big Totoro plushie complete!

The crochet project I hinted at in my last post (where I only showed the yarn) is complete. It is a large stuffed animal/plushie of Totoro, the main character from Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro.” If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it, even if you’re not into anime. It’s just a simple sweet and fantastical story that is appropriate for anyone and just makes you feel good.


He is about 20 inches tall (about 51cm) from the bottom to the top of his ears, and he took quite a bit of yarn! I used 6 skeins of KnitPicks Brava Bulky in the gray color alone, and there was NONE to spare. The original pattern found here makes a 9 inch plushie, but I wanted one that is more cuddly and pillow-like. The original also has arms and a tail, but like I said, the yarn ran out (and I think he looks fine without them, really).


I used a size K hook with 2 strands of bulky yarn at once to make him as big as I wanted, except for the eyes, which I had to make less thick so that the safety eyes would go on. I also changed the pattern for the tummy piece so that it would fit a little better. All alterations are listed in the notes on the finished product’s Ravelry page.


The leaf on top of his head is removable — I’m just attaching it with a safety pin. In the movie, Totoro doesn’t originally own an umbrella and uses a leaf to attempt to keep his head dry. I think the pop of color finishes him off nicely.
Well, that’s what I’ve been up to. It’s been nice to crochet again, even though it took me a while to finish this guy, and hopefully I’ll be at it more often now. I’m stumped for what to try next, although I’ve been eyeing some blankets… we’ll see.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’re all doing well! See you soon!