FREE PATTERN: Small Hippo

Today I have a really cute pattern to share with you - this tiny hippo with his huge nose and stumpy little legs, small enough to sit on your palm.

There is a free online pattern below or you can get a printable PDF version with step-by-step photos on Etsy and kristitullus.com.

Free Amigurumi Hippo Crochet Pattern

It's a really quick and easy project you can complete in an hour or two. It's not difficult to crochet and works up using just single crochet stitches, but the small details like ears, legs, and tail can be a bit fiddly to make.

Small Hippo Free Crochet Pattern

ABOUT THE PATTERN

Size: 6.5 cm (2 1/2") tall, 10 cm (4”) from nose to tail, when crocheted with DK weight cotton yarn and a 2,50 mm hook.

Difficulty: beginner - uses basic crochet stitches, includes small details.



SKILLS REQUIRED


YOU WILL NEED


ABBREVIATIONS

  • mr, sc n = magic ring – crochet n (number) single crochet stitches into the adjustable loop.
  • ch = chain stitch.
  • sl st = slip stitch.
  • sc = single crochet stitch (double crochet stitch in UK and Australia). 
  • sc n = crochet n single crochet stitches, one in each stitch. 
  • inc = increase – crochet two single crochet stitches in the same stitch.
  • dec = decrease – crochet two stitches together using the invisible decrease method
  • (sc 4, inc) x n = repeat the pattern between parentheses n times. 
  • (36) = number of stitches in a round after finishing round.


NOTES

  • Work in a continuous spiral, do not join rounds or turn your work, unless instructed otherwise in the pattern.
  • Use a stitch marker or a piece of yarn to mark the end or the beginning of a round. Move the marker up after completing each round.
  • All stitches are worked into both loops, unless instructed otherwise in the pattern.

 

Printable PDF Pattern

You can download an ad-free printable PDF version with step-by-step photos.

BUY NOW

 


HEAD

1: mr, sc 6 (6)
2: inc x 6 (12)
3: (sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4: (inc, sc 2) x 6 (24)
5-8: sc in each stitch (24)
9: (sc 2, dec) x 5, sc 4 (19)

Start stuffing the head. Keep adding a bit of fiberfill after every few rounds, stuffing the head firmly.

10: sc in each stitch (19)
11: sc 3, dec, sc 8, dec, sc 4 (17)
12: sc 5, dec, sc 2, dec, sc 6 (15)
13-14: sc in each stitch (15)

Attach the safety eyes to the opposite side from the end of the round, between rounds 12 and 13, leaving 5 stitches (count 4 holes) between them.

15: (sc, dec) x 5 (10)
16: dec x 5 (5)

Finish stuffing the head. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and fasten off. Pick up all the remaining stitches and close the opening.

Embroider the nostrils over round 5.


EARS (make 2)

1: mr, sc 5 (5)
2: sc in each stitch (5)
3: sc, dec, leave the rest of the stitches unworked (4)

Sl st in next stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing, and fasten off. Do not stuff the ears.

Flatten the ears and sew them to the head between rounds 15 and 16.


BODY

1: mr, sc 6 (6)
2: inc x 6 (12)
3: (sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4: (sc 3, inc) x 4, sc 2 (22)
5-12: sc in each stitch (22)
13: (sc 3, dec) x 4, sc 2 (18)

Start stuffing the body.

14: (sc, dec) x 6 (12)
15: dec x 6 (6)

Finish stuffing the body. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and fasten off. Pick up all the remaining stitches and close the opening.

Sew the head to the body, making tiny stitches below the head.


LEGS (make 4)

1: mr, sc 6 (6)
2: (sc, inc) x 3 (9)
3-4: sc in each stitch (9)

Sl st in next stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving a yarn tail for sewing, and fasten off. Stuff the legs firmly.

Sew the legs to the body with whip stitch.


TAIL

Start with a slip knot at least 10 cm (4”) from the yarn end. Chain 5, cut the yarn, leaving a 10 cm (4”) tail, and fasten off. Cut another 20 cm (8”) strand of yarn and draw it through the last chain. Adjust it so both yarn tails are about the same length. Make an overhand knot in the yarn tails and push it close to the tail. Trim off the extra yarn.

Sew the tail to the body, placing it just above round 3.

And done!

Free DIY Crochet Hippo Pattern

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or leave a comment below, I am always happy to help.

I would love to see how your little hippos turn out, so do post a photo to my Facebook page or tag me in your social media posts, I'm @kristitullus on Instagram and Facebook.

Copyright 2012 Kristi Tullus, TÜ Spire. All rights reserved.

Please do not post this pattern to your website or blog, instead post a link to https://kristitullus.com/blogs/blog/free-pattern-small-hippo. You MAY use this pattern as a teaching aid in any free class or e-course, or as part of a free crochet pattern, provided you credit me as the designer (Kristi Tullus, http://kristitullus.com).

Feel free to sell items made with this pattern.



* Some links may be affiliate links which will allow me to make a small commission on any products purchased using one of these links with no extra cost for you. This does not influence my opinion or recommendations in any way. Thanks for your support.

Back to blog

14 comments

Hi! I looove the adorable hippo pattern and how it is turning out! However, I am having trouble sewing the head to the body, and I can’t find any tutorials online on how to sew two closed amigurumi pieces together. Do you have any advice? Thank you!!

Kayli

Kedves Kati,
Köszönöm hogy megosztottad velünk ennek az aranyos vízilónak a leírásat.
Üdvözlettel,
Zsuzsa

Zsuzsa

hi is there a printable version of this please

charlotte

Is there a pattern to a bigger size? Or is there a tip/trick I can use to make it seem bigger?

Audrey

Hi!
Tanks KATE
I love tuis pattern!!!

JURACI KEHRWALD

Leave a comment