Bananagoose Crochet Pattern: Amigurumi Banana Goose Plushie Tutorial for Crocheting
If you’ve ever watched a project grow from yarn to cuddly character, you know the magic of amigurumi. Today, I’m sharing a playful, sunny-sweet design that blends a classic fruit with a gentle bird: the Bananagoose. This Amigurumi Banana Goose is a plushie that sits happily on a shelf, travels in tote bags, or becomes a cheerful gift for kids and adults who love a little whimsy in their crochet. The pattern here is detailed, with clear steps and tips to help you achieve a soft, huggable finish. It’s written with beginners in mind, but there’s plenty to inspire seasoned crocheters as well, including color variations and personal touches you can add as you gain confidence.
What makes this banana goose special? It’s a friendly hybrid—part fruit, part bird—designed to be adorable from every angle. The body is shaped to resemble a curved banana, while a ducky-goose-like head sits on top, complete with a tiny orange beak, stitched or safety eyes, little wings along the sides, and cute webbed feet. You can tailor expressions using embroidery or safety eyes, choose different fabric finishes, or scale the size by adjusting your hook and yarn weight. The finished plushie is perfect as a décor piece, a bedtime buddy, or a playful gift for crochet enthusiasts who love unique amigurumi.
What you’ll find in this post
– A complete, easy-to-follow materials list and tools
– Clear abbreviations and crochet basics
– Step-by-step instructions for each component: banana body halves, head and neck, beak, wings, feet, and tail
– A simple assembly guide with tips for shaping and posing
– Alternative yarns, color ideas, and size variations
– Care tips and safety considerations for toys
Materials and tools
The right materials help your Bananagoose come to life with a crisp, cozy finish. Here are recommendations that work well for most common yarns and yarn weights.
– Yarn
– Banana body and beak: DK weight or light worsted weight yarn in a sunny yellow shade. If you prefer a richer yellow, pick a yarn in the 3.0–3.5 mm hook range to keep your stitches tight and plush.
– Beak and feet: Orange or a bright tangerine shade to stand out against the yellow body.
– Eyes: Black safety eyes (6–8 mm) if you’re comfortable with safety eyes, or use black embroidery thread for stitched eyes.
– Wings and small accents: A complementary color like light yellow, tan, or white for contrast, if you’d like wings to stand out a bit more.
– Crochet hook: 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm (adjust to your tension). A smaller hook will give a denser fabric for a plushier finish; a slightly larger hook will yield a softer feel.
– Fiberfill stuffing or polyester stuffing
– Stitch markers
– Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
– Scissors
– Optional: fabric stiffener or non-slip fabric for a stable display base
Gauge and tension
– Gauge isn’t critical for amigurumi, but keeping a consistent tension ensures neat stitches and a well-shaped banana body. If you’re getting larger stitches, switch to a smaller hook; if your stitches look too tight, try a larger hook. The aim is a plush, compact toy, not a lacy or airy fabric.
Abbreviations and tips
– MR: magic ring
– ch: chain
– sc: single crochet
– inc: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
– dec: decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
– sl st: slip stitch
– FO: fasten off
– R or round: one complete loop of crocheting
– Begin rounds in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted
– Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to track rounds
– When joining pieces, place right sides facing each other and sew with small, tight stitches to keep seams neat
Pattern overview and notes
– The Bananagoose is built from several components that you sew together after crocheting. The core is two banana-shaped body halves that, when joined, form a curved banana body. The head sits on the top, with a small beak, two tiny wings on the sides, feet at the bottom, and a short tail at the back.
– For safety around small children, you may wish to substitute safety eyes with embroidered eyes or felt eyes. The beak, wings, and feet can be added with small amounts of contrasting yarn to create texture and color.
– You can customize the pattern by changing the colors (e.g., a pale lemon beak or white wings) or by adding little cheek blushes with a soft pink or peach yarn.
Now, let’s bring the Bananagoose to life. The pattern is broken into sections for ease of following, and you’ll find clear rounds and counts to guide you along.
Banana body (two halves)
Because the banana body is curved, you’ll crochet two identical curved halves that sew together along their long curved edges to form a hollow, banana-shaped body. This approach yields a comfy, squeezable core that can be stuffed gently and still keep its shape.
Banana body half A
– Start with MR 6 sc. Place a stitch marker at round 1.
– Round 1: MR 6 sc (6)
– Round 2: 6 inc (12)
– Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
– Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
– Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
– Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
– Rounds 7–11: sc around (36)
– Round 12: (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
– Round 13: (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
– Round 14: (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Round 15: (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
– Round 16: 6 dec (6)
– FO, leaving a tail long enough to sew. Do not stuff aggressively yet; you’ll stuff after you join halves.
Banana body half B
– Use the same rounds as Half A to ensure both halves match perfectly.
Assembly of the banana body
– Place halves together with right sides facing outwards along the long curved edge. You will sew around the outer edge to form the banana shape, leaving the inner curve open for stuffing.
– Start by aligning the edges and placing a few securing stitches along the curved edge. Then continue to sew all around the curved edge, leaving a small opening to stuff.
– Lightly stuff the banana body through the opening until you reach your desired firmness. The banana should hold its curved shape when laid flat.
– Once stuffed, finish the seam by stitching the opening closed. The finished body should resemble a gentle curved banana ready to accept a head and other features.
Head and neck
Head
– Start with MR 6 sc.
– Round 1: MR 6 sc
– Round 2: 6 inc (12)
– Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
– Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
– Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
– Round 6–9: sc around (30)
– Round 10: (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
– Round 11: (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Round 12: (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
– Round 13: 6 dec (6)
– FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Stuff the head firmly to keep its round shape.
Neck
– To attach the head to the body, you can create a small neck piece:
– Start with MR 8 sc
– Round 1: MR 8 sc
– Round 2: inc in each stitch (16)
– Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x8 (24)
– Round 4–6: sc around (24)
– Round 7: (1 sc, dec) x8 (16)
– Round 8: dec in each stitch (8)
– FO, leaving a tail to sew the neck to the banana body at the top center.
Beak
– The beak is a small triangle or teardrop-like piece in orange yarn.
– Start with MR 6 sc.
– Round 1: MR 6 sc
– Round 2: inc in each stitch (12)
– Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
– Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
– Rounds 5–6: sc around (24)
– Round 7: (3 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Round 8: (2 sc, dec) x6 (12)
– Round 9: dec in each stitch (6)
– FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position the beak at the front center of the head and sew it securely.
Eyes and facial features
– Eyes: You can use 6–8 mm black safety eyes inserted on the head, roughly between rounds 7 and 9, spaced evenly with about a stitch or two in between. If you prefer embroidery:
– Use black thread to create two small, evenly spaced stitched eyes between rounds 6–8 on the head.
– Optional mouth: A small embroidered line under the beak or a tiny curved smile using pink or brown yarn.
Wings (two)
– Start with MR 6 sc
– Round 1: MR 6 sc
– Round 2: inc in each stitch (12)
– Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
– Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
– Round 5: sc around (24)
– Round 6: (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Round 7: (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
– Round 8: dec in each stitch (6)
– FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
– Attach each wing to the body along the upper sides, halfway between the head and center of the body. Place them symmetrically.
Feet (two)
– Feet are small and orange to match the beak, with a slight webbing look if you’d like:
– Round 1: MR 6 sc
– Round 2: inc in every stitch (12)
– Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
– Round 4–5: sc around (18)
– Round 6: (2 sc, dec) x4 (12)
– Round 7: dec in each stitch (6)
– FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Flatten the feet on the bottom to create a stable stance. Attach to the bottom of the banana body, one on each side near the front.
Tail (one small tuft)
– Optional small tail for the back of the banana goose:
– Start with MR 4 sc
– Round 1: MR 4 sc
– Round 2: inc in each stitch (8)
– Round 3: sc around (8)
– Round 4: dec in each stitch (4)
– FO, with a tail for sewing. Attach at the back of the body.
Assembly and finishing touches
– Start by attaching the head to the top center of the banana body. Use tight, invisible stitches so the seam doesn’t show on the front.
– Position the neck so the head sits at a natural angle. Use a few slip stitches or tight whip stitches to secure the neck and prevent wobbling.
– Attach the beak centered to the front of the head. If you used safety eyes, place them in a way that aligns well with the beak. If you embroidered the eyes, simply place the beak and stitch around it.
– Attach the wings on either side of the body at a comfortable location—roughly halfway down from the head, ensuring symmetry.
– Sew the feet to the bottom of the body near the front. They should be spaced apart to give the goose a stable stance.
– Attach the tail at the back. This is a cute finishing detail that adds personality.
– Weave in all ends securely and trim close to the yarn to avoid loose ends.
Care and storage
– The Bananagoose is a soft, cuddly plushie. For care, surface wash with mild soap and water, then gently pat dry. If you’ve used safety eyes, check periodically that they’re secure. Embroidered eyes will typically stay secure longer for young children.
– If you’re planning to gift this to a baby or toddler, consider replacing the safety eyes with embroidered eyes to reduce choking hazards.
Color and size variations
– Size variation:
– Use a smaller hook (3.0 mm) with DK yarn for a smaller banana goose. Alternatively, use a larger hook (3.5–4.0 mm) with a heavier yarn for a bigger plushie. Be mindful that the pattern proportions might shift slightly when changing yarn weights.
– Color variations:
– Banana body: A pale yellow or deeper lemon shade can completely change the look.
– Beak and feet: A deep orange or coral can create a bold contrast.
– Wings: A pale white or light tan can give a more delicate appearance, or keep them yellow for a monochrome look with a fun twist.
– Add a tiny white belly patch or a light brown shadow under the wings for added dimension.
Tips for a smooth crochet journey
– Take your time with shaping. The banana shape is all about curvature, not just thickness. Gentle shaping and even tension help the halves align properly.
– Use stitch markers around the starting rounds to avoid losing track of rounds in the body and head.
– Test-fit components as you go. When attaching the head to the body, ensure the neck angle looks natural. Slight adjustments can make a big difference in the final look.
– If you’re new to amigurumi, start with the head and neck first to get a feel for curved shaping before tackling the larger banana body.
– If you want extra durability for a toy for a child, consider adding a small amount of fiberfill in the arms or wings to prevent sagging.
Pattern notes and variations
– Feel free to adapt the pattern to suit your comfort level. If you’d like a more square beak or a rounder head, tweak the increases and decreases in the head and beak sections.
– You can add a little blush to the cheeks with soft pink embroidery to give the Bananagoose a friendly face.
– If you want a “quiet” version, embroider the eyes or use felt eyes that are securely sewn on and lightly glued.
A quick checklist for finishing a project like this
– Gather all components and lay them out in front of you.
– Attach the head first, then the beak, ensuring the face sits squarely.
– Add the wings and feet, then the tail.
– Sew up any remaining gaps and weave in all loose ends.
– Give the plushie a gentle pat and adjust the stuffing if needed to keep the curves smooth and pleasing.
Common questions and troubleshooting
– Q: My banana halves don’t align perfectly when I sew them together. What should I do?
– A: It’s normal for slight misalignment to occur. Check the longest curved edge and ensure you’re sewing along that edge. If the halves pull, you can gently adjust by adding a few extra stitches in a row to even things out before finishing the seam.
– Q: The head looks a little flat. How can I fix it?
– A: Add a small amount of stuffing in the crown area and use extra tight stitches to shape a rounded top. You can also row-peak the last few rounds with an increase to create a slightly domed head.
– Q: I don’t have safety eyes. Can I substitute with embroidery?
– A: Yes. If you embroider the eyes, place them evenly and ensure spacing matches your preferred expression. A simple small satin stitch or satin-back stitch can create a cute, friendly look.
Inspiration and final thoughts
The Bananagoose is more than just a crochet pattern—it’s a playful celebration of whimsy and handmade warmth. It invites you to explore color, texture, and form in a way that’s approachable for newbies but still satisfying for seasoned crocheters. The duality of a banana and a goose captures a smile in every stitch, making it a perfect project to gift, display, or simply gift yourself with a sense of accomplishment.
If you’d like to push this pattern further, consider creating a family of fruit-bird hybrids. What would a strawberry sparrow look like? Could you craft a grape gull? Each variation is a chance to learn new shapes and techniques while keeping the same essential amigurumi magic: simple stitches, thoughtful assembly, and a character that becomes a friend.
Want more tips, tutorials, and pattern ideas? Subscribe to the blog or follow on social media for updates, photos from readers, and behind-the-scenes notes on crochet projects like this. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color palettes or yarn textures. The world of amigurumi is a friendly place to try new things, learn from each other, and celebrate the little joys of handcrafted toys and décor.
In closing
This Bananagoose Amigurumi Banana Goose plushie brings together a playful shape and a friendly face in a way that’s approachable for crochet enthusiasts at many levels. With careful attention to the curved banana body and light, cheerful features, you’ll end up with a soft, huggable plushie that radiates sunshine in fiber form. Use your favorite yarn colors, tailor the size to your preference, and don’t hesitate to make small adjustments—after all, the charm of handmade toys lies in their unique character, created by you.
Happy crocheting, and I can’t wait to hear how your Bananagoose turns out. If you’d like to share photos, patterns, or tips, feel free to drop a note in the comments or reach out with questions. May your hooks stay happy and your yarn stay bright as you bring more amigurumi friends into the world.
