Cuddly Koala Amigurumi

Simple Knitted Soft Toy – Beginner

A sweet, huggable koala worked entirely in stockinette stitch in the round. Perfect first toy project.

Finished Size

Approximately 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) tall when stuffed.

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn (approx. 100–110 yd / 90–100 m total)

• MC (Main Color – gray): 80 yd (73 m)
• CC (Contrasting Color – cream or light gray): 20 yd (18 m)
• Black scrap for nose/mouth (or use embroidery floss)

Sample used a smooth acrylic or wool-blend worsted for easy stuffing and stitching.

Needles

US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for Magic Loop
(or size needed to obtain tight gauge)

Notions

• Polyester fiberfill stuffing (approx. 2–3 oz / 55–85 g)
• 9 mm safety eyes (pair) or black embroidery floss
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: small amount of fluffy yarn or brush for ear texture

Gauge

22 sts and 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round
(about 5.5 sts per inch).
Tight, even fabric is more important than exact gauge so stuffing does not show. Use needles 1–2 sizes smaller than yarn label if needed.

Abbreviations (US)

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 st increased)
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• St st: stockinette stitch (knit every round)
• BO: bind off
• MC: main color
• CC: contrasting color

Notes

• Worked in the round; join carefully and mark beginning of round.
• Stuff each piece firmly as directed before closing.
• Safety eyes must be inserted before decreasing the head closed.
• All seaming uses mattress stitch for invisible joins.
• Weave ends securely to the inside.

HEAD

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker.

Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: knit.
Rnd 3: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: knit.
Rnd 5: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 6: knit.
Rnd 7: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. (30 sts)
Rnds 8–14: knit (7 rounds even).

Insert safety eyes now between Rnds 10 and 11, spaced about 6–7 sts apart, centered on face.

Rnd 15: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 16: knit.
Rnd 17: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
Stuff head firmly.
Rnd 18: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. (12 sts)
Rnd 19: k2tog around. (6 sts)

Break yarn, thread tail through remaining 6 sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave end inside.

MUZZLE

With CC, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnds 2–4: knit.
Rnd 5: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. (9 sts)

Stuff lightly. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull gently to flatten slightly into an oval, and secure. Leave long tail for sewing.

EARS (make 2)

With MC, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around. (16 sts)
Rnds 2–5: knit.
Rnd 6: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. (12 sts)
Rnd 7: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. (8 sts)

Do not stuff. Flatten ear and BO using a 3-needle bind-off or simply graft/seam the opening closed. Leave long tail for sewing.
Optional: with CC, embroider a small inner ear oval or lightly brush MC stitches for fluff.

BODY

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: knit.
Rnd 3: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: knit.
Rnd 5: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 6: knit.
Rnd 7: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. (30 sts)
Rnd 8: knit.
Rnd 9: *k4, kfb; repeat from * around. (36 sts)
Rnds 10–22: knit (13 rounds even).

Rnd 23: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. (30 sts)
Rnd 24: knit.
Rnd 25: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 26: knit.
Stuff body firmly.
Rnd 27: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 28: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. (12 sts)
Rnd 29: k2tog around. (6 sts)

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave end inside.

ARMS (make 2)

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnds 2–12: knit (11 rounds even).

Lightly stuff lower two-thirds of arm (leave top less full for easier seaming).
Rnd 13: k2tog around. (6 sts)

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. Leave long tail for sewing.

LEGS (make 2)

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnds 2–14: knit (13 rounds even).

Stuff firmly.
Rnd 15: k2tog around. (6 sts)

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. Leave long tail for sewing.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Muzzle: Center muzzle on lower half of face (below eyes). Sew in place with mattress stitch or whipstitch using the long CC tail. With black yarn or floss, embroider a large oval or inverted triangle nose in the center of the muzzle and a small straight or smiling mouth below it. Secure ends inside head.
2. Ears: Position ears on top sides of head (roughly above the eye line, angled slightly outward). Sew securely with mattress stitch along the base. Weave ends inside.
3. Head to Body: Pin head to the top (cast-on end) of body, centering the face forward. Mattress-stitch all around, adding a tiny bit more stuffing in the neck join if needed for a firm neck. Weave ends inside.
4. Legs: Attach legs to the base of the body so the koala can sit. Place them symmetrically at the lower front-sides, about 4–5 sts apart at the center front. Mattress-stitch firmly. Weave ends inside.
5. Arms: Attach arms to the sides of the body just below the head/neck join, angled slightly forward. Ensure they are level with each other. Mattress-stitch and weave ends inside.
6. Final: Check all seams are secure. Gently shape the koala by rolling between hands. Weave in any remaining ends to the inside. Optional: add a few loose CC stitches on the belly for a lighter tummy patch.

Your koala is ready for cuddles!
(Stitch counts validated throughout: head 6→12→18→24→30→24→18→12→6; body 6→12→18→24→30→36→30→24→18→12→6; limbs 6→12→6; muzzle 6→12→9.)