Looking for your next heartwarming crochet project? This adorable baby elephant amigurumi is sure to bring smiles with its gentle charm!
With its soft baby blue body, playful pink hat, and delicate ruffled accents in blue and yellow, this sweet little elephant makes a perfect handmade gift for any nursery or toy collection. The simple design features expressive black button eyes and a lovingly detailed trunk that gives it an irresistible personality.
Ready to make this cuddly companion? I've prepared a comprehensive, beginner-friendly pattern with step-by-step photos and clear instructions to guide you through each stage.
Let's pick up our hooks and create something special together!
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Pin this sweet elephant pattern now - you'll be amazed at how a ball of yarn can transform into such a lovable friend!
Details About Elephant
Your finished elephant will stand at a delightful size of 8.2 inches (21 cm) tall - perfect for cuddling and small enough to accompany little ones on their daily adventures!
The color palette I've chosen creates a soothing, nursery-friendly aesthetic that's bound to delight both makers and recipients. The gentle baby blue body serves as a beautiful canvas, complemented by crisp white details on the belly and hands inserts. A playful pink beanie adds that special touch of charm, while the delicate blue and yellow ruffled collar brings a wonderfully whimsical element to the design.
Of course, the beauty of making your own elephant friend lies in the creative freedom to choose colors that resonate with you. Consider a calming grey with white and dusty pink touches, a dreamy lavender with mint accents, or perhaps a classic ivory with hints of pale yellow and blue. Natural beige tones paired with earthy greens and browns can create a charming woodland feel.
Whatever palette you choose, your elephant will surely become a treasured handmade keepsake that brings joy to its future owner!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
For this charming elephant, I absolutely recommend using Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn - it creates the most delightfully soft and cuddly finish that's perfect for amigurumi toys! The yarn has just the right balance of stitch definition and squishiness, while its gentle sheen adds a lovely touch to the finished piece.
For your color selection, you'll need Loopara milk cotton in baby blue as your main color. The contrasting details call for white (for the belly and hands), pink (for that adorable beanie), and small amounts of blue and yellow for the playful ruffles. What makes this yarn especially wonderful is how it maintains its shape while being incredibly soft to touch - perfect for a toy that's meant to be loved and cuddled!
I use a 3.0mm crochet hook throughout this project, which pairs perfectly with the 5 ply cotton yarn. This combination creates tight, neat stitches that give your amigurumi a professional finish while ensuring no stuffing shows through. The resulting fabric is firm yet huggable - exactly what we want for this sweet elephant friend.
Materials needed for Elephant
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Pink 22, Yellow 28, Blue 38, Blue 41, Blue 46, and White 60)
- Hook – 3.0mm
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker
- Saliva Pliers
- Tweezers
- Positioning Beads
- Yarn Needle
- Fiber Fill
- Eyeball
- Molding Strip
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- inc - increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 stitches together
- sl - slip stitch
- dc - double crochet
- Magic ring - adjustable ring to start working in rounds
- rep - repeat
How to Crochet Elephant – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Head
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 4: Chain 1, (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 5: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 6: Chain 1, (4 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 7: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 8: Chain 1, (6 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 9: Chain 1, (7 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 10-11: Chain 1, 54 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 12: Chain 1, (8 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 13-16: Chain 1, 60 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 17: Chain 1, (9 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 18: Chain 1, (10 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 19-21: Chain 1, 72 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 22: Chain 1, (10 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 23: Chain 1, (9 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 24: Chain 1, (8 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 25: Chain 1, (7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 26: Chain 1, (6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 27: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 28: Chain 1, (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 29: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Fasten off tightly, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: Pull slip stitch tightly when working in rounds to ensure neat, firm stitches and crisp details in your finished piece. Use stitch markers to track the beginning of each round - this helps you stay organized, especially when working the head which has many rounds.
How to Crochet the Ears (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join
Round 3: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 4: Chain 1, (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 5: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 6: Chain 1, (4 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 7: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 8-11: Chain 1, 42 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 12: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 13: Chain 1, (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 14: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: The ears need to be symmetrical, so make sure to use the same tension when making both pieces. You might want to make them one right after the other to maintain consistency.
How to Crochet the Hands (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join
Rounds 3-5: Chain 1, 12 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Change color:
Rounds 6-13: Chain 1, 12 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Fasten off, stuff lightly, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: For the color change part of the crochet, change the color on the unfinished stitch at the end of the previous round, the details are better and the transition is more natural. Make both hands at the same time to ensure consistent sizing.
How to Crochet the Belly
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join
Round 3: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 4: Chain 1, (single crochet increase, 2 single crochet) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 5: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: Sew with small, tight stitches to ensure it stays secure. The finished belly should be slightly curved, not completely flat, to give a natural look.
How to Crochet the Legs and Body
Start with white yarn:
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join
Round 3: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 4-5: Chain 1, 18 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Change color:
Rounds 6-8: Chain 1, 18 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Fasten off for the first leg. Make the second leg but don't fasten off.
Join legs:
Round 9: Join legs with chain 3, 18 single crochet (leg 1), 3 single crochet in chain space, 18 single crochet (leg 2), 3 single crochet in chain space, slip stitch to join
Round 10: Chain 1, (6 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 11: Chain 1, (7 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 12-17: Chain 1, 54 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 18: Chain 1, (7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 19: Chain 1, 48 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 20: Chain 1, (6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 21: Chain 1, 42 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 22: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 23: Chain 1, 36 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 24: Chain 1, (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 25: Chain 1, 30 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 26: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Round 27: Chain 1, 24 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Fasten off, stuff with fiberfill.
Tips: When joining the legs, make sure the chain-3 space is not too loose. Keep the color change point at the same position on both legs for symmetry.
How to Crochet the Nose
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join
Rounds 3-5: Chain 1, 12 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 6: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 7-16: Chain 1, 12 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: The nose should be slightly curved - not straight. Use pins to test different positions before sewing. Make your stitches extra tight to prevent stuffing from showing.
How to Crochet the Scarf
Round 1: Chain 28 (try around the neck, should have about 3 chain extra length)
Round 2: Work 3 double crochet in each stitch from third chain from hook to end
Round 3: Chain 3, turn, double crochet in each stitch to end
Round 4: Change color, chain 2, (slip stitch, chain 2) repeat to end, slip stitch to join
Round 5: Fasten off, weave in ends
Tips: Choose contrasting colors for a playful look. Test the scarf length on the elephant before adding the final round.
How to Crochet the Hat
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase around, slip stitch to join
Round 3: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 4-5: Chain 1, 18 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 6: Chain 1, (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join
Rounds 7-10: Chain 1, 24 single crochet around, slip stitch to join
Round 11: Chain 3, 24 double crochet around, slip stitch to join
Fasten off.
Tips: Make sure the hat is slightly smaller than the head for a snug fit. The brim should have a slight curve when worn.
How to Crochet the Yellow Pom Pom (Hat Decoration)
Rounds 1-2: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join
Round 3: Chain 1, work 3 single crochet 2 together, stuff lightly with fiberfill, sew to close
Tips: Stuff very lightly - just enough to hold its shape.
How to Crochet the Ahoge (Hair Strand)
Chain 5, work 4 slip stitch in second chain from hook, repeat 5 times
Tips: Keep your tension loose for a natural curl. Each repeat should be roughly the same size.
Crochet Elephant Assemble
The main body parts weigh approximately 65.3 grams. Let's begin assembly.
How to Assemble the Head Part:
Step 1. Fill the head with fiberfill, making sure to stuff firmly for a full shape.
Step 2. For the nose area, insert the molding strip for shaping, then add a small amount of fiberfill.
Step 3. Use positioning beads to mark ear positions, ensuring they are symmetrical on both sides.
Step 4. Add the molding strip support to the ears.
Step 5. Locate the correct position for the nose and sew it in place.
Step 6. After securing the nose, weave the yarn end through the head area several times to hide it.
Step 7. Begin attaching the ears. Secure the first stitch, then match the corresponding stitches as you sew.
Step 8. Complete sewing the first ear, then repeat the same method for the opposite ear.
Step 9. The head assembly is now complete.
Tips: Ear assembly and stitching needs to be symmetrical and consistent on both sides. When stitching the nose, insert a small amount of fiberfill, and position it at the center of the face.
How to Assemble the Body Part:
Step 1. Begin work on the body by stuffing it with fiberfill, ensuring a firm, full shape.
Step 2. Add a small amount of fiberfill to the arms - don't overstuff them.
Step 3. Use positioning beads to mark the positions for both arms.
Step 4. Begin attaching the arms. Flatten each arm and sew through the outer half stitches.
Step 5. Align with the body and sew to secure in position.
Step 6. Tie off the yarn and trim excess.
Step 7. Attach the belly piece, position it correctly, and sew directly in place.
Step 8. After completing the belly, begin joining the head and body.
Step 9. Use positioning beads to align the head and body positions, then sew together.
Step 10. Weave the yarn through surrounding stitches to hide it, being careful not to pull too tight to avoid distortion.
Step 11. The body assembly is now complete.
Tips: When connecting and stitching the head to the body, align with the center line to avoid crooked stitching. For head attachment, you can first secure a few stitches on the left and right sides to position the head correctly, then complete the remaining stitches.
How to Assemble the Widget Part:
Step 1. Determine the position for the hair strand and sew it securely in place.
Step 2. Apply a small amount of glue to secure the yellow ball, then begin sewing the hat.
Step 3. Use positioning beads to mark the hat placement, then secure it with sewing.
Step 4. Use positioning beads to mark the eye placement, then begin sewing to create the eye socket shape.
Step 5. Install and secure the eyes, then sew the eyebrows and nose details.
Step 6. Attach the scarf, secure it in place, then trim any excess.
Step 7. Finally, add blush and your project is complete!
Tips: The pink blush on the cheeks should be applied very lightly - less is more for a soft, natural look. When attaching the hat, make sure it sits at a slight angle for a playful look, but secure it firmly so it won't shift.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
To keep your adorable elephant friend looking its best, give it a gentle brush every now and then with a soft-bristled brush. This helps prevent dust buildup and keeps the yarn fluffy! If you notice any loose threads, don't pull them - carefully trim them with scissors. And remember to handle those cute little details like the hat and scarf with care so they stay firmly attached.
Washing Methods
When your elephant needs a bath, here's the best way to do it: First, pop it in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect those delicate details. Use cold water and mild detergent for hand washing - no machine wash, as it can be too rough on the stitches. Gently squeeze (don't wring!) to clean, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Pat with a towel to remove excess water, then reshape while damp. Air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent any color fading or yarn damage.
Storage Suggestions
Want to keep your elephant looking fresh? Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. If possible, keep it in a cloth bag or box to protect from dust - just make sure the container has some airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid storing in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and potentially lead to mildew. And here's a sweet tip: place a small lavender sachet nearby (not touching) to keep things fresh and deter any unwanted critters!
What’s Next?
Ready to create something adorable? Share this elephant amigurumi guide with your crafty friends! Whether they're on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter - spread the joy of handmade treasures and help others discover the fun of crochet. Your friends might just find their next creative project! Tag us in your finished pieces - we'd love to see your unique take on this cuddly elephant.
