11 Easy Crochet Toys Free Patterns for Beginners
If you can make a single crochet, you can make amigurumi. Most little stuffed toys are just single crochet worked in a spiral, with a few increases and decreases to shape them. The trick is to start with an easy amigurumi pattern that has few pieces and clear steps.
We picked 11 free beginner patterns and checked each designer page for the skill level, yarn, and hook. You will find tiny palm-sized animals, a cute mushroom, and a classic bear to grow into.
Easy Crochet Toys Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Cotton yarn in DK (#3) or worsted (#4)
- Crochet hooks, 2.5 mm to 4 mm
- Safety eyes, 6 mm to 10 mm
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Locking stitch markers (you will need these for spirals)
- Tapestry needle
- Small sharp scissors
1. Small Hippo
Photo: Kristi Tullus
A palm-sized hippo with a big nose and short legs, about 2.5 inches tall. It is mostly single crochet in a continuous spiral, and the designer says it is a good way to learn spiral crochet. You sew on the head, ears, legs and tail, so it is a nice first step into assembly.
- Designer: Kristi Tullus
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3) cotton
- Hook: 2.5 mm (2.5–3 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Itty Bitty Crochet Kitty
Photo: Caitie / Thoresby Cottage
A tiny cat made from only two pieces: the body and the tail. You close the top by crocheting through both sides, then stitch the ears and embroider the face. The designer calls it a wonderful project for new beginners, and it comes in two sizes.
- Designer: Caitie / Thoresby Cottage
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK / light worsted (#3) cotton
- Hook: 3.25 mm (larger cat), 2.75 mm (smaller cat)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Mr. Murasaki the Owl
Photo: Lee Mei Li / AmiguruMEI (on Craft Passion)
A sleepy 3-inch purple owl with white eyes, cyan wings and little feather details. The body is single crochet and increases in a spiral, then stuffed. A felt beak and pink cheeks finish the face. It uses very few pieces, which makes it a great second or third project.
- Designer: Lee Mei Li / AmiguruMEI (on Craft Passion)
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (acrylic)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Mini Whale
Photo: Nicole Chase
A little blue whale with a white belly, two side fins and a tail. It is about 4 inches long and almost sew-free. The page has step-by-step photos and a video, which helps a lot on your first toy. The designer calls it an entry-level project.
- Designer: Nicole Chase
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Crochet Mushroom
Photo: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
A cottage-core mushroom, about 5 inches wide, with an ecru stem and a red cap. It is made in spiral rounds of single crochet with invisible decreases. You can add dots, French knots, or a little ruffle ring around the stem. It looks great on a shelf.
- Designer: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
- Skill level: Advanced beginner
- Yarn: see pattern (Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Hamster Amigurumi
Photo: StringyDingDing
A chubby hamster, about 4 inches, with the head and body worked as one piece. He comes with tiny snacks: a strawberry, a watermelon slice, and a seed. You will practice back and front loop rounds and a simple color change for the face.
- Designer: StringyDingDing
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Cube Foxy Fox
Photo: Crafty Bunny Bun
A fun, square fox made in spiral rounds of single crochet, with orange, white and black color changes. Make it small in DK yarn or big and squishy in chunky chenille. The cube shape is easy to stuff and it sits nicely on a desk.
- Designer: Crafty Bunny Bun
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3) for small, chunky chenille for large
- Hook: 3 mm (small), 7 mm (large)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Amigurumi Mini Pigs
Little pigs in bulky yarn, made in two parts: the head and body first, then the ears and legs. The tail is worked as part of the body. You can add spots wherever you like, which is a relaxed way to practice color changes.
- Designer: Brenna Eaves / Furls Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Hook: 4 mm or 4.5 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Little Crochet Lamb
Photo: Ashleigh / Sewrella
A sweet lamb with a cotton face and legs and a fuzzy head and body. Bobble stitches give the wool a bumpy texture. The ears are sewn on and the head attaches to the face. This is a lovely Easter or baby shower make.
- Designer: Ashleigh / Sewrella
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 2 mm and E
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Smugly Bear
Photo: Mari-Liis Lille / lilleliis
A one-color bear, about 6.7 inches tall, with a lumpy body and a very smug face. It uses only chain, slip stitch and single crochet. The designer made it a medium size on purpose, because very tiny or very big toys are harder to start with.
- Designer: Mari-Liis Lille / lilleliis
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3) cotton
- Hook: 2.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Super Easy Amigurumi Axolotl
Photo: Emma Gallimore-Martin
A small axolotl worked in half double crochet instead of single crochet, so it grows fast. The designer says it is quick to make and suggests making a whole group in different colors. Kids love axolotls, so this one is a great gift.
- Designer: Emma Gallimore-Martin
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free Ravelry download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Very first amigurumi? Start with #2, the Itty Bitty Kitty. Only two pieces.
- Want a video to follow? #4, the Mini Whale, has photos and a video.
- Want to learn to sew pieces on? #1, the Small Hippo, is small and simple.
- Not ready for small hooks? #8, the Mini Pigs, use bulky yarn.
- Ready for a bigger classic toy? #10, the Smugly Bear, is the next step.
FAQ
What is the easiest amigurumi for a beginner?
Pick a toy with one or two pieces, one color, and single crochet only. A ball-shaped animal, like a tiny cat or whale, is perfect. Skip patterns with many small limbs or lots of color changes until you feel comfortable working in a spiral.
What yarn is best for beginner amigurumi?
Smooth cotton or acrylic in DK or worsted weight is easiest. You can see each stitch clearly, which helps you count. Avoid fuzzy, dark or chenille yarn at first, because the stitches are hard to see. Use a smaller hook than the label says for tight stitches.
Why do I need a stitch marker for amigurumi?
Most amigurumi is worked in a spiral, so there is no clear start or end to each round. Put a marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up as you go. It keeps your count right so your shape comes out even.
Pick one easy amigurumi, grab a stitch marker, and you may finish your first little toy tonight.