There’s something irresistibly sweet about a handmade toy that tells a little story. The moment I first stitched this swinging duck crochet pattern free, I couldn’t stop smiling. A plump yellow duck, tiny orange feet dangling, perched proudly on its own little swing, it felt like a childhood memory brought to life. Whether you’re a fan of amigurumi duck free pattern ideas or you just love creating playful projects that brighten a shelf or nursery, this one will capture your heart. And the best part? It’s an easy duck crochet pattern you can make in just a weekend.
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A Swinging Duck from My Heart
I still remember the very first crochet duck amigurumi pattern I tried years ago. It was a tiny keychain duck, and while cute, it lacked personality. So, when I sat down to design this one, I wanted something more, a duck that didn’t just sit there but lived in its own scene. That’s where the swing idea came in. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a duck, it was a cheerful little character swinging its way into everyone’s hearts.
The first time I gifted it, my granddaughter squealed, “Grandma, it’s flying!” and promptly hung it from her bed frame. From that moment, I knew this duck crochet pattern free had something special, it wasn’t just a toy, it was a memory-maker.
(And if you enjoy character-based patterns like this one, you’ll love my playful Amigurumi Bunny Free Pattern and the fun Amigurumi Duck Pattern Free Keychain that inspired this design.)
Why I Fell for This Little Swing – Delight in Every Stitch
Crocheting animals has always been soothing for me, but adding the swing made it feel magical. With each stitch, I could picture this little duck gently swaying, like a scene from a cozy children’s book. That’s what makes this crochet duck toy pattern stand out from other free crochet animal patterns, it combines the charm of a plush toy with the whimsy of a display piece.
The process itself is relaxing: soft plush yarn, simple stitches, and the fun of attaching the duck to its tiny swing. You can hang it on a wall, from a crib, or even in your craft room as a cheerful reminder of your creativity.
(If you’re new to amigurumi, you might find my guide on How to Read an Amigurumi Pattern helpful before starting. And if you prefer ocean friends, my Whale Crochet Pattern Free is another joyful beginner-friendly project.)
What You’ll Need for the Swinging Duck
Every good project starts with the right yarn and tools. For this swinging duck crochet pattern free, you don’t need anything complicated, just cozy plush yarn, a medium hook, and a bit of stuffing. Using chenille or velvet yarn makes your duck extra cuddly, though cotton works well too if you prefer a smaller size.
Here’s a handy table to keep everything in one place:
| Material | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plush yarn | Yellow, orange, brown | Chenille yarn works perfectly for the duck and swing. |
| Hook size | 3.5–4 mm | Choose size to match yarn thickness. |
| Safety eyes | 12 mm | You can embroider eyes for baby-safe version. |
| Fiberfill | Polyfil stuffing | Stuff firmly for a plump body. |
| Yarn needle | Large-eyed blunt needle | For sewing parts together. |
| Hot glue (optional) | – | Helps secure chenille ends on straps. |
(If you love experimenting with yarn, check my guide on Yarn Weight, Gauge, and Hook Size to adjust this duck’s size without confusion.)
Abbreviations & Stitches at a Glance
This amigurumi duck free pattern uses only the most common crochet stitches, making it perfect for beginners.
- MR = magic ring
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec = decrease (sc2tog)
- dc = double crochet
- BO = 4 dc bobble stitch (for the cute built-in feet)
If you’ve ever tried my Amigurumi Labubu Free Pattern or stitched from my Amigurumi Mistakes Guide, you’ll already be familiar with most of these terms.
With the basics in your basket, you’re ready to jump into the full crochet duck amigurumi pattern.
The Full Swinging Duck Crochet Pattern
This is the part you’ve been waiting for, the swinging duck crochet pattern free in all its cheerful detail! Grab your yarn, cozy up, and let’s stitch this little duck onto its playful swing.
🐥 Body (with built-in feet)
Using yellow yarn, switch to orange for the feet:
- R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
- R2: inc ×6 (12)
- R3: (sc, inc) ×6 (18)
- R4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
- R5–10: sc around (24)
- R11: 8 sc yellow, switch to orange: BO, switch to yellow: 5 sc, switch to orange: BO, switch to yellow: 9 sc (24)
→ This creates two bobble feet at the bottom. - R12: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
→ Place safety eyes between R6–R7, about 5 stitches apart, aligned with feet. - R13: dec ×9 (9). Stuff firmly and cinch hole closed.
BO = 4dc bobble stitch : (Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn under, pull up a loop,
yarn over, pull through 2 loops) ×4 times,
then yarn under, pull through all loops on hook.
👃 Beak
With orange yarn:
Stitch a small oval between the eyes, about 3–4 stitches wide.
You can embroider it or crochet a tiny oval: MR, 4 sc, fasten off, and sew on.
🪑 Swing Seat
With brown yarn:
- Row 1: ch 10, dc in 3rd ch from hook, 7 dc (8)
- Row 2: ch 2, turn, 8 dc (8)
- Row 3: ch 2, turn, 8 dc, ch 2, sl st into top of turning ch from previous row, FO.
🪢 Straps
- Attach yarn to one side of the seat, ch 25 (or desired length), FO, leave tail.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Tie both straps together at the top to form a loop for hanging.
- Optionally secure ends with hot glue (chenille yarn tends to fray).
🪡 Assembly
- Place the duck on the swing.
- With yellow yarn, stitch through the duck’s sides and swing straps to keep it upright.
- With brown yarn, stitch the bottom of the seat to the duck’s body so it doesn’t slip.
- Adjust straps so your duck sits evenly.
And voilà, you now have a cheerful crochet duck amigurumi pattern on its very own swing! Hang it by your desk, in a nursery, or gift it as a keepsake.
(For more animal toys to add to your collection, check out my Owl Amigurumi Free Pattern or the ever-popular Amigurumi Molly Octopus.)
Helpful Tips for Success
Working this swinging duck crochet pattern free is simple, but a few tricks make it even smoother:
- Stuff firmly but not too much. A plump body helps your duck sit well, but overstuffing makes shaping harder.
- Use stitch markers. Amigurumi is all about counting, and losing track of rounds can throw things off.
- Secure the straps well. Especially if you plan to hang your duck as décor, double-knot and even add a drop of glue to keep things sturdy.
- Safety for little ones. If making this as a baby gift, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
Creative Variations & Fun Ideas
The beauty of amigurumi is that every little change creates a whole new character. Here are a few ways to play with this crochet duck toy pattern:
- Change colors. Try pastel ducks for spring, or a snowy white duck for winter décor.
- Add accessories. A mini bow, scarf, or even a little hat makes each duck unique.
- Turn it into a mobile. Make several ducks and hang them at different lengths for a nursery mobile.
(For more inspiration, you might enjoy my Boba Cat Crochet Pattern or my Snake Crochet Pattern Free for something unusual.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to crochet this swinging duck?
Most crocheters finish in 4–6 hours. Beginners may take a little longer, especially when attaching the swing.
Can I use cotton yarn instead of plush yarn?
Yes! Cotton makes a smaller, firmer duck. Plush yarn gives a softer, chunkier result
Is this swinging duck pattern beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. It uses only basic stitches (sc, inc, dec, dc, bobble), so even if this is your first amigurumi duck free pattern, you’ll succeed.
How do I stop the swing straps from stretching out?
Make a tighter chain, use smaller hook size, or secure with fabric glue for durability.
Crocheting this swinging duck crochet pattern free is more than just making a toy, it’s creating a little scene of joy. With its plump body, bobble feet, and charming swing, this project is as fun to stitch as it is to display. Whether you’re crafting for a gift, nursery décor, or simply to brighten your own day, this pattern will always bring a smile.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later. It’s one you’ll want to revisit!
(And if you’d like more beginner-friendly tutorials, I recommend browsing Amigurumi Tutorials or checking out guides on free crochet animal patterns for endless inspiration.)
For even more inspiration, you can browse these free crochet duck patterns on LoveCrafts, a treasure trove of creative designs to keep your hook flying.
