Did you know that crocheting is a great way to beat stress and anxiety? This decades old craft helps relieve depression and increase productivity. That is why many crafters and DIY enthusiasts today are so interested in learning about it.

Are you eager to learn the ropes? Easy crochet animals for beginners might be a good place to start.

Why Amigurumi Helps With Making Easy Crochet Animals for Beginners

There are a dozen things that you can do as a “beginner crocheter.” Most crocheting animals and amigurumi are so much more fun than your traditional table mats and hats. These quick, easy, and fun-to-make projects help you practice your stitches. Plus, they make an ideal personalized gift for friends and family.

The word amigurumi is a Japanese word meaning knitted or crocheted doll. This fun and delightful craft originated in Japan, but soon became popular worldwide.

From cute plushies to huggable teddies and even adorable critters – amigurumi offers a lot of play room. All you need to know is a handful of stitches. So, while you continue to master the craft, starting with easy crochet animals for beginners is definitely the best course forward.

Mastering the Stitches

Before you begin crocheting easy crochet animals for beginners, it’s important to understand and practice the following stitches and techniques. Doing so will help make your DIY projects more manageable and allow you to enjoy the craft.

• Single crochet stitch: This is the most basic stitch used to create any sort of amigurumi pattern. This is an absolute must when making crochet animals. It keeps the fabric tight and close, removing any chances of the stuffing popping out.

• Increase and decrease in the single crochet stitch: Also called “sc increase” and “sc decrease,” these help to create curves and volume in the amigurumi patterns.

• Creating spiral rounds: Many patterns, especially in amigurumi, are made in the shape of a spiral. Thus, learning how to crochet in a circle is essential for mastering the skill and creating beautiful masterpieces. While learning this technique, try to keep a stitch marker in hand so that you can keep track of your rounds.

• The back loop single crochet: The back loop single crochet is done at the back side of the V of the SC.

• The front loop single crochet: The front loop single crochet is done at the front side of the V of the SC closest to you.
• The magic ring: This creates a tight, closed-bottom circle and is mostly used to secure the bottom side of hats, toys, and even place mats.

Quick and Easy Crochet Animals for Beginners to Get Started

1. The long-nosed hippo

Small enough to fit in your palms, the long-nosed hippo is one of the quickest and easiest crochet animals for beginners. While crocheting this pattern, pay attention to the ears, legs, and tails. The details are what makes this adorable animal crochet pattern stand out from the rest.

You will need:

• 50 m yarn (preferably 100% cotton)
• Polyester fiberfill or wool for stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Embroidery floss in pink cotton
• Stitch marker
• A pair of scissors

Techniques required:

• Basic crochet stitches
• Single crochet stitch
• Slipknot stitch
• Increasing and Decreasing SC
• Magic Ring (magic circle)
• Chain stitch
• Crochet in a spiral
• Finish an open and a closed piece

To make the head:

• Round 1: magic ring, single crochet stitch 6 = [6]
• Round 2: inc x 6 = [12]
• Round 3: (single crochet stitch, inc) x 6 = [18]
• Round 4: (inc, single crochet stitch 2) x 6 = [24]
• Rounds 5-8: single crochet stitch in each stitch = [24]
• Round 9: (single crochet stitch 2, dec) x 5, single crochet stitch 4 = [19]
• Round 10: single crochet stitch in each stitch = [19]
• Round 11: single crochet stitch 4, dec, single crochet stitch 7, dec, single crochet stitch 4 = [17]
• Round 12: single crochet stitch 5, dec, single crochet stitch 3, dec, single crochet stitch 5 = [15]
• Rounds 13-14: single crochet stitch in each stitch = [15]
• Now place the hippo eyes to the opposite side from the round end, between rows 12 and 13, leaving five stitches (count four holes) between them.
• For the nose, embroider the nostrils over round 5.

To make the ears:

• Round 1: magic ring, single crochet stitch 5 = [5]
• Round 2: single crochet stitch in each stitch = [5]
• Round 3: single crochet stitch, dec, leave the rest of the stitches unworked = [4]
• Sl st in the next stitch and cut the yarn, and leave a long yarn tail for sewing,
• Sew the flattened ears over round 15

To make the body:

• Round 1: magic ring, single crochet stitch 6 = [6]
• round 2: inc x 6 = [12]
• Round 3: (single crochet stitch, inc) x 6 = [18]
• Round 4: (single crochet stitch 3, inc) x 4, sc 2 = [22]
• Rounds 5-12: single crochet stitch in each stitch = [22]
• Round 13: (single crochet stitch 3, dec) x 4, sc 2 = [18]
• Now stuff the body as follows: Round 14: (single crochet stitch, dec) x 6 = [12],
• Round 15: dec x 6 = [6]
• Sew the head to the body and finish by making small stitches below the head

To make the four legs:

• Round 1: magic ring, single crochet stitch 6 = [6]
• Round 2: (single crochet stitch, inc) x 3 = [9]
• Rounds 3-4: single crochet stitch in each stitch = [9]
• Sl st in the next stitch.
• Now stuff all four legs and sew it to the body.

To make the tail:

• Make a 10 cm long slip knot and chain 5. Fasten to the end.
• Cut another 10 cm long strand of yarn and draw it through the chain.
• Make a knot and push it close to the tail
• Sew the tail to the body and flaunt your long-nosed hippo

2. The two-pieced cute crochet kitty

This is another great crochet animal pattern crochet project with step-by-step instructions. Not only is this fun project easy to make if you have the basic skills, but it can also be a perfect gift for giveaways.

What you’ll need:

• 50 m yarn (preferably DK cotton)
• Polyester fiberfill or wool for stuffing
• A yarn needle
• A crochet hook (2.75 mm)
• Stitch marker
• A pair of scissors

Techniques required:

• Basic crochet stitches
• Single crochet stitch
• Increasing and Decreasing SC
• Magic Ring (magic circle)
• Chain stitch
• Crocheting in spiral
• Finishing an open and a closed piece

For the body:

• Magic ring six single crochet stitch (6)
• Round 2. single crochet stitch 2 in each (12)
• Round 3. [single crochet stitch in next st, two single crochet stitches in next st] repeat around (18)
• Round 4. [single crochet stitch in next two sts, two single crochet stitches in next st] repeat around (24)
• Round 5. [single crochet stitch in next three sts, two single crochet stitches in next st] repeat around (30)
• Round 6. [single crochet stitch in next four sts, two single crochet stitches in next st] repeat around (36)
• Round 7 – 8. single crochet stitch around (36)
• Round 9. [single crochet stitch in next four sts, single crochet stitch 2tog] repeat around (30)
• Round 10 – 12. single crochet stitch around (30)
• Round 13. [single crochet stitch in next three sts, single crochet stitch 2tog] repeat around (24)
• Round 14 – 17. single crochet stitch around (24)
• Round 18. [single crochet stitch in next two sts, sc2tog] repeat around (18)
• Round 19. single crochet stitch around (18)
• Now sew the kitty safety eyes

For the tail:

• Round 1. Magic ring five single crochet stitch (5)
• Round 2. 2 single crochet stitches in each (10)
• Round 3. single crochet stitch around (10)
• Round 4. [single crochet stitch 2tog, single crochet stitch in next 3], repeat (8)
• Round 5 – 6. single crochet stitch around (8)
• Round 7. [single crochet stitch 2tog, single crochet stitch in next 2] repeat (6)
• Now stuff the end of the tail gently
• Round 8 – 15. single crochet stitch around (6)
• Finish by sewing the tail to the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn should I use for amigurumi?

Many skilled amigurumi crafters suggest using cotton yarn in worsted weight. Besides, cotton yarn is great for beginners to practice on since it gives a great stitch. In case you can’t get cotton, try opting for worsted-weight acrylic yarn. A chenille yarn would work just as well.

What other supplies are needed besides the yarn for easy crochet animals for beginners?

Apart from the yarn, to get started, you will need:

• Crotchet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Polyester filling

How can I read a crochet pattern?

Reading a crochet pattern can be quite tedious, especially if you’re a beginner. However, with time, you learn to get used to reading the initials. Those looking into patterns for easy crochet animals for beginners can find reading guides online.

Conclusion

It’s fun to learn easy crochet animals for beginners! We hope you enjoyed our guide of how to make some cute animals, and check out our site for more!