Small amigurumi make perfect gifts, nursery decor, or pocket-sized companions. Below you’ll find six beginner-friendly but detailed amigurumi patterns — Seahorse, Peach Teddy Bear, Floppy Cat, Ghost with a Bow, Little Dragon, and a Tiny Chick — each with full materials lists, gauge/size guidance, step-by-step stitch-by-stitch heads/bodies/limbs, assembly notes, finishing tips, and safe-child recommendations. I use US crochet terms and recommend working in continuous rounds (invisible spiral) unless a round join is specified.
Before you start, read the general notes so the stitch counts and shaping work as expected.
General notes (tools, gauge, and safety)
Yarn: I recommend worsted weight (#4) acrylic or cotton-blend for most plush — soft, washable, and forgiving. For extra squish, use an amigurumi/soft plush yarn or baby yarn.
Hook: 3.5 mm (E) or 4.0 mm (G) typical. Use a smaller hook than the yarn label recommends to create a tight fabric so stuffing doesn’t show.
Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill; add in small amounts to avoid lumps. For more stability, add a small bag of poly pellets at the base (child-safe, sew into a pouch).
Safety eyes / nose: 6–12 mm safety eyes depending on size. For toys for under-3 children, do not use plastic safety eyes — embroider eyes and features instead or securely sew on felt.
Other notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, small pins for placement, embroidery thread (for mouth/nostrils), optional pipe cleaners (for poseable limbs), felt for details, hot glue (optional for felt, but hand stitching is safer), small buttons (optional).
Stitches & abbreviations (US terms):
- MR = magic ring
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- inc = 2 sc in same st (increase)
- dec = single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
- sl st = slip stitch
- BLO = back loop only
- FLO = front loop only
- st(s) = stitch(es)
Gauge & sizing: Gauge is not strict for amigurumi, but if your stitches are too loose, stuffing will show. Aim for ~5–6 sc per inch in worsted with a 3.5–4 mm hook. Each pattern includes approx finished size for reference — adjust hook/yarn to scale up or down.
Finishing & laundering: Hand wash or gentle machine cycle in a laundry bag, dry flat. Secure all loose ends and embroidery. Check seams frequently when giving to small children.
1. Crochet Seahorse Amigurumi Pattern
Finished size: ~8–9 inches tall (from head top to curled tail) using worsted yarn & 3.5 mm hook.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn: main color (seafoam or yellow) ~150 yds; contrast for belly ~30 yds
- 3.5 mm hook (or size to obtain tight fabric)
- Filling, tapestry needle, stitch marker
- 6 mm safety eyes (or embroider)
- Small scrap of felt for fin or crocheted fin
Stitches used: MR, sc, inc, dec, sl st, hdc
Body & Head (worked as one piece, continuous rounds)
Notes: The seahorse has a slightly elongated head and a curled tail. Work head → body → tail, then curl tail after stuffing.
- MR, 6 sc into ring (6).
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc around (18).
- sc 2, inc around (24).
- Rounds 5–8: sc around (24 × 4 rounds) — lengthen head. Insert safety eyes between rounds 6–7 spaced ~6 sts apart. Embroider snout below eyes if desired.
- Round 9: sc 2, dec around (18).
- Round 10: sc 1, dec around (12). Stuff head firmly.
- Round 11: dec around (6). Fasten off and shape nose? For a seahorse we prefer an elongated snout — alternatively, after round 4, switch to 3–4 more rows of sc to make snout longer before increasing pattern above. Optionally: after round 4, work 4–6 rounds of sc but decrease at the back to narrow snout. (This step is flexible — use photo reference.)
Body
9. Join belly color under head (or work belly later as surface crochet). Pick up stitches evenly around neck and work sc for 6–8 rounds keeping body slightly narrow (12–16 sts depending on your increases). Stuff lightly.
Tail
10. After body, decrease gradually to create a taper: sc 2, dec → (reduce counts over 3–5 rounds) until 8–6 sts remain. Work 12–18 rounds of sc to create a long tail that will be curled. For more sculptural tail: work sc 1, inc and then sc 1, dec to create subtle bumps (knobbly tail).
- Curl tail by wrapping around a pencil and stuffing lightly. Secure end by sewing through curl base.
Dorsal Fin & Belly
- Dorsal fin: ch 6, sl st back across chain, or make a small triangle: ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch, turn and sl st. Make 1–2 fins and sew on back.
- Belly: surface crochet a strip or single crochet into FLO on one side to make contrast belly panels.
Assembly & finishing
- Embroider small smile and nostril lines.
- Add tiny safety eye or embroider for baby-safe.
- Block lightly with steam if needed to shape fin.
- Weave in all ends.
Variations: Make micro seahorses (keychain) with 2.0–3.0 mm hook and fingering yarn, or giant with bulky yarn and larger hook.
2. Crochet Teddy Bear Amigurumi Pattern
Finished size: ~9–10 inches sitting; 12–14 inches standing (depending on stuffing).
Materials
- Worsted yarn in peach (main) ~250 yds, cream for muzzle/chest ~40 yds
- 3.5 mm hook
- Fiberfill, 10–12 mm safety eyes, plastic pellets (optional)
- Small ribbon, tapestry needle
Stitches used: MR, sc, inc, dec, hdc, sl st
Head
- MR, 6 sc (6).
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc 2, inc (24).
- sc 3, inc (30).
- sc 4, inc (36).
7–13. sc around (36) for 7 rounds (adds height). Insert safety eyes between rounds 9–10 about 8–10 sts apart. - sc 4, dec (30).
- sc 3, dec (24).
- sc 2, dec (18). Stuff firmly.
- sc 1, dec (12).
- dec around (6). Fasten off, weave through remaining stitches and close.
Muzzle (cream)
- MR, 6 sc (6).
- inc around (12).
- sc around for 1–2 rounds; flatten and sew onto lower front of head. Embroider nose with brown yarn and a vertical nose-to-mouth line, then two small curved mouth lines.
Ears (make 2)
- MR, 6 sc (6).
- sc 1, inc around (9).
- sc around for 1–2 rounds. Fasten off with long tail to sew to head.
Body
- MR, 6 sc.
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc 2, inc (24).
- sc 3, inc (30).
6–12. sc around for 7 rounds to build torso height (30). - sc 3, dec (24).
- sc 2, dec (18). Add some pellet weight if desired inside before too much stuffing.
- sc around (18) for 1–2 rounds; leave an opening for sewing to head later.
Arms (make 2)
- MR, 6 sc (6).
2–8. sc around for 6–7 rounds, stuffing lightly. Flatten and sew to sides of body.
Legs (make 2)
- MR, 6 sc (6).
- inc around (12).
- sc 1 round (12).
4–8. sc around for length (5 rounds), stuff firmly. Flatten bottom to create foot and sew to lower body.
Assembly
- Sew head to body with whipstitch, ensuring centered.
- Attach arms at shoulder level.
- Attach ears to top sides of head.
- Sew muzzle and embroider nose and mouth using brown embroidery thread.
- Add a ribbon around the neck for peach teddy styling.
Finishing & tips
- Use a yarn needle to weave and secure threads tightly.
- For baby-safe, embroider eyes, or choose small round felt pieces.
- Brush plush lightly to fuzz the peach yarn for velvety feel.
3. Crochet Cat: The Floppy Friend Amigurumi Pattern
Finished size: ~10 inches long (sitting/floppy), arms and legs intentionally long and floppy for cuddling.
Materials
- Worsted yarn: main color ~180 yds, inner ear/nose pale pink ~20 yds
- 3.5 mm hook, safety eyes 8 mm or embroidered
- Fiberfill, tapestry needle
Stitches used: MR, sc, inc, dec, hdc, FLO/BLO for texture
Head
- MR, 6 sc.
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc 2, inc (24).
- sc 3, inc (30).
6–11. sc around (30) for 6 rounds. Insert eyes at round 8. - sc 3, dec (24).
- sc 2, dec (18). Stuff head.
- sc 1, dec (12).
- dec to close (6). Fasten.
Ears (2)
- MR, 6 sc.
- sc 1, inc (9).
- sc around (9) for 2 rounds. Flatten and sew to head top at slight floppiness angle. Add inner ear pale pink felt or crochet small triangle and sew in.
Body (flattened for floppy look)
- MR, 6 sc.
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc rounds until body is 6–8 rounds tall (18). Stuff lightly.
Arms (2 — long, floppy)
- MR, 6 sc.
2–20. sc around for long tube (adjust length for floppy arms). Stuff very lightly to remain floppy. Flatten and sew to sides of body for a relaxed hang.
Legs (2)
Same as arms but slightly stiffer with more stuffing at foot end; flatten foot and sew to bottom.
Tail
Chain 30–40, sc back across chain for long thin tail, slightly curve and sew to back.
Face
- Embroider nose (pink triangle) and mouth (small vertical & horizontal stitches). Add whiskers with embroidery thread if desired (consider safety for small children).
Assembly
- Attach head to body with whipstitch, ensure proportion of long arms.
- Sew tail and adjust arm placement for floppy charm.
Variation: Add belly patch in contrasting color with surface crochet or small embroidered heart.
4. Crochet Ghost with a Bow Amigurumi Pattern
Finished size: ~6–7 inches tall (adorable shelf sitter).
Materials
- Worsted yarn: white ~80 yds, accent color for bow ~10 yds
- 3.5 mm hook, fiberfill, black embroidery floss for eyes/mouth
- Optional pipe cleaner inside for poseable wave arm
Stitches used: MR, sc, inc, dec, sl st, ch
Body (ghost shape)
- MR, 6 sc.
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc 2, inc (24).
5–10. sc around (24) for several rounds to create top of head. - sc 2, dec (18).
- sc 1, dec (12). Stuff body.
- Instead of closing, work scalloped skirt: shell round — ch 3, 4 dc in same st, skip 1 st, sl st in next — or simply sc across and then ch 4, sl st around to create wavy hem. Work 2–3 shell rounds so bottom is ruffled.
Eyes & Mouth
- Embroider two small black oval eyes and small curved mouth using embroidery thread for baby-safe toy.
Bow (make 1)
- Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch and across (7 sc), 3 rows of sc. Wrap center with yarn to make bow shape and sew to ghost’s head.
Finishing
- Weave ends. For a more playful ghost, make a tiny pom at bow center or sew on a small felt heart.
Variation: Add glow-in-the-dark yarn accents for spook-lite nights.
5. Crochet Little Dragon Amigurumi Pattern
Finished size: ~10 inches from tail tip to head top.
Materials
- Worsted yarn in main color (green) ~200 yds, belly color ~40 yds, wing/crest contrast ~20 yds
- 3.5 mm hook, safety eyes 8 mm or embroidered, fiberfill
Stitches used: MR, sc, inc, dec, sl st, dc for wings
Head
- MR, 6 sc.
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc 2, inc (24).
5–9. sc around (24) for head height. Insert safety eyes between rounds 7–8. - sc 2, dec (18).
- sc 1, dec (12). Stuff head.
- dec to close (6). Leave long tail to sew.
Body
- Join main color under head, MR 6 sc (or pick up stitches). Build body with increases: 12, 18, 24 (as above) and then sc rounds for torso length (6–10 rounds) then taper toward tail with decreases and keep stuffing.
Limbs (4)
- Make little stubby arms and legs: MR 6 sc, sc 6 rounds for length, stuff lightly, flatten and sew.
Tail (long & tapered)
- Continue taper to tail: dec rounds until 6 sts, then sc 8–12 more rounds for slender tail tip. Optionally embroider stripes with contrast yarn.
Wings (2 small bat-like wings)
- Ch 6, in 2nd ch from hook sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc across (5 sts).
- Turn and in FLO or edge stitch, make fans: ch 3, 3 dc in next st, ch 3, sl st to create scalloped wing. Make 2 and sew to back.
Crest / Spines
- Make small triangular spikes down neck & tail: ch 4, sc in 2nd ch, hdc next, dc last, sl st to attach. Make multiple and sew along spine.
Assembly
- Sew limbs to body, wings to back, crest along head and tail. Add a small embroidered smile and nostrils.
Safety: For child-safe, embroider eyes and small features.
6. Crochet Amigurumi Chick Pattern
Finished size: ~4–5 inches round (adorable small plush).
Materials
- Worsted yellow yarn ~70 yds, orange for beak/feet ~10 yds
- 3.5 mm hook, fiberfill, small safety eyes 6 mm or embroidered black dots
Stitches used: MR, sc, inc, dec, sl st, ch
Body (round)
- MR, 6 sc.
- inc around (12).
- sc 1, inc (18).
- sc 2, inc (24).
- sc 3, inc (30).
6–11. sc around (30) for round plump body. Insert safety eyes at round 8. - sc 3, dec (24).
- sc 2, dec (18). Stuff firmly.
- sc 1, dec (12).
- dec around (6). Fasten and sew closed.
Beak
- With orange, MR 4 sc.
- sc around 1–2 rounds, flatten and sew between eyes.
Wings (2)
- Ch 6, sc 5 across, turn for 3 rows to make small flap. Sew to sides.
Feet (2)
- Ch 6, sl st back to create small foot with 3 loops or crochet a small triangle and attach.
Finishing
- Embroider tiny eyelashes or rosy cheeks with diffused pink thread (blush using tiny dab of blush powder lightly applied).
Variation: Make a hatching chick by crocheting a cracked eggshell bottom: white half-sphere with ragged edge and place chick inside.
Finishing Tips & Troubleshooting (applies to all patterns)
- Invisible joins: work in continuous rounds and use a stitch marker to mark R1. When you want a visible seam, join with sl st. For amigurumi you usually keep spiral rounds for smoothness.
- Stuffing technique: add small amounts of stuffing often; press firmly into head and small cavities using a chopstick or stuffing tool to avoid lumps.
- Seaming: use mattress stitch or whipstitch for seams. Hide knots inside and weave tails through several stitches.
- Color changes & surface details: use surface slip stitch or duplicate stitch to add stripes, belly panels, or mouth lines.
- Poseable options: insert wire or pipe cleaner (sheathed in polymer tubing) inside limbs for posability, but avoid if toy is for baby.
- Scale up / down: swap yarn weight and hook (DK + 3.0 mm for smaller; bulky + 6.0 mm for giant). Remember stuffing and proportions change — adjust limb rounds accordingly.
Care & Safety Reminders
- For infants and toddlers: avoid small parts (safety eyes, small buttons). Embroider features and securely attach any decorative bits.
- Wash: Hand wash or machine wash gentle in laundry bag; reshape and air dry. Avoid tumble drying on high.
- Secure attachments: double-stitch pieces and weave ends for longevity. Check seams periodically especially if toy is loved and played with heavily.
Conclusion
These six patterns — seahorse, peach teddy bear, floppy cat, bow-tied ghost, little dragon, and tiny chick — cover a range of shapes and skills while staying friendly for beginners. Pick one as your weekend project, or make them all into a cozy little collection. Customize colors, sizes, and little accessories to make each amigurumi uniquely yours.
