Adorable Jimothy Raccoon Crochet: 5 Easy Steps to Perfect

There is something deeply soothing about the rhythm of crochet. A quiet evening, a small batch of yarn in hand, and the repetitive, meditative motion of counting stitches. It is a ritual that grounds us, transforming simple loops into tangible comfort. This cozy practice is the perfect backdrop for creating Jimothy the Raccoon, a charming amigurumi inspired by Seattle’s viral hometown hero. As you work through the rounds, you will find yourself not just crafting a toy, but building a connection to a character known for his joyful spirit and unique charm.

Small Details That Make It Better

One of the standout features of this pattern is the thoughtful use of kawaii safety eyes. Because Jimothy sports classic black eye patches, standard black eyes might disappear into the yarn. The kawaii style includes painted white highlights that help his eyes pop, adding a layer of sparkle and expression that brings his sweet face to life. The creator recommends holding a few pairs up to the eye patch before attaching the backs to find the perfect fit, noting that anything in the 12–16 mm range works beautifully. This attention to detail ensures that your Jimothy isn’t just a raccoon, but a character with personality.

Project Overview

Jimothy the Raccoon is a squishy, sturdy amigurumi designed to capture the essence of the real-life Seattle celebrity. With his signature mask, tiny ears, striped tail, and short legs, he is instantly recognizable. This project is perfect for animal lovers and crochet enthusiasts alike, offering a rewarding challenge with its specific assembly techniques that allow Jimothy to stand upright.

Materials

• Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Dusty Gray, Black, and White.
• Crochet Hook: Size H (5.0 mm).
• Stuffing: Polyfil Fiberfill.
• Tools: Tapestry Needle.
• Features: Kawaii Safety Eyes (approx. 14 mm) and a Black Safety Nose (15 mm).

Gauge and Finished Size

Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches wide (from tail to nose) x 7 inches tall (from ears to bottom of feet).

Note: Specific gauge measurements were not provided in the source pattern. Ensure your tension is consistent to maintain the intended shape.

Abbreviations

Note: Standard crochet abbreviations are used. The pattern utilizes SC (Single Crochet), HDC (Half Double Crochet), DC (Double Crochet), SC Decrease, and Slip Stitch.

Pattern Instructions

Body

With gray yarn:

• Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, chain 1.
• Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC).
• Round 3: 2 SC in first, SC in next, repeat around, join, chain 1 (30 SC).
• Round 4: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (30 SC).
• Round 5: 2 SC in first, SC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 1 (40 SC).
• Round 6: 2 SC in first, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (50 SC).
• Rounds 7-15: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (50 SC).
• Round 16: SC Decrease, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (40 SC).
• Rounds 17-18: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (40 SC).
• Round 19: SC Decrease, SC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 1 (30 SC).
• Rounds 20-22: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (30 SC). Start stuffing with polyfil and continue to stuff until closed.
• Round 23: SC Decrease, SC in next, repeat around, join, chain 1 (20 SC).
• Round 24: SC Decrease around (10 SC). Fasten off leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 10 stitches and pull tight to close. Set body aside until assembly.

Eye Patch

With black yarn:

• Chain 8. SC in 3rd chain from hook, SC in next 4 chains, 4 SC in last chain. Working on opposite side of foundation chain, SC in next 4 chains, 3 SC in last chain, join with slip stitch, chain 1 (16 SC).
• Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, except make only 1 SC in each of the two stitches that form the inside curve. Join with slip stitch (30 SC). Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Snout

With white yarn:

• Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 6 SC in ring, join, chain 1.
• Round 2: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (6 SC).
• Round 3: 2 SC in first, SC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 1 (8 SC).
• Round 4: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (8 SC).
• Round 5: 2 SC in first, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (10 SC).
• Round 6: 2 SC in first, SC in next 4, repeat around, join, chain 1 (12 SC).
• Round 7: SC in first 4, 2 SC in next 6, SC in last 2, join, chain 1 (18 SC).
• Round 8: SC in first 6, 2 SC in next 6, SC in last 6, join, chain 1 (24 SC).
• Rounds 9-10: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (24 SC). Fasten off leaving long tail. Place Safety Nose at tip. Set aside until assembly.

Ears (Make 2)

With gray yarn:

• Chain 5, SC in second chain from hook, HDC in next, DC in last two, chain 1, turn.
• Row 2: 2 SC in first, SC in next 2, 2 SC in top stitch of ear, SC in next 2, 2 SC in last, join in black yarn, chain 1, turn.
• Row 3: SC in each stitch, make 2 SC in the top 2 stitches of ear (12 SC). Fasten off leaving long tails for sewing.

Tail

Starting with black yarn:

• Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 6 SC in ring, join, chain 1.
• Round 2: 2 SC in first, SC in next 2, repeat around (8 SC). Join in gray yarn, chain 1.
• Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (8 SC).
• Round 4: 2 SC in first, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (10 SC).
• Round 5: 2 SC in first, SC in next 4, repeat around, join, chain 1 (12 SC).
• Round 6: 2 SC in first, SC in next 5, repeat around (14 SC). Join in black yarn, chain 1.
• Round 7: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (14 SC).
• Round 8: 2 SC in first, SC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 1 (16 SC).
• Round 9: 2 SC in first, SC in next 7, repeat around (18 SC). Join in gray yarn, chain 1 (you can fasten off the black at this point).
• Round 10: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (18 SC).
• Round 11: SC Decrease, SC in next 7, repeat around, join, chain 1 (16 SC).
• Round 12: SC Decrease, SC in next 6, repeat around, join, chain 1 (14 SC).
• Round 13: SC Decrease, SC in next 5, repeat around, join, fasten off (12 SC). Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 4)

Starting with black yarn:

• Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, chain 1.
• Round 2: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 4, repeat around, join, chain 1 (12 SC).
• Rounds 3-4: SC in each stitch around join, chain 1 (12 SC). After round 4, join in gray yarn (fasten off black), chain 1.
• Rounds 5-14: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (12 SC). Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Face

Insert the safety nose into the snout. Place the black eye patch over the front of the snout, positioning it just above the nose. Insert both safety eyes through the eye patch and the snout at the same time. This secures the eye patch in place before sewing. Now use the long black yarn tail to stitch around the outside edge of the eye patch so it lays nice and flat against the snout. Lightly stuff the snout with Polyfil.

Step 2: Attach the Snout

Position the completed snout on the larger end of the body (the side where you began with the magic ring). Instead of sewing, I found it easiest to single crochet the snout directly onto the body. Working with white yarn, insert your hook through the outer edge of the snout and into approximately Round 4 of the body. Single crochet evenly around until the snout is securely attached. Weave in the ends.

Step 3: Attach the Ears

Position the ears approximately three rounds above the top of the face. Pin them in place first before sewing so you can adjust their angle until they look even. Using a tapestry needle and the long yarn tail, stitch the bottom edge of each ear to the head, leaving the rest of the ear unstitched so it stands up naturally.

Step 4: Attach the Tail

Stuff the tail with polyfil. Pinch the opening flat and center it on the back of the body, with the tail pointing upward. Using a tapestry needle and the long yarn tail, sew the flattened opening securely to the body.

Step 5: Attach the Legs

Stuff each leg with polyfil. Pinch the tops flat. Position two legs on each side of the body near the bottom. Take your time adjusting their placement before sewing—the spacing is what allows Jimothy to stand upright. Sew each leg securely to the body.

Tips

Tip: Installing the safety eyes through both crochet pieces first makes positioning the eye patch much easier and prevents it from shifting while you sew.

FAQs

What size safety eyes should I use?

The pattern recommends approximately 14 mm kawaii safety eyes. Since kits often come in variety packs without size labels, hold a few pairs up to the eye patch before attaching the backs. Anything in the 12–16 mm range will look great.

How do I make Jimothy stand up?

Proper leg placement is key. Stuff the legs firmly, pinch the tops flat, and position two legs on each side of the body near the bottom. Ensure the spacing is even before sewing to allow him to stand upright.

Can I use a different yarn?

While Red Heart Super Saver is used in the original pattern, you can use any worsted weight yarn in gray, black, and white. Keep in mind that yarn weight may affect the final size and hook size needed.

How do I attach the snout?

Instead of sewing the snout on, the pattern suggests single crocheting it directly onto the body. Insert your hook through the outer edge of the snout and into Round 4 of the body, then single crochet evenly around.

Why are my ears flopping over?

The ears are designed to stand up. Ensure you are only stitching the bottom edge of the ear to the head, leaving the rest unstitched. Pinning them in place at the correct angle before sewing helps achieve the right look.

If you enjoyed making this adorable raccoon, you might also like our easy crochet bat pattern for a spooky friend, or perhaps check out these crochet pumpkin bouquet ideas for seasonal decor.