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Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern

Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern
3.9★Rating
10-12 HoursTime Needed
1.5KMade This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

🐰

Whimsical Buddy

Playful characters full of personality, designed to spark imagination and become cherished playtime favorites.

About This Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern

Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

Whether you're a fan of mythology or just love unique plushies, this kitsune makes a stunning display piece or a deeply thoughtful gift for a fellow folklore lover.

Why You'll Love This Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern

I honestly couldn't stop smiling while making those tails! There's something so satisfying about seeing the color gradient develop. Plus, using a slicker brush to fluff up the yarn is total magic—it transforms standard yarn into something that looks professionally made and super soft.

Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern step 1 Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern step 2 Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern step 3 Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

I’ve always been captivated by the stories of Kitsunes, and designing Fuyuko felt like bringing a little piece of that magic into my studio. There’s something truly meditative about working through the nine tails—even though it’s a bit of a marathon, seeing them all lined up at the end is such a 'wow' moment.

One tip I really want to share from my own experience making her: don't rush the assembly. It’s tempting to just sew the tails on and be done, but taking the time to pin them into that perfect fan shape makes all the difference in her silhouette. And that neck fur? It’s a total game-changer! I used a slicker brush I usually keep for my cat, and it worked wonders to get that ethereal, misty look.

I really hope you find as much peace in these stitches as I did. She’s the kind of project that reminds me why I fell in love with amigurumi in the first place—the ability to turn a simple ball of yarn into a character with so much personality and history. Happy hooking!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ When you're joining the front legs to the body in Round 13, make sure you don't accidentally twist the legs; keep the toes facing forward so she doesn't end up pigeon-toed.✗ The nine tails are quite heavy, so if you skip the poly pellets in the base, Fuyuko might tip backward—don't forget that extra weight for balance!✗ Brushing the neck fur requires a bit of patience; if you brush too aggressively, you might pull the knots right out of the stitches, so hold the base of the yarn strands firmly.✗ The colorwork on the tails can get messy if you don't carry the yarn loosely; tight floats will make the tails look puckered rather than smooth and tapered.

Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern

You're going to love bringing this mystical little fox to life! Fuyuko is inspired by Japanese folklore, featuring nine majestic tails and a soft, ethereal look. I've designed this pattern to be a relaxing project where you can really play with texture, especially when you get to that fluffy neck fur. It's such a rewarding piece to see come together on your shelf, and the colorwork on the tails adds that perfect touch of magic.

Intermediate 10-12 Hours

Materials Needed for Fuyuko the Nine-Tailed Kitsune Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn in a crisp White
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn in a soft Sky Blue
  • 03
    Brown embroidery floss for the facial details

— Tools Required

  • 01
    2.5mm crochet hook (Size B-1 or C-2)
  • 02
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 03
    8 grams of poly pellets for weight
  • 04
    Yarn needle and embroidery needle
  • 05
    Slicker brush for fluffing
  • 06
    Pink or red powder blush
  • 07
    Sharp scissors
  • 08
    Straight pins for positioning

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 1. Head :

Round 1 :

Start with 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Work 3 sc, then 3 inc (9)

Round 3 :

Work 3 inc, then 6 sc (12)

Round 4 :

Work 6 sc, then repeat (1 sc, inc) 3 times (15)

Round 5 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 3 times, then 9 sc (18)

Round 6 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 7 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 6 times, then 6 sc (24)

Round 8 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 9 times, then 6 sc (33)

Round 9 :

Work 4 sc, inc, then repeat (10 sc, inc) 2 times, then 6 sc (36)

Round 10 :

Repeat (11 sc, inc) 3 times (39)

Round 11 :

Work 5 sc, inc, then repeat (12 sc, inc) 2 times, then 7 sc (42)

Round 12 :

Repeat (13 sc, inc) 2 times, then 14 sc (44)

Round 13 :

Work 4 sc, dec, 30 sc, dec, then 6 sc (42)

Round 14-19 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (42)

Round 20 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 6 times (36)

Round 21 :

Repeat (4 sc, dec) 6 times (30)

Round 22 :

Repeat (3 sc, dec) 6 times (24)

Round 23 :

Repeat (2 sc, dec) 6 times (18)

Info :

Firmly stuff the head now, ensuring the muzzle shape is well-defined.

Round 24 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 6 times (12)

Round 25 :

Work dec around (6)

Info :

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

— 2. Ears (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

Start with 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 3 times (9)

Round 3 :

Repeat (2 sc, inc) 3 times (12)

Round 4 :

Repeat (3 sc, inc) 3 times (15)

Round 5 :

Repeat (4 sc, inc) 3 times (18)

Round 6 :

Repeat (5 sc, inc) 3 times (21)

Round 7-9 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (21)

Info :

Press the ear flat without stuffing it. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

— 3. Front Legs (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

Start with 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Repeat (3 sc in one st, inc, 1 sc) 2 times (12)

Round 3 :

Work in BLO: 1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 4-5 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 6 :

Work 3 dec, then 6 sc (9)

Round 7-10 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (9)

Info :

Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

— 4. Body :

Round 1 :

Start with 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Work 2 sc in every st around (12)

Round 3 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

Repeat (2 sc, inc) 6 times (24)

Round 5 :

Repeat (3 sc, inc) 6 times (30)

Round 6-8 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (30)

Round 9 :

Work 15 sc, then repeat (4 sc, inc) 3 times (33)

Round 10 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (33)

Round 11 :

Work 15 sc, then repeat (5 sc, inc) 3 times (36)

Round 12 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (36)

Info :

Stuff the front legs with fiberfill before continuing to the join.

Round 13 :

Repeat (4 sc, dec) 3 times, then 4 sc. Join the first leg by working 7 sc around it, skip 2 body sts, then 4 sc on the body. Join the second leg by working 7 sc around it, skip 2 body sts, and finish with 7 sc on the body (43)

Info :

You'll have a 2-stitch gap on each leg and the body. Sew these closed with the leg yarn tails.

Round 14 :

Work 26 sc, dec, then 15 sc (42)

Round 15 :

Work 5 sc, dec, 12 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 5 sc, dec, then 8 sc (38)

Round 16 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (38)

Round 17 :

Work 17 sc, dec, 10 sc, dec, then 7 sc (36)

Round 18-20 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (36)

Round 21 :

Work 4 sc, dec, then repeat (10 sc, dec) 2 times, then 6 sc (33)

Round 22 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (33)

Round 23 :

Repeat (9 sc, dec) 3 times (30)

Round 24 :

Repeat (3 sc, dec) 6 times (24)

Round 25 :

Work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 2 tc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, then 1 sc (12)

Info :

Stuff the body firmly and leave a tail for sewing. Note that Round 25 is an incomplete round.

— 5. Hind Leg - Feet (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

Start with 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 3 times (9)

Round 3-4 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (9)

Info :

Stuff the feet and leave a tail for sewing.

— 6. Hind Leg - Thigh (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

Start with 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Work 2 sc in every st around (12)

Round 3 :

Repeat (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18)

Round 4-9 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 10 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 6 times (12)

Round 11 :

Work dec around (6)

Info :

Stuff the thigh as you work and leave a tail for sewing.

— 7. Tail 1 :

Round 1 :

Using blue: 4 sc in magic ring (4)

Round 2 :

1 sc, 3 inc (7)

Round 3 :

1 sc, (1 sc, inc) 3 times (10)

Round 4 :

1 sc, (1 sc, inc) 4 times, 1 sc (14)

Round 5 :

(2 sc, inc) 4 times, 2 sc (18)

Round 6 :

3 sc, (3 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc (21)

Round 7 :

Using blue: 7 sc, inc, 2 sc. Switch to white: 1 sc. Switch to blue: 1 sc, inc, 1 sc. Switch to white: 1 sc. Switch to blue: 2 sc, inc. Switch to white: 1 sc. Switch to blue: 2 sc (24)

Round 8 :

Using blue: 1 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc, 1 sc in next st. White: 1 sc in same st as previous blue. Blue: 2 sc. White: 2 sc. Blue: 1 sc, inc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc, 1 sc in next st. White: 1 sc in same st. Blue: 2 sc, 1 sc (27)

Round 9 :

White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 2 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 5 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 5 sc (27)

Round 10 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 3 times, then repeat (5 sc, inc) 3 times (27)

Round 11 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (27)

Round 12 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times, then repeat (5 sc, inc) 3 times, then 1 sc, dec (27)

Round 13 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (27)

Round 14 :

Repeat (7 sc, dec) 3 times (24)

Round 15 :

4 sc, dec, repeat (5 sc, inc) 2 times, 4 sc, dec (24)

Round 16 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (24)

Round 17 :

2 sc, dec, repeat (6 sc, dec) 2 times, 4 sc (21)

Round 18 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (21)

Info :

Stuff the tail and continue stuffing as you go.

Round 19 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 3 times (18)

Round 20 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 21 :

Repeat (7 sc, dec) 2 times (16)

Round 22-23 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (16)

Round 24 :

2 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec, 4 sc (14)

Round 25-26 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (14)

Round 27 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 2 times (12)

Round 28-30 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 31 :

1 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 3 sc (10)

Round 32 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (10)

Round 33 :

Repeat (3 sc, dec) 2 times (8)

Round 34 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (8)

Round 35 :

Repeat (2 sc, dec) 2 times (6)

Round 36 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (6)

Round 37 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times (4)

— 8. Tails 2 & 3 (Make 2) :

Round 1-6 :

Follow steps for Tail 1 (21)

Round 7 :

Using blue: 7 sc, inc, 2 sc. Switch to white: 1 sc. Switch to blue: 1 sc, inc, 1 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc, inc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc (24)

Round 8 :

Using blue: 1 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 4 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc (24)

Round 9 :

White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc, dec. White: 2 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 2 sc, inc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 2 sc, inc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 2 sc, dec (24)

Round 10 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (24)

Round 11 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times, repeat (4 sc, inc) 3 times, then 1 sc, dec (24)

Round 12 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (24)

Round 13 :

2 sc, dec, repeat (6 sc, dec) 2 times, 4 sc (21)

Round 14 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (21)

Round 15 :

2 sc, dec, repeat (5 sc, inc) 2 times, 3 sc, dec (21)

Round 16 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (21)

Round 17 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 3 times (18)

Round 18 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 19 :

Repeat (7 sc, dec) 2 times (16)

Round 20-21 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (16)

Round 22 :

2 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec, 4 sc (14)

Round 23-24 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (14)

Round 25 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 2 times (12)

Round 26-28 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 29 :

1 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 3 sc (10)

Round 30 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (10)

Round 31 :

Repeat (3 sc, dec) 2 times (8)

Round 32 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (8)

Round 33 :

Repeat (2 sc, dec) 2 times (6)

Round 34 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (6)

Round 35 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times (4)

— 9. Tails 4 & 5 (Make 2) :

Round 1-6 :

Follow steps for Tail 1 (21)

Round 7 :

Using blue: 7 sc, inc, 2 sc. Switch to white: 1 sc. Switch to blue: 1 sc, inc, 1 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc, inc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc (24)

Round 8 :

Using blue: 1 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 4 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc (24)

Round 9 :

White: 1 sc, dec. Blue: 1 sc, dec. White: 1 sc, dec. Blue: 1 sc. White: 3 sc, 1 sc in next st. Blue: 1 sc in same st. White: 4 sc, 1 sc in next st. Blue: 1 sc in same st. White: 4 sc, inc (24)

Round 10 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (24)

Round 11 :

2 sc, dec, repeat (6 sc, dec) 2 times, 4 sc (21)

Round 12 :

2 sc, dec, repeat (5 sc, inc) 2 times, 3 sc, dec (21)

Round 13 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (21)

Round 14 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 3 times (18)

Round 15 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 16 :

Repeat (7 sc, dec) 2 times (16)

Round 17 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (16)

Round 18 :

2 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec, 4 sc (14)

Round 19-20 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (14)

Round 21 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 2 times (12)

Round 22-23 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 24 :

1 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 3 sc (10)

Round 25 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (10)

Round 26-28 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (8)

Round 29 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (6)

Round 30 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times (4)

— 10. Tails 6 & 7 (Make 2) :

Round 1-5 :

Follow steps for Tail 1 (18)

Round 6 :

Blue: 6 sc, inc, 2 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: inc, 2 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: inc, 1 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 1 sc (21)

Round 7 :

Blue: 2 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 2 sc (21)

Round 8 :

Blue: 1 sc. White: dec, 1 sc. Blue: dec, 1 sc. White: dec, 3 sc, inc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 2 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc (21)

Round 9 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (21)

Round 10 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 3 times (18)

Round 11 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 12 :

Repeat (7 sc, dec) 2 times (16)

Round 13 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (16)

Round 14 :

2 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec, 4 sc (14)

Round 15 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (14)

Round 16 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 2 times (12)

Round 17 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 18 :

1 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 3 sc (10)

Round 19 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (10)

Round 20 :

Repeat (3 sc, dec) 2 times (8)

Round 21 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (8)

Round 22 :

Repeat (2 sc, dec) 2 times (6)

Round 23 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (6)

Round 24 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times (4)

— 11. Tails 8 & 9 (Make 2) :

Round 1-4 :

Follow steps for Tail 1 (14)

Round 5 :

1 sc, dec, repeat (3 sc, inc) 2 times, 1 sc, dec (14)

Round 6 :

Blue: 2 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 3 sc. White: 1 sc. Blue: 2 sc. White: 1 sc (14)

Round 7 :

Blue: 1 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 3 sc. Blue: 1 sc. White: 1 sc (14)

Round 8-10 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (14)

Round 11 :

Repeat (5 sc, dec) 2 times (12)

Round 12 :

1 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 3 sc (10)

Round 13 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (10)

Round 14 :

Repeat (3 sc, dec) 2 times (8)

Round 15 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (8)

Round 16 :

Repeat (2 sc, dec) 2 times (6)

Round 17 :

Work 1 sc in each st around (6)

Round 18 :

Repeat (1 sc, dec) 2 times (4)

Assembly Instructions

  • Start by weighting the body with poly pellets (using a stocking pouch helps) and then stuff the rest firmly with fiberfill.
  • Create the neck ruff by knotting 8cm yarn strands into Round 25 of the body, then use your slicker brush to fluff them into a soft mane.
  • Position the ears between Rounds 13 and 17 on the head, pinning them slightly folded for a natural fox-like appearance before sewing.
  • Secure the head to the body, making sure to add a little extra stuffing to the neck area right before you close the seam for stability.
  • Assemble the hind legs by sewing the feet to the thighs, then attach them to the lower sides of the body so she sits evenly.
  • Sew all nine tails together in the 9-7-5-3-1-2-4-6-8 sequence, stitching through the middle and bottom of each tail to create a sturdy fan.
  • Finish by embroidering the nose and eyes, adding the blue head markings, and dusting the inner ears with a bit of pink blush.

Important Notes

  • 💡Stuffing the muzzle firmly is key to getting that sharp, fox-like profile, but be careful not to overstretch the stitches.
  • 💡If you don't have poly pellets, small clean pebbles or heavy glass beads can work as an alternative weight for the base.
  • 💡When embroidering the eyes, use a single strand of floss to tack the arch in place; this keeps the expression consistent even after handling.
  • 💡The slicker brush works best on acrylic or wool blends; if you're using cotton, the fluffing effect will be much more subtle.
  • 💡Always test the balance of the tails with pins before sewing them to the body to ensure she sits upright without help.

I can't wait to see your version of Fuyuko! There's something so peaceful about the process of making a kitsune, from the repetitive rounds of the tails to the final artistic touches on the face. She really comes to life once you brush out that neck fur and add the blush. If you run into any tricky spots with the colorwork, just take it one stitch at a time—it’s totally worth the effort for such a unique result. Happy crafting, and enjoy your new magical companion! 🧶✨🦊

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use safety eyes instead of embroidery?

Absolutely! If you prefer safety eyes, I’d recommend 6mm or 8mm sizes, but make sure to place them around Round 9 before you finish stuffing the head.

My tails aren't standing up in a fan shape, what happened?

The secret is in the assembly step where you sew the tails to each other first. Make sure you're stitching them together at both the base and the middle to create that rigid fan structure.

What is a slicker brush and where do I get one?

It’s actually a pet grooming brush! You can find them at any pet store. It’s the best tool for 'teasing' yarn fibers to create that fluffy, fur-like texture.

Is the colorwork on the tails difficult?

It’s a bit fiddly because the rounds are small, but since it’s just two colors, it’s a great way to practice carrying yarn. Just keep your tension relaxed so the tails don't shrink.