Hey, it’s been a bit since I’ve posted any new tutorials on my blog or my YouTube channel – I was taking a much needed rest after my most recent show in STL. It was really fun and rewarding, but took a lot out of me (more than a normal show) so I wanted to give myself some time to recover.

One of the things I made for this show that folks really liked was my sushi plushie – I also find them really fun to make, and it’s a great way to learn how to do an invisible color change if you’ve never made one before. It works up really well in worsted weight yarn for a piece of sushi that’s about the same size as a real piece – but it looks great when made with bulky yarn, too!

I also wanted to try something new with my tutorials on YouTube: I’ve seen folks post tutorials with music and written instruction overlays over a basically silent video with no spoken instruction. I’m curious to try it, as I can see why it might appeal to viewers who maybe just want to see what to do without necessarily hearing me speak the entire time?

YouTube Pattern Video

Below you’ll find the pattern video. I’ve very recently started using YouTube’s “Chapters” feature to sort each individual instruction (rounds, sewing, sections, etc.) into a time stamped section. You should be able to see the chapters in the timeline/seek bar of the video below, but if you click over to YouTube, you’ll be able to pull the chapters up and move more easily between them.

As always, with the pattern write-up here on my blog, the written instructions are “bare bones” – they’re designed to work hand-in-hand with the video tutorial. With the addition of the chapters feature, it’s even easier to navigate the pattern. For example, if you’re struggling with Rnd 3 of the body, you can click directly on the chapter “Rnd 3” and crochet it along with me.

Materials

✩ Worsted weight yarn in black, white, and accent color (I’m using green), or your choice of weight and colors – just remember to size hooks and accessories accordingly. 

✩ 4mm crochet hook (or whatever size you need, based on the weight of yarn you choose)

✩8mm safety eyes – I get mine from here: https://rb.gy/wzx12u

✩ Your standard amigurumi items: tapestry/yarn needle(s), stitch marker, scissors, stuffing

Pattern Notes

All of my patterns are written with US terminology. 

As with most amigurumi projects, your work will be formed by crocheting in a continuous spiral, with a stitch marker marking the beginning of each round. Any other construction style will be indicated in the pattern!

Abbreviations

These are my most commonly used abbreviations. Any special stitches or exceptions will be denoted in the pattern!

rnd(s)	round(s)
sc	single crochet
MR	magic ring
( )	number of stitches at the end of each round
* *	repeat instructions, in the order they appear, the indicated amount of times
inc	increase (typically single crochet – otherwise denoted)
BLO	work in the back loop only
FLO	work in the front loop only
slp st	slip stitch
dc	double crochet
hdc	half double crochet
ch	chain
st(s)	stitch(es)

Pattern

Begin with accent color (for me, green) – form a MR

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2: *inc* x 6 (12) – in last loop of last sc, change color to white yarn. Fasten off accent color.

Invisible color change, using white – loosely slp st in each BLO from Rnd 2!

Rnd 3: in BLO, *1 sc, inc* x 6 (18)

Rnd 4: *2 sc, inc* x 6 (24) – in last loop of last sc, change color to black yarn. Leave white yarn attached.

Invisible color change, using black – loosely slp st in each BLO from Rnd 4!

Rnd 5: in BLO, sc in each st around (24)

Rnd 6-8: sc in each st around [3 rnds of sc total] – in last loop of last sc of Rnd 8, change color back to white yarn. Fasten off black.

Rnd 9: in BLO, *2 sc, dec* x 6 (18)

Add safety eyes here – place them in the invisible color change between the accent color and the white on the front of the sushi.

Rnd 10: *1 sc, dec* x 6 (12)

Stuff sushi here, being careful not to overstuff so the piece stays flat along the BLO rounds of Rnd 5 and Rnd 9. Should be sort of hockey puck shaped!

Rnd 11: *dec* x 6 (6)

Fasten off by slp st to first st of Rnd 11. Cut a long tail and use it to sew through the 6 FLO of Rnd 11. Pull to cinch opening closed, then tie a surface knot and weave in tail.

Using a little black embroidery floss, embroider smile on. I make mine into a “w” shape but you can embroider whatever smile you’d like!

Complete!

As always, thanks for tuning in. If you haven’t already checked out my YouTube page, I’d be forever grateful if you’d consider subscribing or watching my other tutorial videos. I try to post twice a month with a new tutorial!

Normal, obligatory legal banter:

Please, if you’d like to share this pattern, link folks directly to this blog page, or to the video on YouTube. I work really hard on my patterns and post them for free – please don’t copy my stuff and sell it as your own pattern! You can make and sell this pattern – and while I would love a mention on the listing or a link back to my blog, it’s not a requirement.

Have an Instagram and want to post your new make? Tag me (@pixeledpeach) so I can see and promote your page!

-Missy