Treat a little toddler you love with some joyful toys using these free knitted animal patterns. Knitted animal toys are so precious and hold a sentimental value especially if you make those for personal gifting reasons. I think it's safe to say that pretty much all of us have had one animal toy we obsessed over as children, which is all the more reason to self-knit your child's hopefully favorite squishy for them.

Free Knitted Animal Patterns
I have put together a list of knitted animals for you, most of which I believe are loved and adored by most children of different ages. You can switch to different colors of yarn, and opt for your child's favorites instead. Complete instructions are provided with the links regarding knitting and assembling, so all you need to do is pick your favorite, get the supplies, and settle down in your favorite spot, to knit the sweetest animals.
#1 Knitted Magic Loop Teddy
What a lovely teddy! With this teddy, your little ones will always have something cute to cuddle with while they nap. Store-bought teddy bears can be quite expensive and not always be how you like them. Therefore, you will be amazed at how easy and cost-effective it is to make one that is totally personalized to your preference. To make the magic loop teddy, you will of course be using the magic loop method and some clever decreases. You will need to seam his ears on, and voila! You have the cutest teddy to keep or share, whatever you please.
Patterns from Simply Notable
#2 Knitted Tiny Window Cat
This knitted cat is straight out of a bedtime storybook! It is super cute and funny, the way it has its tail up and it's attentively looking outside, as though prying on the neighbors. This cat would be a quirky gift for a friend who is always in your business. So, the pattern is for a 3 inches tall cat, and it is worked in one piece except for the cat’s tail. The pattern will be worked in the round, and you will only need to separately knit the tail and seam it.
Patterns from Ravelry
#3 Jiji the Knitted Cat
Oh, my darlings! If you are a fan of the animated movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, this pattern will leave you shook! It makes you reminisce all the times you watched it, so I would recommend you do just that for a couple more times while you’re knitting this cutie. For those who don’t know. Kiki is the main character of the movie, who delivers parcels while flying on a broomstick and Jiji the Black Cat is her companion. Although this pattern is limbless, it is still very cat-like. You can also print downloadable A4 templates for the cat’s eyes and nose.
Patterns from Sincerely Louise
#4 Leon the Knitted Lion
Lions are every little boy’s favorite, although I just can’t comprehend why. Maybe because the lion is the jungle’s king, or maybe because he just seems powerful. We don’t know and let’s not spend any more time wondering why. We know our little boys love it, and when they see us making this roaring lion, they’ll come purring to us straight.
Patterns from Yarnspirations
#5 Knitted Plush Kitty
There is something really nostalgic and funny about this cat, all at the same time. I’m just loving this pattern, from the facial design to the limbs and the tail. This pattern is like a quirky illustration you’d find in a Roald Dahl children’s novel. I was amazed to find out that it’s a beginner-friendly pattern. Wow, right? So, make this cutie the perfect Halloween décor, or just to present to a cat-loving buddy.
Patterns from Gina Michele
#6 Knitted and Stuffed Harold Fatmus Fair Isle Mouse
Harold Fatmus the Fair Isle Mouse is what I need in my life right now! This is so cute I can’t handle it. Forget everything I’ve been saying about treating toddlers to knitted toys and treat yourself to this cutie. I would place this on my work desk, so I always have something to giggle at each time I look up. He’s such a chubby little mouse that you can weigh down by filling him up with some beans or squishy beads and have the perfect paperweight or doorstop.
Patterns from Wee County Yarns
#7 Sheldon the Knitted Turtle
Meet Sheldon the Knitted Turtle. Sheldon is a really cute turtle who also takes his showers very seriously. His shell is removable so you can give him a thorough wash whenever he feels like it. If you plan on doing that, then it’s best you knit up some spares, so he always has a shell to dress up in. Sheldon will be super quick to knit, so if you forgot to purchase a gift for a toddler you love, let this pattern come to the rescue.
Patterns from Knitty
#8 Alec the Knitted Alligator
Alec the Alligator is a pocket-sized fun toy, that any toddler would enjoy carrying around. This pattern is for a 19cm long stuffie, which is knitted flat, using single-pointed, straight knitting needles. You will enjoy making this predator every bit as much as the little one who receives it will love playing with it.
Patterns from Ravelry
#9 Knitted Blue Bird of Happiness
This pattern will guide you in creating the sweetest little birds to add some chirp to your patio. Hang this with a decorative cage in your patio or with a tree branch, and it will be a lovely aesthetic. True to its name, this little bluebird of happiness will bring lots of joy to whoever receives it, so why stop at making just one.
Patterns from Ravelry
#10 Huge Knitted Snowy Owl
Okay so this knitted snowy owl is HUGE, and by that, I mean HUUUGEEE. This would make the perfect present for anyone who obsesses over owls or knitted animals in general. This owl is so huggable, and it would be a stunning vision if you place him on a window seat, or well any seat for that matter. Just stock up on some super bulky yarn and size 15 needles to create this ginormous birdie.
Patterns from Purl Soho
#11 Knitted Slugs and Snails
What an unusual pattern! Somehow, knitting slugs and snails would have never crossed my mind. It wasn’t until I saw this pattern that I realized just how cute this looks. Knit up these cuties and maybe place them scattered in different corners of your lawn. It would look so cool, now that I think of it!
Patterns from Mochi Mochi Land
#12 Rowan Esther, Ernie & Enid – The Easter Chickens
These Easter chickens are the funniest and most adorable ones I’ve ever seen, and I’m not even exaggerating. If you enjoy whimsical designs, then Janice’s Easter chickens are a must-try for you. Knit these fabulous chickens using some organic cotton and win at your Easter gifting game.
Patterns from Laughing Hens
#13 Tarragon the Gentle, Knitted Dragon
People may argue over dragons really being mythical creatures or a reality once, but one look at this pattern and I know I want Tarragon the Gentle Dragon to be my knit-list reality. Tarragon is a 24cm high dragon, and it will be stitched on the round using double-pointed needles. You will be knitting from the bottom to the head, and one skein of 50gr should be enough for his body. You can opt for a contrasting quarter of a skein for his spines and wings and get the most magical toy ready.
Patterns from Ravelry
#14 Knitted Octopus
Such a cool-looking octopus, perfect to add a touch of glory to any modern interior. It needs not to be restricted to a child’s room either. If you enjoy ocean life, then follow the instructions in the link, and get yourself one too many tentacles to wrap around when in need of a hug. (Joking, joking)
Patterns from Purl Soho
#15 Babar the Knitted Elephant
I’m a little insecure about sharing this pattern, because God, I love it! And little do I want to keep this elephant all to myself. Babar the Elephant is 11 inches tall, and he will be worked in one piece from the neck down. You will need to use worsted weight yarn, and very little seaming will be required. The best part is that the pattern also includes instructions for his cape, crown, bowler hat, and his green suit. So you won’t just have any elephant toy, but Babar the Elephant.
Patterns from Ravelry
Free Knitted Animal Patterns – In Conclusion
When it comes to toys, it's best to make and/or get a few good ones that your children truly enjoy instead of hoarding too many. If your child is old enough to express their inclination, it's best to knit a toy that they seem to want, so you invest your efforts into something that will be cherished for a long time. Also, making a few favorites is environment-friendly. You can put to use some leftover yarn for creating a colorful knitted toy as well, and your present will be well received.
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