Fun fact: They get their name from the cold sea current that runs along the west coast of South America from Chile to Peru – and that was named after the explorer Alexander von Humboldt.

The finished penguin measures approximately 32cm (12⅝in) tall and 36cm (14¼in) long from tip of beak to end of tail.

Crocheted in cotton yarn, simple colour changes create the large blocks of black and white, and patches of pink. The markings that run over the head and down each side, and the spots on the front of the body, are embroidered.

The penguin uses:
5 x 20g balls in 775 Liquorice
2 x 20g balls in 762 Shower
1 x 20g ball in 760 Flamingo

Other materials you will need include:

• 2.75mm (UK-:USC/2) crochet hook
• Blunt-ended yarn needle
• Toy stuffing
• 2mm (12-gauge) craft wire for the legs
• 1 pair of 10mm (⅜in) looped glass teddy bear eyes or beads
• Clear nylon invisible thread
• Pliers

This penguin is purely decorative and not suitable for small children, due to the wire used for the legs.