How to Crochet Small Animals

Small, adorable animal toys are crocheted in single stitch.

There may be many ways to crochet a small stuffed animal toy, but the most common method currently is Japanese amigurumi. This style of crocheting is easy to master and lends itself to endless variations, allowing you to easily design your own creatures once the basics are mastered. While larger animals are sometimes created, most amigurumi are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or be carried under the arm of a toddler.

Things You'll Need

• One skein worsted weight yarn, color of choice
• One skein worsted weight yarn, contrasting color (optional)
• Crochet hook size G-6
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Sewing needle
• Sewing thread
• Safety eyes (optional)
• Embroidery needle (optional)
• Embroidery floss (optional)

Instructions

1. Chain two stitches to begin the main body of the animal. Chain by forming a loop, then drawing another loop through the first. Many patterns create both body and head in one piece, or you may crochet the body and head separately, then sewing them together. Work six single crochet in the second chain from the hook and place a marker at the beginning of the round. Single crochet by putting the hook through a strand of the chain, “yarning over,” or hooking a loop of yarn, and pulling it through. Yarn over again and pull through both loops. Rounds are worked continuously in amigurumi, not joined together.

2. Work two single crochet in each stitch around. Move the marker at the completion of each round. Next, you will work two single crochet in the next stitch, and a single after that. Continue this pattern around, giving you 18 stitches. For the next round, work two single crochet in the next stitch, then one single crochet in the next two stitches. This will give you 24 stitches in the round.

3. Single crochet in each stitch around for the number of rows required in the pattern. This gives you a hollow ball shape for a body. For some patterns, you may need to crochet another ball for the head.

4. Begin to round the far end of the body by working a single crochet decrease, or “sc2tog” stitch. Do this by inserting the hook into the stitch and drawing up a loop. Then insert the hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop, giving you three loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all three. Follow the pattern directions to decrease the front opening of the body, alternating single stitches and sc2tog stitches as required. While the opening is still large enough, add the fiberfill stuffing.

5. Create legs by crocheting hollow tubes. Long necks are done this way as well. Begin as you did for the body by chaining two, working six single crochets in the second chain, then working two crochet in each stitch around. You should have 12. Continue to single crochet in each stitch until the legs reach the desired height. Tie off.

6. Create a tail by crocheting a chain the desired length and tying a knot at the end. Ears can be crocheted in various styles and sizes. Most begin with the same first two rows as the body, head and legs. Sew the legs, tail and ears in place by hand. If you wish, embroider eyes and facial features after the animal is completed and stuffed.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach safety eyes to the head before you begin stuffing. The eyes are fastened on the inside to keep young children from pulling them loose. They can be found in craft and fabric stores.

References

• "Easy Crochet Critters"; Lion Brand Yarn Company; 2009
• CraftStylish: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore Amigurumi crochet animals