A handmade stuffed animal is pure comfort and joy. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of making or receiving an adorable stuffed animal. I love to make them for baby showers, birthdays and holidays. Rest assured, a knit stuffed animal can be enjoyed and appreciated by kids and adults alike!
So, how do you knit a stuffed animal? If you’ve never knit a stuffed animal before, you might be a little anxious. I know they look tricky, and some certainly can be challenging, but there are also plenty of beginner-friendly free knit stuffed animal patterns. This handy little list has a good mix that both beginners and more experienced knitters will enjoy.
There are free knit stuffed animals patterns for more traditional animals like bears, dinosaurs and dogs. We also have free knit stuffed animal patterns for animals like flamingos, hedgehogs, and turtles. There’s a little something for everyone in this post! Scroll down and see all the free knit stuffed animal patterns for yourself!
___________________
Featured Knit Stuffed Animal Pattern
Easy Knit Polar Bear
This sweet little bear is knit flat on straight needles. Super easy and knit in garter stitch with Red Heart Hygge Fur yarn!
Designer: Amanda Saladin from Love.Life.Yarn
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
______________________
Before we begin… let’s get Social!
I would love for you to come follow me on
Instagram (get sneak peeks of what’s coming up!)
My Facebook Page (come join the fun!)
Follow me on Pinterest (I pin tons of free patterns to my boards!)
Join my Facebook group (lots of awesome crochet talk there – knitters welcome, too!)
Also, you can find me on Ravelry or join more than 17K subscribers on YouTube.
______________________
25 Snuggleable Stuffed Animals to Knit
1. Little Mishka
For an extra soft and snuggly teddy bear, choose faux fur yarn. They can be a little trickier to work with, but the final result is totally worth it! This free knit stuffed animal pattern is worked mostly in the round, using only knit stitches.
Designer: Emily Kintigh for Knit Picks
Yarn: Knit Picks Fable Fur (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
2. Tiny Chickens
These chickens are so small that they can balance on an egg. Or how about putting one inside an egg for a sweet Easter surprise? You can make these teeny tiny knit chickens in no time and with very little yarn. Hello scraps basket!
Designer: Mochimochi Land Website
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
3. Hedgehogs
My least favorite part about free knit stuffed animal patterns is joining all the pieces. Let’s just say my makes tend to look a bit more Picasso than pretty. That’s why this one piece, no-sew hedgehog design is pure genius!
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Eco Cloud (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
4. Dinosaur Jr.
Dinosaurs don’t have to be green! I love free knit stuffed animal patterns that use unexpected colors. This adorable dinosaur can be made in any color combination you can think up! This design is worked in the round.
Designer: Katie Boyette
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
5. Magic Loop Teddy
Have you tried the magic loop technique yet? If the idea of working with double-pointed needles makes you break out in hives then you should definitely give this adorable teddy bear a try. This design is worked all in one piece with minimal seaming. There’s even a video tutorial!
Designer: Simply Notable LLC
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
6. Opus the Octopus
Opus means work in Latin. What a funny and fitting name for this stunning 3 foot knit octopus. You can make this amazing free knit stuffed animal pattern by working in the round for the head and working flat for the tentacles using the intarsia technique for your colorwork.
Designer: Cate Carter-Evans for Knitty
Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
7. Otso
Otso is Finnish for bear. Fun fact: bears used to be sacred in Finland! I love this free knit stuffed animal pattern because it has so much character. Children and adults alike will delight in this bear’s round belly and friendly face. You can work this pattern either flat or in the round – it’s up to you!
Designer: Loop London
Yarn: The Border Mill Alpaca Tweed (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
8. Elefante
Hello, rainbow stripes! This free knit elephant pattern is what dreams are made of. Who wouldn’t want to receive such a bright and happy little elephant? You can make this design by working in the round and following along with the detailed phototutorial.
Designer: Susan B. Anderson
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 220 Superwash (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
9. Little Sea Creatures
Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter! This adorable band of sea creatures knit in bright primary colors would make an excellent baby shower or preschool birthday gift. The free knit stuffed animal pattern is knit in the round and involves no sewing!
Designer: Rainebo Designs
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
10. Sheldon
I love the name Sheldon or Shelly for a turtle. The coolest thing about this pattern is that the shell is actually removable! How’s that for lifelike? This free knit stuffed animal pattern is partially worked in the round, partially worked flat, and altogether adorable. I knit this adorable pattern for my nephew and he loved it!
Designer: Ruth Homrighaus for Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
11. Stuffy Owl
Think you can’t do detailed colorwork like this? Think again! This free knit stuffed animal pattern uses the duplicate stitching technique to add the spots and facial features on after you’ve worked the owl body entirely in gray. Beginner knitters will also love the fact that this design is worked flat.
Designer: Fluff & Fuzz
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Nepal (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
12. Fair Isle Mice
I can’t get over how cute these little mice look in their tiny fair isle sweaters. These smartly dressed rodents are worked flat and use very little amounts of yarn. At just over 3 inches long, these adorable little squeakers fit perfectly in a child’s hands – or snugly in their pockets!
Designer: Yellow, Pink and Sparkly
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
13. Giant Smiley Rainbow
Use your knitting powers for good! A bright and happy Rainbow window display is just the thing to raise the spirits of everyone who passes your house. This impressive design is knit with 7 different colors and measures 19 x 16 inches.
Designer: Sincerely Louise Blog
Yarn: Rico Design Essentials Big (Super Bulky Weight #)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
14. Harold Fatmus
Here’s another smartly dressed critter who’s here to make you smile! This design could easily be modified to make a hamster instead of a mouse if you’re so inclined. You can’t tell, but it’s actually worked in two pieces – the top half and the bottom half – and then seamed together.
Designer: Clare Hitchinson for Wee County Yarns
Yarn: Wee County Yarns Miniballs (Light Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
15. Harry Bear
The fuzzy and soft rayon chenille yarn used here really makes me want to hug this teddy bear. This design is worked flat and it incorporates some short rows for shaping. The little scarf is actually crocheted but you could knit one easily if you’d prefer.
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn: Berroco Chinchilla (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
16. Striped Stockinette Snake
How long do you think this snake is? Guess! It is an impressive 65 inches long! This free knit stuffed animal pattern starts with an i-cord tail and builds from there. It’s worked flat in stockinette stitch and features 2 variegated yarns that take turns to create a lovely mottled stripe effect.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Eco Duo (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
17. Small Sausage Dog
Say hello to this dapper little dog and his fabulous rainbow striped sweater. This little cutie is knit flat and measures only 4 inches from tip to tail. I would definitely recommend this free knit stuffed animal pattern as a gift for a dog lover – especially if they have dachshunds.
Designer: Fluff & Fuzz
Yarn: Hayfield Bonus (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
18. Sea Turtle Stack
What could be better than an adorable baby sea turtle? How about 3! The stacking feature of this free knit stuffed animal pattern is so unique and fun. Kids will have a blast stacking them up and then knocking them down. The pattern is knit in the round in stockinette stitch.
Designer: Rebecca Olson for Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
19. Andy the Llama
Llamas have been super popular lately and it’s easy to see why. They are so cute and fluffy and their attire is always so colorful and interesting. This free knit stuffed animal pattern is worked flat and measures 14 cm tall.
Designer: Fluff & Fuzz
Yarn: Hayfield Bonus (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
20. Polar Bear
Super bulky yarn cuts down on time and adds lots of squishiness – perfect for a snuggly polar bear. I love the realistic features of this fluffy and free knit stuffed animal pattern, don’t you? This design is worked flat with some short rows for shaping.
Designer: Wool Warehouse
Yarn: James C. Brett Chunky with Merino & James C. Brett Chinchilla (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
21. Jack Russell
Do you prefer a big dog or a small dog? Jack Russels are one of my favorite dog breeds and they are the perfect size for me! This one is named Buster and he’s just the cutest thing. If you prefer a big dog, do make sure and check out this designer’s other free knitting pattern for a greyhound.
Designer: Deramores
Yarn: Deramores Studio Anti-Pilling (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
22. Knit Zebra Toy
Non-traditional colors of soft green, pastel pink, and light gray are excellent choices for baby shower gifts. You can make this free knit stuffed animal pattern for either a boy or a girl. This zany zebra design is worked in the round in stockinette stitch.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Solids (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
23. Buz and Belinda Knit Bumblebees
Spring is the perfect time to make a bee companion in support of our pollinators. These little cuties are knit in the round. The legs and stingers are made with i-cords and then attached to the body. It’s safe to say that this free knit stuffed animal pattern is the bee’s knees!
Designer: Rebecca Olson for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Amigurumi (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
24. T-rex Toy
Look at this cute little t-rex with his arms outstretched. He looks like he is ready to give you a big hug! This adorable grinning dino pattern is worked flat. The belly panel is knit separately and the facial features are embroidered so you don’t have to worry about changing colors.
Designer: Dorling Kindersley for Canadian Living
Yarn: Rowan Wool Cotton (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
25. Flamingo
I have a hard time finding good projects to use up my leftover variegated yarn. This fabulous flamingo is such a great find! The free knit stuffed animal pattern is made all in one-piece, modular style. The long and bendy legs are made with i-cord.
Designer: Claire Garland Dot Pebbles
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alaska (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
_____________________
Yay for free knit stuffed animal patterns! I’m dying to know…Which free knitting pattern was your favorite? Or is your favorite free knit stuffed animal pattern not even on the list? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
Gwyneth Lewis
I love the chicken pattern since my friend has chickens it’s super cute. I’m looking for a red panda pattern….free if possible.
Thanks!!
[email protected]