There is a special kind of magic in capturing the spirit of invention and the mystery of espionage in a single afternoon. Today, we turn our hooks toward two beloved characters who remind us that creativity knows no bounds. Whether you are crafting the optimistic dreamer or the stoic secret agent, this project is a celebration of character and charm. Let us thread our needles and begin this grand adventure.
About This Creation & Angle
This project is not merely about stitching toys; it is about recreating a dynamic. We have Phineas, with his geometric, impossible geometry softened into an embraceable friend, and Agent P, the teal protector of the Tri-State Area.
We are using a “Duo-Scale” approach here. Phineas is designed with a lightweight sport yarn to manage his top-heavy structure, while Perry utilizes a slightly denser tension to give him that solid, brick-like reliability. This contrast in texture makes them a tactile delight when displayed together.
Project Snapshot
📊 Difficulty: Intermediate (Phineas’s shaping requires focus)
⏰ Est. Time: 6–8 Hours per character
📏 Size: Phineas (18cm tall), Agent P (12cm tall w/ hat)
“Accuracy is the sibling of affection; we shape them carefully because we love them.” — Patricia
Materials & Tools Needed
🧶 Yarn:
- Phineas: Sport Weight Cotton in Flesh Tone, Bright Orange, White, Blue, Red, and Black (for shoes).
- Perry: Worsted Weight Acrylic/Cotton in Teal, Amber/Orange (for bill/feet), and Dark Brown (for hat).
🪡 Hook: 2.5mm (for Phineas) and 3.0mm (for Perry)
✨ Other Materials:
- Fiberfill stuffing
- 12mm Black Safety Eyes (For Perry)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Pins for assembly
- Optional: Thin wire for Phineas’s neck support
Abbreviations & Stitches Used
ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
inc: increase (2 sc in one st)
dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
blo: back loop only
flo: front loop only
The Phineas Pattern
Phineas’s Head (The Triangle)
Use Flesh Tone yarn and 2.5mm hook. We begin at the nose tip and expand backward.
R1: 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)
R2: sc in each st (6)
R3: (sc 1, inc) x 3 (9)
R4–5: sc in each st (9)
R6: (sc 2, inc) x 3 (12)
R7–9: sc in each st (12)
R10: (sc 3, inc) x 3 (15)
R11–13: sc in each st (15)
R14: (sc 4, inc) x 3 (18)
R15: sc in each st (18)
R16: (sc 2, inc) x 6 (24)
R17: sc in each st (24)
R18: (sc 3, inc) x 6 (30)
R19: (sc 4, inc) x 6 (36)
R20–26: sc in each st (36) [7 rounds of length]
R27: (sc 5, inc) x 6 (42)
R28–32: sc in each st (42)
R33: (sc 5, dec) x 6 (36)
R34: (sc 4, dec) x 6 (30)
Start stuffing firmly, especially the nose tip.
R35: (sc 3, dec) x 6 (24)
R36: (sc 2, dec) x 6 (18)
R37: (sc 1, dec) x 6 (12)
R38: dec x 6 (6)
Fasten off and weave in end.
Phineas’s Eyes (Make 2)
Use White yarn.
R1: 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)
R2: inc x 6 (12)
R3: (sc 1, inc) x 6 (18)
R4: sc in each st (18)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew a smaller Blue circle (6 sc in MR) onto the white piece as the pupil.
Phineas’s Body & Shirt
Start with Orange yarn.
R1: 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)
R2: inc x 6 (12)
R3: (sc 1, inc) x 6 (18)
R4–6: sc in each st (18) [Neck]
R7: (sc 2, inc) x 6 (24)
R8–10: sc in each st (24)
Switch to White yarn.
R11–12: sc in each st (24)
Switch to Orange yarn.
R13–15: sc in each st (24)
Switch to Blue yarn (Shorts).
R16: sc in each st (24)
R17: (sc 3, inc) x 6 (30)
R18–21: sc in each st (30)
Stuff firmly.
R22: Divide for legs: Skip 15 sts, sc in 16th st to form first leg opening.
Leg 1: Sc 15 around. (15)
Leg 2: Join yarn to other opening, sc 15 around. (15)
Finish both legs with 2 rows of sc, then fasten off.
Phineas’s Hair (Tuft)
Use Red yarn.
R1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5)
R2: Ch 5, sc down. (4)
R3: Ch 4, sc down. (3)
Sew this jagged shape to the back top of the head.
The Agent P (Perry) Pattern
Agent P’s Head & Body (One Piece)
Use Teal yarn and 3.0mm hook.
R1: Ch 7, start in 2nd ch. 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch, turn work, 4 sc, inc. (14)
R2: inc, 4 sc, inc x 3, 4 sc, inc x 2 (20)
R3: sc 1, inc, 4 sc, (sc 1, inc) x 3, 4 sc, (sc 1, inc) x 2 (26)
R4–15: sc in each st (26) [This forms the tall head/body block]
Insert safety eyes between R8 and R9, approx 5 sts apart.
R16: (sc 12, inc) x 2 (28)
R17–24: sc in each st (28)
R25: blo (sc 5, dec) x 4 (24)
R26: (sc 2, dec) x 6 (18)
R27: (sc 1, dec) x 6 (12)
R28: dec x 6 (6)
Fasten off and close.
Agent P’s Tail
Use Orange/Amber yarn.
R1: Ch 7, sc across (6). Turn.
R2–8: Ch 1, sc across (6).
R9: dec, sc 2, dec (4).
Fasten off. Using Dark Brown thread, embroider a cross-hatch pattern on the top.
The Bill
Use Orange yarn.
R1: 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)
R2: (sc 2, inc) x 2 (8)
R3: (sc 3, inc) x 2 (10)
R4: Flatten and sc through both layers to close.
The Fedora
Use Dark Brown yarn.
R1: 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)
R2: inc x 6 (12)
R3: (sc 1, inc) x 6 (18)
R4: blo sc in each st (18)
R5–6: sc in each st (18)
R7: flo (sc 2, inc) x 6 (24) [Brim]
R8: (sc 3, inc) x 6 (30)
Fasten off. Add a strip of Black yarn for the band.
Assembly & Final Touches
Phineas:
- Sew the large eye discs to the sides of the head (refer to the photo for that wide-set look).
- Attach the neck to the bottom of the head. Artisan Tip: If the head wobbles, insert a pipe cleaner or extra stuffing into the neck.
- Sew arms (simple tubes of 6sc) to the sides of the orange shirt.
- Embroider a wide, confident smile with red thread.
Agent P:
- Sew the bill centered below the eyes.
- Attach the tail to the lower back, ensuring he can sit on it for stability (tripod seating).
- Sew the webbed feet (small orange triangles) to the bottom.
- Place the fedora. You may sew it down or leave it removable for his “incognito” mode.
Tips & FAQs
Q: Phineas’s head is too heavy! A: This is common with his brilliant mind. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly. You can also sew the chin slightly lower onto the chest to lock his gaze forward.
Q: Can I brush the yarn? A: For Agent P, a light brushing with a pet slicker brush can give him a fuzzy, platypus texture, but keep Phineas smooth for that clean cartoon look.
A Final Word
There you have it—a duo ready to conquer boredom and save the world, all before dinnertime. I hope you found joy in the shaping of these unique friends. Remember, every stitch is a moment of time you have gifted to your art.
Until we meet again in the atelier.
