Badger Amigurumi For Woodland Themed Gifts
Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 3.5 mm
Yarn: worsted yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyfill
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook
What Makes This Pattern Special
There is something quietly satisfying about finishing a small amigurumi that fits nicely in the crook of your arm, and this badger measures roughly 10 inches tall and 7 inches wide, making it just right for a desk companion, a nursery shelf, or a thoughtful handmade gift. Worked in worsted weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook, the stitches build up into a dense, sculptural fabric that holds the rounded belly and pointed snout without any stuffing peeking through. The finished piece has a soft, slightly fuzzy halo from the yarn, while the tight single crochet rounds keep the shape firm and huggable.
Because the pattern is rated Intermediate, you will work a few techniques that go beyond the basics. The body and head are shaped with decreases so the surface stays smooth and the stripes align cleanly across the rounds. A short row or two shapes the muzzle, and the stitch detail is used to add the characteristic black and white facial markings without cutting the yarn each time. You will also switch between two colors for the classic badger stripes, but the color work stays simple, working in the ends as you go rather than juggling multiple skeins at once.
Stitch counts are given at every round, so you can track your progress and adjust the tension if the piece starts to cup or flare. The legs, ears, and tail are crocheted separately and sewn on, giving you a chance to play with placement and expression before the final assembly. A small a small practice piece in the round is recommended, since worsted weight yarn can vary between brands and a half stitch difference per inch will change the finished size noticeably.
Crocheters tend to reach for a project like this when they want something portable, quick to finish, and rewarding in the details. The combination of shaping, color changes, and a few surface embellishments makes it a satisfying weekend make, and the result is a sturdy little creature that can be
A Few Notes Before We Begin
This badger amigurumi is a satisfying project for anyone who enjoys working in the round and wants a finished piece with real personality. The shaping is straightforward enough to follow without constant reference to the pattern, yet the finished doll has enough detail in the face, ears, and tail striping to feel rewarding rather than repetitive. It suits crocheters who already know how to read a stitch chart or symbol pattern, who are comfortable with magic ring starts, and who want a project that finishes in a weekend or two of relaxed stitching. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for animal lovers, and because the construction is modular, you can set the head aside and work on the limbs when you need a change of pace.
For the body and head, a worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend in dark brown or charcoal works well and gives the stitches enough definition to show the shaping clearly. Use a lighter warm grey or off-white for the belly panel and the facial blaze, and reserve a small amount of cream or pale grey for the tail tip and ear accents. The hook size of 3.5 mm produces a tight, even fabric that holds stuffing without showing gaps, which is important for a piece this size. At that gauge, the finished badger stands roughly 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, though tension and stuffing density will shift the final measurements by a centimeter or so in either direction. If you prefer a slightly slouchy look, under-stuff the body; for a perky display piece, pack the head firmly.
The most common pitfall with this pattern is losing track of the decreases round, which can leave a visible seam or a lumpy crown on the head. Mark the decrease round with a stitch marker the moment you start it, count carefully as you go, and pause after every few stitches to confirm the rhythm. If you do miscount, it is far easier to frog
Yarn, Hooks, and Notions
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in black, white, gray |
| Hook | 3.5 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyfill or fiberfill |
| Eyes | Safety eyes or embroidery thread |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
Abbreviations You'll Need to Know
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (sc 2 together) |
| ch | Chain |
How to Crochet This Pattern
head, black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Rnd 6: sc around (30)
Rnd 7: sc around (30)
Rnd 8: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 11: dec around (6)
Rnd 12: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to white yarn for the muzzle.
muzzle, white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
Rnd 3: sc around (9)
Rnd 4: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6)
Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the eye.
eye (make 2), black yarn
Use 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes; place them on the upper half of the head, about one eye-width apart.
If using safety eyes, insert the posts before closing the head opening and secure the backs firmly on the inside.
If embroidering, work two small black satin stitches, then add a tiny white stitch highlight if desired.
nose, black yarn
Embroider the nose with black thread after the eyes are placed.
Work a small triangular satin stitch centered between the eyes, about 8 mm wide.
mouth, black yarn
Embroider the mouth with black or dark brown thread after the eyes are placed.
Use a single curved satin stitch or back stitch, centered below the eyes and about 1.5 cm wide.
Switch to white yarn for the eyebrow.
eyebrow (make 2), white yarn
Embroider this facial detail with black thread after the head is closed.
Use short straight stitches or satin stitch, keeping the line light and curved so it sits naturally above the eye.
Switch to black yarn for the ear.
ear (make 2), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
Rnd 3: sc around (8)
Rnd 4: sc around (8)
Rnd 5: sc around (8)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)
Rnd 7: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black and white yarn for the body.
body, black and white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (11 sc, inc) x 2 (26)
Rnd 6: sc around (26)
Rnd 7: sc around (26)
Rnd 8: sc around (26)
Rnd 9: sc around (26)
Rnd 10: sc around (26)
Rnd 11: (11 sc, dec) x 2 (24)
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 14: dec around (6)
Rnd 15: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to white yarn for the stripe.
stripe (make 2), white yarn
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (6)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (6)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (6)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (6)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing
Switch to black yarn for the leg.
leg (make 4), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: sc around (18)
Rnd 12: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 13: dec around (6)
Rnd 14: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black and white yarn for the tail.
tail, black and white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: sc around (6)
Rnd 3: sc around (6)
Rnd 4: sc around (6)
Rnd 5: sc around (6)
Rnd 6: sc around (6)
Rnd 7: sc around (6)
Rnd 8: sc around (6)
Rnd 9: sc around (6)
Rnd 10: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black with white and gray stripes yarn for the sweater.
sweater, black with white and gray stripes yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 12: dec around (6)
Rnd 13: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the arm.
arm (make 2), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (2 sc, inc) x 2 (17)
Rnd 4: sc around (17)
Rnd 5: sc around (17)
Rnd 6: sc around (17)
Rnd 7: sc around (17)
Rnd 8: sc around (17)
Rnd 9: sc around (17)
Rnd 10: sc around (17)
Rnd 11: sc around (17)
Rnd 12: (dec) x 1 (1 sc, dec) x 5 (11)
Rnd 13: (dec) x 4 (1 sc, dec) x 1 (6)
Rnd 14: fasten off, close hole (6)
Final Stitch Counts
- head: 30 stitches at widest point
- muzzle: 9 stitches at widest point
- eye (x 2): See pattern
- nose: See pattern
- mouth: See pattern
- eyebrow (x 2): See pattern
- ear (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- body: 26 stitches at widest point
- stripe (x 2): 6 stitches at widest point
- leg (x 4): 18 stitches at widest point
- tail: 6 stitches at widest point
- sweater: 18 stitches at widest point
- arm (x 2): 17 stitches at widest point
Assembling Your Amigurumi
1. Stuff head, body, sweater firmly with polyfill for stability. Shape as you go, pressing and molding to match the reference photo. Add extra stuffing to the base for a sturdy foundation.
2. Sew muzzle to the front of the head. Center between the eyes, slightly below the eye line. Stuff lightly with polyfill before closing for a 3D effect. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles.
3. Attach eye to the head. Position on the upper half of the head, spaced about one eye-width apart. Secure firmly with embroidery thread or fabric glue. Embroider a small line below each eye for a more expressive look.
4. Embroider the nose with black thread centered between the eyes. Work a small triangular satin stitch about 8 mm wide.
5. Sew mouth to the head. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.
6. Embroider eyebrow above each eye, following the natural brow arch. Use short satin or back stitches in matching yarn, keeping the line light and slightly curved. Place them about one eye-width above the eyes for a balanced expression.
7. Sew ear to the sides of the head. Position on the upper sides of the head, angled outward. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles. Use the long tail left for sewing and whipstitch around the base.
8. Sew leg to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
9. Sew tail to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
10. Sew arm to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
11. Sew eyebrow in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
12. Sew stripe in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
13. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Give the finished piece a gentle squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly and shape the final form.
Tips for a Perfect Finish and Care
These tips will help you crochet a well-structured badger amigurumi with clean color transitions and a smooth finish. The pattern is rated Intermediate, so techniques like decreases and surface embroidery are used to achieve a polished result.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up at the start of each new round; this prevents the spiral from drifting and keeps your stitch count accurate when shaping the head and body.
- Maintain even tension throughout the piece, especially when switching between the white belly and the charcoal back; loose tension will create gaps where the stuffing shows through, while overly tight tension will stiffen the fabric and distort the shape.
- Apply decreases rather than standard sc 2 tog when shaping the snout, ears, and the rounded base of the body; this technique keeps the decrease seam flat and produces a cleaner surface for the facial features.
- Stuff the head and limbs firmly with polyester fiberfill, adding small amounts gradually and packing it into the narrow muzzle and ear tips with the back of a crochet hook; under-stuffing leads to a saggy look, while over-stuffing will stretch the stitches and make the surface bumpy.
- Carry the white and charcoal yarns along the inside of the piece during color changes, twisting the yarns at each transition to prevent loose floats and to minimize the number of ends you need to weave in later.
- Embroider the facial features and the signature badger stripe using the stitch detail or duplicate stitch with a needle; this gives you precise control over the placement of the eyes, nose, and the white facial band.
- Block the finished pieces lightly by pinning them to a foam board and steaming gently before assembly; this relaxes the stitches, evens out the surface, and helps the pieces match in size for a neat join.
- Join the head, ears, and
Your Questions, Answered
What yarn and hook do I need for the badger amigurumi?
You'll need worsted weight yarn in black, white, and gray to capture the badger's distinctive striped markings. A 3.5 mm crochet hook is recommended to keep your stitches tight and prevent stuffing from showing through the finished badger amigurumi.
How long will it take me to crochet the badger amigurumi?
Most crocheters complete the badger amigurumi in 2-4 hours, depending on their pace and experience with small amigurumi pieces. The project moves quickly once you get into the rhythm of the repeated rounds.
Is this badger amigurumi pattern suitable for beginners?
This pattern is rated Intermediate, so some familiarity with amigurumi basics is helpful before starting the badger amigurumi. You'll work with techniques like decreases and color changes, which are manageable once you've completed a few simpler projects.
Can I sell finished badger amigurumi made from this pattern?
Yes, you may sell finished badger amigurumi items made from this pattern, whether at craft fairs, online shops, or local markets. Please credit the designer when listing or sharing your finished work online.
How can I customize the colors of my badger amigurumi?
You can swap the traditional black, white, and gray for any color combination you prefer, such as pastel shades for a baby gift or bright tones for a child's toy. The badger amigurumi structure stays the same; only your yarn choices change the final look.
What if my finished badger amigurumi turns out a different size?
If your badger amigurumi comes out larger or smaller than expected, check your tension and
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