Marjorie Goose Crochet Pattern — Oak and Marlowe

There is something deeply satisfying about making a stuffed animal from scratch. You choose the yarn, you work each stitch with intention, and somewhere along the way a pile of fiber transforms into a character with a personality all its own. The Marjorie Goose crochet pattern from Oak and Marlowe is exactly that kind of project — the kind you pick up expecting to make a toy and end up falling completely in love with the process.

Whether you are new to amigurumi and looking for a pattern that will actually teach you something, or you are an experienced crocheter hunting for your next satisfying make, Marjorie is worth every stitch. This post covers everything you need to know about the pattern: what to expect skill-wise, what materials to gather, tips for getting the best results, and why this little goose has become such a beloved project in the handmade community.

Who Is Marjorie?

Marjorie is a crocheted goose pattern designed by Oak and Marlowe, a pattern brand known for creating charming, well-constructed amigurumi with clear instructions and a distinctive aesthetic. If you have spent any time in the crochet corner of Instagram or Pinterest, you have probably seen Marjorie floating across your feed — that sweet oval body, the gentle curve of her neck, the little tuft on her head that somehow makes her look both dignified and slightly ridiculous in the best possible way.

She is the kind of finished object that people stop to ask about. Stitch markers end up all over your couch. Your partner wonders aloud why there is a goose on the kitchen counter. And you find yourself starting a second one before the first is even completely assembled.

Oak and Marlowe patterns are known for their attention to proportion and detail, and Marjorie is a perfect example of that design philosophy. The pattern is written with enough guidance that beginners can follow along confidently, while still being interesting and engaging enough that more seasoned makers enjoy the process.

Skill Level and What You Will Learn

The Marjorie Goose pattern is generally suited to confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. If you have worked in the round before and are comfortable with increases and decreases, you are ready for Marjorie. If you have never crocheted amigurumi before, this is actually a wonderful pattern to start with, because the shapes are clean and the construction logic is satisfying to follow.

Here are some of the techniques you will practice while making Marjorie:

Working in a magic ring. Almost all of Marjorie’s pieces begin with a magic ring, which creates a tight, seamless center for working in the round. If you have always avoided this technique, Marjorie is an excellent reason to finally master it.

Crocheting in continuous rounds. Rather than joining rounds with a slip stitch and chaining up, most amigurumi patterns — including this one — work in a continuous spiral. Using a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round becomes second nature quickly, and it results in a much cleaner finished piece.

Increases and decreases. Shaping an amigurumi body relies on strategically placed increases (usually single crochet two together to decrease, and working two stitches into one stitch to increase). You will get plenty of practice reading where these fall in a round and understanding why they create the shape they do.

Invisible decrease. Many amigurumi makers prefer the invisible decrease technique over the standard single crochet two together because it creates a flatter, less visible decrease on the right side of the fabric. If the pattern calls for it, take the time to learn this technique — it makes a noticeable difference in how polished your finished goose looks.

Sewing pieces together. Assembly is one of those skills that separates a lumpy, lopsided amigurumi from a charming, well-proportioned one. Marjorie has several pieces — her body, head, wings, beak, and feet — and attaching them in the right position and at the right angle takes a little practice and patience. The investment is worth it.

Embroidering facial details. The expressive, slightly haughty face that makes Marjorie so endearing comes from small embroidered details. If embroidery is new to you, this is a gentle introduction.

Materials You Will Need

One of the things that makes Marjorie accessible is that the materials list is not overwhelming. Here is a general overview of what to gather before you sit down to start.

Yarn. The pattern calls for a DK or worsted weight yarn depending on what size you want your finished goose to be. White is the classic choice for Marjorie’s body, and you will want small amounts of contrasting colors for her beak and feet — typically an orange or golden yellow. Some makers have also made Marjorie in gray, cream, or even hand-dyed variegated yarns with beautiful results. Choose a smooth yarn rather than a fuzzy or textured one, especially if you are a beginner, because smooth yarn makes it much easier to see your stitches and count accurately.

Crochet hook. The hook size will depend on your yarn weight and your personal tension. A good rule of thumb for amigurumi is to go one or two sizes smaller than the yarn label recommends. This creates a tighter fabric that will hold the stuffing in without gaps showing through.

Polyester fiberfill. Good quality stuffing makes a significant difference. Cheap stuffing can clump and create lumps in your finished piece. Look for a brand with fine, even fibers that fluff up nicely. Stuffing Marjorie firmly but not rock-hard gives her a satisfying weight and helps her maintain her shape over time.

Safety eyes. Most makers use black safety eyes for Marjorie. The size you choose will affect her expression — smaller eyes give a more refined, aloof look, while slightly larger eyes make her look more wide-eyed and curious. Safety eyes consist of a post that goes through the fabric and a washer that clicks into place on the inside. Attach them before you close up the stuffing opening, and check their placement carefully before locking them in permanently.

Yarn needle. A blunt tapestry or yarn needle is essential for sewing pieces together and for weaving in your ends. Having two or three on hand is helpful so you do not lose one mid-project.

Stitch markers. Use at least two — one to mark the beginning of each round and one to hold your place if you put the project down. Locking stitch markers are especially useful for amigurumi.

Scissors. Sharp scissors make clean cuts and tidy work.

Reading the Pattern

Oak and Marlowe patterns are written clearly, but if you are new to amigurumi, a few conventions are worth understanding before you start.

Most amigurumi patterns list rounds numerically, with the total stitch count in parentheses at the end of each row. For example, a line like “Round 5: sc in next 2 sts, inc, repeat around (24)” tells you that at the end of that round, you should have 24 stitches. Getting into the habit of counting at the end of every round will save you a great deal of frustration. An error in round five can snowball into a shape that is noticeably wrong by round ten.

If you are ever unsure whether you are reading the pattern correctly, working a small test round can help clarify things before you commit.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Making Marjorie for the first time is a joy, but there are a few things that experienced amigurumi makers have learned along the way that can make the process even smoother.

Swatch for gauge. Even though gauge is less critical for stuffed animals than for garments, working a quick gauge swatch helps you understand your tension and confirm that your hook size will produce a fabric tight enough to hide the stuffing. If you can see the white fiberfill peeking through the stitches, your tension is too loose.

Do not skip the magic ring. It can be tempting to just chain two and work your starting stitches into the chain, but a magic ring produces a genuinely cleaner center. Once you have done it a few times, it becomes fast and easy.

Count obsessively. Seriously. Count every round. Place your stitch marker faithfully. It sounds tedious but it is the single most effective habit for producing amigurumi that look intentional and polished.

Pin before sewing. When it comes time to attach Marjorie’s head, wings, beak, and feet, use straight pins to position everything before you commit with your needle and yarn. Step back and look at her from a few angles. The placement of her neck especially — the slight forward tilt that gives her that characteristic goose posture — makes a big difference in whether she looks like Marjorie or like a very round white blob.

Take your time with the face. Embroider the facial details slowly and with care. If the first attempt does not look right, carefully remove it and try again. The face is what makes a finished amigurumi come alive, and it is worth reworking until you are happy.

Weave in ends as you go. Rather than leaving all your ends until the very end of the project, weave them in as you finish each piece. This keeps your work tidy and prevents a daunting pile of loose ends at assembly time.

Yarn Color Ideas and Creative Variations

While the classic Marjorie is white with orange accents, the pattern is a wonderful canvas for experimentation. The handmade community has produced some truly creative variations.

Soft gray yarn with pale yellow feet gives Marjorie a more muted, elegant look — almost like a Canada goose relative who went to finishing school. Hand-dyed yarns in pastel tones create a dreamy, watercolor effect. Some makers have crocheted Marjorie in natural, undyed wool for a rustic, heirloom feel.

The orange or yellow of the beak and feet can also be adjusted. A deep burnt orange reads as more dramatic and painterly. A pale butter yellow is softer and more whimsical.

If you enjoy dressing your finished amigurumi, Marjorie’s rounded body is wonderful for tiny crocheted accessories — a small bow, a miniature hat, or even a tiny scarf. She holds details beautifully.

Why the Oak and Marlowe Style Works So Well

It is worth saying a little more about what makes Oak and Marlowe patterns stand out in a market crowded with amigurumi designs.

The proportions are carefully considered. Marjorie is not just a round body with a beak and some feet slapped on — her neck has the right length and angle to look like a goose, her wings sit naturally against her sides, and her feet are positioned to give her a grounded, stable stance. This level of attention to proportion is not universal in amigurumi design, and it is part of why finished Marjories look so alive and character-full.

The instructions are written in a way that explains not just what to do but how to do it. This is particularly valuable for techniques like assembly, where the written instructions can make the difference between a piece sewn on sideways and one that looks like it grew there naturally.

And there is a genuine warmth in the design sensibility. Marjorie looks like she has opinions. She looks like she would honk at the postman and also expect you to bring her a snack. That personality — slightly imperious, secretly loveable — comes through in every design choice, from the angle of her beak to the tuft on her head.

Marjorie as a Gift

One of the most common reasons people seek out this pattern is to make Marjorie as a gift. She makes a wonderful baby shower present, a keepsake for a child, or even a charming gift for an adult who appreciates handmade things. There is something about a crocheted goose that reads as both whimsical and timeless.

If you are making her as a gift for a very young child, just be aware of the safety eyes — for babies under three, some makers embroider the eyes instead, which is equally charming and completely safe for small hands and curious mouths.

A finished Marjorie pairs beautifully with a simple handmade tag or a note explaining that she was made stitch by stitch, specifically for the recipient. In a world full of mass-produced toys, that kind of made-by-hand intentionality means something.

Where to Find the Pattern

The Marjorie Goose crochet pattern is available through Oak and Marlowe’s official channels. Like most indie crochet designers, Oak and Marlowe sells patterns through platforms like Ravelry, Etsy, or their own website. Purchasing directly from the designer supports independent creators and ensures you receive the most current version of the pattern, including any errata or updates.

Once you purchase, you will typically receive a downloadable PDF that you can print out or keep on your phone or tablet for reference while you work.

The Community Around This Pattern

Part of the joy of making a popular pattern like Marjorie is that you join a community of makers who have walked the same path. Searching the hashtag on Instagram or browsing the project gallery on Ravelry gives you access to hundreds of finished Marjories — a reassuring resource when you are wondering if your neck looks right, or a delightful rabbit hole when you just want to see how many different beautiful geese people have made.

If you run into trouble with a specific step, there is a good chance someone else has already asked the same question in a comment thread or a crochet group. The amigurumi community is genuinely generous with knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Making the Marjorie Goose crochet pattern from Oak and Marlowe is the kind of project that reminds you why you started crocheting in the first place. There is the tactile pleasure of working with soft yarn. There is the meditative rhythm of round after round. There is the problem-solving satisfaction of figuring out exactly where to pin that wing before sewing it down. And then there is the finished goose herself — sitting on your shelf, looking out the window with that particular goose expression that hovers somewhere between serene and imperious.

She takes time. She takes patience, a few stitch markers, and the willingness to count every single round. But when you reach the end of assembly and set her down and step back and look at her, you will understand exactly why so many people have made Marjorie, and why so many of them immediately started planning their second one.