Here at Gathered our whole team is made up of animal lovers, and if they're crochet animals then we love them even more! Crochet animals are hugely popular with crocheters, with plenty of designers who specialise in creating cute crochet animals.
From easy crochet animals that are simple enough for beginners, to incredibly lifelike crochet stuffed animals that are anatomically correct (and much nice than real taxidermy), there's loads of incredible patterns out there.
Most crochet animal patterns are made in the amigurumi style which is perfect for showing off the cute side of our crochet animals, and they make brilliant gifts for both kids and adults alike!
With so many crochet animal patterns to choose from, we thought we'd help you find the perfect pattern for you – so whether you're crazy about cats, dotty for dogs, obsessed with otters or addicted to alpacas – you'll find all sorts of crochet animals to hook up!
It's not just your usual animals that you'll find here - we're also celebrating those rarer animals with the help of Simply Crochet's 2022 endangered animals amigurumi advent calendar that comes with issue 117 - featuring 12 exclusive designs of fabulous amigumi patterns. If you missed out on the calendar, you can download a digital issue which includes all of the endangered amigurumi animals.
Oh and if you need any help with your amigurumi crochet animals, you can always check out our how to crochet amigurumi guide for some helpful tips and tricks!
Best crochet animal patterns
1. Free crochet whale pattern
When it comes to amigurumi characters, they're often on the small side which adds to their cute factor, but that doesn't mean you can't hook up the largest animal ever known to have existed (the blue whale if we're being specific)!
This fabulous free crochet whale pattern by Becky Garratt will go down a treat with kids as it's the perfect size for playing with, plus our wonderful whale has a fun stripy belly too!
Find the free crochet whale pattern.
2. Free amigurumi pigeon crochet pattern
This free pigeon crochet pattern from Sirdar is a super-cute small project that would make a great gift for any bird-lover (or ornithologist to use the correct term).
It's made in Sirdar's brilliant Happy Cotton yarn which is a dk yarn that is not only perfect for amigurumi projects, but also comes in handy 20g balls so you don't have to buy more than you need!
Find the free amigurumi pigeon crochet pattern on Sirdar.com.
3. Amigurumi Shiba dog crochet pattern
When it comes to crochet animals, we know that plenty of you are going to be looking for some good dogs!
There's plenty of amigurumi dog patterns out there depicting all sorts of breeds, but these adorable amigurumi Shiba Inu dogs were the ones that really caught our eye! Designed by amigurumi specialist Khuc Kay, we love the super sweet outfits on this pair of perfect pooches!
- Buy the amigurumi Shiba dog crochet pattern on Etsy
4. Amigurumi iguana crochet pattern
There are a couple of different Iguana's endemic to Fiji (in fact they're a national treasure by the government of Fiji, appearing on stamps and currency), however this lovely lizard is specifically the Fiji Banded Iguana. It is now classed as an endangered species and lives in wet forests on the islands of Fiji.
If you'd like to make this sweet creature, you can find it in the Simply Crochet issue 117 Endangered Animals pattern collection which you can download as a digital issue.
5. Free amigurumi cat pattern
We've already had a pattern for the dog lovers, so of course we've got to include one for the fans of felines too!
This fabulous free amigurumi cat pattern by Liz Ward includes instructions for how to make three different cats wearing a range of fun accessories!
Make the free amigurumi cat pattern.
6. Amigurumi mouse crochet pattern
So what comes after cats in the world of crochet animals... it's got to be a mouse! But this little mouse won't scare you, it's ever so sweet!
This amigurumi mouse pattern is by TheLittleHookCrochet is an adorable project that is a brilliant way to brush up on your amigurumi skills!
- Buy the amigurumi mouse crochet pattern on Etsy
7. Free amigurumi rabbit pattern
Whether you're hooking them up as Easter bunnies or just love rabbits all year round, then this free amigurumi rabbit pattern is for you!
The pattern includes instructions for both the adult and baby bunnies, plus some fab accessories like the adult's yellow hat, an Easter basket and even some tasty carrots!
Get the free amigurumi rabbit pattern.
8. Amigurumi Donkey crochet pattern
Ilaria Caliri is one of our favourite amigurumi designers and is the genius behind many of the popular crochet animal patterns that have appeared in Simply Crochet magazine.
Without a doubt one of her most popular patterns was this incredible donkey with its impressive mane and spectacular saddle and accessories.
- Buy the amigurumi donkey crochet pattern on Etsy
9. Amigurumi otters crochet pattern
Here's another amigurumi pattern by Ilaria Caliri that really shows how amazing her crochet animals are!
This pair of love-struck otters would make a fabulous present for any couple, after all some species of otters mate for life!
- Buy the amigurumi otters crochet pattern on Etsy
10. Amigurumi red panda crochet pattern
Here's another one of Simply Crochet's endangered animal patterns – and this one certainly is a little cutie!
The Red Panda is native to the Himalayas and China, and despite it's name - is not closely related to the giant panda (in fact it belongs to it's own unique family Ailuridae, which is part of the Musteloidea super-family, which contains... otters!). They're about the same size as a domestic cat but with a longer body, and are incredibly skilful and acrobatic, using their long tail for balance.
If you want to hook up this adorable crochet animal, you can find it in the Simply Crochet issue 117 Endangered Animals pattern collection which you can download as a digital issue.
11. Free amigurumi snake pattern
This is one of our crochet animals that is definitely going to split opinion: cute or creepy? However you feel about real-life snakes, we can all agree this free amigurumi snake pattern is a little sweetie!
Find the free amigurumi snake pattern here
12. Amigurumi toucan crochet pattern
Why not take things tropical with your crochet animals and hook up this amazing amigurumi toucan! We love it's colourful bill and stout seated form!
- Buy the amigurumi toucan crochet pattern on Etsy
13. Free crochet Teddy Bear pattern
We couldn't possibly have a list of crochet animal patterns without including the most popular type of stuffed animal toy – the classic teddy bear!
This fabulous free crochet teddy bear pattern by Lucy Pollack is a project that has that timeless quality and will be treasured forever if you're making it for a little one, plus he comes with some funky dungarees and winter accessories too!
Make the free crochet teddy bear pattern this weekend!
14. Amigurumi alpaca crochet pattern
We're big fans of alpaca yarn (if you've not tried it yet check out our pick of the best alpaca yarns), so of course when it comes to crochet animals we're big fans of this amigurumi alpaca too!
This fab design by ElliesCraftBoutique uses a clever stitch pattern to transform a standard dk yarn into that wonderful fluffy fleece!
- Buy the amigurumi alpaca crochet pattern on Etsy
15. Free amigurumi robin pattern
How cute is this free amigurumi robin pattern by Stella's Yarn Universe?! We love watching robins hopping around the garden looking for worms, but now we can admire this beautiful crochet robin whatever the season!
Make the free amigurumi robin pattern.
16. Amigurumi platypus crochet pattern
There's something about duck-billed platypus – they just put a smile on our faces! This super-fun design by Irene Strange almost looks like he's reaching out for a cuddle too!
- Buy the amigurumi platypus crochet pattern on Etsy
17. Free amigurumi rhino crochet pattern
While we wouldn't want to come across a rhinoceros in the wild, we're more that happy to hang out with this cute crochet animal! The fact that he has two horns means he's either an African Rhinoceros or a Sumatran Rhinoceros, as the Indian and Javan Rhinos only have one!
Find the free amigurumi Rhino crochet pattern.
18. Amigurumi giraffe crochet pattern
Say hello to George the Giraffe – a fabulous amigurumi pattern by Victoria Kairis. This clever pattern has been designed to keep sewing to a minimum, with its neck, body and legs made in one piece.
- Buy the amigurumi giraffe crochet pattern on Etsy
19. Free amigurumi hammerhead ahark pattern
When we told you that there was a wide range of patterns for all sorts of crochet animals, we bet you didn't think we'd be showing you a hammerhead shark! This fun pattern from Hobbii is a great project for if you want to hook up something a little different!
Find the free amigurumi hammerhead shark pattern.
20. Amigurumi koala crochet pattern
Get your hooks at the ready, cos once you've seen this super-cute crochet koala you'll want to make him straight away! This marvellous marsupial is designed by DIYFluffies, and is one of the cutest crochet animals we've ever seen – especially in those dungarees!
P.S. if you're a whiz with a sewing machine, you can also find a sewing pattern version on the DIYFluffies Etsy store too!
- Buy the amigurumi koala crochet pattern on Etsy
21. Free amigurumi Monkey crochet pattern
If you fancy making a little monkey (perhaps as a gift for your own little monkeys), then you'll definitely want to check out this free amigurumi monkey pattern by AllAboutAmi.
This clever pattern also includes instruction on how to add wire into this sweet little monkey so that his arms, legs and tail are posable!
Craft the free amigurumi monkey crochet pattern.
22. Amigurumi Axolotyl crochet pattern
Time for another rare crochet animal pattern for those of you who like something a little different.
This fabulous amigurumi axoltyl pattern is designed by Erinna Lee, and is a stunning example of how even the strangest of creatures can be transformed into super-cute amigurumi crochet animals.
- Buy the Amigurumi Axolotyl crochet pattern on Etsy
23. Free bat crochet pattern
You don't have to wait until Halloween to hook up this little flying fellow, he'll be happy to 'hang out' with you all year round!
This free bat crochet pattern by Simply Crochet editor Sara Huntington is a brilliant pattern for those of you who are new to amigurumi, as it only uses simple shapes and his wings are made out of felt.
Find the free bat crochet pattern here.
24. Amigurumi badger crochet pattern
Lots of amigurumi crochet animal patterns come sporting some interesting outfits, but none quite so pretty as Betty the Badger, with her beautiful dress and adorable flower crown!
- Buy the amigurumi badger crochet pattern on Ravelry
25. Free owl crochet pattern
Who doesn't love a good old owl (well, apart from mice maybe). This pair of awesome owls are out on a romantic picnic, with their basket and a bottle of fizz, and each sporting a stylish hat too!
They're another simple pattern that crochet beginners can try, so why not give them a go – you could easily hook up an owl in an evening!
Find the free owl crochet pattern here.
26. Amigurumi turtle crochet pattern
We love the fabulous crochet shell on this Green Sea Turtle from Simply Crochet's Endangered Animals crochet pattern collection. These turtles are named for the layer of green fat under their shell, probably due to their diet of marine plants as they're mostly herbivorous. Unfortunately they are classed as endangered due to a variety of factors, including pollution and habitat loss.
If you'd like to make this sweet creature, you can find it in the Simply Crochet issue 117 Endangered Animals pattern collection which you can download as a digital issue.
27. Amigurumi hedgehog crochet pattern
We do love a hedgehog, but they can be a bit pricky... but that's not a problem with this amigurumi hedgehog pattern by Irene Strange.
This cute crochet hedgehog has a fluffy back made from bouclé alpaca yarn rather than sharp spines, so you can cuddle him to your hearts content!
- Buy the amigurumi hedgehog crochet pattern on Etsy
28. Free amigurumi Seahorse pattern
If you want to keep your crochet animals on the small scale, how about hooking up this free amigurumi seahorse pattern by 1DogWoof!
It's not only a sweet pattern that won't take you long to make, but it's the head, body and tail are all made in one piece, so you'll only need to sew on the mane and tail!
Hook up the free amigurumi seahorse pattern.
29. Free fox crochet pattern
This adorable fox crochet pattern by Lucy Anwar is the perfect craft project to make on a chilly autumn day! We love how cosy he looks with his cute little hat and scarf.
This sweet fox is guaranteed to charm anyone who meets him!
30. Crochet frog pattern
Show someone you care this Valentine's Day by hooking up this enchanting crochet frog pattern by Liz Ward.
Could he be your Prince Charming? Give him a kiss and find out!
31. Crochet penguins
Looking for a festive project? Why not whip up a whole colony of cute crochet penguins?
This penguin trio can be made in three different sizes, so you could make a little family group. These would make wonderful gifts or Christmas decorations.
Celebrate nature with the best crochet animals!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of the best crochet animal patterns. Whether you love making pet patterns or hooking up more exotic wildlife, there's something for everyone to make.
Crochet animals provide a great opportunity to brush up your amigurumi skills, while making an adorable toy at the same time.
Improve your crochet skills with our stitch library
Looking for a specific stitch? Or just want to boost your crochet skills? Head over to our crochet stitches library and bookmark it for all of your future projects.
