Picture it: It's 1997. You're writing an essay and you suddenly need to insert a table. You move your mouse around, click on a couple of things to figure out your next step. An animated paperclip pops up and asks "do you need help with that?" Cute!--The first time. Ha! I guess what some folks had a problem with was how often he would pop up. Like, Clippy, didn't I close you like 2 minutes ago? He meant well. And at least he was adorable???
A friend of mine works for a certain computer company that may or may not be the originator of Clippy, and she asked me to make some for a work event. Fun! I looked around online and was inspired by the Clippy made in this youtube video. There wasn't a pattern so I wrote this one out so you can make one too!
There are links below for materials you can buy from Amazon to make Clippy! When you use my links I do get a small percentage back from Amazon. This helps support silly stuff like this amigurumi paperclip.
The yarns I recommend are just recommendations. Keep in mind that Clippy won't be a big plush stuffed animal, but more structural, so using rougher yarn works fine for this project.
Clippy!
Materials (Click on each to shop in a new window):
Worsted weight <4> yarn
Gray (A) (Red Heart Super Saver in Dusty Gray) 100 yards
White (B) (Red Heart Super Saver in White) 30 yards
Black (C) (Premier Yarns Everyday in Black) 15 yards
18mm black safety eyes 16 gauge (or larger) wire, approx 32"
Tools:
3.25mm (D) Crochet hook (I LOVE the Clover Soft Touch)
Yarn needle
Stitch marker (Here's a great set of needles and stitch markers!)
Stitch Abbreviation Key:
ch: chain
st: stitch
rnd: round
sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
adjustable (or magic) ring: make a ring with working yarn, insert hook into ring and pull up a loop, ch 1, then work stitches around the ring as directed in the pattern.
Instructions:
Body:
Rnd 1: With yarn A, make an adjustable ring. Ch 1. Sc 6 into ring. Pull tail to close ring. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: 2 Sc in each st. (12 sts)
Rnds 3-107: Sc in each st around. (12 sts) (105 rounds)
Insert a stitch marker to hold your place. Insert stuffing all the way through the Body, using the eraser end of a pencil or a stuffing tool (sometimes included in bags of poly-fil). Distribute the stuffing evenly throughout. Cut a length of wire several inches longer than the Body. Bend the ends and feed it through the Body.
Rnd 108: Sc2tog around. (6 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave tail through last round to close hole. Leave yarn tail for sewing later.
Eyes (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With yarn B, make an adjustable ring. Ch 1. Sc 6 into ring. Pull tail to close ring, but leave opening loose for safety eye. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: 2 Sc in each st. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: *2 Sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: *2 Sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnds 5-7: Sc in each st.
Rnd 8: *Sc2tog, sc in 2 sts; rep from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 9: *Sc2tog, sc in next st; rep from * around. (12 sts)
Insert a stitch marker to hold your place. Insert the post of a safety eye in the starting center fo Rnd 1. Apply the back to the safety eye. Stuff Eye firmly.
Rnd 10: Sc2tog around. (6 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Weave tail through last round to close hole. Leave yarn tail long for sewing later.
Eyelids (Make 2) *optional:
Rnds 1-4: Using gray yarn A, repeat Rnds 1-4 from Eyes, ending with 24 sts at the end of Rnd 4.
Fasten off and leave a long tail. Sew each Eyelid to each Eye using a yarn needle. Weave in ends.
Eyebrows (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With yarn C, make an adjustable ring. Ch 1. Sc 6 into ring. Pull tail to close ring. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: 2 Sc in each st. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: *Sc2tog, sc in next st; rep from * around. (8 sts)
Rnds 4-6: Sc in each st.
Rnd 7: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around. (6 sts)
Rnd 8: Sc in each st.
Fasten off and leave a long tail. Stuff if you'd like. Weave tail through the last round to close hole. Leave yarn tail long for sewing later.
Assembly:
Following the photos, bend Clippy's body into shape. Use a yarn needle to stitch joining parts in place, then weave in ends.
Sew Eyes to the body with yarn tail or matching yarn.
Sew an Eyebrow above each Eye, making each one slant in whatever direction you want. Experiment with the position to find the expression you like.
Who is this amigurumi good for?
Writers, Computer or English teachers, Microsoft enthusiasts, 90s nostalgia lovers, or how about the creator of Clippy?? When I posted my finished project on Instagram, the original Clippy artist, Kevan Atteberry contacted me to see if he could get his own. Of course I made one for him and shipped him the next day!
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Clippy, I don't work for Microsoft, and I definitely don't recommend you claim this is an official Clippy in any way, shape, or form! I make fan art and I hope this fun pattern brings a smile to your face. If you make one, I'd love to see! Tag me on instagram or facebook or tiktok or whatever. I'm @craftyiscool everywhere.