I’ve never met a person who didn’t like penguins. I’m pretty sure that penguins are just universally regarded as precious and adorable! Of course, their association with snow and cold weather also make them winter-time favorites that are especially perfect for the Christmas and holiday season. That’s where this curated collection of free penguin crochet patterns comes in!
Do you know how to crochet a penguin? Even if you have never crocheted a stuffed animal before, I bet that you could make these free penguin crochet patterns! Penguins are actually kind of the perfect place to start if you are wanting to learn how to crochet amigurumi because their bodies are such simple shapes.
The only thing that you might find tricky if you are a beginner crocheter is changing colors. Wonky color changes can lead to uneven lines and muddy looking designs. Lucky for you, there are plenty of penguin crochet patterns that avoid color changes and use other means to recreate that signature heart-shaped penguin face.
There are many different ways to personalize your new penguin friends and you will get many ideas for unique additions from these fantastic penguin crochet patterns. Some designs have hats or scarves, some add little details like hearts or fish, and some introduce unexpected colors (like a red penguin made to look like an adorable strawberry!).
I can’t wait any longer to show you all these amazing penguin crochet patterns so scroll down and see them for yourself!
Penguin Cute
The difference is in the details when it comes to the first one of our free penguin crochet patterns. This little guy sure knows how to accessorize! Just look at his stylish hat and his little fish satchel. I also love his serene expression and his adorable rosy cheeks. There is just so much to love with this one!
Designer: Lim Lenn
Yarn: None Specified
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Poppy the Penguin
Poppy the penguin is rocking a stylish multicolor scarf. After all, it’s quite cold where penguins live, you know! Despite being made with thin sport weight yarn, Poppy is nearly 9 inches tall. That’s a great size for snuggling and you could easily make it even bigger by selecting a thicker yarn and a larger hook.
Designer: Cuddly Stitches Craft
Yarn: YarnArt Jeans (Sport Weight #2)
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Strawberry Penguin Amigurumi
From one extreme to the other, we just saw a big penguin and now here is one of the smallest penguin crochet patterns of all. This little guy has a very distinctive color scheme to make him look like a strawberry. Animal fruit combinations have been very popular lately so I just know that this little guy would make someone very happy!
Designer: All Aboard Crafts
Yarn: Rico Design Ricorumi DK (DK Weight #3)
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Theo the Penguin
Super bulky blanket yarn makes some of the best amigurumi because it is so soft and snuggly. As an added bonus, it also makes projects take way less time. You can see how soft Theo the Penguin is just by looking at him. Doesn’t he just make you want to give him a big squeeze? It must be due to the inviting pink heart on his tummy.
Designer: Sweet Softies
Yarn: Bernat Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Amigurumi Cuddly Penguin
The next one of our free penguin crochet patterns is a charming little fellow who is as short as he is wide. He likes to keep his accessories on the simple side, preferring to only throw on a chain stitch scarf on his way out the door. Rest assured, I think all his extra blubber will help keep him cozy anyway!
Designer: A Menagerie of Stitches
Yarn: Loops & Threads Eco-Luxe (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Cute Penguin Coaster
Tapestry crochet is a fun and easy way to use different colors of yarn to create pictures in your crochet projects one stitch at a time. These adorable penguin coasters are a great first pattern to practice with because they are small and manageable. Plus, who could resist those adorable penguin faces??
Designer: Divine Debris
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
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Zippy the Penguin
Here’s one of our free penguin crochet patterns that doesn’t require you to change colors in the middle of a row. This design is a great choice for beginner crocheters because the shaping is very simple. Of course, the best part is the party hat on top. I’m just obsessed with how happy and festive it is!
Designer: Whimsical Yarn Creations
Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 Solid (DK Weight #3)
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Penguin Ornament
If you really just can’t get enough penguins in your life, then why don’t you whip up a few of these crochet penguin ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree? They are irresistibly adorable with their big shiny eyes and their little bow ties. I think that these would also make very cute little keychains.
Designer: Stitch by Fay
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
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Crochet Penguin Coaster
Here’s another crochet penguin coaster for you. The best part about this design is that you don’t even have to weave in your ends (I don’t know about you but that’s my least favorite part)! You fasten off your yarns at the end of each row and reattach them at the beginning of each row to create the fringe.
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
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Phil the Penguin
This dapper fellow is looking especially festive in his white top hat and the coloring on his belly kind of makes him look like he is wearing a tuxedo. The designer mentioned that this penguin looks a bit like the batman villain penguin and now I can’t unsee it! Do you know someone who would love to receive this little guy as a gift?
Designer: Bay Moon Studio
Yarn: La Mia Baby Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
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Rag Doll Penguin
Have you seen any penguin crochet patterns in the ragdoll style before? This technique has you work in rows instead of in rounds. You create two flat pieces and then sew them together around the sides to create a 3-dimensional shape. This design even has an option to create an opening on the back of the penguin where you can snuggle a gift card inside.
Designer: Loops and Love Crochet
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
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Christmas Penguin
You can make your cute penguin creations extra festive with the simple addition of a santa hat! Can’t you tell that this little guy is totally ready to party? This simple and straightforward pattern is very straightforward and easy to understand. Sometimes basic is best when it comes to creating cute crochet amigurumi!
Designer: Isamar Chacon
Yarn: None Specified
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Parker Penguin
If you are up for a challenge, then you should try crocheting your penguin using faux fur yarn. It makes it really tricky to see or count your stitches but the end result is totally worth it. People will have a hard time believing that this soft and fuzzy penguin didn’t come right off a department store shelf!
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4) and
Knit Picks Fable Fur (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Pippo the Little Penguin
This is the first one of our free penguin crochet patterns that is purple! What a unique and creative idea. The soft shade of lavender really makes this little penguin extra sweet and serene. Or maybe that’s the influence of the ridiculously cute accessories. I especially adore the ear muffs!
Designer: Hako Amigurumi
Yarn: None Specified
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Amigurumi Emperor Penguin
If you prefer your crochet stuffed animals to be a little bit more on the realistic side, then you are sure to appreciate these crochet emperor penguins! The neat thing about this photo is that it shows what a big difference using a different yarn can make. Sizing up on yarn and hook is such an easy way to make a small amigurumi pattern bigger.
Designer: Rebeka Szabo
Yarn: Scheepjes Cahlista (Aran Weight #4) or
Kartopu Organica Solids (DK Weight #3) or
Himalaya Dolphin Baby (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Pew the Baby Penguin
I can’t decide what’s cuter: the comically small santa hat, the button up scarf, or the adorable rotund shape of these chubby little penguin babies! Put them all together and you have a recipe for surefire adorable success. Of course, the cutest thing of all might just be that there’s two of them together in this photo!
Designer: Khuc Cay
Yarn: Scheepjes Softfun (DK Weight #3)
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Mini Penguin Christmas Decoration
This mini crochet penguin can fit snuggly in the palm of your hand. That makes him perfect for stocking stuffers, treat bags, and party favors. You can quickly whip up a bunch of these before the holidays roll around. And you won’t need very much yarn to do it either! Give each penguin their own little personality by changing the facial expression.
Designer: Ninja Cat Crafts
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
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Penguin Gift Basket
Skip the gift wrap this year and go for a gift basket instead. This penguin basket is a great reusable option that’s more eco-friendly and much more adorable to boot! The best part is that the basket can continue to be enjoyed as home decor or it could be restuffed with goodies and used as a gift basket again.
Designer: Crafty Kitty Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Penguin Sweater
When your little one whines about having to wear a sweater to play outside you can remind them that even penguins get cold sometimes! Of course, they are sure not to complain about having to wear this adorable penguin sweater! I just wish that this cute design came in adult sizes so I could make one for myself.
Designer: By Katerina for Hobbii
Yarn: Mayflower Easy Care Merino (Fingering Weight #1)
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Penguin Max
How sweet is this adorable little penguin named Max? I just love it when designers give their creations names to match their unique personalities. The neat thing about this pattern is that it is quite small even though it uses thick yarn. You will love how fast it is to crochet. So much so that you just might want to make another one when you’re done!
Designer: AniAmi Creations
Yarn: So Crafty Baby (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Bingsoo the Chubby Penguin
Can I get a “Hooray!!” for another one of our free penguin crochet patterns that doesn’t involve color changes? Bingsoo is a baby blue penguin with a white oval belly patch and an adorable little hair bow (even though she doesn’t have hair). Of course, you could put the bow under the beak instead if you want it to look like a bow tie.
Designer: Little World of Whimsy
Yarn: None Specified
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Penguin Amigurumi
Give this penguin a top hat and some tap shoes because he looks ready to dance off the screen! This ragdoll style penguin design more than makes up for his lack of dimension with his surplus of cuteness. My favorite part is the great contrast between the bright red bow and the rich blue of the penguin body.
Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
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Frosty the Penguin
Frosty the…penguin? Yep! As it turns out, Frosty is a great name for more than just snowmen. This cute amigurumi penguin design features matching hat and scarf accessories. They are made with half double crochet, double crochet, and post stitches. You can make them in whatever color you want!
Designer: Yarnhild
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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Tux the Penguin Amigurumi
Something about this penguin looks familiar but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’m sure that I’ve seen him in a television show before…or maybe he just has one of those faces? Whatever it is, he sure is a cute little guy. I think that my favorite part is his flippers. They are far too big for his body but they totally work!
Designer: StringyDingDing
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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Penguin Ornament
It doesn’t get much cuter than this festive penguin ornament! The simple circle shape is transformed into a penguin with the help of a few color changes, a beak, and a couple of flippers. You can whip one of these up in no time at all and it doesn’t take much yarn either. Give him away to make someone’s day!
Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
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Penguin Scrubby
I had to throw some in that are not amigurumi. This is such a cute gift idea made from Red Heart Scrubby Sparkle yarn. It uses basic single crochet and also begins with the magic ring.
Designer: Red Heart
Yarn: Red Heart Scrubby Sparkle (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
Find the free penguin scrubby pattern here
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Crochet Penguin Pouch
You could store so many things in this cute little pouch – or even use it as a gift bag. This project uses basic stitches including single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet to craft this adorable penguin pal. Created with Caron Simply Soft yarn.
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
Find the free penguin pouch crochet pattern here
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Snuggles the Penguin
A cute stuffed penguin – and I love that she used teal for the body and added the scarf, which is different from the common black and white penguin. This little one is made entirely of single crochet stitches and is crafted from a variety of different worsted weight yarns.
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn: Worsted Weight (Category #4)
Find this cute stuffed penguin pattern here
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Pretty Penny Applique and Earrings
This is a unique idea! Take the penguin applique pattern, use smaller yarn – and you have earrings! I couldn’t resist putting these little cuties in our round up of crochet penguin patterns!
Designer: Devine Debris
Yarn: Any
Find the applique and earrings patterns here
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Penguin Hats
I love all the patterns at Repeat Crafter Me. This penguin hat is no exception! Add a bow for a “penguinette”! This pattern is constructed with worsted weight yarn and a variety of basic stitches.
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn: Worsted Weight (Category #4)
Find the adorable penguin hat pattern here
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Baby Penguin Amigurumi
Another adorable penguin in a color other than black. I think this colorful penguin would make a great small project to use up scrap yarn. The adorable hat and scarf complement the look.
Designer: Amigurumi Today
Yarn: DK Weight (category #3)
Find this free penguin pattern here
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Penguin Patterns from Love.Life.Yarn
Common Questions about Penguin Crochet Patterns
Materials you’ll need to crochet a penguin are your chosen yarn, most of the time worsted weight yarn or dk yarn (you can use black yarn and white yarn or any colors you choose), a crochet hook appropriate for your yarn, a yarn needle, stitch marker, and some fiberfill.
You’ll need to know some basic skills, such as the magic loop (also called the magic circle or magic ring), chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet stitch (sc) and sometimes the double crochet stitch (dc) depending upon the pattern. You will also need to know some sewing techniques to join pieces, often by leaving a long tail and using it for sewing.
Tips for Perfect Crochet Penguins
For most amigurumi, you will need to learn and master the magic ring technique. This intimidates some people (I used to be in that list!), but once you get it down it is so easy!
Next, keep in mind that you will likely be using a much smaller hook than the one called for on your yarn label. This produces a much tighter fabric and keeps the stuffing in.
Use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds, especially if working in single crochet with no joins (in a spiral). This is extremely important, as it is hard to figure out which stitch is the first if you haven’t marked it.
Finally, to ensure even stuffing, I recommend shredding the stuffing before inserting it instead of grabbing a large wad of fiberfill and lumping it in. This keeps you from getting uneven sections. You can also place your stuffing into pantyhose if you want to make sure it doesn’t poke out.
What are the best yarns for crochet penguins?
You will see a variety of yarns used in the following patterns. I recommend wool or acrylic, as both of these hold up well.
If you know you are going to be washing your little penguin sometime in the future, I would recommend against the wool, as it can easily felt. A good quality acrylic will hold up to a good wash (although the stuffing can become lumpy if thrown in the washing machine).
Whatever yarn you choose, keep in mind you will be working with it during the crochet process and it will be rubbing against your fingers. I’ve had some scratchy yarns actually rub my skin raw before, so choose carefully. There are plenty of affordable yarns that will work very nicely.
Final Thoughts on our Crochet Penguin Patterns
If you need me I’ll be looking at cute animal crochet patterns on the internet. Just kidding, I’ll definitely be making a few of these designs. Did you have a favorite from among these fabulous penguin crochet patterns? Do let me know in the comments below!
I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live.
Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again.
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
