The Penguin
Up, Up and Away
A little penguin who is ready for adventure
Quick to make and full of personality, this adorable little penguin is sure to melt hearts. Designed as part of the Up, Up and Away collection, it can be made as a sweet standalone decoration or paired with any of the hot-air-balloon patterns from the same series.
Incredibly social and caring birds, penguins remind us how special friendship, family and community are. Whether perched on a shelf, gifted as a keepsake, or nestled in a balloon basket, this penguin makes a thoughtful handmade gift for any occasion — and an especially charming choice for a baby’s first Christmas.
The up, UP & AWay Penguin Gallery
Make it Your Own
- Mix and match: Fits perfectly inside any of the Up, Up and Away balloons and with any of the Up, Up and Away characters.
- Giftable: Combine with the Ziggy Balloon for a whimsical Christmas make, or add the Mobile Attachment for a show-stopping nursery mobile.
- Quick to crochet: Ideal for stash-busting or last-minute presents. When made as a stand alone pattern the penguin can be adapted to most yarns/gauges and guidance is included (as well as alternative gauge information for King Cole Pricewise DK)
- Customisable: Choose classic black and white or experiment with soft greys and winter pastels for a modern twist.
I want you to feel creative and have fun bringing your penguins to life — whether you stick with classic tones or try something entirely new. I can’t wait to see what you make, so be sure to tag @frommyhookcrochet and share your creations using #FromMyHook and #UpUpAndAway!
Why You'll Love this Pattern
- Easy skill level: clear step-by-step instructions and photos throughout
- Special Stitch Tutorials: Photo guides for any special stitches used.
- Professionally tech-edited premium PDF: Print-friendly, clear layout with helpful visual guides.
- Clear step-by-step instructions using UK terminology
- Detailed photo appendix for every stage of construction
- Guidance on gauge and yarn substitution.
- Friendly Support: I am a one woman show so I may not be able to answer instantly but I am always happy to help in any way I can.
Pattern Details
Pattern is written in English, in UK terms.
A quick note: some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.
Skill Level
Confident Beginner.
This pattern is classified as Easy in accordance with CYC guidelines as it includes simple stitch patterns, colour work and shaping.
However, whilst I would not recommend this as your first ever project, it can be done by an adventurous beginner.
You Will Practice
- Magic Ring – take a look at the Magic Ring Tutorial for a quick refresher
- Working in the amigurumi style (continuous rounds)
- Working in turned rows
- Both standard and invisible decreases – take a look at the Invisible Decreases Tutorial for a quick refresher
- Neatly attaching small parts
Yarn
Paintbox Cotton DK (50g/125m, 1.76oz/137 yards; 100% Cotton)
The choice of colour is entirely up to you, for reference the samples used:
- Yarn A: Pure Black Col No. 402/Stormy Grey Col No. 405 (approx 13g/32.5m for one penguin)
- Yarn B: Paper White Col No. 466 (approx 1g/2.5m for one penguin)
- Yarn C: Glorious Gold Col No. 466 (approx 1g/2.5m for one penguin)
Crochet Hooks
- 2.5 mm (or size needed to meet gauge)
Other Supplies
- Toy Stuffing (if you are making the penguin in black you may wish to go for a black or navy stuffing)
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Gauge
- Rounds 1–4 = 3.5 cm diameter (critical only if using with the Hot Air Balloon patterns)
Finished Measurements
- The finished penguin is approx 9cm tall x 7cm wide.
Gauge must be met if using this design as part of the Up, Up and Away collection to ensure the perfect fit with the balloons and mobile hoops.
Format
Professionally tech-edited PDF with step-by-step photo appendix and a Special Stitch photo guide guide.
The pattern is provided as a Digital PDF download for instant access, you will not be sent a physical item.
How you download the pattern will depend on the market place you choose to purchase from as each has a slightly different system so please take a look on the individual sites if you are unsure.
Browse the full Up, Up and Away crochet collection—hot air balloons, tiny characters and a dreamy mobile add instant magic to nurseries and gifts.
Where to buy
Ready to start your next joyful make?
Get the Crochet Penguin Pattern as a premium, ad-free PDF from your favourite store:
Every purchase supports independent design and helps keep new patterns coming — thank you for shopping small! 💛
From my hook to yours
I want you to enjoy every stitch of your making journey. If you have any questions or want to share your finished mobile, I’d love to see it!
kelly@frommyhook.com | Tag your make with #FromMyHook and #UpUpAndAway
Happy hooking!
💛 Kelly — From My Hook
Show me your makes!
I’d love to see your finished makes. Share and tag me @frommyhookcrochet so I can admire (and maybe even feature!) your creations!
