Crochet Amigurumi Elephant Free Pattern 🐘

Looking for a quick crochet elephant amigurumi pattern that’s super cute, beginner-friendly, and perfect for gifting, decorating, or just bringing joy to your day? You’re in the right place! This simple crochet amigurumi elephant pattern is a fantastic way to explore 3D crochet and softie-making—even if you’re just starting out. Plus, this little elephant head works up fast and uses just a small amount of yarn. 🙌

Whether you’re making a baby mobile, animal wall art, or a zoo of tiny friends, this crochet amigurumi elephant pattern for beginners will help you create something absolutely adorable.

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🧵 What’s the Difference Between Amigurumi and Crochet?

This one trips people up a lot! At its core, amigurumi is a style of crochet (or knitting) that focuses on making stuffed toys—typically animals, dolls, and other cute characters. What makes it special is the tight stitches, often worked in spirals using single crochet, and a ton of shaping that gives life and personality to each creation.

So yes, amigurumi is crochet, but not all crochet is amigurumi.

🐘 What is the Easiest Animal to Crochet?

If you’re looking for a fast win, simple shapes like balls, whales, or elephants (especially just the head like in this pattern!) are great for beginners. This easy crochet elephant pattern free on the blog is a perfect starting point for your amigurumi adventure!

Are you wondering what makes Easy Amigurumi for Beginners? Click the link and find out!

Looking for more amigurumi inspiration? Check out these other adorable free stuffie patterns on the blog:

• 🦊 Felix the Fox Crochet Amigurumi Pattern – Apricot Lane Crochet Creature
• 🦉 Alden the Owl Crochet Amigurumi Pattern – Comes in Multiple Sizes
• 🐸 Leap the Tree Frog Crochet Amigurumi Pattern – Designed by Disney Animator
• 🦄 Sparkle the Unicorn Amigurumi Pattern – This Little Unicorn Will Brighten Your Day.
• 🦖 Rori the Raptor Crochet Stuffie Pattern – Unbelievably Cute
• 🐰 Easter Bunny Crochet Stuffie Pattern – Free and Perfect for an Easter Basket
• 🐸 Freddie the Frog Crochet Amigurumi Pattern – Simple Pattern by Marly Bird

🧶 What Yarn is Best for Amigurumi?

The best yarn for amigurumi holds its shape well, shows stitch definition clearly, and doesn’t get too fuzzy over time. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Cotton yarn – Great for crisp shapes and a clean look. It’s sturdy and doesn’t stretch much, making it perfect for tight amigurumi stitches. Even Cotton and Acrylic blends are nice to work with.
  • Local Grown Cotton – Great for Baby Items
  • All Day Cotton – Bright Colors to Choose
  • Cotton Sprout – Affordable Choice
  • My Ami – Designed Specifically for Amigurumi
  • Comfy Worsted – Love This Yarn
• Acrylic yarn – Affordable, easy to find, and comes in tons of colors. Choose a smooth worsted weight acrylic like WeCrochet Brava (used in this pattern!) for excellent results.
  • Worsted 8 – Great Price
  • Brava Tweed – Awesome Look for Stuffie Toys
  • Everyday Worsted Gradient – Unique Look for Amigurumi Toys
• Avoid yarns that get fuzzy or shed, especially if your project will be loved by little hands or displayed long-term. But these Fleece/Blanket yarns are great for Amigurumi.
  • Skwishy – Affordable and FUN to Crochet
  • Blanket Yarn – Sparkle Anyone?
  • Blanket You Know and Love
  • Velvet – Crochet This Tight and You Will LOVE the Results!

🪡 What Hook Should I Use for Amigurumi?

Smaller hooks are best! You want your stitches to be tight so that the stuffing doesn’t show through. If you’re using worsted weight yarn, a size G/7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook (like in this elephant head) is a solid choice for that snug finish.

🤔 Yarn Over vs. Yarn Under in Amigurumi – Does It Matter?

Yes, it does! If you’ve ever noticed that your crochet amigurumi elephant free pattern looks slightly different from someone else’s—even when using the same yarn and hook—it might come down to your stitch technique.

Most crocheters naturally use the yarn over (YO) method, where the yarn goes over the hook before pulling through. But in amigurumi, some crocheters use yarn under (YU) instead, where the yarn goes under the hook. This makes a tighter, more angular stitch and can help your shapes hold better.

🧶 Curious about the difference and how it affects your finished piece? Learn more in this helpful post:
👉 Crochet Yarn Over or Yarn Under – What’s the Difference?

💡 Pro Tip: Try both methods on a small swatch before committing to one. Whichever you choose, stay consistent throughout your project!

❌ Beware of AI-Generated Amigurumi Patterns!

As tempting as it might be to grab a free printable elephant crochet pattern or download a crochet amigurumi elephant free pattern PDF from a random website or YouTube link, be careful! Many AI-generated or stolen patterns out there aren’t written by real crocheters. They often include missing steps, incorrect stitch counts, or poorly translated instructions that lead to frustration and wasted time.

I just did a simple search on google for Elephant Amigurumi and look at the sponsored suggestions from Etsy. Two of the top choices are AI-Generated or a FAKE pattern that somebody is selling! Look below at the screenshot!

Stick with trusted designers who understand shaping, gauge, and crochet terms—like our amazing Robyn Chachula! You’ll have a MUCH better crafting experience.

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🔍 Common Amigurumi FAQs

Do you crochet amigurumi inside out?
You can—but most crocheters work with the right side facing out (the “pretty” side). Make sure your stitches look like tight little “V”s from the outside.

Is amigurumi always single crochet?
Most amigurumi is worked in single crochet using increases and decreases for shaping. But you’ll sometimes find creative stitches too!

🐘 Free Crochet Amigurumi Elephant Head Pattern

Designed by Robyn Chachula for MarlyBird.com
Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner

Finished Measurements:
6.5” [16.5 cm] wide by 4.5” [11.5 cm] long

Gauge:
16 sc by 20 rows = 4” x 4” [10 cm x 10 cm]; use any size hook to obtain gauge.

Materials:

• WeCrochet Brava Worsted (CYCA #4), small amount of each:
• Color A: Cobblestone Heather
• Color B: Black
• Hook: Size G/7 [4.5 mm]
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, fiberfil stuffing

Abbreviations:

• BLO – Back Loop Only
• Ch – Chain
• Sc – Single Crochet
• Sl st – Slip Stitch
• Sc2tog – Single Crochet 2 Together

Notes:

Head and trunk are worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track.

Trunk:

Rnd 1: Sc around to last sc, move marker back 1 stitch. Rnd 2-3: Sl st in 3, sc in rest. Rnd 4: Sl st in 3, sc2tog, sc in 4, sc2tog – 6 sc. Rnd 5: Sl st in 3, sc in rest. Rnd 6: Sc around – 9 sc. Rnd 7: Sl st in 4, sc in rest – 5 sc. Rnd 8: Sl st in 4, sc in 4, move marker back. Rnd 9: Sc2tog, sl st in 3, sc2tog, sc in 2 – 4 sc. Rnd 10: Sc in 1, sl st in 3, sc in 3. Rnd 11: Sc around – 7 sc. Stuff trunk. Rnd 12: Sl st in BLO around. Fasten off and close.

Ears (Make 2):

Ch 6 Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch and across – 5 sc. Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in 1st, sc, 2 sc in next, sc, 2 sc – 8 sc. Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in 1st and last, rest sc – 10 sc. Row 4: Ch 2, 2 sc in 1st, sc in 3, 2 sc x2, sc in 3, 2 sc in last – 14 sc. Rows 5-7: Sc across. Row 8: Sc2tog, sc across – 13 sc. Row 9: Sc across to last 2, sc2tog – 12 sc. Round 10: Sc2tog, sc across. Sc evenly around edge and foundation. Join, fasten off. Fold ear tip down and seam to head.

Eyes:

Use black yarn to satin stitch the eyes on either side of the trunk. Refer to photos for placement.

Looking for fun Holiday Patterns at a GREAT price? Use coupon code: 10dollars and get this amazing $20 collection of patterns for ONLY $10! Click here to learn more.

Looking for more beginner-friendly amigurumi fun? Check out more amigurumi crochet patterns here!

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❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird