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Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern
4.5★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.7K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

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Whimsical Buddy

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

About This Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

Jacque the Manta Ray is more than just an amigurumi pattern—it's a celebration of sustainable crafting and ocean-inspired wonder. This pattern guides you through creating a majestic manta ray with gracefully flat wings, a stuffed body cavity, and charming features including safety eyes and distinctive cephalic fins. The design incorporates eco-friendly practices using organic cotton yarn and recycled stuffing options, making it perfect for conscious crafters who want to create beautiful toys while respecting our planet.

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

With detailed row-by-row instructions and helpful photo guides throughout, you'll learn techniques for shaping flat wings, creating dimensional features, and assembling complex amigurumi structures. The optional wire tail support adds extra durability for play.

Why You'll Love This Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines my passion for marine life with sustainable crafting practices. Watching Jacque come to life as those elegant wings take shape is truly magical—there's something so satisfying about creating those graceful curves that mimic a real manta ray's movement through water. The attention to detail in the cephalic fins and the clever construction method that keeps the wings flat while stuffing the body showcases thoughtful design. Plus, knowing that every stitch uses eco-friendly materials makes the entire process feel purposeful and aligned with protecting the oceans that inspired this beautiful creature.

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color combinations for Jacque—while the classic navy and gray create that authentic ocean vibe, imagine him in bright tropical colors like coral pink and turquoise, or even rainbow gradient wings that shift from purple to blue. You could create a whole family of manta rays in different sizes by using various yarn weights, from a tiny fingering weight baby ray to a chunky bulky yarn giant.

Consider embellishing Jacque's wings with subtle spots or patterns using surface crochet or embroidery to mimic the unique markings real manta rays have. The handkerchief is another fun area to customize—try different stripe widths, add polka dots, or even crochet a tiny pattern or initial onto it for personalization.

For a completely different aesthetic, work Jacque in luxurious velvet or chenille yarn for an ultra-plush texture that begs to be cuddled. If you're feeling adventurous, you could add more accessories like a tiny crocheted coral reef base, seaweed decorations, or even create his ocean friends to keep him company.

The cephalic fins could be worked in a contrasting texture using bobble stitches or ribbing for added dimension. Don't be afraid to play with the tail length either—make it extra long and elegant, or keep it shorter and stubbier for a baby ray look. Whatever changes you make, Jacque's gentle personality will shine through in your unique creation.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not using stitch markers when joining body pieces can lead to uneven seams and misaligned wings—mark regularly to keep stitch counts matching on both sides ✗ Overstuffing the body cavity will cause the wings to pucker and lose their graceful flat shape—stuff firmly but leave wings completely flat for authentic appearance ✗ Forgetting to alternate colors every two rows on the handkerchief disrupts the striped pattern—keep track of your row count and color changes carefully ✗ Sewing cephalic fins and eyes without pinning first can result in asymmetrical placement—always position and pin before permanently attaching features to ensure balanced facial features

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

Dive into an ocean of creativity with Jacque the Manta Ray, a charming amigurumi project that brings the graceful beauty of marine life right into your hands. This delightful pattern features elegant wings that span 16 inches, detailed cephalic fins, and a sweet little mouth that gives Jacque tons of personality. Complete with an adorable striped handkerchief accessory, this eco-friendly pattern uses sustainable organic cotton yarn to create a cuddly companion that's as kind to the planet as it is to your heart.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton in Indigo Wash (navy blue) - 3 balls, 100% Organic Cotton, Weight: 3/Light Worsted
  • 02
    Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton in Dove (gray) - 2 balls, 100% Organic Cotton, Weight: 3/Light Worsted
  • 03
    Yellow yarn for handkerchief stripes
  • 04
    Light blue yarn for handkerchief stripes

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.00mm (US C)
  • 02
    Safety eyes size 12mm
  • 03
    Tapestry needle
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Stuffing (Hoooked 100% Recycled Fluffy Cotton Filling recommended)
  • 07
    14 gauge craft wire (optional, for stiffening tail)
  • 08
    Electrical tape (for wire ends)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Body/Wings (Make 2):

Row 1:

ch 7. sc in the 2nd back bump from hk and in each of the next 5 [6]

Row 2:

inc 2, sc across until the last 2 st of row, inc 2 [10]

Row 3:

sc in each st across [10]

Row 4-45:

repeat rows 2 & 3. Each increase row will increase by 4 stitches

Row 46:

inc 3, sc across until the last 3 st of row, inc 3 [100]

Row 47:

sc in each st across [100]

Row 48-53:

repeat rows 46 & 47. Each increase row will increase by 6 stitches. FASTEN OFF

Row 54:

count 25 stitches in from each wingtip and place a stitch marker there. Slip knot onto hook and rejoin in the 26th stitch from where you fastened off. Sc in next 67 st across [67]

Row 55:

dec 2, sc across until the last 4 st of row, dec 2 [63]

Row 56:

sc in each st across [63]

Row 57-72:

repeat rows 55 & 56. Each decrease row will decrease by 4 stitches

Row 73:

dec, sc 27, dec [29]

Row 74:

sc in each st across [29]

Row 75:

dec, sc 25, dec [27]

Row 76-82:

sc in each row across [27]

Row 83:

sc in each stitch around the entire piece, up to the opposite side of the mouth. Fasten off

— Tail (Make 2):

Row 1:

Slip knot onto your hook and rejoin the yarn to the body by making a sc in the 3rd stitch from the right (4th stitch from the left). Sc in the next st, ch 1, turn [2]

Row 2:

dec the two stitches you just made [1]

Row 3:

fsc 50 [50] Fasten off

— Mouth:

Round 1:

ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 st, inc in last st. Continue on the other side of chain - sc in next 7 st, inc in last st [18]

Round 2:

inc, sc 7, inc 2, sc 7, inc [22]

Round 3:

inc, sc 9, inc 2, sc 9, inc [26]

Round 4:

inc, sc 11, inc 2, sc 11, inc [30]

Round 5:

inc, sc 13, inc 2, sc 13, inc [34]

Round 6:

inc, sc 15, inc 2, sc 15, inc [38]

Round 7:

inc, sc 17, inc 2, sc 17, inc [42]

Round 8:

inc, sc 19, inc 2, sc 19, inc [46]

Round 9:

inc, sc 21, inc 2, sc 21, inc [50]

Round 10:

inc, sc 23, inc 2, sc 23, inc [54]

Round 11-20:

sc in each st around [54]. Fasten off and weave in ends. Flip inside out so the wrong side will be facing the inside of the body

— Cephalic Fins (Make 2):

Round 1:

6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Round 2:

inc in each st around [12]

Round 3:

(sc in next st, inc in next st) x6 [18]

Round 4-20:

sc in each st around [18]. Fasten off with a sl st, leaving a long tail for sewing on. Flatten the cephalic fins

— Eyes (Make 2):

Round 1:

6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Round 2:

inc in each st around [12]

Round 3:

(sc, inc) x6 [18]

Round 4-5:

sc in each st around [18]. Fasten off with a sl st, leaving a long tail for sewing on. Insert safety eyes into the middle of the magic circle. Stuff eyes lightly

— Handkerchief:

Row 1:

ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook [1]

Row 2:

inc [2]

Row 3:

inc 2 [4]

Row 4:

inc, sc across until the final st of the row, inc [6]

Info:

Change to blue yarn and alternate colors (blue/yellow) every 2 rows

Row 5-26:

repeat row 4, alternating colors every 2 rows. Each row will increase by 2 stitches. Row 26 will end with 50 stitches

Row 27:

with yellow, inc in next st, sc in next 50 st, ch 36, turn

Row 28:

sc in 2nd chain from hook and in next 35 chains. Continue along the long edge of the handkerchief with 49 st, ch 36, turn

Row 29:

sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 35 chains, continue down along the left v edge of the handkerchief and up the other side of the v. Fasten off with a sl st to the top corner. Weave in ends

Assembly Instructions

  • Place blue and gray body/wing pieces on top of each other with wrong sides together. Using blue yarn, single crochet around the entire body and tail up to the opposite side of the mouth, joining both pieces together.
  • Optional: Insert 14 gauge craft wire into the tail for rigidity. Use electrical tape on each end to soften tips and curl one end at the base to prevent slipping.
  • Create a V-shaped cavity for stuffing by placing 5 small stitches from the edge of tail to edge of mouth on both sides, joining top and bottom wings together. This keeps wings flat while creating stuffing space.
  • Stuff the body cavity firmly through the opening, ensuring wings remain flat.
  • Place mouth piece inside the body opening where the mouth goes. Using gray yarn, crochet around through both layers for Round 1, then complete Rounds 2-4 to extend the mouth.
  • Sew the flattened cephalic fins to the sides of the mouth where the gray meets the blue using the long tail left from finishing.
  • Sew the stuffed eyes with safety eyes to the sides of the mouth/body, positioned over where you attached the cephalic fins.
  • Tie the striped handkerchief around Jacque's neck as a finishing accessory touch.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers frequently when joining body pieces to ensure stitch counts match on both sides and seams align evenly
  • 💡Always use a crochet hook at least 1 size smaller than yarn weight recommends to keep stitches tight and prevent stuffing from showing through
  • 💡Stuff more than you think necessary for durability, but not so much that stitches stretch—the filling will compress over time
  • 💡Consider using eco-friendly stuffing alternatives like recycled cotton filling, leftover yarn scraps, or old clothes cut into strips instead of poly-fill
  • 💡Pin all parts in place before permanently sewing to ensure correct positioning and symmetrical placement of facial features
  • 💡The wings should remain completely flat—only the central body cavity gets stuffed to maintain the authentic manta ray silhouette
  • 💡When adding optional wire to tail, curl the end that sits at the base to prevent it from slipping out or down into the body

This enchanting Jacque the Manta Ray pattern was lovingly designed to bring the ocean's most graceful swimmer into your home through sustainable crafting. Combining eco-friendly organic cotton yarn with thoughtful construction techniques, this pattern creates a majestic marine companion that's as gentle on the planet as manta rays are in their natural habitat. The detailed instructions and helpful photo guides make this intermediate project achievable while teaching valuable amigurumi shaping skills. Complete with adorable cephalic fins, expressive safety eyes, and a cheerful striped handkerchief, Jacque is ready to glide into hearts and imaginations. 🧶 Happy crocheting! 🌊✨

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FAQs

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes! The pattern is written for DK/Light Worsted weight yarn with a 3mm hook, but you can scale up or down. For a smaller manta ray, use lighter yarn and a smaller hook. For a larger version, use heavier yarn and a bigger hook. Just remember to always use a hook at least one size smaller than the yarn recommends to keep stitches tight for amigurumi.

What makes this pattern eco-friendly and sustainable?

This pattern emphasizes sustainable crafting practices including using organic cotton yarn from transparent companies, participating in the Slow Yarn Movement, and encouraging recycled cotton stuffing or yarn scraps instead of poly-fill. The designer created this to make sustainable toys while eliminating non-renewable plastics from their home.

How do I keep the wings flat while stuffing the body?

The pattern includes specific instructions for creating a V-shaped cavity in the center of the body by placing small stitches that join the top and bottom layers from the tail edge to the mouth edge. This creates a stuffable pocket while keeping the wings completely flat, giving Jacque an authentic manta ray silhouette.

Is the wire in the tail necessary?

No, the wire is completely optional. Adding 14 gauge craft wire to the tail makes it more rigid and posable, which can be fun for display and adds durability for play. If you choose to add wire, the pattern includes instructions for safely securing and padding the ends with electrical tape.

What's the finished size of the manta ray?

Jacque measures approximately 16 inches from wingtip to wingtip and 10 inches from tip to tail when made with the recommended DK weight yarn and 3mm hook. Your finished size will vary if you use different yarn weights or hook sizes.

Do I need to match the gauge exactly?

No, gauge is not critical for amigurumi toys since it doesn't matter if the final product turns out slightly larger or smaller. You don't need to make a gauge swatch before starting. Just ensure your stitches are tight enough that stuffing won't show through.