10 Free Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Patterns You Have to Try

So, you want to learn to make crochet amigurumi plushies? These free beginner crochet amigurumi patterns are a great place to start your journey! They’re simple, easy, and quick to make. You can put the small ones on a keychain or use them as a desk buddy! There’s endless possibilities.

Here we’ll cover 10 beginner friendly crochet plushie patterns so that you can get the basics down and soon be crocheting amigurumi like a pro. And the best part? All these patterns are free so you can get started with only the cost of some yarn and a crochet hook! (These aren’t in any particular order.)

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What exactly is amigurumi?

Amigurumi is a type of crochet. It’s Japanese and consists of crocheting or knitting plushies. They started becoming very popular on Etsy in 2006. You can find free and paid patterns to make different creatures on sites such as Etsy, Ravelry, Lovecrafts, and different blogs. A lot of people also make YouTube tutorials as opposed to written patterns.

What you’ll need to start making amigurumi:

A crochet hook – I recommend a pack that comes with every size, but if you’re on a budget, you can just get the hook size that the pattern uses. I use this crochet hook pack from Amazon. I had to superglue a couple of the hooks to the handles after awhile, but it’s a cheap starting point and I like the feel of the handles.

Stitch Markers – To me, these are essential. Without them, you’d have to be 100% accurate with your stitch counting each round to know where the round ends. But, luckily, my recommendation is super cheap. I use these stitch markers from Amazon. I’ve used them for a couple years with no complaints. They’re my favorite over others I’ve used.

Safety Eyes (and maybe noses) – Probably 99% of amigurumi requires safety eyes. I use these from Amazon and it conveniently comes with a little case.

Stuffing – Another amigurumi essential. I’d also say 99% of amigurumi requires stuffing. I buy this giant bag off of Amazon and I haven’t had to buy any for a few months. (I normally crochet smaller things, not big plushies, so take that as you will)

Tapestry Needle – Needed to sew yarn in a lot of projects. I honestly can’t remember where I got the ones I use.

Scissors – Needed for cutting the yarn. Any scissors will do. The best would probably be fabric scissors though. I got a pair from Joann Fabrics.

Yarn – Use whatever yarn weight the pattern calls for. I tend to always use acrylic yarn. The cheapest I’ve found is Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. I love it and I don’t feel like I’m spending a fortune on yarn all the time.

Crochet Ring (optional) – Not necessary, but if you wrap the yarn around the loop a couple times it keeps the tension nice and tight. Might be helpful if you’re a beginner and keep your hands from cramping up. I use these from Amazon.

All-in-One Crochet Pack – You can get this all-in-one crochet pack that has everything you need to get started.

Basic stitches:

Create a slip knot on your crochet hook.
Yarn over and pull through the slip knot loop, creating a new loop on your hook. This is the first chain stitch.

Repeat these steps to create additional chain stitches: Yarn over, then draw the yarn over through the last loop on your hook to form a new chain stitch.

Yarn Over (YO): Yarn over by bringing the yarn over the hook from the back to the front. The yarn should be positioned above the hook.
Insert Hook: Insert the crochet hook into the stitch where you want to begin the double crochet.

Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops: Yarn over once more and pull through the first two loops on the hook. This leaves you with two loops on the hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Remaining Loops: Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. This completes one double crochet stitch.

Repeat: To continue making double crochet stitches, yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
End of Row: When you reach the end of the row, you’ll typically work a turning chain (usually two chains for a double crochet) before you start the next row. This turning chain helps create the proper height for the next row of stitches.

A double crochet is taller in height than a half-double crochet and single crochet.

Yarn Over Twice (YO twice): Yarn over by bringing the yarn over the hook from the back to the front. Repeat this yarn over step once more. The yarn should now be wrapped around the hook twice.
Insert Hook: Insert the crochet hook into the stitch where you want to begin the treble crochet.
Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have four loops on your hook.

Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. This leaves you with three loops on the hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops Again: Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on the hook. This leaves you with two loops on the hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Remaining Loops: Yarn over one last time and pull through the final two loops on the hook. This completes one treble crochet stitch.

Repeat: To continue making treble crochet stitches, yarn over twice, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through two loops again, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
End of Row: When you reach the end of the row, you’ll typically work a turning chain (usually four chains for a treble crochet) before you start the next row. This turning chain helps create the proper height for the next row of stitches.

The treble crochet stitch, also known as triple crochet in some regions, is a pretty tall stitch. Higher than a double crochet.

Yarn Over (YO): Yarn over by bringing the yarn over the hook from the back to the front. The yarn should be positioned above the hook.
Insert Hook: Insert the crochet hook into the stitch where you want to begin the half double crochet.
Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.

Yarn Over and Pull Through All Loops: Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops on the hook. This completes one half double crochet stitch.
Repeat: To continue making half double crochet stitches, yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
End of Row: When you reach the end of the row, you’ll typically work a turning chain (usually one chains for a half double crochet) before you start the next row. This turning chain helps create the proper height for the next row of stitches

The half double crochet stitch is a versatile stitch that falls between a single crochet and a double crochet in terms of height.

Insert Hook: Insert the crochet hook into the stitch.
Yarn Over (YO): Yarn over by bringing the yarn over the hook from the back to the front. The yarn should be positioned above the hook.

Pull Through: Pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have two loops on the hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Both Loops: Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. This completes one single crochet stitch.
Repeat: To continue making single crochet stitches, insert the hook into the next chain, yarn over and pull through, then yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.

End of Row: When you reach the end of the row, you’ll typically work a turning chain (usually one chain for a single crochet) before you start the next row. This turning chain helps create the proper height for the next row of stitches.

Perform two single crochets in one stitch.

Increases are used to add stitches to your work and create a wider section.

Hold the Yarn: Hold the yarn in your hand with the tail (the loose end) in your palm and the working yarn (the yarn connected to the skein) over your index finger.
Form a Loop: With your index finger and thumb, grasp the working yarn to hold it against the tail end. This forms a loop with the working yarn crossing over the tail.
Insert Hook: Insert your crochet hook under both strands of the working yarn (the strand that leads to the skein) from front to back.

Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook) and pull through the loop that’s on your hook. This creates a slip stitch.
Chain Stitch (Optional): Some crocheters like to start with a chain stitch to give the magic ring a bit more stability. If you choose to do this, chain one, which will act as the first single crochet in your round.
Begin Stitching Inside the Ring: Start making your first round of stitches inside the loop. For example, if you’re making single crochets, insert your hook into the loop, yarn over, and pull up a loop to create the first single crochet.

Work the Desired Number of Stitches: Work the number of stitches required for your pattern inside the magic ring. For instance, if your pattern calls for six single crochets in the magic ring, you would make six single crochets in total.
Tighten the Ring: Hold the tail end of the yarn with your non-hook hand while gently pulling the loose end of the working yarn. This will tighten the loop, closing the center hole of the magic ring.
Close the Ring: Once the center hole is tightly closed, you can either slip stitch to the first stitch of the round or continue working in a continuous spiral, depending on your pattern instructions.

Remember that the magic ring might take a bit of practice to master, but it’s a great skill to have for certain crochet projects.

A magic ring, also known as a magic loop or magic circle, is a technique used in crochet to start projects that are worked in the round. It’s particularly useful when creating items like amigurumi, where you want to close up the center hole tightly.

Insert Hook: Insert your crochet hook into the stitch that you want to create the slip stitch in.
Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front), and then pull the yarn through the stitch and through the loop on your hook in one motion. This is different from other crochet stitches, as you’re not creating any additional loops on the hook.

Slip stitches are used to join rounds, close gaps, or move your hook to a different location within your work.

Insert Hook: Insert your crochet hook into the first stitch.
Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook) and pull through the stitch. You should have two loops on your hook.

Move to the Next Stitch: Insert your hook into the next stitch.
Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Now you have three loops on your hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through All Loops: Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook. This completes the single crochet decrease (sc2tog). You’ve effectively decreased two stitches into one.

A decrease stitch is used to reduce the number of stitches in a row or round, shaping your work by making it narrower.

When finishing an amigurumi piece, you’ll need to fasten off to secure the last stitch.

Cut the working yarn, leaving a tail, and pull the tail through the last loop on the hook, tightening it to secure the stitch.

You can find good tutorials of these stitches by KnotMonsters. These are the basic stitches you’ll need to do these patterns. I would recommend making an amigurumi ball before trying any of these other patterns. Amigurumi is crocheted in rounds, so mastering how to work in rounds, count single crochets until your next increase, and doing the increase correctly is essential.

Amigurumi Patterns:

1.) Coco the cat pattern by DIYFluffies (Written/Youtube)

purple round cat crochet amigurumi — Photo from DIYFluffies

This adorable, chunky kitty cat plushie pattern is super easy to read and make. This is an amazing first project to master the basics of a magic circle, along with making triangles. You can find the pattern on DIYFluffies blog for free. They also have a YouTube tutorial if following that format is more helpful!

2.) How to Crochet amigurumi DUCK by CrafterFrog (Youtube Tutorial)

This cute little crochet duck would be perfect if you’re looking to make a beginner-friendly amigurumi keychain. It’s also perfect if you find written patterns hard to read and prefer YouTube tutorials. You can find the video on CrafterFrog’s YouTube!

3.) Crochet Squishy Cow by RoseAndLilyAmigurumi (Written/Youtube Pattern)

Little crochet Frog pattern — Photo from RoseAndLilyAmigurumi

This squishmallow-like cow plush would make an absolutely adorable first crochet amigurumi project! And you would end up with a super cute and cuddly cow. You can find this pattern on RoseAndLily’s blog. Or her YouTube tutorial.

4.) Crochet Jellyfish by SavagelyStitching (Written Pattern)

This super cute, kawaii crochet jellyfish would also make a really good starter amigurumi. A jellyfish was the first plushie I crocheted and it was a great learning experience. However, from that experience is also why I recommend learning how to crochet a ball beforehand. Mine had a pointed head as opposed to circular. Not exactly what I was going for. But hey, learning experience. I definitely recommend this pattern if you want a jellyfish buddy! You can find it on SavagelyStitching’s blog.

5.) Crochet Mushroom Boy by RoseAndLilyAmigurumi (Written/Youtube Pattern)

Crochet Blobfish pattern — Photo from RoseAndLilyAmigurumi

Do you know the mushroom man, the mushroom man, the mushroom man? Do you know the mushroom man who lives on mushroom lane? This would be a super cute first crochet project. You can find the pattern on RoseAndLilyAmigurumi’s blog. Or her Youtube tutorial.

6.) Crochet Stingray – Free Crochet Pattern by RoseAndLilyAmigurumi (Written Pattern)

This really cute stingray is a simple and easy way to learn how increases and decreases shape your project. It’s a great way to improve your amigurumi skills. And it’s also adorable, so you get a bonus. If you’re interested in this pattern, you can find it on RoseAndLilyAmigurumi’s blog. Or, if you want a YouTube tutorial, they have one of those as well.

7.) Cute Cat Keychain by DIY Fluffies (Written Pattern)

Cute Crochet Cat Keychain — Photo from DIYFluffies

Do you want a really cute crochet cat chilling with you anywhere you go? Then this pattern is for you! I would say if this is your first amigurumi project, try one of the others first and then come back to this one. It’s very small and still has detail, so one of the larger ones would be a good first project. But, if you’re ready to give it a shot, you can find the crochet pattern on DIYFluffies blog.

8.) Crochet Mushroom – Free Crochet Pattern by RoseAndLilyAmigurumi (Written Pattern)

The internet has been obsessed with mushrooms lately. And I don’t really blame everybody. They’re adorable. And I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted this to be your first project. They’re super easy to make so I recommend giving it a shot! You can find the pattern on RoseAndLilyAmigurumi’s blog.

9.) Octobuddy the Calming Octopus by SweetSofties (Written/YouTube Pattern)

This is a very simple crochet amigurumi pattern. It’s perfect for beginner and still super adorable. If you want a smaller project to start off with this is for you! You can find the pattern on SweetSofties blog.

10.) Kobi the Koala Amigurumi Crochet Pattern by DIY Fluffies (Written Pattern)

Last, but certainly not least, Kobi the Koala. This adorable pattern is perfect for a beginner. If you know how to make a magic circle, then you’ve got what it takes! If you want to add a Kobi Koala to your life (it’ll definitely make it better), then you can find the pattern on DIYFluffies blog.

Want to see more free beginner crochet amigurumi patterns?

If you want other crochet patterns, I have pages with my patterns and more of other people’s patterns. And if you want to keep up with me, consider signing up for the email below and/or following me on my social media listed on the site! 🙂

More Free Crochet Patterns

Easy Circle Coaster Pattern (both SC and DC versions.)
Cactus Coaster Crochet Pattern
Mushroom Coaster Crochet Pattern