Crochet animals are so much fun to make! Kids love them, because they’re soft and snuggly. They are usually quick projects, which makes them perfect for people that don’t have a ton of time to craft. And they are small projects and easy to tote around and work on here and there. Crochet animals are certainly great projects for beginner crocheters.
In this post, I’ll share 25 FREE beginner-friendly crochet animal patterns. If you have a little special someone, these make the perfect handmade gifts. Or if you want to learn more about crocheting and make yourself something, try one of these easy patterns. All of the patterns I have listed here are FREE patterns!
If you are more of blanket type crocheter, check out all these PRETTY crochet baby blanket patterns.
Crochet Softies
Try your hand at making crochet animals! You may see the word ‘amigurumi’. Don’t be confused! This is just a name for the Japanese art of making yarn creatures, whether crochet or knit.
There’s so many different shapes and sizes. Make them as big or small as you’d like! Make them as plush as you’d like! Make them as neutral or colorful as you’d like!
Everyone seems to love these cute crochet animals. Amigurumi projects make perfect gifts, especially for babies and kids. They’re just so huggable. Below you will find 25 Easy Crochet Animal Patterns for beginners! They are all FREE patterns!!
Can beginners make crochet animals?
Absolutely! These are great projects for beginners. Most beginner friendly patterns require you to know just a few simple crochet stitches. You also need to know how to sew pieces together and how to embroider some of the facial features! All very easy once you give it a try!
Here is a link for some basic beginner stitches. If you are new to crochet, it’s best to practice these stitches with some scrap yarn for a bit.
Some of the basic stitches and techniques in these animal patterns:
- Single crochet
- Increases and Decreases
- Crocheting in Spiral Rounds
- Changing Colors
Best Yarn for Making Crochet Animals
Cotton yarn is easy for beginners to use, and gives your projects great stitch definition, too!
Worsted weight acrylic or even bulky-weight chenille yarns can be used to make crochet animals, too.
Or try this blend of cotton and acrylic. It comes in so many good colors too! This Lion Brand blend is also amazing for crochet animal projects.
Other Supplies Needed
- crochet hooks
- yarn needle
- scissors
You may also need:
- stitch markers
- embroidery thread
- stuffing, polyester filling
- eyes!
25 Easy Crochet Animal Patterns
Start your adorable collection with these 25 free crochet animal patterns!
Frog Crochet Pattern
Easy pattern that looks advanced! Great start for a crochet animal pattern.
Jellyfish Crochet Pattern
This cute jellyfish project will keep baby entertained with its long, curly tentacles. Choose bright colors or soft tones to set the mood for your little one.
Long-Legged Crochet Cat Pattern
This one is so cute it makes me laugh. I love how the arms can be croseed and know several cat lovers who would enjoy this one!!
Lamb Crochet Pattern
This is the perfect gift for a new baby. Perfect size for snuggling! Use an extra soft yarn for the body and it becomes a cuddle toy.
Hamster Crochet Pattern
These lil hamsters as a trio... too cute! Choose a color combo and choose what you want them to hold, a seed, strawberry, or watermelon!
Whale Crochet Pattern
This guy can be finished in just a couple hours and is great for your nautical collection!
Unicorn Crochet Pattern
All the girls that rave over unicorns would just be elated to receive this as a gift! So jazzy and colorful.
Owl Crochet Pattern
This one is espcially good for beginners. This simpe project is a sleepy owl, perfect for a bedtime friend.
Teddy Bear Crochet Pattern
This oen may lean more toward intermediate, but if you are determined, you may do just fine! I just love his expressive cuddly face.
Cube Puppy Crochet Pattern
Start with a cube and turn it into this cute puppy. How clever!
Squid Crochet Pattern
I have a child that has loved squids for a long time. I may need to start this simple project!
Dinosaur Crochet Pattern
Those cute little toddler boys that live and breathe dinosaurs need this soft guy to carry around. Too cute.
Classic Bunny Crochet Pattern
The huggable floppy eared bunny is a classic for sure! The yarn choice really makes the difference for this one.
Hippo Crochet Pattern
This hippo is plush and adorable! Easy begginer pattern.
Giant Bee Crochet Pattern
This giant bee can double as a pillow! It is squishy and perfecty cuddle sized.
Little Llama Crochet Pattern
Llama Llama Red Pajama... there's some cute hair under that hat haha.
Otter Crochet Pattern
This lil fella even has his own fish to lug around. That makes it a fun toy for a young child!
Mama Hen Crochet Pattern
This mama hen is made with a pocket in her belly to store her eggs! How fun.
Penguin Crochet Pattern
Plump and plush little fella. He's a cute one and easy!!
Elephant Crochet Pattern
This may end up to be your favorite addition to your crochet collection. Such a snuggly elephant.
Koala Crochet Pattern
Who doesn't love a koala?! This pattern is adorable.
Dog Crochet Pattern
Oh these spots are too cute. Looks like something a little boy would lug around. 🙂
Bunny Crochet Snuggler Pattern
This crochet snuggler becomes an inseparable friend for a baby! Makes a great shower gift.
Teddy Bear Crochet Snuggler Pattern
This snuggly bear is sure to be baby's favorite. This pattern is a little more toward the intermediate level.
Bear and Scarf Crochet Pattern
A bear AND a scarf?! How cute and wintry. Use your creativity to make the cutest mini scarves.