Amigurumi Toy Elephant - Crochet Pattern

Detailed, small amigurumi elephant suitable for beginners with basic amigurumi experience. Finished toy is cuddly, about 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall when seated. Use smaller hook than recommended for yarn to get firm stuffing-proof fabric.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight, Medium/4 (US). Main color: 150 yards (137 m) / approximately 1 skein. Contrast color (inner ear, toenails): 20 yards (18 m). Imperial and Metric given: e.g. 150 yd (137 m).
• Hook: see Hook and Needle Sizes below.
• Safety eyes: 9 mm or 12 mm eyes; 9 mm recommended for this size. Alternatively embroider eyes.
• Polyester fiberfill: about 50 g (small bag) for stuffing.
• Stitch marker, yarn needle, small amount of tapestry yarn for sewing, pins for positioning pieces, scissors.

Gauge

Not critical for amigurumi, but target is about 12 sc x 12 rows = 2 in (5 cm) using recommended hook and worsted yarn to achieve a firm fabric.

Hook and Needle Sizes

• Crochet hook (recommended): US E/4 (3.5 mm) | UK old 9 | Metric 3.5 mm. This gives a firm fabric for stuffing.
• Alternative smaller (tighter) hook: US D/3 (3.25 mm) | UK old 10 | Metric 3.25 mm.
• Knitting needles (optional for knitted ears or details): US 3 | UK 10 | Metric 3.25 mm.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet (UK term: double crochet, dc)
• sl st = slip stitch
• inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec = single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only

Notes

• Pattern uses continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
• Work tightly to avoid stuffing showing through. If stuffing shows, go down one hook size.
• When joining pieces, use pins to position before sewing. Secure safety eyes before final stuffing and closing the head.

Finished measurements

Approximately 5.5 in / 14 cm tall seated. Width (shoulders) about 3.5 in / 9 cm.

Pattern

Head

Make with main color.

1. MR 6 (6)
2. inc x6 (12)
3. (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
4. (sc2, inc) x6 (24)
5. (sc3, inc) x6 (30)
6. sc 30 for 5 rounds (R6-R10) — place safety eyes between R7 and R8 about 6 stitches apart (count horizontally). Adjust spacing to preference.
7. (sc3, dec) x6 (24)
8. (sc2, dec) x6 (18)
9. (sc1, dec) x6 (12) — stuff head firmly but leave opening to attach trunk and to join to body. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing if closing later.

Trunk

Make with main color. This is a slightly tapered tube that can be curved when sewn.

1. MR 6 (6)
2. sc 6 (rounds 2-3: sc 6, sc 6)
3. inc x6 (12)
4. sc 12 for 4 rounds
5. (sc1, dec) x4 (8)
6. sc 8 for 6-8 rounds or until trunk length is desired (usually 8-10 rounds total). Do not overstuff; trunk needs to be flexible to curl. Leave long tail for sewing.

Ears (make 2)

Ears are flat semicircles. Make two with main color, optionally add a small inner ear in contrast color.

1. MR 6 (6)
2. inc x6 (12)
3. (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
4. sc 18 for 2 rounds. Optional: one more round (sc 18) for larger/floppier ears. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. For inner ear: make a small oval by chaining 6, sc back and forth for 2 rows, fasten off and sew into ear.

Body

Worked from top/base where head will be joined. Make with main color.

1. MR 6 (6)
2. inc x6 (12)
3. (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
4. (sc2, inc) x6 (24)
5. (sc3, inc) x6 (30)
6. (sc4, inc) x6 (36)
7. sc 36 for 6 rounds (this creates a rounded torso)
8. (sc4, dec) x6 (30)
9. (sc3, dec) x6 (24)
10. sc 24 for 2-3 rounds — stop here and leave long tail for sewing to head, or continue to shape base: (sc2, dec) x6 (18), sc 18 for 2 rounds; flatten and close if you prefer a seated base. Stuff firmly before final closing.

Legs (make 4)

Legs are identical; two front two back. Stuff firmly and leave a long tail for sewing. Add a small felt or embroidered toenail if desired.

1. MR 6 (6)
2. inc x6 (12)
3. (sc1, inc) x6 (18)
4. sc 18 for 4 rounds
5. (sc1, dec) x6 (12) — stuff firmly
6. sc 12 for 2 rounds (leg length depends on how high you want them to attach); fasten off leaving long tail.

Tail

1. ch 6, turn, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across to end. Fasten off leaving long tail. Add a small tuft by wrapping contrasting yarn and cutting ends, or a few strands knotted into tip.

Assembly

1. Position the body with the slightly tapered top as the area to join the head. Use pins to center the head over the body opening.
2. Sew head to body using whip stitch with tail left from head or body; use neat even stitches and pull fabric together so seam is secure. Add stuffing as needed while closing.
3. Position and sew the trunk to the front center of the head opening: place trunk base at lowest center of head and stitch around the base with the long tail. Use stuffing sparingly in trunk so it is flexible to curl slightly upward.
4. Sew ears to the sides of the head, aligning top of ear roughly with top of safety eye. Pin and check symmetry before sewing. Sew through base and a few stitches across ear to hold shape. If using inner ear, sew inner ear into place first.
5. Sew legs to underside of body: two in front, two in back. Front legs sit slightly forward under the lower body; back legs sew a little wider. Use pins to get even spacing. Secure each leg with the long tail; use ladder stitch for a neat finish.
6. Sew tail to back center. Add tuft if desired.
7. Weave in all ends and trim. Add embroidered nostrils or mouth with surface embroidery: a simple short line downward from trunk base or two small French knots for nostrils works well.

Finishing touches and tips

• Eyes: If using safety eyes, place them before closing the head and ensure washers are tight. For baby-safe toy, embroider eyes instead of using plastic eyes.
• To make the elephant sit better, flatten the bottom of the body slightly and sew a small running stitch across the underside to create a flatter base.
• To add personality: embroider toenails, a little cheek blush with fabric-safe paint or chalk, or a tiny crocheted blanket to drape across the back.
• Variation: Make a larger elephant by switching to a larger hook and more yarn; follow same increases but add extra rounds to body and head for scale.

Abbreviated stitch counts reference

Head end counts: rounds reduce from 30 -> 24 -> 18 -> 12. Body peak: up to 36 stitches at widest. Legs peak: 18 stitches.

Safety and care

• For toys for children under 3, avoid safety eyes and small attachments; embroider features and securely sew all parts.
• Surface-wash with mild detergent and air dry.

Contact and credits

Pattern created for PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. Support: team@verde.uk. Socials: #purljam.

If you need pattern clarification, supply lists, or a photo tutorial for any step, contact team@verde.uk with subject 'Elephant Pattern Help'.

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

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