Lione the Amigurumi Lion: Roar-some Hugs Crochet Pattern

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Roar-some Hugs Await! Meet Lione, My Snuggly Amigurumi Lion

A journey from a tangled ball of yarn to a king of cuddles.

Oh, my dears, there's just something so utterly magical about watching a little creature emerge from a simple strand of yarn, isn't there? This whole adventure with Lione, my sweet little lion, started on a particularly grey afternoon. I was looking out the window, dreaming of sunshine and wild savannas (a bit dramatic, I know!), and I just felt this overwhelming urge to create something that radiated warmth and joy. Most lion patterns I'd seen were a bit too fierce, a bit too regal. I wanted a lion that looked like he'd just told a really silly joke and was ready for a big, squishy hug. And that, my friends, is how Lione came to life! He's become quite the character in my craft room, always smiling, and now I'm absolutely thrilled to share his pattern with you. This project, much like the spark that led to my Spirit Amigurumi horse or the calm contemplation that inspired Shelly, the Serene Turtle, fills my heart with so much happiness, and I hope it does yours too.

A charming, finished Lione Amigurumi lion, approximately 20cm tall, made with soft gold and brown worsted weight yarn, featuring warm hazel safety eyes and a gentle smile, posed against a soft, bright background.
Here he is, my sweet Lione! Doesn't he just look like he's waiting for a big hug? Every stitch was made with so much love and a little bit of sunshine.

The Heart of the Lion: Choosing Your Yarn

For Lione, the yarn choice is everything! You want something that feels like sunshine against your skin – soft, comforting, and with just the right amount of squish. I ended up with this gorgeous worsted weight acrylic in a lovely golden hue. It’s got that perfect balance of being easy to work with and wonderfully huggable. For his mane, a slightly darker, rich brown really makes those fluffy strands pop, giving him that classic leonine swagger without being too serious. And a tiny bit of cream or light beige for his snout just adds that sweet touch, making his smile even more endearing. Don't be afraid to choose colors that speak to your heart, that's the real secret to making him truly *yours*.

Bringing Lione to Life: Those First Stitches

I always say the magic ring is where it all begins – the tiny whisper of a new friend forming. For Lione's head, you start with that perfect little circle, building him up stitch by stitch, watching the dome take shape. It’s a bit like sculpting, really, but with yarn! The body follows, a graceful curve that will soon hold all that lovely stuffing. There’s a rhythm to it, a calming repetition as you count your stitches, round after round. Each increase feels like a breath, each decrease a gentle shaping. And when you finally have those two main pieces, you almost start to see his personality twinkling at you. It's truly the best feeling.

Maria Fronte, with warm hazel eyes and chestnut brown waves, holds a finished Lione Amigurumi lion, smiling gently. The scene captures the joy of crafting in a bright, inviting home setting with soft natural light.
This is the moment when all those individual pieces come together, and suddenly, he's a real little friend! So much joy in these handmade moments.

The Mane Event & Adorning Details

Ah, the mane! This is where Lione truly transforms from a sweet little head into a magnificent, albeit still cuddly, king of the jungle. Cutting all those individual strands and then knotting them around his head might seem a little daunting at first, but trust me, it's incredibly meditative. Each little piece you attach adds to his fluffy glory. And those safety eyes? They're pure magic. One moment you have a ball of yarn, the next, a soul looks back at you. Then come the ears, the adorable little snout, and of course, his tail with its playful tassel. These small touches are what give Lione his unique charm.

Abbreviations: Your Secret Language of Stitches

  • MR: Magic Ring
  • ch: chain
  • sc: single crochet
  • inc: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
  • dec: decrease (single crochet 2 together)
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • FO: Fasten off
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • rnd: round
  • (...) x N: Repeat instructions in parentheses N times
  • [N]: Total number of stitches in the round

Bringing Lione to Life: Step-by-Step Crochet Magic

Close-up shot of hands, possibly Maria Fronte's, crocheting a golden sphere (part of Lione's head) with a 3.5mm hook and worsted weight yarn, showing stitch definition and the crafting process against a clean studio backdrop.
This is where the real magic happens! Each stitch builds upon the last, transforming simple yarn into something truly special. Enjoy the journey, my friends.

Head (Main Gold Yarn)

  • Rnd 1: Start with a MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
  • Rnd 2: (inc) x 6. [12]
  • Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. [18]
  • Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24]
  • Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30]
  • Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. [36]
  • Rnd 7-12: Sc in each st around. (6 rounds) [36]
  • Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x 6. [30]
  • Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec) x 6. [24]
  • Insert safety eyes between Rnd 10 and 11, about 6 sts apart. Start stuffing firmly.
  • Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x 6. [18]
  • Rnd 16: (sc, dec) x 6. [12]
  • Rnd 17: (dec) x 6. [6]
  • FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Finish stuffing and close hole.

Body (Main Gold Yarn)

  • Rnd 1: Start with a MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
  • Rnd 2: (inc) x 6. [12]
  • Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. [18]
  • Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24]
  • Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30]
  • Rnd 6-12: Sc in each st around. (7 rounds) [30]
  • Rnd 13: (3 sc, dec) x 6. [24]
  • Rnd 14: Sc in each st around. [24]
  • Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x 6. [18]
  • Start stuffing firmly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Snout (Face Accent Yarn)

  • Rnd 1: Ch 5. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on other side of ch, sc in next 2 ch, 2 sc in last ch. [10]
  • Rnd 2: Inc, 2 sc, 3 inc, 2 sc, 2 inc. [16]
  • Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [16]
  • FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff and embroider a small nose and mouth with brown yarn.

Ears (Make 2 - Main Gold Yarn)

  • Rnd 1: Start with a MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
  • Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x 3. [9]
  • Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [9]
  • FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the circle and fold slightly.

Legs (Make 4 - Main Gold Yarn)

  • Rnd 1: Start with a MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
  • Rnd 2: (inc) x 6. [12]
  • Rnd 3-7: Sc in each st around. (5 rounds) [12]
  • Stuff firmly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Mane (Mane Brown Yarn)

  • Cut many strands of brown yarn, each about 6 inches (15 cm) long.
  • Using your crochet hook, attach these strands around the head, starting from Rnd 5, and working outwards to Rnd 13, covering the area around the face. Loop each strand through a stitch and tie a knot. Trim to desired length for a fluffy look.

Tail (Main Gold Yarn)

  • Ch 10.
  • FO. Attach a small tassel made from mane brown yarn to the end.

Assembling Your Majestic Friend

  • First things first, let’s get Lione's body securely attached to his head. Position the head centrally on top of the body, making sure his face is looking forward. Use the long tail from the head and your tapestry needle to carefully stitch the head to the body. Go slow, making sure your stitches are neat and even, hiding them as best you can. You want him to be super secure for all those cuddles!
  • Next, take the snout you made. Place it gently just below his eyes, centering it perfectly. Stitch it in place using the tail, tucking in any loose ends.
  • Now for the ears! Fold each ear piece in half slightly to give it a nice curve. Position them on either side of his head, slightly above the eyes, and stitch them securely. Stand back and admire how they frame his sweet face!
  • Attach the four legs to the bottom of the body. Try to space them evenly so Lione can sit or stand comfortably. Stitch them on firmly, remembering that little ones will be tugging on them!
  • Almost there! Attach his tail to the back of his body. Just a few secure stitches will do the trick.
  • Now for the grand finale: fluffing and shaping! Gently sculpt Lione with your hands, making sure his stuffing is evenly distributed. Give his mane a good fluff and trim it if needed to get that perfect wild, yet friendly, look. And there you have it – your very own Lione, ready for adventures!
Maria Fronte, with her warm smile and stylish chestnut brown hair, sits contentedly in her crafting space, looking directly at the viewer. Her hands gently hold a finished Lione Amigurumi, embodying the joy and personal connection to her handmade creations.
This is the face of pure contentment! Holding Lione after all the love and stitches, it's truly a rewarding feeling. I hope you feel it too!

Maria's Little Secrets: Pro Tips for a Perfect Lione

  • Don't be afraid to pull out stitches if something doesn't look quite right! Seriously, even after all these years, I still do it. It’s part of the process, not a failure. Perfection comes from patience.
  • Stuff Lione *firmly* but evenly. A well-stuffed amigurumi holds its shape beautifully and is much more huggable. Pay special attention to his neck to prevent wobbling!
  • When attaching the mane, experiment with different lengths for a more natural, shaggy look. Some longer pieces, some shorter – it adds character!
  • Use stitch markers! They are your best friends, especially when working in rounds. Trust me, it saves so much frustration and countless re-counts.
  • For a truly unique Lione, consider embroidering a tiny scar or a mischievous wink on his face. Little details make him one-of-a-kind!

About the Creator

I'm Maria Fronte, and my life is wonderfully tangled with yarn, hooks, and the endless joy of creating. There's nothing I love more than transforming a simple skein into a cherished friend, sharing a piece of my heart with every stitch.