Introduction

Make a pastel beach-day friend: the Seashell Collector Piglet. She wears a peach–sand smocked pinafore with an ivory ruffle hem, a misty-mint puff-sleeve blouse with a delicate shell-stitch collar, almond-colored Mary Janes with a pearl button bump, and a crochet boater hat tied with a seafoam ribbon. She carries a mesh tote filled with tiny crocheted shells—scallop, spiral, and star.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

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Form & Proportion Analysis

• Overall height: ~9.75–10 in (24–25.5 cm) using DK cotton and a 2.5 mm hook.
• Head: Round–oval with soft cheek rise; 8 mm safety eyes sit wide (about 8 sts apart) between head Rnds 13–14. The snout is a separate oval with two tiny nose stitches.
• Ears: Rounded triangles set high; front tilt of ~10° to keep a curious expression.
• Body: Compact pear shape; natural waist about Body Rnd 12 so the smocked pinafore sits neatly.
• Arms/Legs: Slim tubes with rounded ends. Feet fill low Mary Janes with a visible top strap.
• Tail: Tight curl—crocheted i-cord/single-loop spiral.
• Outfit notes:
  1. Blouse: mint, close-fitting, short puff sleeves; separate shell-stitch collar sewn on.
  2. Pinafore: peach-sand A-line skirt with two smocking bands (surface gathered), bib front, and crossed straps; hem finished with ivory ruffle.
  3. Shoes: almond-tan Mary Janes, thin sole ridge.
  4. Hat: straw-look boater—flat top, straight sides, modest brim; tied with seafoam ribbon.
  5. Tote: off-white mesh rectangle seamed into a bag; shells peeking out.

Fabric density is tight—about 8 sc per inch (2.5 cm)—to keep shapes crisp. Arms are sewn slightly forward so the tote strap reads naturally. Hat sits above ear roots so ears show.

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Materials

• DK-weight 100% cotton yarn in these colors:
  1. C1 Petal pink (head, body, limbs, ears, tail)
  2. C1b Powder cream (snout, inner ears hint, shoe sole line, tote, ivory ruffle)
  3. C2 Misty mint (blouse + collar)
  4. C3 Peach–sand (pinafore)
  5. C4 Almond tan (shoes)
  6. C5 Straw beige (boater hat)
  7. C6 Seafoam (hat ribbon & tote handles)
  8. C7 Shell accents: soft coral, butter, pale lavender (shells)
  9. C8 Cocoa/brown (nostrils/mouth embroidery)
• Hook(s): 2.5 mm for amigurumi; 3.0 mm optional for ruffle hem/hat brim.
• Safety eyes: 8 mm black (or crochet circles).
• Stuffing (polyfill), tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors.

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Abbreviations (US Terms — clean & readable)

General

• MR – magic ring
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• Rnd – round
• Row – row
• RS – right side
• rep – repeat

Basic Stitches

• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• tr – treble crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• ch – chain

Increases/Decreases

• inc – 2 sc in one stitch
• dec – invisible decrease

Loops

• BLO / FLO – back loop only / front loop only

Specials

• PIC – small picot: ch 2, sl st in same stitch
• SMK – smocking gather: weave yarn through a row of sc at even intervals and pull lightly
• MOSS (linen stitch) –
  1. (sc, ch 1, sk next st) around.
  2. On next rnd: place sc in each ch-1 space, with ch 1 after each sc.

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Gauge & General Notes

• Target gauge: ~8 sc × 9 rnds ≈ 1 in (2.5 cm) with 2.5 mm hook.
• Work in continuous spirals unless told to join.
• Stuff as you go; keep cheeks smooth and shoe toes rounded.
• Clothes are slightly looser than the body for gentle drape.

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The Pattern

Head (C1)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc)×6 [42]
Rnds 8–18: sc around [42]
— Insert eyes between Rnds 13–14, 8 sts apart.
Rnd 19: (5 sc, dec)×6 [36]
Rnd 20: sc around [36]
Rnd 21: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 22: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — begin stuffing.
Rnd 23: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18]
Rnd 24: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 25: sc around [12]; fasten with a long tail.

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Snout (C1b)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: sc around [18]
Rnd 5: (2 sc, dec)×4 + sc 2 [14]; sl st to finish. Lightly stuff and sew centered 2 rnds below the eyes. With C8, embroider two tiny nostrils and a gentle smile.

Ears (make 2; C1 with C1b inner)
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×2 [6]
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc)×2 [8]
Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc)×2 [10]
Rnd 5: sc around [10]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×2 [12]
Rnd 7: sc around [12]; fasten off with long tails. Flatten to rounded triangles. With C1b, surface-sl-st a small inner oval. Sew high and slightly forward.

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Body (C1)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnds 6–8: sc around [30]
Rnd 9: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 10: sc around [36]
Rnd 11: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — natural waist
Rnd 13: sc around [24]
Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18] — stuff firmly
Rnd 15: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 16: dec around [6]; close.
Sew head to body using firm ladder stitches.

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Arms (make 2, C1)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnds 3–11: sc around [9]
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec)×2, sc 1 [7]
Lightly stuff only the palm end; flatten the top and sew slightly forward so hands rest near skirt.

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Legs & Mary Janes (make 2)

Shoe Sole (C4)
Rnd 1: ch 6; sc in 2nd ch, sc 3, 3 sc in last; rotate, sc 3, inc in last [12]
Rnd 2: inc, sc 3, inc×3, sc 3, inc×2 [18]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around [18]

Upper (C4)
Rnd 4–5: sc around [18]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, dec)×3 [15]
Rnd 7: (3 sc, dec)×3 [12] — rounded toe.
Sole line (optional C1b): surface sl st one neat ring along the Rnd-3 ridge.
Strap: join C4 at inner ankle, ch 7; sl st to outer ankle; fasten.

Leg Tube (C1)
Rnd 8: attach C1 at heel; sc around [12]
Rnds 9–12: sc around [12]
Rnd 13: (sc, dec)×4 [8]
Rnds 14–16: sc around [8]; fasten with long tails.
Stuff and sew both legs parallel so soles sit level.

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Tail (C1)

Ch 16; sl st back along the chain to form a firm cord. Curl naturally and sew low-back center.

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Clothing & Accessories

Misty-Mint Blouse (C2)

Worked in the round; short puff sleeves; separate shell collar.

Rnd 1: ch 56, join to a ring [56]
Rnd 2: sc around [56]
Rnd 3: (sc 6, inc)×8 [64]
Rnd 4: sc around [64]
Rnd 5 (divide sleeves): sc 9, ch 4, sk 12, sc 22, ch 4, sk 12, sc 9 [48 incl. chains]
Rnd 6: sc around, working 2 sc into each ch-4 to close underarm gaps [56]
Rnd 7–8: sc around [56]
Rnd 9 (hem): FLO sc around for a subtle ridge; sl st and fasten.

Sleeves (each):
Pick up 24 sc evenly around the armhole with C2.
Rnd 1: sc around [24]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×12 [36] — light puff
Rnd 3: (sc 5, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 4: sc around [30]; sl st and fasten.

Shell-Stitch Collar (C2 with C1b edge) – two pieces
Row 1: ch 21; sc in 2nd ch and across [20]
Row 2: (sk 1, 5 dc in next st, sk 1, sl st) repeat to end to form shells
Edging: with C1b, sl st lightly along the outer curve (optional PIC at every shell tip).
Make 2 mirrored pieces and sew around neckline with a small gap at center front.

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Peach–Sand Pinafore with Ivory Ruffle (C3 with C1b hem)

Skirt (worked in the round)
Rnd 1: ch 84, join [84]
Rnd 2: sc around [84]
Rnd 3: (sc 6, inc)×12 [96]
Rnds 4–5: sc around [96]
Rnd 6 (SMK guide): BLO sc around [96]
Rnd 7: sc around [96]
Rnd 8 (SMK guide): BLO sc around again [96]
Rnds 9–10: sc around [96]

Ivory Ruffle Hem (C1b, hook 3.0 mm)
Join at skirt base. Row 1: sc around [96]. Row 2: (sc, inc)×48 [144]. Row 3: (2 sc, inc)×48 [192]; sl st to finish for a soft flutter.

Smocking Finish
Thread a long C3 strand on a needle. For each SMK guide round, weave horizontally every 6 sts, tug gently to create even gathers; knot discreetly on the inside.

Bib (worked flat on the inside of Rnd 3, centered front)
Row 1: pick up 16 sts across [16]
Rows 2–6: sc across [16]
Row 7: dec, sc 12, dec [14]
Row 8: sc across [14]; fasten off.

Straps (make 2)
From each bib top corner, ch 22; Row 1: sc back in back bumps [21]; fasten long tails. Cross straps over the back and sew to the skirt’s back waist about 12 sts apart.

Pocket (optional, centered)
Row 1: ch 9; Row 2: sc 8; Rows 3–5: sc across; add a tiny PIC at top corners; sew to bib.

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Mary Jane Finishing Detail

Sew a tiny pearl bump button each side of the strap using a small C1b French-knot-style wrap of yarn.

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Straw Boater Hat with Seafoam Ribbon (C5 body, C6 ribbon; hook 3.0 mm for brim)

Top Disc
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]

Side Wall
Rnd 6: BLO sc around [30]
Rnds 7–8: sc around [30]

Brim
Rnd 9: (2 sc, inc)×10 [40]
Rnd 10: (3 sc, inc)×10 [50]
Rnd 11: sc around [50]; sl st and fasten.
Ribbon (C6): ch 60; sl st back; wrap around the base of the wall, tie a tiny bow, and tack at two points.

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Mesh Beach Tote (C1b with C6 handles)

Body (worked flat)
Row 1: ch 21; dc in 4th ch from hook, (ch 1, sk 1, dc in next) across (end with dc).
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), turn; dc in first ch-1 sp, (ch 1, dc in next sp) across; dc in last st.
Rows 3–18: rep Row 2 to get a tall mesh rectangle.

Seam & Bottom
Fold in half; sl st one side seam. Bottom: sc across the bottom edge through both layers to close.

Top Band
Round 1: sc evenly around the opening.
Round 2: sc around again; sl st to finish.

Handles (C6, make 2)
Ch 28; sl st back; sew to inside band with ~8 sts spacing.

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Mini Seashells (100% crochet)

Scallop (C7—soft coral or butter)
Row 1: ch 7; sc in 2nd ch and across [6]
Row 2: ch 1, turn; sc across [6]
Row 3 (fan): (sl st in first st, 3 hdc in next, sl st in next) repeat twice more to make 3 mini fans; weave in tails.

Spiral Shell (C7—pale lavender)
Row 1: ch 12; work 2 sc in 2nd ch, 2 hdc in next, 2 dc in next 6 ch, 2 tr in next 3 ch (piece will curl on its own). Roll from narrow end and tack into a spiral.

Starfish (C7—butter)
MR, (ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next, sl st in ring)×5; pull tight; block points lightly.

Tack a few shells so they peek out of the tote.

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Assembly & Dressing

Order of Dressing

1. Put on the mint blouse first.
2. Slide on the pinafore skirt, adjust smocking gathers evenly; cross & sew straps at the back waist.
3. Attach arms if you waited until dressing; angle slightly forward.
4. Put on the Mary Janes; check both soles sit flat and parallel.
5. Place the boater hat above ear roots and tie the seafoam ribbon bow.
6. Hang the mesh tote on one shoulder and position shells to show.

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Embroidery & Finishing Touches

• With C8, add a tiny eyebrow tick above each eye for a cheerful look.
• Add faint blush dots using a split strand of C1 or a very pale pink (optional).
• Pinch shoe toes gently while warm from steam to keep almond shape.

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Blocking, Styling & Care

• Steam-hover the hat brim and the ivory ruffle so they relax; avoid pressing flat to maintain volume.
• Shape the snout while warm for a soft oval profile.
• Spot clean; air dry.
• For photos, seat the piglet on a wooden table near a bright window; let the seafoam ribbon and shells face forward.

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Troubleshooting

• Head wobble: Before sewing head to body, crochet a short neck peg (6 sc around × 4–5 rnds) and stitch between pieces.
• Blouse tight at underarm: Use ch-5 instead of ch-4 on the divide round; on the next round, add 2 extra sts under each arm.
• Pinafore rides up: Shorten or lengthen straps by ±2 chains; or tack side edges to the blouse with two invisible stitches.
• Smocking uneven: Reweave gathers—aim to catch every 6th stitch; steam lightly and finger-press to set.
• Hat covers ears: Remove the last increase round (stop crown at 24–30 sts) or add a final snug sl-st edging.
• Shoes slipping: Work one extra round of sc at the opening or tack straps to the ankles.

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Quick Reference (Counts at a Glance)

• Head: max 42 sts; eyes at R13–14 (8 sts apart); close at 12.
• Snout: 18 → 14 sts, lightly stuffed.
• Ears: to 12 sts; flattened triangles.
• Body: max 36 → waist 24 → close at 6.
• Arms: 9-st tubes taper to 7.
• Legs/Shoes: sole 18; leg tube 12 → 8; strap ch-7.
• Tail: ch-16 cord.
• Blouse: ring 56; sleeve gaps 12; sleeves 24 → 30 → 30; hem FLO ridge.
• Collar: two shell fans over a 20-st strip with cream edging.
• Pinafore: waist 84 → 96; SMK guides at R6 & R8; bib 16 → 14; straps ch-22; pocket 9×5 rows; ruffle 96→144→192.
• Hat: top 30, wall BLO, brim to 50; ribbon ch-60.
• Tote: mesh 21 ch × 18 rows; handles ch-28.
• Shells: scallop 3-fan; spiral rolled strip; starfish 5 points.