuffed into the tail later, continue using the working yarn. I try to always have as little sewing together in the end as possible.
helps? hugs, Diana
Heather June 23, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Thank you!
Niki July 30, 2016 at 7:38 am
How exactly do you see the eyes to the head so you don’t see the stitches?
Diana July 31, 2016 at 10:03 am
Hi Niki, I use the yarn end of the eyes, this way I use the same color and stitches won’t show so easily, then I go up an down always only crossing on crochet stitch. The stitches basically hide themselves when pulling a little on the yarn. I also sew into the outer stitches of the eyes and not across the actual boarder. Does this make sense?
hope so 🙂 Diana
Anna Küter January 30, 2017 at 12:05 am
Hi Diana.
Ich love this pattern and tried to make a Klara for my little girl. She’s so cute and it was love at first sight. But I had a few problems with your pattern. So I translated it into German and counted the stitches in each raw. I found a small difference in numbers of stiches in raw 32 of the tail. Have a look at it. I might be wrong, so please have a look at it.
I love your work. Thanks for sharing.
Diana January 31, 2017 at 7:33 pm
danke Anna, ich guck es mir an 🙂 thanks a lot, I’ll have a look at it
Ivana Ruth Christiana May 7, 2017 at 9:35 am
I love the character, and I will make one for a bday girl. But, I got confused to make the hair. I stopped in the beginning of row 4. I don’t know where to go. It will be very easy if you put some photos on how to do it ..♥
Bethany Wright June 26, 2017 at 9:33 am
So I love this mermaid look! I’m struggling with the hair and how to crochet behind the crocodile and have them lay flat like in your picture. Any tips? Thank you
Bethany Wright June 26, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Crocodile stitch*
Diana September 29, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Hmm, I think especially in the beginning I often just stroked the hair down, after a while the stitches arranged themselves to stay that way
Olena Huffmire August 4, 2017 at 9:44 pm
this pattern is so clever! you used scales for the hair, thats genius! =D thanks for sharing!
Natalie April 9, 2018 at 2:51 am
I am having major problems with the pattern. My mermaid seems to be coming out crooked, and a bit lumpy. I’m so confused. I would love to see a video tutorial for this mermaid, she’s so cute!!!
Natalie April 14, 2018 at 10:24 pm
I just finished Charlie the Seahorse. I tried Clara once, but failed miserably. I will not give up, I’m in live with her and have to have me for my own;) Thank you for the wonderful patterns!!!