Have you been dreaming of creating an amigurumi animal, but feel a little intimidated? In this collection of crochet animal patterns, you’ll find plenty of amigurumi designs that meet whatever criteria you’re looking for! I’ve made sure to include all sorts of free crochet patterns for you to craft cuddly companions or handmade gifts!
These little crochet cuties, are a joy to make and even more delightful to hug. Here are some of the features of the following crochet animal patterns:
- low-sew amigurumi patterns
- no-sew amigurumi patterns
- easy stuffed animal patterns for beginners
- intermediate skill level crochet patterns
New to the World of Amigurumi?
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting, creatures or items from everyday life – and turning them into stuffed dolls! The word itself combines “ami” meaning crocheted or knitted, and “nuigurumi” meaning stuffed doll. Amigurumi patterns come in all shapes and sizes, from mini keychain designs to huggable plushies. They’re perfect for scrap yarn projects, gifting to friends and family of all ages and so much more!
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Why Choose Crochet Animal Patterns?
Crochet animal patterns are great for many reasons:
- Quick and Portable Projects: Many crochet animal patterns can be whipped up in a weekend, making them ideal for busy crafters or those looking for a quick and satisfying project. Their small size also makes them perfect for travel or on-the-go stitching.
- Perfect for Beginners: Amigurumi typically uses a handful of basic crochet stitches, making them a great way to practice and learn new techniques. There are many beginner-friendly patterns out there, allowing you to build your confidence and crochet skills with adorable results.
- Endless Creativity: The world of crochet animal patterns is vast and imaginative. From classic barnyard animals to fantastical creatures, there’s a pattern to suit every taste and skill level. You can even personalize your creations with different colors, textures, and embellishments. Let your imagination run wild! Beyond the classic animal crochet patterns, everyday objects can also be transformed into adorable amigurumi. Emojis, fruits, body parts (hearts, brains!), household items (coffee mugs, cameras), food (cupcakes, sushi!), and even everyday things like a toothpaste tube or a light bulb can all be amigurumi-fied!
- Meaningful Handmade Gifts: There’s something truly special about gifting a handmade creation. Crochet animal patterns make heartfelt and unique gifts for birthdays, baby showers, or just to show someone you care. And as you’ll see, often the smaller the better! People seem to love a mini amigurumi!
Getting Started with Crochet Animal Patterns
Before starting your journey with animal amigurumi patterns, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Basic Crochet Skills: Familiarity with single crochet, increasing, and decreasing stitches will give you a solid foundation for most amigurumi projects.
- Choosing the Right Yarn: Cotton yarn in DK or worsted weight is a popular choice for amigurumi due to its stitch definition and ease of use. However, acrylic or chenille yarns can also be used depending on the pattern.
- Essential Supplies: In addition to yarn and a crochet hook, you’ll want to have a yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, embroidery thread for facial features, stuffing, and safety eyes (check the specific pattern for any additional supplies needed).
Fun Farmyard Friends
Mini Cow Amigurumi Pattern by Grace and Yarn
Photo Credit: graceandyarn.com
This free mini cow amigurumi pattern is perfect for beginners! Made with chunky yarn, this quick project features a one-piece body, head, and legs for minimal sewing. Adorable spots add a charming touch to this cuddly farm friend.
Fairytale Goose Amigurumi by Spin A Yarn Crochet
Photo Credit: spinayarncrochet.com
Adapted from another free pattern on this crochet blog, this sweet goose amigurumi doll features a bonnet and safety eyes. She has no legs, which makes her an extremely quick make, in plush yarn for soft cuddles.
Small Amigurumi Cat Pattern by The Loopy Lamb
Photo Credit: theloopylamb.com
This free amigurumi cat pattern is perfect for beginners. With minimal pieces to sew and a step-by-step video guide, you’ll be crocheting your own tiny feline friend in no time. Plus, learn how to customize your kitty for a purr-fectly personalized gift!
Mallard Duck Amigurumi Pattern by DIY Fluffies
Photo Credit: mariskavos.nl
This quick project uses leftover yarn and can be completed in a few hours. The pattern offers two size options: sport weight yarn for a smaller duck and chenille Super Bulky yarn for a larger version. Feeling creative? You can easily modify the colors to create a duckling or a female duck. Video tutorials are included to guide you through the basic stitches and assembly process, making this pattern perfect for crocheters of all skill levels.
No-Sew Little Cat Pattern by Stitch by Fay
Photo Credit: www.stitchbyfay.com
This free, no-sew crochet pattern creates an adorable little feline in no time! Perfect for cat lovers of all skill levels, this simple project uses chenille yarn for a fuzzy finish (though other yarns work too!). While some minor adjustments might be needed for perfect alignment, any imperfections just add to the cat’s charm.
No-Sew Chick Egg Crochet Pattern by Zamiguz
Photo Credit: zamiguz.com
Craft an adorable chick in no time with this free, no-sew amigurumi pattern! Perfect for Easter baskets, decorations, or party favors, these sweet little chicks are a quick and fun project for crocheters of all skill levels. The surprise hidden inside the opening egg adds an extra touch of fun for children.
No Sew Hamster Pattern by Toy Story Patterns AU
Etsy Shop: Toy Story Patterns AU
A beginner pattern that’s no-sew to make an incredibly cute hamster plush. This is a paid pattern on etsy, that has incredible reviews, with clear instructions and lots of photos.
Cute Cuddly Creatures
Danny the Dinosaur Pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft
Photo Credit: cuddlystitchescraft.com
Craft your own cuddly dinosaur with this free dinosaur amigurumi pattern. This advanced dinosaur crochet pattern offers a detailed and photo-rich guide for crocheting your own prehistoric pal. Step-by-step instructions ensure a clear and confident crafting experience, making it ideal for crocheters with a good foundation of crochet techniques.
Triceratops Dinosaur Flip Flop Pattern by Darling Maple Designs
Photo Credit: darlingmapledesigns.com
Whip up this adorable Triceratops amigurumi in an evening with this free, low-sew crochet pattern! Made with chunky yarn, the finished dinosaur measures around 7 inches seated and is perfect for gifting, crafting, or home decor.
Tiny Crochet Teddy Bear Pattern by Nicki’s Homemade crafts
Photo Credit: www.nickishomemadecrafts.com
Make a tiny teddy bear using worsted acrylic yarn, with this free crochet pattern. Use different colors of yarn to make an assortment of bears, such as a brown bear or polar bear! This adorable amigurumi is a great pattern for advanced beginners.
Wild Wilderness Pals
Adzuki the Chubby Red Panda Amigurumi by Little World of Whimsy
Photo Credit: littleworldofwhimsy.com
There aren’t too many red panda amigurumi patterns out there! This free pattern features a simple design with an adorable, oval muzzle and white-tipped ears. This quick project is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels.
Kozu Small Crochet Animals Collection by Chai Coffee Crochet
Photo Credit: chaicoffeecrochet.com
This is a collection of a variety of crochet animal patterns in a cute arigurumi size. You can make bigger plushies using bulky plush yarn, plus, the free patterns are all low-sew for minimal frustration!
Spirit the Wolf Amigurumi by Hooked by Kati
Photo Credit: hookedbykati.com
This realistic amigurumi pattern lets you crochet a soulful wolf howling at the moon. Perfect for a nursery or fundraiser, Spirit features a unique construction method (branching legs similar to other patterns) and adorable, chunky feet.
Small Crochet Bat by Jen Hayes Creations
Photo Credit: www.jenhayescreations.com
This free amigurumi bat pattern creates a versatile little decoration! Perfect for Halloween or year-round, it can be used as a gift, ornament, keychain, or more.
Cute Fox Amigurumi by Kein Maker on Etsy
Etsy Shop: Kein Maker
This premium pattern makes an adorable fox amigurumi. This cute plushie is an advanced beginner pattern that comes with helpful photos and clear, written instructions.
Stuffed Animals on Safari
Elephant Amigurumi by Hooked by Kati
Photo Credit: hookedbykati.com
Craft a lovey-dovey amigurumi couple with this Elephants in Love crochet pattern! Suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters, this clear and easy-to-follow pattern (available in free and premium versions) guides you in creating a charming pair of elephants.
Jelly Bean Flamingo Pattern by Darling Maple Designs
Photo Credit: darlingmapledesigns.com
Craft a charming flamingo in under an hour with this free amigurumi pattern! This quick project features a sew-free design, with the body, head, wings, beak, and feathers all worked in one piece. Made with chunky yarn, the finished flamingo stands at a delightful 3.5 inches, perfect for gifting or decorating.
Woolbox Blue Rhino by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK
Photo Credit: keepcalmandcrochetonuk.com
Create a loveable rhino with this free amigurumi pattern. Made with DK yarn, this jungle friend is perfect for gifting or decorating. While the pattern is rated as intermediate, it offers clear instructions for a charming finished product.
5-in-1 Safari Animals Set by Svetla Art Shop on Etsy
Etsy Shop: Svetla Art Shop
Here is a set of crochet animal patterns that are available on etsy to make a group of 5 amigurumi animals ! Included are easy patterns for a tiger, zebra, elephant, giraffe, lion. This beginner pattern is written in four languages and comes with an extensive photo tutorial for each crochet animal!
Adorable Aquatic Amigurumi
Cute Penguin Amigurumi Pattern by DIY Fluffies
Photo Credit: mariskavos.nl
This free amigurumi pattern offers clear instructions and includes a video tutorial for both basic stitches and penguin assembly. You can customize the size of your penguin by using different yarn weights – sport weight cotton yarn for a smaller penguin and chenille Super Bulky yarn for a larger one. Feel free to experiment with yarn colors to create your own unique penguin!
Small Leggy Frog Pattern by Lisa Auch Crochet
Photo Credit: www.crochet-patterns-free.com
Craft a cute little frog with this free crochet pattern! Perfect for beginners and fast to make, this adorable amphibian is a great project for any crafter. Choose between a larger size stuffed animal, or a keychain-friendly mini version.
Squirt the Turtle Plush by Off the Hook Mamma
Etsy Shop: Off the Hook Mamma
This free crochet pattern lets you hook up Squirt the Turtle in just 30 minutes, perfect for craft shows. Made with minimal yarn and featuring no-sew construction, it’s ideal for the littlest of hands. This amigurumi pattern includes clear instructions and a photo tutorial.
No Sew Crochet Turtle Plush by The Friendly Red Fox
Photo Credit: www.thefriendlyredfox.com
Beginner friendly and No-sew makes this pretty turtle plush a quick make! Cozy and squishy, this sea turtle ami can be made in under an hour, making it a great last-minute gift idea!
Octopus Crochet Pattern by Pocket Yarnlings
Photo Credit: www.pocketyarnlingscom
Craft a tiny cuddly octopus with this free crochet pattern! These adorable soft toys can be made from any type of leftover yarn in your stash. Scrapbusting with this amigurumi pattern will produce some surprise results, but every one of them extremely cute.
Manatee Friend by Lauren Willis on Love Crafts
Love Crafts Designer: Lauren Willis
Craft a cuddly manatee with this free amigurumi pattern! Perfect for beginners, this versatile project allows you to use any yarn weight you have on hand, from DK to chunky chenille, for a unique ocean friend.
Safety Eyes for Stuffed Animals
When crafting stuffed animals, particularly for young children, the eyes are a crucial detail to consider for safety. Two main options exist: safety eyes and embroidered features. Safety eyes, typically made of plastic, come with a washer that secures them firmly to the stuffed animal’s interior, preventing them from becoming loose and posing a choking hazard. Of course, this is impossible to guarantee, so might be best to save for older children who no longer put things in their mouths, who may handle the toy with more care..
Embroidered facial features can look adorable! And they are often considered a safer option for younger children. This makes hand-sewn embroidered eyes the preferred choice for toys intended for young children who may mouth, or pull on the eyes of a crocheted amigurumi animal.
This blog post offers a collection of free amigurumi crochet patterns, catering to a variety of interests. From adorable aquatic creatures like ducks and penguins to cuddly companions like bears and wolves, there’s a pattern suitable for every crocheter! A mini cow pattern adds a touch of farmyard fun, while dinosaur and red panda lovers can create unique wilderness pals. This selection of crochet animal patterns, provides a range of project options for crafting cuddly amigurumi friends.
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