An original crochet amigurumi Armadillo pattern by June Gilbank.

Armadillos are very unusual-looking mammals, covered in bony plates of armour that form a protective shell over their backs. They are primarily nocturnal, live in burrows, and eat insects.

Armadillos come from South and Central America, and there are 20 different species. My design is based on the nine-banded armadillo (the only variety that’s also found in the United States). The bands in an armadillo’s armour provide flexibility. The nine-banded armadillo may actually have between 7 and 11 bands (my design has 7)!*

Pattern details: The armadillo uses three different techniques to produce that wonderful textured armour over the back and on the tail, but the pattern still only uses combinations of the most basic crochet stitches. The special techniques used for crocheting and assembling the armadillo’s armour are all explained in full in the pattern, with lots of step-by-step photos to help you along the way.

Yarn: worsted weight yarn in a a suitable colour (e.g. grey, light brown, beige)

Hook: US E / 3.5mm

Size: approx 13” (33cm) long

Eyes: 10mm

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