27 Knitted Animal Patterns (All Free)

Save it Now, Make it Later!

Treat a big or little kid you love with some joyful toys using these free knitted animal patterns. Knitted animal toys are so precious and hold sentimental value. I think it’s safe to say that pretty much all of us have had one knitted toy we obsessed over as children, which is all the more reason to knit your child’s a new favorite squishy. 

Free Knitted Animal Patterns
Free Knitted Animal Patterns

Free Knitted Animal Patterns

I have put together a list of knitted animals for you, most of which I believe will be loved and adored by children of different ages. You can switch yarn colors, and opt for your child’s favorites instead.

Click on the links to the free animal knitting patterns to get complete instructions for knitting and assembling. All you need to do is pick your favorite, get the supplies, and settle down in your favorite spot, to knit the sweetest animals. 

Supplies

  • Yarn
  • Knitting Needles – These may be dpns, straight or circular.
  • Knitting Basics – Tapestry needles, scissors, row counters.

Best Yarn for Knitted Animal Patterns

Regarding knitting animal patterns, the best yarn to use often depends on the desired outcome in terms of texture, durability, and care.

  1. Wool: Excellent choice for stuffed animals that require a bit of structure or warmth. Wool can be soft and cozy.
  2. Cotton: Cotton yarn is soft, easy to care for, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
  3. Acrylic: Acrylic yarn is a budget-friendly and versatile option that is machine washable.
  4. Blend Yarns: Blends combine the qualities of two or more fibers, such as cotton-acrylic or wool-acrylic.

Best Animal Knitting Patterns

1. Jiji the Knitted Cat

 Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Sincerely Louise

If you are a fan of the animated movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, this pattern will leave you in shock! 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. Patterns from Sincerely Louise

YARN WEIGHT: DK Weight Yarn (8ply) #3

2. Leon the Knitted Lion

 Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Yarnspirations

Lions are one of every little kid’s favorites. Maybe because the lion is the king of the jungle, or maybe because he just seems powerful. Have fun making his hair from colorful scraps of yarn. Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Yarnspirations

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

3. Knitted Harold Fatmus Mouse

knittted animal pattern mouse.

Harold Fatmus the Fair Isle Mouse is what I need in my life right now! I would place this on my work desk. You could weigh it down by filling him up with some beans or squishy beads and have the perfect paperweight or doorstop. Patterns Wee County Yarns

YARN WEIGHT: Fingering (4ply) #2

4. Sheldon the Knitted Turtle

 Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Knitty

Meet Sheldon the Knitted Turtle. His shell is removable so you can give him a thorough wash. 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. Knitted Animal Patterns from Knitty

YARN WEIGHT: Sport (5ply) #2

5. Knitted Plush Kitty

Knitted Animal Patterns from Gina Michele

There is something really nostalgic and funny about this cat. 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. Patterns from Gina Michele

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

6. Alec the Knitted Alligator

animal knitting patterns

Alec the Alligator is a pocket-sized fun toy. This pattern is for a 19cm (8 inch) 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

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

7. Huge Knitted Snowy Owl

animal knitting patterns

This knitted snowy owl is HUGE! This would make the perfect present for anyone who obsesses over owls or knitted animals in general. Just stock up on some super bulky yarn and size 15 needles to create this ginormous owl. Patterns from Purl Soho

YARN WEIGHT: Super Bulky (16ply) #6

8. Rowan Esther, Ernie & Enid

animal knitting patterns hens

These Easter chickens are the funniest and most adorable ones I’ve ever seen. If you enjoy whimsical animal knitting pattern 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 Laughing Hens

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

9. Knitted Tiny Window Cat

Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Ravelry

This knitted cat is straight out of a bedtime storybook! It is cute and funny, with its tail up, and is attentively looking outside, as though prying on the neighbors. The pattern is for a 3 inches tall cat, and it is worked in one piece except for the cat’s tail. Patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: Sport (5ply) #2

10. Knitted Blue Bird of Happiness

animal knitting patterns birds

This pattern will guide you in knitting the sweetest little birds to add some chirp to your patio. Hang this with a decorative cage on your patio or with a tree branch. True to its name, this little bluebird of happiness will bring joy to whoever receives it. Knitted Animal Patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

11. Knitted Slugs and Snails

 Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Mochi Mochi Land

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 how cute this looks. Knit up these cuties and maybe place them scattered in different corners of your lawn. Patterns from Mochi Mochi Land

YARN WEIGHT: Fingering (4ply) #2

12. Tarragon Knitted Dragon

 Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Ravelry

One look at this pattern and I know I want Tarragon the Gentle Dragon to be my knit wish-list. Tarragon is a 24cm high dragon and is stitched in the round using double-pointed needles. You will be knitting from the bottom to the head. Animal knitting patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

13. Knitted Octopus

This is such a cool-looking octopus, perfect to add a touch of whimsey to any modern interior. 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. Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Purl Soho

YARN WEIGHT: Sport (5ply) #2

14. Babar the Knitted Elephant

animal knitting patterns elephant

Babar the Elephant is 11 inches tall, and he is worked in one piece from the neck down. Very little seaming will be required. The best part is that the pattern also includes instructions for his cape, crown, bowler hat, and green suit. Free Knitted Animal Patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

15. Knitted Flamingo Pattern

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Ravelry

Ooh, the pinks on this one! This is knitted flat in one piece using a simple garter stitch. It is quite simple to knit and does not take up much time. Animal knitting patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: Sport (5ply) #2

16. Stuffy Owl Pattern

owl animal knit patterns

If you are an owl-lover who doesn’t want to get caught up in tricky colorwork, you will find this animal knitting pattern simple. The color work is nicely explained through a chart. When you are done knitting, you will embroider the features. Animal knitting patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

17. Polar Bear Knitting Pattern

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Love Life Yarn 

Try out this polar bear pattern for some furry fun. This animal knitting pattern works up fast and you will be knitting flat. Get your straight needles out, and you will be using the mattress stitch as the project requires some seaming work too. Patterns from Love Life Yarn

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

18. Snake Animal Knitting Patterns

knitted animal patterns

The Stockinette stitch is known for curling along the edges, which makes it the perfect stitch for working up a knit snake. Instead of knitting in the round, you will simply knit flat as the edges curl. Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Purl Soho

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

19. Whits Knits Knit Hedgehog 

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Purl Soho

I think we all need a knitted animal hedgehog in our lives. These guys are so fun to knit and just SO CUTE. You won’t need to sew in this project so your hedgehog should be ready to be adored quickly. Patterns from Purl Soho

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

20. Buz and Belinda Bumblebee Pattern

animal knitting patterns

The perfect prop to welcome spring or even just use as an ornament for your Christmas tree. After knitting up these two bee-uties, you must stuff them and add safety eyes on each. Free animal knitting patterns from Yarnspirations

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

21. Little Sea Animals Knitting Pattern

Animal Knitting Patterns from Ravelry

The Little Sea Creatures knitting pattern includes instructions for an octopus, starfish, turtle, and a crab. These knit creatures are worked in-the-round, and are small enough to fit in your palm. Patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

22. Andy the Llama Knitting Pattern 

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Ravelry

With its cozy saddle blanket, Andy the Llama is hard to not adore. For this gorgeous animal knitting pattern, you need to know your basic knitting stitches. Patterns from Ravelry 

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

23. Spring Robin Knitting Pattern 

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Lovecrafts

For lovers of spring, a robin is a sign to get ready to rejoice. This animal knitting pattern is a quick and simple knit. You will knit the wings separately, work the body in the round in one piece, and then seam the wings to the body. Patterns from Lovecraft

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

24. Marisol the Knitted Mouse

 Animal Knitting Patterns from Ravelry

Try out the Marisol knit mouse. Its sweet round face and pretty pink tail make it such an adorable knit creature. You can try this in white and pink or grey and pink, it is going to look cute in either color scheme. Patterns from Ravelry 

YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (10ply) #4

25. Inuk and Baby Seal Pattern

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Fuzzy Mitten

This is a no-fuss pattern. Its construction is simple. You knit a long rectangle, fold it in half, and then seam a section of the edges to create the neckline. Patterns from Fuzzy Mitten

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

26. Dinosaur Stuffed Toy Pattern

Free Animal Knitting Patterns from Ravelry

We all know kid who is obsessed with dinosaurs. This animal knitting pattern will show you how to knit a cheeky little triceratops! The pattern is easy and simple to follow and will be knitted with straight needles. Patterns from Ravelry

YARN WEIGHT: DK (8ply) #3

Free Knitted Animal Patterns – In Conclusion

Regarding toys, it’s best to make a few good ones that your children enjoy instead of hoarding too many. These animal knitting patterns are sure to produce a childhood favorite. Put to use some leftover yarn for creating a colorful knitted toy. 

4.8/5 - (33 votes)

Author - Luisa Clare

Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.

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One Comment

  1. I have just started knitting toys. It was so lovely to be able to download all the patterns you gave us for free. Thank you very much. .

    Kind regards
    Sandy

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