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Crochet Giant Resting Panda Cub – Free Pattern

Crochet this crochet giant resting panda cub with clear US stitch counts, practical materials, finishing tips, and a printable free pattern card for easy reference.

By Lily Published

Large reclining black-and-white panda cub with a long horizontal white barrel, broad black shoulder band, large round white head, small black ears, oval black eye patches, white protruding muzzle, four elongated black paws and tiny black rear tail. Rounded embroidered nose, no hard eyes; reproduce the resting posture and proportions from the reference, not the existing seated red panda or lovey. Finished object only, original product photograph composition, no source text or logo.

Pattern Details

Hook Size
5 mm starting point; adjust for stuffing-proof fabric
Crochet Terms
US
Finished Size
Planning approximately17-19 inches nose to tail; body about6.4in in diameter
Gauge
Target12 sc and14rounds per4in, measured gently without stretching
Estimated Time
14-20 hours

This original BabyYarnie crochet giant panda plush tutorial turns the supplied visual reference into independently written crochet instructions. Large reclining black-and-white panda cub with a long horizontal white barrel, broad black shoulder band, large round white head, small black ears, oval black eye patches, white protruding muzzle, four elongated black paws and tiny black rear tail. Rounded embroidered nose, no hard eyes; reproduce the resting posture and proportions from the reference, not the existing seated red panda or lovey. All directions use US terminology. The article covers every component rather than only presenting a finished-picture idea.

The reference is a shape and color guide, not a source of written instructions. The construction below is independently developed. Keep the named components and assembly order together; substituting an unrelated toy body changes the silhouette and the fit of its companion pieces.

Pattern Details

  • Hook Size: 5 mm starting point; adjust for stuffing-proof fabric
  • Finished Size: Planning approximately17-19 inches nose to tail; body about6.4in in diameter
  • Gauge: Target12 sc and14rounds per4in, measured gently without stretching
  • Estimated Time: 14-20 hours
  • Construction: 60-stitch long barrel with black shoulder band,54-stitch face sphere, four24-stitch elongated paws, two flat ears and eye patches,18-stitch muzzle and12-stitch tail
  • Skill level: Intermediate

Why You’ll Love This Project

Plush yarn gives the simple geometry a soft outline, while separate counting checkpoints let you inspect each shape before closing a seam. The tutorial keeps the small facial details embroidered and explains exactly where each piece joins. A slow assembly pass matters more than rushing the final round.

Materials

  • Planning allowance: 450 yards white bulky plush yarn, 220 yards black of the same yarn, plus swatch allowance
  • 5 mm hook, black and white smooth embroidery/seam yarn, washable fiberfill; no pellets or internal wire
  • Blunt yarn needle, large removable markers, scissors, tape measure; use temporary clips instead of hidden pins when possible
Supplies-only flat lay: Planning allowance: 450 yards white bulky plush yarn, 220 yards black of the same yarn, plus swatch allowance; 5 mm hook, black and white smooth embroidery/seam yarn, washable fiberfill; no pellets or internal wire; Blunt yarn needle, large removable markers, scissors, tape measure; use temporary clips instead of hidden pins when possible. No completed project; tools and yarn arranged on pale linen.

Gauge, Measurements, and Planning

The60-stitch body circumference is20in at target gauge, or about6.4in across. The54-stitch head is about5.7in across. The long barrel has47rounds; its widest straight part occupies Rounds11-38. White body Rounds1-10 are the front cap; change to black for11-17, then white for18-47. Front legs sit under the black band and the head covers the white front cap. This orientation produces a resting animal, not a seated panda.

Make and wash a gauge swatch before beginning. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry. If the stitch width differs, change hook size rather than pulling the working yarn tighter. Keep a written count at the end of every section so the finished edges remain balanced and the assembly points line up.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

  • ch: chain
  • sc: single crochet
  • hdc: half double crochet
  • dc: double crochet
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • inc: 2 sc into one stitch; consumes 1 and produces 2
  • dec: invisible single-crochet decrease; consumes 2 and produces 1
  • BLO: back loop only
  • FLO: front loop only

Special stitch guidance: Invisible decrease: insert through the front loop of each of the next two stitches, yarn over and draw through both front loops, then yarn over and draw through the two remaining loops. On flat panels use a standard sc2tog through both loops instead. A turning ch 1 and a finishing slip stitch never count. Work circular pieces as spirals unless a joined finishing round is explicitly named. Change color on the final yarn-over of the stitch before the new color is required; knot no exposed loops and bury tails inside the project.

Important Notes

  • Development disclosure: stitch arithmetic and assembly instructions are reviewed, but no physically crocheted sample or tested gauge is claimed. Sizes, yarn amounts and time are planning estimates. Swatch, compare components and test the assembly before gifting.
  • Images are AI-generated design illustrations, not photographs of a tested sample or stitch charts. Follow the written instructions rather than counting stitches in the pictures.
  • Use the supplied photograph only as a mandatory visual design reference. This is an independent BabyYarnie pattern, not the source creator’s pattern and not an authorized reproduction of its written instructions.
  • These plush projects are decorative keepsakes, not certified infant toys. Do not put them in an infant sleep space. Use embroidered features only; no plastic eyes, wire, pellets, glued parts or detachable decorations.
  • Mark the first counted stitch of every spiral round. Do not join or turn circular pieces. Turn each flat row after ch 1; work the first sc in the last stitch of the previous row. Remove every marker during finishing.
  • For chenille, leave 8-inch tails. Thread a smooth matching sewing strand alongside fragile pile yarn when securing seams; do not rely on a knot alone. Tug every seam and embroidery path before display or gifting.

Complete Instructions for Crochet Giant Resting Panda Cub

Make the Long Banded Panda Body

  1. Panda barrel Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sts) Tighten the ring, mark the first sc, and work a continuous spiral without joining or turning.
  2. Round 2: inc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  3. Round 3: [sc in next 1 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (18 sts)
  4. Round 4: [sc in next 2 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (24 sts)
  5. Round 5: [sc in next 3 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (30 sts)
  6. Round 6: [sc in next 4 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (36 sts)
  7. Round 7: [sc in next 5 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (42 sts)
  8. Round 8: [sc in next 6 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (48 sts)
  9. Round 9: [sc in next 7 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (54 sts)
  10. Round 10: [sc in next 8 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (60 sts)
  11. Rounds 11-38: Sc in each stitch. (60 sts)
  12. Round 39: [sc in next 8 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (54 sts)
  13. Round 40: [sc in next 7 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (48 sts)
  14. Round 41: [sc in next 6 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (42 sts)
  15. Round 42: [sc in next 5 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (36 sts)
  16. Round 43: [sc in next 4 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (30 sts)
  17. Round 44: [sc in next 3 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (24 sts)
  18. Round 45: [sc in next 2 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (18 sts)
  19. Round 46: [sc in next 1 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (12 sts)
  20. Round 47: dec 6 times. (6 sts)
  21. Color placement is part of the instructions: use white in Rounds1-10, black in Rounds11-17, white in Rounds18-47. Change on the final yarn-over immediately before each band. Stuff gradually before the closing rounds; distribute filling evenly without making the barrel rigid. After Round47 thread the tail through the6 final front loops, close and bury. The starting end faces forward, the closed end faces backward.
Unfinished long white plush-yarn panda barrel with one broad black shoulder band near its closed front, rear opening with a marker and visible white stuffing; no head or limbs attached.

Make the Round Head, Muzzle and Face

  1. Panda head Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sts) Tighten the ring, mark the first sc, and work a continuous spiral without joining or turning.
  2. Round 2: inc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  3. Round 3: [sc in next 1 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (18 sts)
  4. Round 4: [sc in next 2 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (24 sts)
  5. Round 5: [sc in next 3 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (30 sts)
  6. Round 6: [sc in next 4 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (36 sts)
  7. Round 7: [sc in next 5 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (42 sts)
  8. Round 8: [sc in next 6 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (48 sts)
  9. Round 9: [sc in next 7 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (54 sts)
  10. Rounds 10-18: Sc in each stitch. (54 sts)
  11. Round 19: [sc in next 7 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (48 sts)
  12. Round 20: [sc in next 6 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (42 sts)
  13. Round 21: [sc in next 5 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (36 sts)
  14. Round 22: [sc in next 4 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (30 sts)
  15. Round 23: [sc in next 3 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (24 sts)
  16. Round 24: [sc in next 2 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (18 sts)
  17. Round 25: [sc in next 1 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (12 sts)
  18. Round 26: dec 6 times. (6 sts)
  19. Stuff before the final decreases and close the final6front loops. The starting-ring pole is the front face; the closing pole is the back.
  20. Panda muzzle Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sts) Tighten the ring, mark the first sc, and work a continuous spiral without joining or turning.
  21. Round 2: inc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  22. Round 3: [sc in next 1 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (18 sts)
  23. Rounds 4-5: Sc in each stitch. (18 sts)
  24. With white, stop the muzzle after Round5 with18open stitches. Add only a thin tuft of filling and sew the entire18-stitch rim centered over the head’s starting ring. Embroider a small black triangular nose and a short vertical stitch on the muzzle.
  25. Eye patch Row 1: ch 5; sc in second chain from hook and in each remaining chain. (4 sts) Ch 1 and turn; this chain never counts.
  26. Rows 2-4: Sc in each stitch. Ch 1 and turn. (4 sts)
  27. Row 5: Sc2tog twice; fasten off. (2 sts)
  28. Make two black eye patches. Roll the four corners inward while sewing each complete edge to make an oval appearance; no corner remains loose. Place the patches above and to either side of the muzzle between head Rounds4-8, mirror them, and add one tiny white embroidered highlight near the inner upper edge of each. There are no plastic eyes.
Long white panda body with black shoulder band beside detached round white head with black oval patches and muzzle, four separate black sausage paws, two flat round black ears and tiny black tail; assembly layout no extra pieces.

Crochet Four Paws, Two Ears and a Tail

  1. Panda paw Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sts) Tighten the ring, mark the first sc, and work a continuous spiral without joining or turning.
  2. Round 2: inc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  3. Round 3: [sc in next 1 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (18 sts)
  4. Round 4: [sc in next 2 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (24 sts)
  5. Rounds 5-12: Sc in each stitch. (24 sts)
  6. Round 13: [sc in next 2 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (18 sts)
  7. Round 14: [sc in next 1 stitches, dec across next 2] 6 times. (12 sts)
  8. Round 15: dec 6 times. (6 sts)
  9. Make four in black. Stuff lightly, close the final6front loops, and flatten the top third gently. Each paw stays elongated and soft.
  10. Panda ear Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sts) Tighten the ring, mark the first sc, and work a continuous spiral without joining or turning.
  11. Round 2: inc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  12. Round 3: [sc in next 1 stitches, inc in next stitch] 6 times. (18 sts)
  13. Round 4: Sc in each stitch. (18 sts)
  14. Make two black ears, do not stuff. Flatten each18-stitch opening and sew9opposing pairs together. Sew the complete folded edge to the upper-left and upper-right head, spanning head Rounds9-12.
  15. Panda tail Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sts) Tighten the ring, mark the first sc, and work a continuous spiral without joining or turning.
  16. Round 2: inc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  17. Rounds 3-3: Sc in each stitch. (12 sts)
  18. Round 4: dec 6 times. (6 sts)
  19. Stuff the tiny tail lightly and close the final6front loops. Keep all ends buried.

Assemble the Reclining Panda

  1. Place the barrel horizontally with black band toward the front. Sew the back of the head to the front white cap in a broad circular seam, following body Round7 as an approximately42-position anchor path and a matching circle across the back of the head. Pin the center first and distribute the seam quarters; the sewing paths need equal physical length, not forced stitch-for-stitch alignment. The face tilts slightly down toward the resting surface.
  2. Sew each paw along a broad six-round-long side contact, not just its closing tip. Front paws: body Rounds11-17 under the band, one on each side. Back paws: body Rounds30-36, one on each side. All four should support the horizontal barrel. Make two passes along each contact edge and across the central contact fabric.
  3. Sew the tail over the rear closing pole. Set the panda on a flat surface: four paws touch, head points forward, black band sits behind the head. Reposition before final reinforcement if it rolls. Pull-test ears, patches, muzzle, legs, tail and head seam.

Assembly and Shaping

Keep the long body horizontal throughout assembly. Face starting-ring poles forward. The black shoulder band remains visible directly behind the head. Four elongated limbs are sewn along broad side contacts so the panda rests on its belly and paws; it must not sit upright like the older red-panda design.

Lay every component on a flat surface before joining. Match the marked centers first, then divide each remaining edge into equal sections. Work through both layers with consistent tension and pause after each section to check that the fabric lies flat. This measured approach prevents twisting and keeps decorative details facing the intended direction.

Close-up same reclining giant black-and-white panda face: small rounded black ears, black oval flat eye patches with tiny white embroidered highlights, protruding white muzzle and embroidered black triangular nose; no plastic eyes.

Finishing

  1. Stop before closing and inspect both sides of every seam. Add small tufts of stuffing, keeping the perimeter flexible rather than tightly packed.
  2. Secure all sewn edges with two passes in opposite directions. Bury yarn ends through three separate internal paths before trimming.
  3. Remove every temporary pin and marker. Press lightly around each closure and check that no stuffing escapes and no long loops can be pulled out.
  4. Follow the actual yarn care label; reshape gently and air-dry completely. Do not steam polyester chenille. Inspect again after cleaning and supply the fiber and care information with the finished gift.

For a polished result, weave each tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction once, and trim only after the fabric has been gently stretched. Block to the listed dimensions without flattening textured stitches. Inspect joins, borders, straps, and decorative pieces before the project is used or gifted.

Helpful Tips

  • Count stitch tops with a contrasting marker at each increase segment; chenille pile can hide a missed stitch.
  • Make both members of a paired component in the same session and compare their widths before sewing.
  • If stuffing is visible, change to a smaller hook and remake the affected piece. Do not conceal large gaps with excessive surface embroidery.
  • Use a blunt needle and a smooth matching sewing yarn to anchor plush-yarn parts without stripping the chenille core.

Good lighting and a contrasting stitch marker make counting much easier. If a section looks uneven, compare the current count with the previous checkpoint before continuing. Fixing one missed stitch early is faster than compensating later, and it preserves the measurements used by the assembly instructions.

Large reclining black-and-white panda cub with a long horizontal white barrel, broad black shoulder band, large round white head, small black ears, oval black eye patches, white protruding muzzle, four elongated black paws and tiny black rear tail. Rounded embroidered nose, no hard eyes; reproduce the resting posture and proportions from the reference, not the existing seated red panda or lovey. Same finished design on a quiet home craft shelf, soft daylight, minimal props, no children or infant sleep setting. No text or watermark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the pattern from the reference photograph?

No. The photograph supplies the required visual direction only. All stitch counts, construction choices and tutorial wording here are independently authored for BabyYarnie.

Has the crochet sample been physically tested?

No physical sample test is claimed. The numerical stitch audit checks consumption and output, but cannot establish actual drape, fit, gauge, seam behavior or yarn quantity. Make a swatch and a trial assembly.

Can I substitute yarn or use plastic eyes?

Substitute only after checking a dense, stuffing-proof fabric and the relative size of all components. Use securely embroidered eyes and details, not plastic eyes or loose embellishments.

Conclusion

Keep your actual yarn, hook, gauge and completed measurements with the pattern. Check the finished outline against the described design, then inspect every seam and attachment before gifting. The written checkpoints are the construction authority; a styled illustration is not a substitute for a correct stitch count.

BabyYarnie Printable Crochet Pattern Card

Large reclining black-and-white panda cub with a long horizontal white barrel, broad black shoulder band, large round white head, small black ears, oval black eye patches, white protruding muzzle, four elongated black paws and tiny black rear tail. Rounded embroidered nose, no hard eyes; reproduce the resting posture and proportions from the reference, not the existing seated red panda or lovey. Finished object only, original product photograph composition, no source text or logo.

BabyYarnie — easy-to-follow crochet for everyday makers.

Project: Crochet Giant Resting Panda Cub

Skill level: Intermediate   Hook: 5 mm starting point; adjust for stuffing-proof fabric   Yarn: Bulky smooth plush yarn

Finished size: Planning approximately17-19 inches nose to tail; body about6.4in in diameter

Card Materials

  • Planning allowance: 450 yards white bulky plush yarn, 220 yards black of the same yarn, plus swatch allowance
  • 5 mm hook, black and white smooth embroidery/seam yarn, washable fiberfill; no pellets or internal wire
  • Blunt yarn needle, large removable markers, scissors, tape measure; use temporary clips instead of hidden pins when possible

Card Instructions

  1. Make the Long Banded Panda Body: 60-stitch barrel: white1-10, black11-17, white18-47;28even rounds11-38, decrease39-47 to6 and close.
  2. Make the Round Head, Muzzle and Face: 54-stitch head with9even rounds10-18;18-stitch muzzle; two4sc x4row tapered patches, all perimeters sewn.
  3. Crochet Four Paws, Two Ears and a Tail: Four24-stitch elongated stuffed paws; two18-stitch unstuffed ears flattened to9pairs; one12-stitch tail.
  4. Assemble the Reclining Panda: Broad head-to-front seam; front paws under band, rear paws at30-36; tail on rear pole; verify all-four-paw resting posture.

Finish: Check every count, weave in all ends, block to measurement, and inspect each join.

Yarn Information

Yarn Amount
Planning allowance: 450 yards white bulky plush yarn, 220 yards black of the same yarn, plus swatch allowance

Designer & Source

Availability
Free