Crochet a Mythical Kelpie Amigurumi

Dive into the magical Mythical Kelpie world of Scottish folklore with this stunning amigurumi kelpie pattern. The kelpie, a shape-shifting water spirit that often appears as a horse, makes for a truly unique crochet project that will challenge and delight crafters looking to expand their amigurumi skills. This comprehensive guide walks you through creating Murdock the Kelpie, a magnificent blue water horse with distinctive fins and an expressive face. Perfect for intermediate to advanced crocheters, this project introduces advanced techniques while producing a spectacular finished piece measuring 11 inches tall by 16 inches long.

Understanding the Mythical Kelpie in Amigurumi Form

The kelpie is a fascinating creature from Scottish mythology—a water spirit that typically takes the form of a horse. This amigurumi interpretation captures the kelpie’s aquatic nature through flowing fins, a curved tail, and a distinctive horse-like head. The pattern uses special techniques like short rounds and surface crochet to create the dimensional features that make this mythical creature come alive in yarn form.

Essential Materials for Your Kelpie Project

Before embarking on your kelpie creation journey, gather these supplies:

Mythical Kelpie Yarn Selection

Main Color: Big Twist Value worsted weight yarn in Cerulean Blue (100% acrylic, 380 yards/6 oz) – You’ll need 1 ball for the body, head, neck, and legs
Accent Color: Big Twist Twinkle worsted weight yarn in Teal (97% acrylic/3% polyester, 380 yards/6 oz) – You’ll need 1 ball for the hooves and fins

Mythical Kelpie Tools and Notions

G-size (4.00 mm) crochet hook (Furls Odyssey recommended for comfort)
Two 18mm colored round-pupil safety eyes
Polyester fiberfill stuffing
Tapestry needle for assembly
Straight pins for positioning parts
Stitch markers for tracking rounds

Understanding Mythical Kelpie Terminology

This pattern uses standard US crochet terms:

ch – chain stitch
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
BLO – back loops only
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
inc – increase (2 single crochets in one stitch)
dec – decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)

Mythical Kelpie Special Techniques You’ll Master

This project introduces several advanced amigurumi techniques:

Short Rounds: Working partial rounds to create curved shapes
Surface Crochet: Adding details to the finished work by crocheting on the surface
Strategic Pinning: Using pins to perfectly position parts before attachment
Textured Fins: Creating dimensional fins using short rows and back loop only stitches
Bobble Stitches: Forming dimensional nostrils with specialized stitches

Mythical Kelpie Special Stitches Defined

Bobble Stitch: [Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] 5 times in same stitch, yarn over, pull through all 6 loops on hook
Surface Single Crochet: With loop on hook, insert hook around post or between stitches of finished work, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook
Single Crochet Join: With slip knot on hook, insert hook through stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook

Mythical Kelpie Notes for Success

Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified
Assemble parts in the order directed for best results
Do not weave in attachment ends until final positioning is confirmed
“Short rounds” are worked back and forth, deliberately leaving stitches unworked
When instructed, extra single crochets at the end of a round move the starting point without changing stitch count

Mythical Kelpie Creating the Tail and Torso

The tail and torso form the foundation of your kelpie with a distinctive curved shape:

Round 1: With Cerulean Blue, chain 2, then work 6 single crochets in the second chain from hook (6 stitches) Round 2: Work single crochet in each stitch around (6 stitches) Round 3: Work [2 single crochets, increase] twice (8 stitches) Round 4: Single crochet in each stitch around (8 stitches) Round 5: Work [3 single crochets, increase] twice (10 stitches) Round 6: Single crochet in each stitch around (10 stitches) Round 7: Work [4 single crochets, increase] twice, turn (12 stitches)

Now begin the short rounds that create the curved tail shape:

Round 8: (Wrong Side)(Short round) Without chaining, work 6 single crochets, leave remaining 6 stitches unworked, turn (6 stitches) Round 9: (Right Side)(Short round) Without chaining, work 6 single crochets, do not turn (6 stitches) Round 10: (Right Side) Work around entire piece including unworked stitches from previous round, 12 single crochets (12 stitches)

Continue with this pattern of increasing the stitch count and working short rounds to shape the tail:

Round 11: Work [5 single crochets, increase] twice, turn (14 stitches) Round 12: (Wrong Side)(Short round) Without chaining, work 7 single crochets, leave remaining 7 stitches unworked, turn (7 stitches) Round 13: (Right Side)(Short round) Without chaining, work 7 single crochets, do not turn (7 stitches) Round 14: (Right Side) Work around entire piece including unworked stitches from previous round, 14 single crochets (14 stitches)

This pattern continues with gradually increasing stitch counts and short rounds through Round 75, creating the distinctive curved tail structure. The tail then transitions into the torso with standard rounds.

From Round 76 to 89, work single crochet in each stitch around, gradually increasing the stitch count to 38.

Round 90: Change to Cerulean Blue and work single crochet evenly around for two rounds Round 92: Work 3 single crochets in next stitch, 37 single crochets (40 stitches) Round 93: Single crochet evenly around (40 stitches) Round 94: Work 1 single crochet, 3 single crochets in next stitch, 38 single crochets (42 stitches)

Continue stuffing firmly as you go. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Mythical Kelpie Forming the Neck

The neck creates the foundation for the kelpie’s elegant profile:

Round 1: With Cerulean Blue, chain 2, then work 6 single crochets in the second chain from hook (6 stitches) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12 stitches) Round 3: Single crochet evenly around (12 stitches) Round 4: Work [2 single crochets, increase] 4 times (16 stitches)

Continue increasing gradually through Round 28, reaching 40 stitches and maintaining this count through Round 36. Then decrease over the final rounds:

Round 37: Work [3 single crochets, decrease] 8 times (32 stitches) Round 38: Work [2 single crochets, decrease] 8 times (24 stitches) Round 39: Work [single crochet, decrease] 8 times (16 stitches) Round 40: Decrease 8 times (8 stitches)

Fasten off. Thread needle through front loops of remaining 8 stitches, pull tightly to close, and weave in ends.

Mythical Kelpie Attaching the Torso to the Neck

This critical step creates the flowing shape of your kelpie:

Set the neck on a flat surface, standing straight up
Position the tail/torso so it lays flat with the 3-stitch increase of the last round pointing up (forming the top of the shoulder)
Hold the open end of the tail/torso against the neck, with the bottom of the opening at Round 36 of the neck and the 3-stitch increase touching the neck at Round 19
Use pins to mark where the neck and torso meet
Sew three-quarters around, stuff firmly, then complete the attachment

Mythical Kelpie Crafting the Expressive Head

The head gives your kelpie its character and distinctive equine features:

Round 1: With Cerulean Blue, chain 2, then work 5 single crochets in the second chain from hook (5 stitches) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (10 stitches) Round 3: Work [single crochet, increase] 5 times (15 stitches) Round 4: Work [2 single crochets, increase] 5 times (20 stitches) Round 5: Work [3 single crochets, increase] 5 times (25 stitches) Round 6: Work [4 single crochets, increase] 5 times (30 stitches)

For the distinctive nostrils: Round 7: Work 8 single crochets, 2 bobble stitches, 8 single crochets, 2 bobble stitches, 10 single crochets (30 stitches total) Rounds 8-9: Single crochet evenly around (30 stitches)

Push the bobble stitches inward to create nostril indentations. Continue shaping the head through Round 25, with strategic increases creating the horse-like profile. Insert safety eyes at the base of the first and last increases of Round 18, aligned with the nostrils.

Begin stuffing, then decrease over the final rounds:

Round 26: Work [4 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (30 stitches) Round 27: Work [3 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (24 stitches) Round 28: Work [2 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (18 stitches) Round 29: Work [single crochet, decrease] 6 times (12 stitches) Round 30: Decrease 6 times (6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread needle through front loops of remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close.

Mythical Kelpie Adding Facial Details

Nostril Flares

Using Cerulean Blue, slip stitch into Round 6 outside each nostril, then work surface single crochets around the outside edge of each nostril, creating defined nostrils.

Expressive Eyebrows

Create two eyebrows with Cerulean Blue: Row 1: Chain 6, single crochet in second chain from hook, 3 single crochets, slip stitch in last chain

Sew eyebrows at an angle above the safety eyes, enhancing the kelpie’s expression.

Creating the Ears

Make two identical ears with Cerulean Blue, working from a foundation of 6 single crochets in a magic circle. Gradually increase to 15 stitches by Round 8, then decrease to 10 stitches by Round 10. After fastening off, press flat and thread yarn through the far side of the last round, curving the bottom into a bowl shape.

Attach the ears with the concave side facing forward, positioned 7 stitches apart and even with the safety eyes.

Attaching the Head

Position the head against the neck with the last stitch of the head touching the first stitch of the neck. Angle the head downward so the underside touches Round 17 of the neck. Use pins to mark the connection points, then sew securely.

Forming the Legs

The kelpie features two distinctive leg positions—one bent and one extended—creating a dynamic pose:

Bent Leg

Begin with a foundation of 6 single crochets in a magic circle, gradually increasing to 36 stitches by Round 6. Work several rounds maintaining this count, then begin decreasing to shape the thigh.

At Round 21, begin short rounds to create the bent knee shape, working back and forth and gradually decreasing stitch counts. After completing the bend, continue with standard rounds to form the lower leg. Finish with teal yarn for the hoof, working in back loops only for the final decreases.

Extended Leg

Follow a similar process for the thigh portion, but adjust the short rounds to create a straighter leg that touches the ground when the kelpie is positioned.

Attach both legs to the neck, positioning the bent leg so the hoof doesn’t touch the ground and the extended leg so it provides support.

Creating the Distinctive Fins

The fins give your kelpie its magical, aquatic appearance:

Tail Fins

Create two identical fins using Teal yarn, working in back loops only to create texture. Work a series of rows with strategic increases and slip stitches to form the scalloped edge. Attach to either side of the tail tip.

Head/Neck Fins

Using Teal yarn and working in back loops only, create a fin with 18 spines total. Attach along a line from the forehead between the ears, over the peak of the head, and down the neck to the point of the torso.

Back Fin

The back fin creates a dramatic silhouette. Work in back loops only with Teal yarn, forming a tall, textured fin. Attach along the top of the torso starting at the color change (Round 90).

Final Assembly

When all parts are positioned as desired, weave in all attachment ends, completing your magical kelpie amigurumi.

Tips for Advanced Amigurumi Success

Tension Control: Maintain consistent tension throughout for professional results
Pinning Before Sewing: Take time to pin parts precisely before attaching
Progressive Stuffing: Add stuffing gradually as you work for even distribution
Curve Creation: Master the short round technique for creating natural curves
Color Changes: Work color changes at the end of the previous stitch for clean transitions
Surface Details: Use surface crochet to add definition to facial features
Dimensional Fins: Work in back loops only for textured, realistic fins

Creative Variations for Your Kelpie

Once you’ve mastered the basic pattern, consider these creative adaptations:

Color Variations: Try darker blues or greens for a deep-water kelpie
Scale Details: Add surface crochet scales to enhance the aquatic appearance
Mane Additions: Create a flowing mane with textured yarn or fringe
Size Adjustments: Scale the pattern up or down by changing hook size and yarn weight
Pose Variations: Modify the leg positions for different poses like rearing or galloping
Water Effects: Create a base with blue and white yarns to simulate water splashes

Why the Kelpie Makes a Spectacular Display Piece

Your completed kelpie amigurumi offers several display advantages:

Conversation Starter: The unusual mythological subject sparks interest
Technical Showcase: The advanced techniques demonstrate your crochet skills
Dimensional Appeal: The curved body and fins create a dramatic silhouette
Cultural Connection: The piece connects to rich Scottish folklore traditions
Fantasy Element: Appeals to fantasy and mythology enthusiasts
Artistic Merit: Combines sculpture and fiber art in one piece

Displaying Your Finished Kelpie

Once complete, consider these display options for your mythical creation:

Position on a bookshelf among folklore or Scottish themed books
Create a small “water” base using blue and white felt or fabric
Display near aquatic-themed decor for thematic consistency
Place near a window where light can highlight the dimensional details
Incorporate into a larger mythological creature collection

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Conclusion

Creating this amigurumi kelpie allows you to combine advanced crochet techniques with mythology and artistry. The distinctive shape, expressive features, and flowing fins work together to capture the essence of this fascinating water spirit from Scottish folklore.

The journey of creating each element—from the curved tail to the expressive face—builds valuable skills that will enhance all your future amigurumi projects. The short round technique alone opens possibilities for creating more dynamic, less symmetrical designs in your crochet work.

Whether you’re making this kelpie for yourself, as a gift, or as a display piece, the process of creating each tiny stitch contributes to a spectacular finished project that showcases both your technical skill and artistic vision. Happy crocheting, and may your magical water horse bring you pride and joy for years to come!