purlJam

# Crochet Elephant Amigurumi

A sweet beginner-friendly elephant toy worked in simple shapes and assembled. Perfect for learning basic amigurumi techniques!

**Designed by:** Pattern Designer  
**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 5-6" tall when seated

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in gray, approximately 100 yards
- Small amount of pink or white for inner ears (optional)

**Suggested Yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn

**Hook & Notions:**
- US F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Pair of 9mm safety eyes
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Pink embroidery floss or yarn for mouth (optional)

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project. Approximate gauge: 5 sc and 5 rows = 1" in single crochet.

**Important:** Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through. Your hook should be 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended on the yarn label.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form a loop, insert hook through loop, yarn over and pull up a loop, ch 1, work stitches into ring, pull tail to close ring.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook into front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates a smoother decrease than standard sc2tog.

**Continuous Rounds:** Do not join or turn at the end of rounds. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results
- All pieces are worked separately, then sewn together
- For a larger elephant, use bulky yarn and larger hook

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnds 5-10:** sc around [24]  
*6 rounds even*

**Insert safety eyes between rounds 8 and 9, approximately 6 stitches apart.**

**Rnd 11:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing head firmly.**

**Rnd 12:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 13:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely.

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### BODY

**Rnd 1:** Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 ch, 3 sc in last ch; working along opposite side of foundation chain, sc in next 3 ch, 2 sc in same st as first sc [12]  
*Math check: 1 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 2:** inc, 3 sc, inc 3 times, 3 sc, inc 2 times [18]  
*Math check: 12 + 6 increases = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** sc, inc, 3 sc, (sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (sc, inc) 2 times [24]  
*Math check: 18 + 6 increases = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** 2 sc, inc, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) 2 times [30]  
*Math check: 24 + 6 increases = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 5-12:** sc around [30]  
*8 rounds even*

**Rnd 13:** 2 sc, dec, 3 sc, (2 sc, dec) 3 times, 3 sc, (2 sc, dec) 2 times [24]  
*Math check: 30 - 6 decreases = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly.**

**Rnd 15:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 16:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining stitches and pull tight to close hole.

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### TRUNK

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 3-4:** sc around [12]  
*2 rounds even*

**Rnd 5:** (2 sc, dec) around [9]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats, 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnds 6-7:** sc around [9]  
*2 rounds even*

**Rnd 8:** (sc, dec) around [6]  
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats, 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

**Rnds 9-10:** sc around [6]  
*2 rounds even*

Stuff trunk lightly (not too firm or it won't curve naturally). Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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### LEGS (make 4)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 3-8:** sc around [12]  
*6 rounds even*

Stuff leg firmly. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing on first two legs. On last two legs, leave extra-long tail for secure attachment.

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### EARS (make 2)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** sc around [18]

**Rnd 5:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten ear into an oval shape.

**Optional inner ear:** With pink or white yarn, make a flat oval by working Rnds 1-3 only. Fasten off and sew to center of gray ear before attaching to head.

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### TAIL

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnds 2-5:** sc around [4]  
*4 rounds even*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff (tail should be thin and floppy).

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Attach Head to Body**
- Position head centered on top of body
- Pin in place with sewing pins
- Using yarn needle and long tail from body, whip stitch head to body all the way around
- Weave in ends securely

**Step 2: Attach Trunk to Head**
- Position trunk centered on front of head, slightly below eye level
- The opening of the trunk should align with the head
- Sew trunk to head using whip stitch around the opening
- You can shape the trunk to curve downward slightly as you sew

**Step 3: Attach Ears to Head**
- Position ears on sides of head, approximately at rounds 6-10 of head
- Ears should be placed slightly toward the back, not directly on the sides
- Flatten ear and sew the bottom edge to the head using whip stitch
- The top of the ear should flop forward naturally
- Make sure ears are symmetrical

**Step 4: Attach Legs**
- Position 4 legs evenly around bottom of body
- Front legs should be at the front curve of the oval body
- Back legs should be at the back curve
- Space them evenly for stability
- Sew each leg securely using whip stitch all the way around the opening
- Elephant should be able to sit on its own

**Step 5: Attach Tail**
- Position tail at center back of body, near bottom
- Sew securely around the opening

**Step 6: Embroider Details (optional)**
- With pink embroidery floss or yarn, add small smile below trunk
- You can add small curved lines above eyes for eyelashes
- Add small highlight stitches to eyes with white yarn if desired

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends securely. Shape the elephant as desired - you can position the trunk to curve down, and adjust the ears to flop forward. If the elephant doesn't sit evenly, adjust the leg positions slightly.

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## VARIATIONS

**Larger Elephant:** Use bulky weight yarn and US H-8 (5mm) hook. Add 1-2 additional increase rounds to head and body.

**Smaller Elephant/Keychain:** Use DK or sport weight yarn with smaller hook. Stop increases at 18 sts for head and 24 sts for body. Attach keychain finding to top of head.

**Colorful Elephant:** Make in any color! Pink, blue, purple, or multi-colored yarn all make adorable elephants.

**Baby Elephant:** Follow pattern as written but make ears slightly smaller (stop at Rnd 4 instead of Rnd 5).

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Not suitable for children under 3 years old due to small parts (safety eyes).

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches:** Work more tightly or use a smaller hook.

**Elephant won't sit up:** Legs may not be positioned correctly. Make sure they're evenly spaced and sewn securely. Front and back legs should be spread wide enough for balance.

**Trunk is too stiff:** Don't stuff as firmly. Trunk should be flexible.

**Holes at decreases:** Make sure you're using invisible decrease method. Pull yarn snug after each decrease.

**Pieces are different sizes:** Check your tension. Make sure you're counting stitches accurately at the end of each round.

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Enjoy your adorable elephant friend! This makes a wonderful gift or nursery decoration.