Black Poodle Amigurumi Crochet Pattern -Step By Step

The Black Poodle is instantly recognizable for its long, elegant muzzle and dense, curly coat — two breed-defining features that make this amigurumi project both visually striking and technically satisfying to crochet.

Capturing that fluffy looped texture and refined snout in yarn makes every stitch feel intentional and rewarding.

Poodles are among the most beloved dog breeds worldwide, admired for their intelligence, elegance, and expressive eyes — making a handmade Black Poodle the ideal heartfelt gift for any Poodle owner or dog lover.

Whether it sits on a shelf, rests in a nursery, or travels as a comfort companion, this crocheted piece carries genuine sentimental weight.

This pattern is 100% free with no sign-up required, and it includes full crochet instructions, a complete materials list, step-by-step assembly, and detailed color guidance. Let’s get started.

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Pattern at a Glance

Detail	Info
Skill Level	Intermediate
Finished Size	Approx. 7–8 inches tall
Yarn Weight	Worsted weight (#4)
Hook Size	US E/4 (3.5mm)
Stitches Used	MR, sc, hdc, inc, dec, sl st, BLO
Techniques Used	Continuous rounds, oval foundation chain, flat assembly sewing
Time to Complete	8–12 hours
Stuffing Needed	Yes — polyester fiberfill toy stuffing
Safety Eyes	9mm, black or dark brown
Number of Pieces	10 (Head, Muzzle, Body, Ears ×2, Front Legs ×2, Back Legs ×2, Tail)
Yarn Colors Needed	1 main (Black worsted) + 1 accent (Black loop/boucle for ears and tail)
Best Occasion / Use	Poodle owner gift, pet portrait keepsake, nursery décor, craft fair item

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Materials You Will Need

Gather everything on this list before you begin so your Black Poodle project runs smoothly from the first round to the final weave.

Yarn

• Black (main coat) — approx. 150–180 yards — SEE THIS PRODUCT: Lion Brand Heartland Black Canyon Yarn in “Black Canyon” — this deep, cool-toned black most accurately matches the jet-black AKC Black Poodle coat with no warm or charcoal undertone.
• Black Loop or Boucle Yarn (ears and tail pom-pom) — approx. 25–35 yards — Lion Brand Go For Fleece in “Black” or any black boucle yarn — the looped fiber texture mimics the poodle’s dense, curly ear and tail fur far better than standard worsted.
• Black Embroidery Floss (face detail) — 1 skein — DMC 310 Black — used for nose outline, nostril dots, and optional eyebrow definition stitches above each safety eye.

Tools & Notions

• Crochet hook: US E/4 (3.5mm)
• Fiberfill / toy stuffing — SEE THIS PRODUCT: Poly-Fil Premium Toy Stuffing
• Safety eyes: 9mm — black or very dark brown for the poodle’s characteristic dark, expressive gaze
• Safety nose: 15mm black oval, or 3-strand black embroidery floss as a hand-stitched alternative
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Pet slicker brush — for gently brushing the loop yarn ears and tail pom-pom to maximum fluffiness
• Fabric glue — for securing the safety nose firmly before snapping the washer backing into place

🛒 Yarn Tip: The single most important yarn decision for this pattern is choosing a true, cool-toned black for the main coat — Lion Brand Heartland “Black Canyon” has no warm or charcoal undertone, which keeps your finished poodle looking authentically breed-accurate — find it at Michaels, Joann, or on Amazon.

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Abbreviations & Stitch Guide

Every abbreviation below is used at least once in this Black Poodle amigurumi pattern.

Abbreviation	Meaning
MR	Magic ring
ch	Chain
sl st	Slip stitch
sc	Single crochet
hdc	Half double crochet
inc	Increase — 2 sc in 1 st
dec	Decrease — sc2tog (invisible decrease)
BLO	Back loops only
FLO	Front loops only
st(s)	Stitch(es)
rnd	Round
R	Round
Row	Row (flat sections only)
rep	Repeat
( ) x#	Repeat instructions in brackets x times
[ ]	Stitch count at end of round

💡 Invisible Decrease Tip: Insert your hook through the front loops only of the next two stitches before pulling through — this closes the gap far more neatly than a standard sc2tog and is especially critical for keeping the poodle’s muzzle and head surface smooth and gap-free.

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Before You Begin

• Spiral rounds: This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds — do not join rounds or add a turning chain unless flat rows are specifically instructed.
• Stitch marker: Place a stitch marker at the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
• Both loops: Work through both loops of every stitch unless the pattern specifically calls for FLO or BLO.
• Stuffing: Stuff each piece firmly as you go — do not wait until the piece is fully closed to add stuffing.
• Tension: Tight, even tension matters more than matching exact gauge for amigurumi — adjust hook size down if stuffing shows through your stitches.

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Gauge

Gauge: 4 stitches x 4 rows = 1 inch in single crochet using US E/4 (3.5mm) and worsted weight (#4) yarn.
Tight tension matters more than exact gauge for amigurumi — if stuffing shows through the head or body surface, drop immediately to a US D/3 (3.25mm) hook.

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Free Black Poodle Crochet Pattern — Complete Instructions

Construction Overview

Here is how this Black Poodle amigurumi is built before you begin.

• The head, muzzle, body, front legs, back legs, and tail are all crocheted in continuous spiral rounds with no slip stitch joins at the end of each round.
• The muzzle is worked from an oval foundation chain — not a magic ring — to create the poodle’s signature long, narrow snout that sets this breed apart from all other dog amigurumi.
• The ears are crocheted in black loop or boucle yarn, left completely unstuffed, flattened by hand, and sewn flat against the sides of the head to recreate the poodle’s long, hanging, curly-furred ear style.
• The tail is a small stuffed sphere crocheted in loop yarn to recreate the poodle’s iconic rounded pom-pom tail — brush gently with a pet slicker brush for maximum fluff before attaching.
• All 10 pieces are made separately and assembled in this order: Head → Muzzle → Ears → Body → Front Legs → Back Legs → Tail.
• The only breed-specific construction note for this Poodle pattern is the oval foundation chain on the muzzle — read through that section once before beginning so the technique is familiar.

Pattern Instructions

All pieces are made separately and assembled at the end — most parts are worked in continuous rounds with no slip stitch joins — use a stitch marker at the start of each round and count stitches every round.

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Head

Black Yarn (Lion Brand Heartland, “Black Canyon”).
The head forms the largest and most prominent piece — a smooth, well-shaped sphere gives the Black Poodle its refined and elegant profile that is central to the breed’s look.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [36]
Rnd 7: (5 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [42]
Rnd 8: (6 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [48]
Rnd 9–14: 1 sc in each st around. [48] (6 rounds)

Insert 9mm safety eyes between Rnd 10 and Rnd 11, approximately 8 stitches apart — position them slightly forward-facing toward where the muzzle will sit below.

Rnd 15: (6 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [42]
Rnd 16: (5 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [36]
Rnd 17: (4 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [30]

Stuff the head firmly now, continuing to add stuffing as you close.

Rnd 18: (3 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [24]
Rnd 19: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [18]
Rnd 20: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [12]
Rnd 21: dec x 6. [6]

Fasten off. Leave a 30cm yarn tail for sewing.

💡 Tip: Before placing safety eyes permanently, hold the finished head at arm’s length and test positions with two straight pins — poodle eyes should sit close together and centered toward the front of the face for the breed’s signature alert, intelligent expression.

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Muzzle

Black Yarn (Lion Brand Heartland, “Black Canyon”).
The poodle’s long, narrow muzzle is the single most breed-defining feature — a well-shaped elongated snout is what makes this amigurumi unmistakably a poodle and not any other breed.

Begin with a foundation chain — not a magic ring — to create the oval snout shape.

Ch 5.
Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, 3 sc in last ch; rotate work and working along other side of chain: sc in next 2 ch, 2 sc in starting ch. [10]
Rnd 2: inc, 2 sc, (inc) x 3, 2 sc, (inc) x 2. [16]
Rnd 3–5: 1 sc in each st around. [16] (3 rounds)

Stuff the muzzle lightly now — it should feel firm but still pliable so it flattens naturally against the curved face when sewn.

Rnd 6: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 4. [12]
Rnd 7: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 4. [8]
Rnd 8: dec x 4. [4]

Fasten off. Leave a 30cm yarn tail for sewing. Flatten the closed end gently with your fingers before pinning to the face.

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Ears (make 2)

Black Loop or Boucle Yarn (Lion Brand Go For Fleece, “Black”).
The poodle’s long, hanging ears are covered in dense, curly fur — using loop yarn here instantly creates that breed-defining texture without any additional brushing or trimming.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [24]
Rnd 5–10: 1 sc in each st around. [24] (6 rounds)
Rnd 11: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [18]
Rnd 12: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [12]
Rnd 13: dec x 6. [6]

Do not stuff. Flatten each ear piece firmly between your palms — a gentle pinch at the top creates a natural ear fold that mimics the poodle’s real ear drape.

Fasten off. Leave a 30cm yarn tail for sewing.

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Body

Black Yarn (Lion Brand Heartland, “Black Canyon”).
The body is a slightly elongated sphere — the poodle’s proportions are slender and elegant rather than wide and rounded, so resist the urge to overstuff.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [36]
Rnd 7–15: 1 sc in each st around. [36] (9 rounds)
Rnd 16: (4 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [30]
Rnd 17: (3 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [24]

Stuff the body firmly now, shaping it into a slightly elongated oval as you fill.

Rnd 18: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [18]
Rnd 19: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [12]
Rnd 20: dec x 6. [6]

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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Front Legs (make 2)

Black Yarn (Lion Brand Heartland, “Black Canyon”).
The poodle’s front legs are slender and lightly stuffed — they should sit straight and upright when the finished piece is assembled in a standing pose.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [18]
Rnd 4–5: 1 sc in each st around. [18] (2 rounds — paw area)
Rnd 6: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [12]
Rnd 7–14: 1 sc in each st around. [12] (8 rounds — leg length)

Stuff lightly — front legs should be slightly flexible rather than rigid.

Fasten off. Leave a 30cm yarn tail for sewing.

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Back Legs (make 2)

Black Yarn (Lion Brand Heartland, “Black Canyon”).
The back legs are slightly shorter than the front legs and position the poodle in its natural, poised seated stance when assembled.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [18]
Rnd 4–5: 1 sc in each st around. [18] (2 rounds — paw area)
Rnd 6: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [12]
Rnd 7–12: 1 sc in each st around. [12] (6 rounds)

Stuff lightly.

Fasten off. Leave a 30cm yarn tail for sewing.

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Tail

Black Loop or Boucle Yarn (Lion Brand Go For Fleece, “Black”).
The poodle’s signature pom-pom tail is a small, firmly stuffed round sphere — it is one of the most immediately recognizable breed features and the finishing detail that makes viewers smile.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6. [18]
Rnd 4: 1 sc in each st around. [18]
Rnd 5: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6. [12]

Stuff the tail firmly now.

Rnd 6: dec x 6. [6]

Fasten off. Leave a 30cm yarn tail for sewing. Brush gently with a pet slicker brush for maximum pom-pom fluffiness before attaching to the body.

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Assembly

Pin all pieces before sewing and check placement from multiple angles before committing any stitch.

1. Use 3 strands of DMC 310 Black embroidery floss to embroider a horizontal bar stitch for the nose across the base of the muzzle, with two short vertical straight stitches beneath it for the nostrils.
2. Pin the muzzle to the lower center of the face between Rnd 15 and Rnd 18, positioned just below and between the safety eyes, then sew firmly all the way around using the yarn tail.
3. Attach each ear flat against the sides of the head at Rnd 8–9, angling them slightly forward so they hang down and frame the face in the poodle’s characteristic pendant ear position.
4. Sew the head to the top center of the body with the face tilted very slightly upward and forward — this posture gives the finished poodle its bright, attentive, show-ring expression.
5. Attach the front legs to the lower front sides of the body between Rnd 14 and Rnd 16, pointing straight downward and parallel to each other.
6. Attach the back legs to the rear lower sides of the body between Rnd 16 and Rnd 18, angling them outward and slightly back for a natural seated pose.
7. Sew the pom-pom tail to the upper back of the body at approximately Rnd 7, angling it upward at roughly 45 degrees for the poodle’s characteristic lifted tail carriage.
8. Optional: tie a 6mm-wide satin ribbon in deep red, royal blue, or gold around the neck as a breed-appropriate collar bow — striking against the black coat and a nod to classic poodle show styling.
9. Weave in all remaining yarn ends with at least two direction changes using your tapestry needle, then tug each piece gently to confirm every join is secure before finishing.

📸 Photo Tip: The Black Poodle’s fluffy loop yarn ears photograph beautifully against a white background in natural window light — position the finished piece slightly side-on to show both ear and pom-pom tail in the same shot for maximum Pinterest impact.

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Face Details & Expression Options

Choose the facial expression that best matches your Black Poodle’s personality before you begin any embroidery work.

• Classic expression: Place safety eyes between Rnd 10 and Rnd 11 approximately 8 stitches apart — this gives the poodle its trademark forward-focused, alert, intelligent gaze.
• Breed signature expression: Embroider two straight stitches of black floss angled very slightly inward above each safety eye for the poodle’s characteristic knowing, sophisticated eyebrow arch.
• Mood variant: Move the eyes 6 stitches apart instead of 8 and add a tiny single-stitch curved smile with black floss beneath the nose for a gentle, playful expression.
• Child-safe version: Skip safety eyes entirely and embroider two 5mm oval eyes using 3 strands of black embroidery floss filled with a satin stitch — fully safe for babies and toddlers with no hardware.

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Finishing Touches

A few final details are all it takes to transform this crocheted piece into a true Black Poodle portrait.

• Embroidery detail: Use 3 strands of DMC 310 Black to satin stitch a small inverted triangle for the nose on the center of the muzzle and add two tiny vertical straight stitches for the nostrils — this is the poodle’s most critical facial marking.
• Shading or color detail: Dust a small amount of dark gray chalk pastel very lightly along the muzzle seam where it meets the head to create a subtle depth shadow — optional but adds instant visual realism to the finished piece.
• Breed accessory: Tie a small satin ribbon bow in deep red, royal blue, or gold at the base of one ear or around the neck — a classic poodle styling touch that makes the finished piece look polished and intentional.
• Final check: Your finished Black Poodle should sit upright with the muzzle centered below the eyes, ears hanging evenly on both sides, and the pom-pom tail lifted slightly — use a tapestry needle tip to gently coax any sunken stitches outward for a fuller silhouette.

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Color Guide

Use this table to match yarn to any recognized Poodle coat color or to fill a custom crochet commission request.

Color Variety or Marking	Yarn Recommendation
Black (this pattern)	Lion Brand Heartland “Black Canyon”
White	Red Heart Super Saver “White”
Apricot	Lion Brand Pound of Love “Pastel Orange”
Red	Red Heart Super Saver “Cherry Red”
Silver	Caron Simply Soft “Silver”
Chocolate / Brown	Lion Brand Heartland “Glacier Bay”
Blue (Gray-Blue)	Bernat Super Value “Dark Gray”
Café au Lait	Red Heart Soft “Wheat”
Cream	Lion Brand Pound of Love “Antique White”
Parti (Two-Color)	White + any solid color listed above
Phantom (Tan Markings)	Black main + Lion Brand Pound of Love “Honey”
Sable	Red Heart Super Saver “Bronze”
Most Popular on Pinterest	Apricot Poodle

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Beginner Tips

These five tips are specific to the Black Poodle pattern and will save you real time and frustration at every stage.

• Muzzle shaping: Stuff the muzzle very lightly — just enough to hold its oval form — so it compresses naturally flat against the curved surface of the face when pinned and sewn.
• Most common beginner mistake: Using the same worsted weight yarn for the ears as the body — always use loop or boucle yarn for the ears and tail pom-pom to capture the poodle’s defining curly texture.
• Tension advice: Work one hook size smaller when switching to boucle or loop yarn for the ears, since the looser fiber structure slips more freely through the hook and can create visible gaps in the fabric.
• Best assembly tip: Pin the ears lower on the head than feels natural — poodle ears attach at approximately Rnd 8 on the side of the head, not at the top, so they frame the face rather than sit above it.
• Most rewarding finishing detail: Brushing the loop yarn ears and tail pom-pom with a pet slicker brush takes under 60 seconds and instantly makes the finished piece look professionally made and unmistakably Poodle.

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Troubleshooting

Here are the three most realistic problems crafters encounter with this Black Poodle amigurumi pattern.

The Muzzle Won’t Sit Flat Against the Face After Sewing

• Why it happens: The muzzle was overstuffed, giving it a round, balloon-like shape that cannot compress naturally against the curved surface of the head.
• How to fix it: Remove a small amount of stuffing through the yarn tail hole using a blunt needle tip, then re-pin and re-sew the muzzle while gently flattening it against the face with your thumb.

The Ears Are Uneven or Won’t Lie Flat After Attaching

• Why it happens: Loop or boucle yarn is thicker and springier than worsted weight, so unstuffed ear pieces do not naturally flatten the same way on both sides without pre-shaping.
• How to fix it: Press each finished ear firmly between your palms for 10 seconds before sewing to set the flat shape, then pin both ears at exactly the same round on each side before stitching either one permanently.

The Black Coat Looks Faded or Gray in Photos

• Why it happens: Black yarn reflects artificial light inconsistently, which causes the finished piece to appear dark gray or muddy in flash photography rather than true deep black.
• How to fix it: Photograph your Black Poodle outdoors or directly beside a window in natural daylight without flash — this preserves the true depth of the black yarn and keeps the piece looking as rich in photos as it does in person.

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Making It Bigger or Smaller

• Mini keychain version: Use fingering weight yarn and a US B/1 (2.25mm) hook for a finished size of approximately 2.5–3 inches tall — attach a 25mm split ring keyring looped through a small chain stitched at the top of the head.
• Standard size: As written in this pattern using worsted weight (#4) yarn and a US E/4 (3.5mm) hook for a finished size of approximately 7–8 inches tall.
• Large cuddly version: Use bulky weight (#5) yarn and a US K/10.5 (6.5mm) hook or larger for a finished size of approximately 14–16 inches — a generously sized, giftable plushie.

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Safety Notice

• Safety eyes and small parts are a choking hazard for children under 3 — always embroider eyes and nose for baby and toddler gifts.
• Weave in every yarn end securely with at least 2 direction changes using a tapestry needle.
• Check all sewn joins are tight and secure before giving the finished piece to a child.

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Free Printable Pattern

This pattern is free for personal use and for selling finished handmade items in small quantities — the pattern text itself may not be reproduced, resold, or redistributed; please link back to this page instead.
This pattern prints to approximately 8–10 pages at standard 12pt font size with all instructions, tables, and tip sections included.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does This Black Poodle Crochet Pattern Take to Complete?

Most intermediate crocheters finish in 8–12 hours across two or three sessions. Beginners working at a relaxed pace should budget 14–18 hours including weaving and full assembly.

Can I Use DK Weight Yarn Instead of Worsted Weight?

Yes — use a US D/3 (3.25mm) hook with DK weight and your poodle will measure approximately 5–6 inches tall. Tension becomes more critical at this smaller scale to prevent gaps.

How Do I Get the Poodle’s Muzzle to Look Elongated Rather Than Round?

Start with the ch 5 foundation chain — not a magic ring — and work along both sides correctly to form the oval. Light stuffing also keeps the snout flat and narrow when pressed against the face.

Can I Substitute the Magic Ring with Another Method?

Yes — chain 2 and work into it, pulling the tail tight to close the center hole. The magic ring gives a tighter close and is recommended for amigurumi whenever possible.

How Can I Customize This Pattern to Match My Own Real-Life Poodle?

Use the Color Guide above to match yarn to your dog’s coat, adjust safety eye size, and add a collar in your pet’s real collar color for a portrait piece. Custom poodle portrait amigurumi sell for $45–$95 on Etsy.

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Final Thoughts

The Black Poodle is one of the most satisfying amigurumi projects you can make — its solid single-color coat lets you focus entirely on shape and proportion, while the fluffy loop yarn ears and rounded pom-pom tail make the finished piece instantly recognizable from across any room.

That pom-pom tail is the one detail that makes everyone smile on first sight.
The muzzle takes the most patience in this pattern — working from a foundation chain instead of a magic ring feels unfamiliar at first, but the elongated oval snout it creates is exactly what separates this poodle from every other dog breed in amigurumi form.

Push through it — the finished result is absolutely worth every careful stitch.
If you make this Black Poodle, share your finished piece on Pinterest, Instagram, or in your favorite crochet community using the hashtag #BlackPoodleAmigurumi — your photos inspire other makers and help this free pattern reach more dog lovers everywhere. Happy crocheting!