Hippo Amigurumi For Baby Shower Gifts

What Makes This Pattern Special

Meet Humphrey, a chunky little hippo you can stitch together in an afternoon. Worked in bulky yarn with a 4 mm hook, this project grows quickly in your hands, the thick fibers building a soft, dense fabric that holds its shape without any tricky shaping. The finished piece stands about 10 inches (25 cm) tall and stretches roughly 8 inches (20 cm) wide, making it a huggable companion for a shelf or a small lap.

The pattern uses only the most basic amigurumi stitches: a magic ring to start each piece, simple single crochet rounds, and a few chain stitches for the muzzle and tail. You will shape the rounded body and head by increasing and decreasing evenly, then sew the parts together and add felt eyes for a friendly face. Because the hook is larger than the yarn weight usually calls for, the stitches stay loose enough to see clearly, which helps when you are counting rows. Tucked inside, a bit of polyester stuffing gives Humphrey his plump, squishable belly.

Your Supply List

Material	Details
Yarn	bulky yarn in lavender, black, purple
Hook	4 mm crochet hook
Stuffing	Polyfill or fiberfill
Eyes	Safety eyes or embroidery thread
Extras	Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors

Gauge: Approximately 9 sc x 11 rounds = 2 inches with 4 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

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

body, lavender 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: sc around (30)

Rnd 9: sc around (30)

Rnd 10: sc around (30)

Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (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)

head, lavender 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: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)

Rnd 7: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (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)

snout, lavender yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: sc around (12)

Rnd 4: sc around (12)

Rnd 5: sc around (12)

Rnd 6: dec around (6)

Rnd 7: 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.

Switch to lavender yarn for the ear.

ear (make 2), lavender yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (inc) x 2 (1 sc, inc) x 2 (10)

Rnd 3: sc around (10)

Rnd 4: sc around (10)

Rnd 5: sc around (10)

Rnd 6: (dec) x 2 (1 sc, dec) x 2 (6)

wing (make 2), lavender yarn

Row 1: Ch 20, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (19)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc across (19)

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing

leg (make 4), lavender yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4: (5 sc, inc) x 3 (21)

Rnd 5: sc around (21)

Rnd 6: sc around (21)

Rnd 7: sc around (21)

Rnd 8: sc around (21)

Rnd 9: sc around (21)

Rnd 10: sc around (21)

Rnd 11: sc around (21)

Rnd 12: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (2 sc, dec) x 3 (15)

Rnd 13: (dec) x 3 (1 sc, dec) x 3 (9)

Rnd 14: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6)

Rnd 15: fasten off, close hole (6)

tail, lavender yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (5 sc, inc) x 1 (7)

Rnd 3: sc around (7)

Rnd 4: sc around (7)

Rnd 5: sc around (7)

Rnd 6: sc around (7)

Rnd 7: sc around (7)

Rnd 8: sc around (7)

Rnd 9: sc around (7)

Switch to purple yarn for the muzzle.

muzzle, purple yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (inc) x 2 (1 sc, inc) x 2 (10)

Rnd 3: sc around (10)

Rnd 4: (dec) x 2 (1 sc, dec) x 2 (6)

Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)

Assembling Your Amigurumi

1. Stuff body, head 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 snout 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. 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.

5. 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.

6. Sew wing to the body. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.

7. Sew leg to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.

8. Sew tail to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.

9. 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.

Pro Tips and Care Advice

These beginner-friendly tips will help you crochet a hippo amigurumi that holds its shape well and looks nicely finished.

• Use a 4 mm hook throughout the entire project to keep your stitches tight and prevent stuffing from showing through the fabric.
• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round so you can easily find the start and keep your rounds even.
• Stuff the head and body firmly as you go, adding small amounts of fiberfill into narrow areas like the snout and legs for a smooth shape.
• Decrease evenly by working two single crochets together in the last stitches of each round to shape the curves without puckering.
• Check your gauge by crocheting a small swatch; tight stitches help the amigurumi stand up nicely and keep its form.
• Leave a long tail when fastening off each piece so you can sew the parts together securely with a yarn needle.

Follow these simple care instructions to keep your hippo clean and looking its best.

• Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent, then squeeze out excess water without wringing.
• Air dry flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the yarn color.
• Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of soap to avoid washing the whole piece.
• Store the hippo in a dry place away from moisture to protect the fiberfill and yarn fibers.

Your Questions, Answered

What yarn and hook do I need for the hippo amigurumi?

You'll need bulky weight yarn and a 4 mm crochet hook. Bulky yarn works up quickly, which is great for a beginner-friendly project like this hippo amigurumi.

Is this hippo amigurumi pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes, this hippo amigurumi is rated as a Beginner pattern. It uses basic stitches like single crochet and simple increases and decreases, making it a great choice if you're new to amigurumi.

How long does it take to crochet the hippo amigurumi?

The hippo amigurumi takes approximately 2-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and experience level.

Can I sell the finished hippo amigurumi I make from this pattern?

Yes, you may sell finished hippo amigurumi items made from this pattern. Please credit the designer when listing your items online.

Can I resize the hippo amigurumi?

Yes, you can resize the hippo amigurumi by switching to a heavier or lighter yarn weight. Keep in mind that changing yarn weight will also change the amount of time needed beyond the usual 2-4 hours.

Keep Crocheting: More Patterns

Love this pattern? Check out more free crochet patterns:

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