Koala Amigurumi For Handmade Baby Shower 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 = 2 inches with 3.5 mm hook
The Best Things About This Pattern
Meet your next project: a sleepy koala amigurumi worked in worsted weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook. The finished doll measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, a comfortable handful that fits nicely on a shelf or in a child's arms. The medium gray body, soft white belly patch, and charcoal nose come together through simple color changes, while the textured ears and rounded muzzle give the face its gentle, drowsy expression.
This pattern sits at an Intermediate skill level, so expect to work with invisible decreases for a smooth finish, surface crochet to attach the belly patch and ear centers, and short rows to shape the curved head and limbs. Stitches build in tidy rounds, with clear stitch counts at every stage so you can track your progress without guesswork. The yarn has a soft, matte hand that hides small tension shifts, making the piece for giving while still holding the sculptural shape of the ears and feet. Take your time with the shaping rounds, block the pieces lightly before assembly, and enjoy watching the koala come together stitch by stitch.
Yarn, Hooks, and Notions
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in gray, white, black, brown, green, light 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 = 2 inches with 3.5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
Stitch Guide for This Pattern
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, gray 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)
body, gray 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)
ear (make 2), gray 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 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.
Switch to white yarn for the mouth.
mouth, white 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 gray yarn for the arm.
arm (make 2), gray 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)
leg (make 2), gray 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)
Switch to white yarn for the foot pad.
foot pad (make 2), white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: dec around (6)
Rnd 4: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to brown yarn for the branch.
branch, brown 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)
Switch to green yarn for the leaf.
leaf (make 8), green 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)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing
Switch to light gray yarn for the eyelid.
eyelid (make 2), light gray yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Switch to green yarn for the leaves.
leaves (make 6), green 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: sc around (24)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 8: dec around (6)
Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)
Final Stitch Counts
- head: 30 stitches at widest point
- body: 26 stitches at widest point
- ear (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- eye (x 2): See pattern
- nose: See pattern
- mouth: See pattern
- arm (x 2): 17 stitches at widest point
- leg (x 2): 18 stitches at widest point
- foot pad (x 2): 12 stitches at widest point
- branch: 6 stitches at widest point
- leaf (x 8): 6 stitches at widest point
- eyelid (x 2): 18 stitches at widest point
- leaves (x 6): 24 stitches at widest point
Bring It All Together
1. Stuff head, body, foot pad, branch 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 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.
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. Attach eyelid 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.
7. Sew arm to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
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 leaf in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
10. Sew eyelid in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
11. Sew leaves in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
12. 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 practical tips will help you crochet a well-finished koala amigurumi with your 3.5 mm hook.
- Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of every round, since the tight single crochet stitches can make the starting point hard to spot.
- Maintain consistent tension to achieve a tight gauge that prevents stuffing from showing through the fabric.
- Work invisible decreases rather than standard decreases to keep the shaping smooth and avoid visible gaps at the nose and ears.
- Stuff the head and body firmly but evenly, adding small amounts of fiberfill at a time so the shape stays nicely rounded without lumps.
- Embroider the nose and eye details before closing the head opening, which gives you better access for neat stitching.
- Use surface crochet to add the lighter belly patch after the body is assembled, creating a clean color transition.
Follow these care instructions to keep your koala looking its best over time.
- Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent to protect the yarn fibers.
- Spot clean small marks instead of washing the whole piece whenever possible.
- Air dry flat on a towel, reshaping the ears and limbs as needed.
- Keep the finished koala out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading on the grey and white sections.
Good to Know: Reader Questions
What yarn and hook do I need for the koala amigurumi?
You'll need worsted weight yarn in grey, white, and a small amount of black for the nose and eyes. A 3.5 mm crochet hook works nicely with this yarn weight to create a tight, even fabric that holds the stuffing in nicely.
How long does the koala amigurumi take to crochet?
Most crocheters complete the koala amigurumi in 2-4 hours. Your pace will depend on your familiarity with amigurumi techniques like invisible decrease and working in continuous spiral rounds.
Is this koala amigurumi pattern suitable for beginners?
This pattern is rated Intermediate, so some amigurumi experience is helpful. You'll work with techniques like invisible decrease, magic ring, and surface crochet details. If you're comfortable with basic stitches and shaping, you should be able to follow along.
Can I sell finished koala amigurumi made from this pattern?
Yes, you may sell finished koala amigurumi items made from this pattern. Please credit the designer when listing your items online or at craft fairs. Mass production is not permitted.
Can I resize the koala amigurumi?
To make a larger koala amigurumi, try worsted yarn with a 4 mm or 4.5 mm hook. For a smaller version, use sport or DK weight yarn with a 2.5 mm hook. Adjust your stitch count proportionally to maintain the shape.
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