Grab your hooks and prepare to pounce because we’ve got something truly mane-tastic in store for you today! Get ready to stitch up some serious ferocious fun with our curated collection of crochet lion patterns. They’re all free patterns so you’re practically guaranteed to have a roaring good time!

Did you know that lions are the only cats that live in groups called prides? Talk about squad goals! We’ve rounded up a whole prideful of patterns that will make your heart roar with joy; from adorable amigurumi patterns to cozy pillows, delightful baby toys, and beyond. Whether you are a curious beginner looking for an easy pattern or this isn’t your first rodeo, every skill level crocheter is sure to find a great addition here for starting your own pride with these amazing lion crochet patterns.

Now, I’m sure you are thinking, how do you crochet the lion’s mane anyway? There are actually a few different ways to stitch up all those luscious lion locks and you are sure to learn a trick or two as you read through today’s article. Some patterns tie each yarn “hair” on, one at a time. This process is called rooting. Other finished lion designs crochet the mane using chain stitches, shell stitches, or loop stitches. 

So, are you ready to unleash your creativity and crochet your very own king or queen of the jungle? Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to the mane event already and check out these fantastic crochet lion patterns. Scroll down and prepare to be inspired!

Leo the Lion

Leo the lion distinguishes himself from the pack with his extra long legs and self maintaining sitting position. This style of amigurumi projects blends elements of realism and imagination for a combination that’s just pure fun. A special fluffy kind of yarn is used to make the lion’s fluffy mane and tail. You can make this plush toy using just single crochet stitches in the traditional amigurumi style.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Fun Fur Solid (Bulky Weight #5)
Lion Brand Wool Ease Solids, Heathers, Twists (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion Lovey Puppet

A lovey combines a stuffed animal with a security blanket to make an adorable toy that’s irresistible to babies. This design takes it one step further and makes the stuffed animal a puppet. You can use the lion puppet to enhance story time or encourage imaginative play. The pattern calls for just basic stitches: single, half double, and double crochet.

Designer: EKayG
Yarn: The Hook Nook Main Squeeze (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Laurence the Lion

Laurence the Lion looks like he gives great hugs. This generously sized stuffed animal design is just over one foot tall. It is instantly recognizable as a lion with that long muzzle, those rounded ears, and that full head of brightly colored hair! The pattern uses just single crochet stitches. Individual strands of yarn are knotted onto the head to make the mane. There are also options for making a crocheted mane instead with looped chain stitches or scalloped style with shell stitches.

Designer: Jess Huff
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Kindly Lion and Mouse

Do you remember that old story about the lion and the mouse? Now you can crochet the two characters from that story to use in your next retelling. Of course, you could also crochet this little lion just because he is so cute. You can tie on strands of yarn to create the mane or leave them off if you want to make a female lion instead.

Designer: Jen Hayes Creations
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Leon Lion Amigurumi

Leon looks like a wise old lion with his graying mane. His design has pointy ears like a cat and very large paws. The pattern uses mostly single crochet stitches along with a few puff stitches for the end of the tail. Leon was originally designed in DK weight yarn but you can select a thicker weight of yarn and a larger hook if you want to make a larger lion.

Designer: Craft Passion
Yarn: 4 Seasons Marvel 8 ply (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Little Bigfoot Lion

These adorable little lions can stand up on their own two feet. I love their full manes and I especially love their oversize ears. They kind of look like teddy bears playing dress up as lions and I’m obsessed. You can learn how to crochet one of these super cute lions for yourself by following along with the free video and written tutorials.

Designer: Amigurumi To Go
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Amigurumi Mini Lion

Here’s one of our crochet lion patterns that uses a method to make the mane that doesn’t involve cutting lots of little strands of yarn and tying lots of knots. The mane for this mini lion is crocheted directly onto the head of the doll using chains and slip stitches. This technique gives the mane a cute curly look and keeps the locks closer to the head.

Designer: Grace and Yarn
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion Bag

What treasures would you squirrel away in this adorable lion bag? The small size and convenient zipper closure makes it perfect for spare change or for stashing any cool rocks you find while you’re out and about. A sturdy strand of paracord is used to make the strap. The pattern is easy to make using just single crochet stitches. You’ll make the mane using surface single crochet stitches and chains.

Designer: Anniegurumi for Hobium Yarns
Yarn: La Mia Cottony (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion Teething Ring Rattle

Babies love to munch on wooden teething rings, especially if they are cutting a new tooth. Spoil the little lion cub in your life with this precious lion teething ring. As an added bonus, a little rattle inside the head will make its presence known every time the lion gets a little shake. The pattern calls for single crochet stitches along with double crochet shell stitches for the mane.

Designer: A Purpose and a Stitch
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion with Loopy Mane

Super bulky weight yarn makes the next one of our crochet lion patterns extra soft and snuggly. If you’ve ever wanted to pet a lion before, now is your chance! You can make this sweet lion friend using just single crochet stitches. The mane is worked directly onto the head of the lion using chains and single crochet stitches.

Designer: Derongan
Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion Hat

Maybe your little one wants to be a lion for Halloween or maybe they just want to pretend they are in the circus. Either way, we’ve got you covered with this super cute lion beanie. Of course, it’s also great for everyday wear so your little one can keep warm while also expressing their unique personal style. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Lovable Loops Crochet Designs
Yarn: by Nicole Studio Classic (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion Soup Bowl Cozy

Have you ever burned yourself taking a hot bowl out of the microwave? I know I have! Now we can solve that problem with this cute lion soup bowl cozy. It might also encourage your kids to like soup more if they are not a big soup fan. The pattern is worked double stranded using single and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Blackstone Designs
Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids & Denim (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lion Pillow

A lovely lion pillow is just the thing to add a pop of color to a kid’s bedroom or baby nursery. Heck, you could even make this for your room or the living room if you love to decorate in a maximalist or eclectic style. The pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches along with treble crochet shell stitches for the mane.

Designer: engurumist
Yarn: YarnArt Jeans (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Brave Lion Lovey

This cute little lion lovey is made in gold and maroon colors like the Gryffindor house colors from Harry Potter. The lion’s face is so serene and sweet with the closed eyelids and you don’t have to worry about the potential choking hazard of safety eyes. You can make this design using single and double crochet stitches along with loop stitches for the mane.

Designer: Nine Inspired
Yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Kon Lion

Some crochet lion patterns for amigurumi stand out from the rest with their big personalities. This big lion stuffed animal is here to impress with his signature spiked mane and open mouth expression. He even has individual toes on all of his legs. The pattern calls for just basic crochet stitches: single and half double crochet.

Designer: Ami Amour
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Cecil the Lion

Cecil the Lion has a very unique sense of style with his particular hair style and oversize blue bow tie. The bow tie is made using the tunisian crochet technique but everything else is easy peasy single crochet stitches. You could always substitute with a different bow tie pattern if you are unsure about tunisian crochet.

Designer: Elisa’s Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand ZZ Twist (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Crochet Lion Granny Square

Granny squares like this one are great for any number of things. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches along with picot stitches. It is 1 of 4 adorable safari crochet animals themed squares designed as part of a blanket, but that’s just one option for what to make with it. The only limit is your imagination when it comes to using granny squares in your crochet projects! 

Designer: Passionate Crafter
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Little Lion

Here we see one of our crochet lion patterns in its natural habitat, waist deep in some tall grass and waiting for a chance to surprise you with its cuteness! You can probably whip this little guy up in one sitting. The pattern uses only single crochet stitches. The mane is crocheted separately like a little crown and then sewn on.

Designer: The Nerdy Knitter
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Pacific® Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Ragdoll Lion

Sometimes beginner crocheters can have a hard time working in the round and that’s ok. You can skip out on frustrating slanting seams and missed stitch counts with a ragdoll style stuffed animal design. All the components of this pattern are worked flat in back and forth rows using single crochet stitches along with double crochet shell stitches for the mane.

Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet lion amigurumi pattern!
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Huggable Lion Pillow

This silly lion friend has arms like teapot handles and two pom poms in the place of a muzzle. He’s so weird and whimsical that you can’t not instantly fall in love when you see him. Make him as a gift and I’m sure that the recipient will agree! The pattern calls for just single and double crochet stitches. It works up quicker than you might think using super bulky weight yarn.

Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky Solids (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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C2C Lion

The corner to corner crochet technique is one of my favorite colorwork methods. You can build up an image one block at a time to create all sorts of things. This smiling lion square is 1 of 6 safari animal themed squares. You can put all 6 together to make a safari blanket or put 2 of these lion squares back to back to make a cute throw pillow instead.

Designer: Lovable Loops Crochet Designs
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lionel the Lion Brooch

Show off your lion spirit with a cute little lion brooch. This small project works up super fast so it’s great for little “just because” gifts for random pick me ups. The size of this design also makes it an ideal keychain with the addition of some keychain hardware. You can make one using single, half double, and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Spinach & Stitch
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free adorable amigurumi lion pattern!
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Cuddly Lion and Panda

This cute lion amigurumi comes complete with a design for a panda friend. These crochet toys must be best pals because they are sporting matching granny square jumpers. You can permanently attach the jumper to the stuffie to the finished product or there is a removable option as well. The pattern calls for UK double and treble crochet stitches (US single and double crochet stitches). 

Designer: Emma Varnam for Underground Crafter
Yarn: Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lionel the Lion

And the award for best bed head goes to Lionel the Lion! His messy mane is made with individual strands of yarn that have had their plys untwisted. The rest of Lionel is made simple using just single crochet stitches. He is one of the larger lion designs on our list today, measuring nearly 12 inches tall!

Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Circus Lion

The lion has become the lion tamer in this clever take on amigurumi crochet patterns. This cute little lion plushie comes complete with a red jacket with gold buttons just like the ringleader of a circus would wear. I especially love the facial features on this guy! The pattern calls for single and half double crochet stitches.

Designer: Elisa’s Crochet
Yarn: Baby Bee Sweet Divinity (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free lion crochet pattern!
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Final Thoughts on Crochet Lion Patterns

Let your crochet adventures run wild with these fantastic free crochet lion patterns that are as delightful to create as they are to cuddle. Most of these crochet lion patterns are small projects that use small amounts of yarn making them perfect for stash busting. Any of these would also make a perfect gift for a baby shower!

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I’ll see you next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Crocheting!