This Free Crochet Puppy Pattern makes a chubby little amigurumi puppy with a round head, soft floppy ears, a cream muzzle with a black nose, a stubby tail, and short legs. The head and body are worked in one piece, so there is very little sewing. It uses only basic stitches, so it is a lovely first dog for beginners. Give it as a gift, set it on a desk, or make a whole litter in different colors.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, with basic shaping, embroidery, and sewing.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The head and body are worked in one piece in continuous rounds. The muzzle, ears, legs, and tail are worked separately and sewn on. The nose and mouth are embroidered.
Estimated size: About 11 cm (4.25 in) tall, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and feature placement to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in tan, approximately 30 g, for the head, body, legs, and tail.
- Brown yarn, approximately 8 g, for the ears.
- Cream yarn, approximately 5 g, for the muzzle.
- Black yarn or embroidery thread for the nose and mouth, and pink thread for the cheeks.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Two 8 mm black safety eyes, or black thread for embroidered eyes.
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
Use embroidered eyes if the puppy is for a baby or young child.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly but evenly, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. Count your stitches at the end of every round. It is the best habit a beginner can build.
Pin the eyes and muzzle in place before you commit. A slightly low, wide-set face gives the puppy a sweet, playful look.
Head and Body (tan)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 7–12: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 6 rounds]
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, with about 9 stitches between them. Fit the backs securely. Pin the muzzle at the center front on Rounds 9–11, between and just below the eyes.
Round 13: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 14: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
This is the neck. Stuff the head firmly now.
Round 15: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 16: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 17–21: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 5 rounds]
Round 22: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 23: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Stuff the body firmly, adding small pieces.
Round 24: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Round 25: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Round 26: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off, thread the tail through the remaining front loops, draw closed, and hide the end. Flatten the bottom slightly so the puppy sits.
Muzzle (cream)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: Sc around. [18]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly and sew to the pinned position. With black yarn, embroider a small oval nose at the top of the muzzle, then a short vertical line down and two small curves for the mouth.
Ears (make 2, brown)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Round 3: (2 sc, inc) × 3. [12]
Rounds 4–6: Sc around. [12 per round; 3 rounds]
Round 7: (2 sc, dec) × 3. [9]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten and sew the open end to the sides of the head at Rounds 4–6, so the ears hang down.
Legs (make 4, tan)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Rounds 3–6: Sc around. [9 per round; 4 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly, leaving the top unfilled for sewing. Sew the front legs close together at the front of the body and the back legs toward the rear.
Tail (tan)
Round 1: 5 sc in MR. [5]
Rounds 2–5: Sc around. [5 per round; 4 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff very lightly and sew to the center back, angled upward.
Assembly and Face
- Muzzle: Sew the muzzle firmly to the face with small stitches around the edge.
- Ears: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, so they hang down. Place one a little higher for a playful look.
- Legs: Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, spaced evenly, all at the same height.
- Tail: Sew the tail to the center back near the bottom.
- Cheeks: With pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches below and outside each eye.
- Shape: Roll the body gently between your palms to smooth lumps.
Hide every tail and give each ear, leg, and the tail a gentle tug to check it holds.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
My stitch count is off. Count at the end of every round. If you are one stitch off, undo the round and redo it.
The head flops. Stuff the head firmly and sew a few extra stitches where the neck meets the body, since both are one piece.
The puppy will not sit up. Flatten the bottom and make sure all four legs are the same length and sewn at the same height.
The ears stick out. Sew them on with more stitches along the base, and angle them downward.
The eyes look uneven. Pin the eyes before inserting them, and check the face from the front and from above before fastening the backs.
FAQ
What yarn should a beginner use? Smooth, light-colored cotton or acrylic in DK weight. Dark yarn hides the stitches and is harder to read.
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a puppy about twice the size, and add 2 extra plain rounds to the head and body.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make two small black satin-stitch ovals between Rounds 8 and 9, with 9 stitches between them, and add a tiny white highlight stitch.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try black, cream, or caramel, add brown patches, or use spotted ears for a Dalmatian.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Amigurumi for Beginners (Cat)
- Teddy Bear Amigurumi Pattern
- Easy Crochet Bunny Pattern
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Pin this Free Crochet Puppy Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next first project. Happy crocheting!
