Meet Gerald, the gentle giant of my amigurumi collection! Standing tall with his adorably long neck, expressive googly eyes, and sweet spots, this crochet giraffe is impossible not to fall in love with. I've designed him to be extra huggable with his soft mustard yellow body and blush pink accents.
In this detailed pattern, I'll guide you through creating your own long-necked friend, complete with step-by-step photos and clear instructions. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or just starting with amigurumi, you'll find this pattern enjoyable to follow.
Ready to make this charming giraffe? Let's get started!
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Pin this adorable giraffe pattern to bring a gentle giant into your amigurumi family!
Details About the Giraffe
When standing tall, your giraffe friend will reach approximately 20 inches (50 cm) in height, making it the perfect size for cuddling or displaying on a shelf. Those adorably long legs and neck give it that characteristic giraffe elegance that'll make anyone smile!
For this design, I've chosen a warm mustard yellow as the main color, with soft blush pink for the hooves and accents, and white for the spots. This combination creates a modern, playful twist on the traditional giraffe pattern. You can go classic with beige and brown for a traditional look, create a sweet pastel version with light yellow and white, or even try a bold approach with orange and cream accents.
The best part about this design? The neck and legs are reinforced with wire, making them poseable - you can create different poses and expressions for your giraffe friend! Whether you want your giraffe to stand tall and proud or give it a gentle, graceful neck curve, the possibilities are endless. Trust me, once you see how the wire support brings this cutie to life, you'll be amazed at all the personality you can give your creation.
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let me tell you about the perfect yarn choices for your giraffe friend!
For this project, I absolutely love using Loopara 4 ply milk cotton yarn - it's perfect for creating those clean, crisp details that make your giraffe really come to life. For our giraffe's main color, we'll need Loopara's warm mustard yellow. You'll also want to grab some white for the spots and blush pink for the hooves. The yarn's matte finish gives such a lovely, sophisticated look to your finished piece.
I recommend using a 2.3mm crochet hook for this project. This smaller hook size is ideal because it creates tight, neat stitches that keep your stuffing from peeking through. It also gives you excellent stitch definition, which is especially important for those intricate facial features and the giraffe's characteristic spots.
What I particularly love about working with milk cotton for amigurumi is how it combines the best of both worlds - it's sturdy enough to hold its shape beautifully, yet soft enough to create a huggable friend. The yarn also shows stitch texture wonderfully, which makes those dimensional details in the face and spots really pop. Plus, the slight sheen of the yarn catches the light just right, giving your giraffe a subtle, sophisticated glow.
Materials needed for the Giraffe
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (White 01, Yellow 47 and Pink 52)
- Hook – 2.3mm
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker
- Tweezers
- Yarn Needle
- Fiber Fill
- Eyes
- Molding strips
- Position beads
- Glue stick
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- magic ring
- ch - chain stitch
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 together
- inc - increase
- BLO - back loops only
How to Crochet Giraffe – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Head (Make 1)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, single crochet 6 in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochets, single crochet increase, 2 single crochets) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, repeat (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, 44 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, 9 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 13 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 46 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 14 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, 48 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, 11 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 15 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 15-17: Chain 1, 50 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 18: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, repeat (single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet) 6 times, 14 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 19: Chain 1, 44 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 20: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, repeat (single crochet 2 together, single crochet) 6 times, 14 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 21: Chain 1, 38 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 22: Chain 1, 17 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 17 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 23: Chain 1, 16 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 10 single crochet, 3 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 24: Chain 1, 3 single crochet 2 together, 9 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join. Add wire and start stuffing with fiberfill.
Round 25: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 9 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 26: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 27: Chain 1, 7 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 28: Chain 1, 6 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 29: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 5 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 30: Chain 1, 4 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 4 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Tips: When inserting the wire support at round 24, ensure it's centered and secure. Pay special attention to the increases in rounds 8-14 as they create the widest part of the head where the eyes will be placed.
How to Crochet the Neck (Make 1)
Rounds 31-43: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 44: Chain 1, single crochet, single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, 3 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 45-55: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 56: Chain 1, 3 single crochet, single crochet increase, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 57-73: Chain 1, 14 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 74: Chain 1, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 75-80: Chain 1, 16 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 81: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 82: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 83: Chain 1, repeat (4 single crochet, single crochet increase) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 84: Chain 1, 24 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 85: Chain 1, repeat (5 single crochet, single crochet increase) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 86: Chain 1, 28 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 87: Chain 1, repeat (6 single crochet, single crochet increase) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Body (Make 1)
Round 88: Chain 1, 15 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 16 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 89: Chain 1, 16 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 17 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 90: Chain 1, 17 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 18 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 91: Chain 1, 18 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 19 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 92: Chain 1, 19 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 20 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 93: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 21 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 94: Chain 1, 21 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 22 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 95: Chain 1, 22 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 23 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 96: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 10 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 6 single crochet, single crochet increase, 10 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 97: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 11 single crochet, single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 8 single crochet, single crochet increase, 11 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 98: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 13 single crochet, single crochet increase, 9 single crochet, single crochet increase, 9 single crochet, single crochet increase, 13 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 99: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 15 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 15 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 100: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 17 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 17 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 101: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 19 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 19 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 102: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 21 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 21 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 103: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 23 single crochet, single crochet increase, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 23 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 104-108: Chain 1, 85 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 109: Chain 1, 3 single crochet, skip 10 stitches (opening for left front leg), 58 single crochet, skip 10 stitches (opening for right front leg), 4 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 110: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 10 single crochet, chain 10, skip 18 stitches (opening for left back leg), single crochet, chain 10, skip 18 stitches (opening for right back leg), 9 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 111: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, 10 single crochet (worked in previous chain-10), skip, 10 single crochet (worked in previous chain-10), 3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 112: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 4 times, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 2 times, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 113: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 8 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 114: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 8 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 115: Chain 1, 8 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join, fasten off and close opening.
Tips: When creating leg openings, mark your positions first to ensure symmetry. Stuff the body firmly as you go, especially before creating leg openings. The decreases in the final rounds should create a natural taper. Pay special attention to tension around leg openings to ensure they're sturdy enough for attaching legs later.
How to Crochet the Front Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, 2 single crochet in next stitch, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 2-20: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 21: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 22: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 23-24: Chain 1, 24 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 25: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 26: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 27-50: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join. Fasten off at round 50.
How to Crochet the Back Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Chain 1, 32 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 2-6: Chain 1, 32 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 18 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, 16 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, 14 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, 5 single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, 11 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 16-49: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join. Fasten off at round 49.
Tips: The back legs start wider than the front legs to create the characteristic giraffe shape.
How to Crochet the Hooves (Make 4)
Rounds 1-2: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, repeat (4 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 7-11: Chain 1, 36 single crochet, slip stitch to join. Shape with wire, stuff with fiberfill as you go.
Round 12: Chain 1, repeat (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 16: Chain 1, 6 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join. Fasten off, close opening, weave in ends.
How to Crochet the Nostrils (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, 6 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 24 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 7-8: Chain 1, 30 single crochet, slip stitch to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
How to Crochet the Nose (Make 1)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, 6 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 7-10: Chain 1, 36 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 16 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, 9 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 13 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 4 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 11 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, 7 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 9 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, 6 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 16: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 5 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 17-20: Chain 1, 14 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 21: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, chain 27 (for first nostril), single crochet, 5 single crochet, chain 27 (for second nostril), single crochet, 7 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 22: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, 27 single crochet, 6 single crochet, 27 single crochet, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 23: Chain 1, 29 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 34 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 24: Chain 1, 28 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 33 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 25: Chain 1, repeat (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, 6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, repeat (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 26: Chain 1, repeat (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, 5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, repeat (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 27: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, 4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 28: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 4 times, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, 3 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 29: Chain 1, 28 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 30: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 9 times, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 31: Chain 1, 19 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 32: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 33: Chain 1, 6 single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join. Fasten off, close opening, sew nostrils matching stitches. Remember to stuff with fiberfill as you go.
Tips: The nose requires careful attention to shaping for that distinctive giraffe profile. Keep your tension consistent throughout. When creating nostril openings, mark your positions carefully for symmetry. Stuff progressively as you go - firmer at the base, lighter towards the tip. The decreases should create a natural, gradual taper. Take extra care when attaching the nostrils to ensure they're evenly placed.
How to Crochet the Chin (Make 1)
Round 1: Chain 6, single crochet in second chain from hook, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, 14 single crochet, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 7 single crochet, single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 17 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, single crochet increase, 7 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, 19 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, single crochet increase, 9 single crochet, single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 9-11: Chain 1, 21 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, fold piece in half, 10 single crochet through both layers, stuff lightly, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Teeth
Round 1: Chain 6, single crochet in second chain from hook, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 2-5: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, 3 single crochet 2 together, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
Tips: The teeth should be worked with slightly tighter tension than the rest of the pieces to create firm, defined shapes.
How to Crochet the Antlers (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, 5 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 4-6: Chain 1, 15 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 8-11: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, slip stitch to join. Fasten off at round 11, leaving long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Eyes (Make 2)
Round 1: Chain 10, 8 single crochet in second chain from hook, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 8 single crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 9 single crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 11 single crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 11 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 14 single crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 13 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 15 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 6-8: Chain 1, 38 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, 13 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 21 single crochet, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
Round 10: Join white yarn, working in back loops only, chain 1, 36 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 11-12: Chain 1, 36 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet) 6 times, slip stitch to join. Stuff with fiberfill.
Round 16: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 17: Chain 1, 6 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join. Fasten off, close opening.
How to Crochet the Inner Ears (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, 6 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase, 2 single crochet) 2 times, chain 11, 10 single crochet in second chain from hook, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 7 single crochet, single crochet increase, repeat (9 single crochet, single crochet increase) 2 times, 15 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, 19 single crochet, single crochet increase, 26 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, single crochet increase, 26 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 27 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, 21 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 28 single crochet, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
Tips: The inner ear creates the foundation for the ear's shape. Work with even tension throughout. This piece will be combined with the outer ear later, so accuracy in stitch counts is important.
How to Crochet the Outer Ears (Make 2)
Rounds 1-9: Work exactly the same as inner ear.
Round 10: Chain 1, 52 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 22 single crochet, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet), 29 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Align inner and outer ear layers together, chain 1, single crochet through both layers all the way around, slip stitch to join, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
Tips: The outer ear needs to match the inner ear exactly for the first 9 rounds. When joining the layers, make sure they're perfectly aligned before starting to crochet through both. Keep your joining stitches even and not too tight - this helps the ear maintain a natural curve.
How to Crochet the Small Spots (Make 4)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, 5 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
How to Crochet the Medium Spots (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, 5 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
How to Crochet the Large Spots (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, 5 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet) 5 times, slip stitch to join, fasten off.
How to Crochet the Mane and Tail (Make 1)
Insert hook between rows at the top of the head, work single crochet along the back of the neck and back to the tail, chain 21, then single crochet in 2nd chain from the hook back to the top of the head, fasten off and weave in ends.
Crochet Giraffe Assemble
Step 1: Begin with the eye sockets by using white yarn for both eyes to ensure symmetry. First place positioning pins to mark the locations, then thread your needle from back to front through the pin holes, leaving a tail. Pass through the pin holes sequentially, then pull thread ends tight at the back to create the socket shape. Tie several knots at the back and weave into the eye backing. Finally, glue the eyes into the created sockets.
Step 2: Next, attach the antlers on the head top on either side of the mane. Make sure to leave one row of stitches between the antlers and mane. Work with a whip stitch through both antler and head stitches, continuously adjusting the position while sewing. Once complete, bring threads to the back of the head, tie several knots and weave them into the head.
Step 3: Move on to attaching the ears on both sides of the head, placing them below the antlers and close to them. The ears and antlers should form a straight line when properly aligned. Complete this step by knotting at the back of the head and weaving in all ends.
Step 4: Position and attach the nose in the center of the face, securing it firmly with careful stitches.
Step 5: Add the chin by positioning it below the nose in the center of the face, sewing it securely in place.
Step 6: Work on attaching the teeth by placing them between the nose and chin, securing them firmly with stitches.
Step 7: Add the eyes by positioning them above the nose in the center, with their narrow ends pointing upward. Take care to ensure symmetrical placement. Complete the attachment by bringing threads to the back of the head, tying several knots and weaving them into the head for a secure finish.
Step 8: Finally, distribute the spots across the body by placing them face-up in a random but balanced pattern. Secure each spot firmly in its position.
Tips: Take time to position each piece precisely before sewing - symmetry is crucial for the giraffe's charm. When attaching limbs, stuff them firmly but leave room for posing. Insert wire supports into legs and neck before final assembly, leaving extra length for stability.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Your handmade giraffe friend deserves gentle handling to stay looking its best! Keep it dust-free with occasional light brushing using a soft-bristled brush. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Remember to periodically reposition the neck and legs to maintain their shape and prevent permanent bending.
Washing Methods
If your giraffe needs cleaning, spot clean with a damp cloth first. For deeper cleaning, hand wash gently in cool water using mild soap.
Never machine wash or tumble dry as this could damage the wire supports and stitching. After washing, reshape the giraffe while damp and let it air dry flat away from direct heat or sunlight.
Storage Suggestions
Store your giraffe in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a breathable storage bag or box to protect from dust while allowing air circulation. If storing for longer periods, gently stuff the neck and legs with tissue paper to help maintain their shape. Avoid placing heavy items on top that could deform your giraffe.
What's Next?
Fallen in love with this long-necked charmer? Share your creation journey with fellow crocheters! Pin on Pinterest, snap a pic for Instagram, or spread the joy on Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to tag me when you make your own gentle giant!
