30+ Loveable, Easy Crochet Animal Patterns

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! With these easy crochet amigurumi animal patterns you can make yourself a whole zoo of cute creatures. This collection includes some of my favorite easy crochet stuffed animal patterns for beginner and intermediate makers. Even if you’re just learning how to crochet amigurumi, you can attempt many of these animal patterns. 

Of course, there are adorable animal crochet patterns for all skill levels, so you'll find some more complex amigurumi when you’re ready for a challenge. 

Easy Animal Amigurumi Patterns

Would you like to crochet your own menagerie of stuffed animals? This guide to amigurumi animals will teach you all the basics of crocheting plushie animals as well as provide patterns for all skill levels.

Here's what you can expect to learn about making amigurumi animals:

• Basic techniques and shapes used for all crochet animals
• How to avoid using the wrong supplies 
• How to choose a pattern that won’t be too hard
• Pro tips on making your amigurumi animals extra cute

Working in Spiral Rounds

Most of the pieces in amigurumi patterns are worked in continuous rounds without joining the ends of each round with a slip stitch. This is quite easy because you just continue crocheting as if working up a spiral staircase.

PRO TIP: When crocheting in spiral rounds, it's extremely helpful to place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. This helps you keep track of where the round officially begins. Move it up to the next round each time you encounter it.

Common Shapes

If you’re feeling intimidated to crochet your first animal pattern, it can be helpful to think of the creature as a series of simple shapes. Most stuffed animals are “built” from a combination of:

• spheres
• tubes
• ovids (aka 3D ovals)

Using only basic crochet stitches, you’ll be able to create almost any of the shapes used in crochet animal patterns. Easy peasy! 

Supplies for Amigurumi Animals

Since there are so many different ways to crochet amigurumi animals, your project could require some unique supplies. Here's a list of basic materials you’ll most likely need to make most animal patterns:

• Yarn - find more details on choosing a yarn below
• Hooks
• Yarn needle - for joining pieces and weaving in ends
• Stitch markers - for keeping your rounds even and marking where to attach limbs
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Polyfil or other stuffing
• Erasable fabric pen - for marking placement of eyes and limbs
• Blush makeup - for adding rosy cheeks
• Safety eyes*
• Embroidery floss - for adding eyes and facial features
• Beads or buttons - for eyes or clothing details
• Key rings and chains - to turn a small plushie into a keychain

*When creating toys for small children, safety eyes can pose a choking hazard. It's best to use embroidered or sewed-on eyes for kids under age three.

PRO TIP: Put a small piece of felt behind safety eyes to make cute eyelids and give your crochet animals an even more animated look. (See example below.)

Related: 20+ Cute Cows To Crochet

Best Free Crochet Animal Patterns

I'm sure you're excited to get started on your own adorable amigurumi! Most of these free crochet animal patterns are beginner-friendly with a few more advanced patterns for once you’re confident in your amigurumi skills.

Whether you're a beginner crocheter or simply want a quick and easy project, you've come to the right place! Starting with easy amigurumi animal projects is a great way to boost your crafting confidence and learn new techniques. No matter your skill level, these adorable free crochet animal patterns are easy to enjoy!

See more beginner amigurumi patterns →

Mini Crochet Animals

If it's really small amigurumi you're looking for, these tiny projects fit the bill. Many of these make perfect animals to add to keychains or tie to the top of a gift.

PRO TIP: You can often make any crochet animal bigger or smaller simply by using a thicker or thinner yarn than the pattern calls for. Be sure to adjust your hook size accordingly if you change yarn weights. This is important in achieving tight stitches and preventing stuffing from leaking out.

Advanced-Beginner Animals to Crochet

Ready to challenge your toy-making skills? Look no further than these slightly more complex amigurumi animal patterns.

Animals With Step-by-Step Video Tutorials

Having video step-by-step instructions to follow can be extremely handy when you’re learning how to crochet animals. If you like following video tutorials, check out these free amigurumi animal patterns.

Easy Beginners Whale Tutorial

How to Crochet Duck Stuffed Animal

Amigurumi Reversible Octopus Tutorial

Almost NO SEW Loaf Cat Crochet Tutorial

How to Make an Extra Cute Animal 

A huge part of the charm of amigurumi animals is their cute factor. So let’s take a minute to talk about what actually makes a crochet animal irresistibly adorable. This way, if your project isn’t ending up as charming as you imagined, you can think about what it might be missing. 

While each person will have different ideas of what they consider cute, there are some common threads (pun intended!)

Here are a few things to consider when planning the cutest possible critter:

“Brushing Out” Amigurumi Animals

If you are an advanced beginner and want to add texture to your toy, you could also try a brush-out technique using natural fiber or natural fiber blend yarn. For that, look for something with at least 50% natural fiber, like wool. 

Check out this video tutorial for detailed instructions on how to make your crochet animals look fluffy by “brushing” the yarn:

Best Yarn for Crocheting Animals

Not all yarn is created equal. Some kinds are better for crocheting amigurumi animals than others, here are some guidelines to help you pick the best yarn for your plush projects.

Consider Fiber Type

Acrylic is often the best yarn for crocheting amigurumi projects. Not only is it soft, but it's usually machine washable and easy to take care of—ideal for well-loved stuffed animals. I like Lion Brand Basic Stitch because it comes in a wide variety of colors and resists pilling with lots of use.

Cotton yarn or cotton blend yarn is also a good choice since it holds its shape well and is easy to work with. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is one of my favorites because the texture is both soft and durable. I’ve found it works really well for crochet toys. And 24/7 Cotton is available in a DK weight and a light worsted weight. 

That was so fun! Now what?

Invitation to our Facebook group

Come discuss crocheting stuffed animals and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.