Get the best free crochet animal patterns! If you went to the toy store and couldn't find cute creatures for your little one, then I have some of the finest and free crochet animal patterns for you to try out and impress yourself with the results. Crochet creatures are super cute and so soft, so if you have some free time, you might want to fill up an entire toy box with your creations.
Crochet Animal Patterns Tutorial
Here are lots of free crochet animal patterns and ideas for you - honestly, it's so hard to pick a favorite. The art of crocheting or knitting animals in yarn is called Amigurumi in Japanese. You can read my full tutorial on how to crochet amigurumi for beginners. .
Supplies for Crochet Animal Patterns
- Yarn
- Hook - crochet hook size matching the yarn. When making crochet animals it is often good to size down slightly to get tighter stitches so no stuffing will poke through the holes.
- Polyester stuffing
- Stitch markers - for marking each round
- Yarn needle or tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Optional - safety eyes. This can be replaced by applique or embroidery for younger kids and babies.
Types of Yarn for Crochet Animals
Crochet animals are usually done in thinner yarns such as DK yarn. Worsted weight yarn is also used but is not as common. The best yarn is cotton yarn which gives more defined stitches and a nice texture. Feel free to use acrylic or wool if you like a fluffier look.
Basic Stitches for Crocheted Amigurumi Animal Patterns
The most common stitch for crocheting animal patterns is the single crochet stitch. This is because it is a dense stitch that is suitable for items that need to to stuffed.
Here is a refresher on how to single crochet for crochet anima; patterns:
- Chain to the required length.
- Insert the hook through the second chain.
- Yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hool)
- Yarn over and pull through both loops (1 loop on hook)
Other Skills for Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
- The other main skills you will need to crochet animals are increasing and decreasing.
- Many patterns use the magic ring (magic circles) to start crocheting the circles, but you can also substitute 3 chains joined with a slip stitch to make the beginning ring.
- Crochet animal patterns normally start with crocheting a circle. This may be in individual rounds or a continuous spiral rounds.
How to Make Crochet Animals
Nearly all crochet animal patterns are based on the ball pattern. Learn how to crochet a ball first.
Abbreviations Used in Crochet Animal Patterns
Here are some common abbreviations used in the crocheted animal patterns. Read the crochet glossary if you need more abbreviations. Always check the pattern to see if it uses US or UK crochet terms.
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together
- dec = crochet decrease
- inc = crochet increases
- yo = yarn over
- ch = chain crochet stitch
Free Crochet Animal Patterns (Crochet Plushies)
If you are new to crochet, read my article on how to crochet for beginners. Many of these free crochet animal patterns use a simple single crochet stitch and just need a few simple techniques, such as amigurumi, to get you started.
#1 Tiny Crochet Animals Patterns
These tiny crochet bunny patterns and bear are super adorable, and you would want to hold on tight to these. Made in neutral tones, they can be gifted to little ones of both genders. If your young one is too small, consider replacing the button eyes with dark-colored crocheted eyes or appliqued fabric, to avoid a choking hazard. Pattern from Amigurumi Today
#2 Crochet Toys Pattern -Shark
With kids around the globe raving about the “baby shark” song, could there really be a better choice of animal to crochet? The shark has just the right element of fun for a young one who likes more daring creatures. It is overall an impressive and interesting crafting project, and the tutorial makes it easy to understand. Pattern from One Dog Woof
#3 Bat Crochet Stuffed Animals
This crochet Halloween bat manages to look spooky and cute at the same time. Consider making a bunch of these for Halloween or if you’re throwing a kid’s birthday party with a similar theme. It is a quick and easy project, and you’ll thoroughly enjoy the creep-cute results. Pattern from DIY 100 Ideas
#4 Pig Crochet Animal Patterns
This piggy pattern is so adorable and really hard to resist. I would add this to a gift basket, as it would look really cute in a kids' room. This is a cube crochet pig, so if you enjoy the technique of cube crocheting, you’re good to go. Get your hands on some lovely pink yarn and begin crafting. Pattern from Crafty Bunny Bun
#5 Free Crochet Pattern for Animals
Cute little elephants are a must-have for all kids. I would crochet a couple for myself and replace my pillows with these, or maybe even keep them on a couch in my lounge. These would make unconventional, though really pretty couch cushions. You can make them in a different color scheme, too. Pattern from Spin A Yarn Crochet
#6 Frog Cute Crochet Animals Pattern
What a cute crochet animal to make for your young friend! This adorable amigurumi project of Lily from Animal Crossing is worked in four pieces made in flat rows, which are joined together to achieve this adorable result. The adorable round glasses are created using a wire, and they make the entire pattern flawless. Pattern from Spin A Yarn Crochet
#7 Flamingo Crochet Animal Patterns
Flamingos are feminine and elegant. A flamingo would seem perfect in a little girl’s room and even make a great birthday gift. The pale pink yarn used in this pattern is so pretty, and the grace of the flamingo’s long neck is crafted beautifully. This pattern is created in seven separate pieces joined together. Pattern from Spin A Yarn Crochet
#8 Free Amigurumi Pattern
Bookmark this crochet animal pattern for Christmas, because it doesn’t get any cuter than this. This little reindeer crochet pattern will surely have the festive cheer going well into the holiday season. Also, you can make the nose red and call him Rudolph if you want. Pattern from Thoresby Cottage
#9 Winter Animal Crochet Patterns
Wow, this keeps getting cuter and cuter! These little penguins with their teeny tiny pom-pom hats are so irresistible that you would want to stock up on these as desk accessories and keep a couple to snuggle with. These little winter penguins are made using the magic ring technique. Pattern from Thoresby Cottage
#10 Jellyfirst Crochet Animal Pattern for Beginners
Just look at these adorable animal crochet patterns, with beaming jellyfish faces. This blog has a video tutorial as well, which will help you create the multiple jellyfish you might want, because would you really stop at one cutie? These can be used as snuggle toys, or even kept in a children’s bathroom to dry their hands on. Pattern from One Dog Woof
#11 Crochet Animals for Beginners
This little bunny applique pattern would be so perfect for Easter décor, and you can finally put to use the leftover scrap bits from other crafting projects. You can even sew these cute little bunnies onto your little one’s school bag, or onto a plain white tee, for a cute Easter outfit. Pattern from Thoresby Cottage
#12 Easy Crochet Animal patterns
These sweet creatures will make anyone smile, and they are super-fast and easy to create, so that’s great news for all the crochet beginners and cat lovers. You can gift these to any grown-up who is obsessed with cats, and earn a heartful (and high-pitched) thank you. Pattern from Thoresby Cottage
#13 Small Crochet Animals
Pocket-able creatures are not only really cute, but they are also a much-loved toy for little ones. These little foxes live happily inside of all sorts of pockets, so make sure to slip one into a pocketed outfit. Like most ragdoll patterns, this pattern is also worked separately in flat pieces and then joined together. Pattern from Spin A Yarn Crochet
#14 Crochet Monkey Lovey Pattern
Crochet this adorable crochet monkey, and you’ll have the perfect baby shower gift ready. This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, and it is just so cute. You can make this in your baby’s favorite colors, or whoever you are making it for. Pattern from Thoresby Cottage
#15 Lamb Crochet Plush Pattern
Huggable and adorable – that’s what a little crochet lamb is. This pattern makes the perfect size for a carriable toy, and your little one can snuggle with it and carry it around the house and enjoy some warm and happy moments. This pattern is made with a fuzzy yarn for the head and body, and cotton for the limbs and face. Pattern from Sewrella
20 More Easy Crochet Animal Patterns
Crochet Animal Patterns FAQs
Is it hard to crochet animals?
Crochet animals (also called amigurumi) use the the easiest crochet stitches, which is single crochet. Other than that, you will just need a few simple crochet skills, such as increasing and decreasing. There are many beginner crochet animal patterns, so choose one at your skill level.
What is the Easiest Crochet Animal for Beginners?
A jellyfish or octopus is one of the easiest animals to crochet. The body is just a crochet ball. Once you can make this, most other patterns will be easier.
Crochet Animal Patterns – In Conclusion
Crochet animals make the cutest gifts for newborns and toddlers. You can make quite a few and fill up a box for a special cutie. Make a zoo using several crochet animal patterns and set up your baby's nursery. or use them as party giveaways to your little one's friends. Once you get the hang of these free crochet animal patterns, you might not find yourself eyeing creature toys at the stores, anymore.
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