Snag your free crochet hippo pattern for easy steps leading to a cute, cuddly toy-ideal for heartfelt gifts or a cheerful touch to any room.

Ever thought about surprising someone with a cute animal friend that fits right in your hands? A plump hippo with round cheeks and tiny ears can brighten any space and bring out lots of smiles. Using a crochet hippo pattern makes it easy for anyone to make their own little hippo, whether you want to cheer up a child's playtime, add a playful touch to a shelf, or give a unique and thoughtful gift.

Free Hippo Crochet Pattern for Toy Lovers

The simple steps and clear instructions mean everyone can enjoy making a hippo, even beginners. This squishy animal is fun to look at, gentle to hug, and can be made in any color to match your favorite place or person. With this pattern, a plain ball of yarn turns into a friendly companion that makes every day feel warmer and happier.

Mini Hippo Amigurumi Free Crochet Pattern

Materials List

• Yarn: Chunky plush or microplush yarn (e.g., 100g/120m skein, uses ~16g per hippo). Semi-cotton or other yarns also work.
• Hook: 3.75 mm crochet hook
• Safety Eyes: 10 mm, or black embroidery thread for eyes
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
• Accessories: Yarn/tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (recommended)
• Optional: Sewing/embroidery thread for nostril detail ("squirrel" effect)

Key Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• inc - increase (2 sc in one st)
• dec - decrease (inv dec or sc2tog)
• hdc - half double crochet
• dc - double crochet
• st(s) - stitch(es)
• MR - magic ring/circle
• sl st - slip stitch
• FLO - front loop only
• BLO - back loop only

Pattern is written using US crochet terms.

Special Notes

• The plush yarn weight is important for size. Adjust hook size if using finer yarn.
• Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted-always use a stitch marker at the start of the round.
• "Lush/puff" columns refer to puff stitches, which are made of unfinished double crochets closed together.
• Instructions for optional face details and embroidery are included.

Pattern Instructions

Head & Body (Start at Snout)

Begin with ch 3 (not a magic ring).

Round 1:

• Sc increase in second ch from hook.
• In next ch: 4 sc in the same stitch.
• In last ch: increase (2 sc in same st).
• You will have 8 sc around.

Round 2:

• (Sc in next st, inc in next st) × 4 times (Repeat 4 times).
• Total: 12 sc

Round 3: (Snout "Nostril" Bobbles/Puffs)

• Sc in next st.
• Puff stitch: (Yo, insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2) two times in same st, yo, pull through all loops (puff stitch).
• Sc in next 3 sts.
• Puff stitch in next st (same as above).
• Sc in last 6 sts.
• Total: 12 sc (with 2 puffs on front for nostrils)

Round 4:

• Sc around (12 sc)

Round 5: (Shaping)

• (Inc in next st) × 2, sc in next 4 sts, (inc in next st) × 2, sc in next 4 sts.
• Total: 16 sc

Round 6:

• Sc in next 5 sts,
• Inc in next st,
• Sc in next st,
• Inc in next st,
• Sc in next 8 sts.
• Total: 18 sc

Round 7:

• Sc in next 7 sts,
• Inc in next st,
• Sc in next 10 sts.
• Total: 19 sc

Round 8: (Ears / Eye Positioning)

• Sc in next 6 sts
• Ear (Do not fasten off, work in current row):
  • Ch 2, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in same base st (forms ear).
• Sc in next 6 sts.
• Repeat ear on this side: ch 2, hdc in 2nd ch, sl st in base.
• Sc in next 7 sts.
• Total: 19 sc (ears are worked into sides, not included in stitch count)

Face Assembly (after round 9-before closing)

• Insert safety eyes: Between rows 4 and 5, with 4 sts between them, positioned above the nostrils. Do not close backs tightly-leave them secure but not sunken.
• Embroider nostrils (optional).

Round 9:

• Sc in next 4 sts,
• dec,
• Sc in next 6 sts,
• dec,
• Sc in next 5 sts.
• Total: 17 sc

Round 10:

• (Sc in next st, dec) × 5,
• Sc in last 2 sts.
• Total: 12 sc

Front Legs

Round 11:

• Sc in next st,
• (inc) × 9,
• Puff stitch (front leg): Puff made from 3 unfinished dc in same stitch, close with yo and pull through all.
• Sc in last st.
• Total: 21 sts + 1 puff (first leg)

Round 12:

• Sc in next 2 sts,
• inc × 2,
• Sc in next 9 sts,
• inc,
• Sc in next 5 sts.
• Puff stitch for 2nd leg: 3 unfinished dc, close with yo and pull through all.
• Sc in last 5 sts.
• Total: 23 sts + 1 puff (second leg)

Body

Round 13:

• Sc in next 11 sts,
• inc,
• Sc in next 11 sts.
• Total: 24 sc

Rounds 14-15:

• Sc in each st around (24 sc for each round).

Back Legs

Round 16:

• Sc in next 23 sts,
• Puff stitch in last st (back leg).
• Total: 24 sc counting puff as 1 st

Round 17:

• Sc in next 4 sts, Puff stitch for 2nd back leg in next st,
• Sc in next 19 sts.
• Total: 24 sc counting puff as 1 st

Tail

Round 18:

• (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) × 3,
• Sc in next 2 sts,
• Make tail: ch 2, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in base st.
• Dec,
• Sc in next 2 sts, dec × 2.
• Total: 18 sc + tail

Stuffing and Closing

• Stuff the hippo well, starting with the nose, then cheeks, then the rest of the body.
• The head and cheeks should be especially plump.
• Insert as much fiberfill as needed before closing.

Final Decreases

Round 19:

• (dec) × 5 (5 decreases before tail),
• dec (over st before and after tail),
• (dec) × 3 (to end).
• Total: 9 decreases
• Fasten off, leaving a tail.
• Use yarn needle to weave tail through last 9 sts to close; do not pull aggressively, especially with plush yarn, to avoid breakage.

Finishing Steps

• Shape legs, snout, and cheeks as needed-tug gently to fluff.
• Use needle to pull legs/puffs out slightly if needed.
• Embroider optional nostrils or "squirrel" detail using embroidery thread or yarn.
  • Weave from back of one eye to another, down and up in a diamond, repeating for both eyes.

Conclusion

Your mini hippo is ready! This plump, cheerful amigurumi is designed for gift giving, collections, or to decorate any space. Personalize with embroidery, bows, or accessories.

Pattern Correction

• The ears/legs and tail are all built as puff stitches spaced as in the instructions.
• The "squirrel" is an embroidered detail and is optional.
• When closing, stuff the body and head as much as possible, especially before the final decreases.

Tips

• Safety eyes should not be pressed in too tight-leave a little looseness to avoid sinking into the plush after stuffing.
• Stuff as you go, especially after round 15 and before final decreases.
• If using delicate yarn, avoid aggressive tugging during closing-gather gently instead.
• Use stitch markers, and check st counts after each round-small errors can make assembly difficult.
• Block finishing details for the most charming expression.