Free Lion Amigurumi Pattern You’ll Want to Make
Designer: Erika Du
Instagram: @erikadu.crochet
Etsy Shop: ErikaDuCrochet
Difficulty Level: Beginner
A cozy handmade moment begins with a soft and lovable safari friend.
Create something adorable with this free lion amigurumi pattern designed by Erika Du of @erikadu.crochet. With its rounded shape and warm colors, this little lion is perfect for DIY crochet gift ideas, nursery decor, or soft handmade toys. Its simple construction fits Easy Crochet Projects and Low Sew Amigurumi Patterns, and we sincerely thank Erika Du for sharing this beautiful design. You will also find lovely lion amigurumi ideas at the end of the pattern.
Looking for the pattern details? Scroll down to reach the original source and start your project.
This is a beginner-friendly amigurumi pattern using basic stitches and smooth shaping. It works up quickly, making it ideal for quick gifts or small shop items. If you enjoy playful designs, you might also love the mini penguin amigurumi, which pairs well with cute animal collections.
The design uses cotton yarn with a 3.5 mm hook for a clean finish, while velvet yarn creates a softer, larger plush version. You may also enjoy the crochet lamb amigurumi as another quick and unique project idea.
Abbreviations:
st – stitch
sl st- slip stitch
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
Inc – increase
Hdc-half double crochet
Dc-double crochet
dec – decrease
tr cr -treble crochet
What you will need:
• I used Slim Cotton yarn from Retwist: yellow, brown and light yellow
• Hook size 3.5 mm
• Fiberfill
• 2 black safety eyes- 9 mm diameter
• Tapestry needle
• Sewing needle
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Pins
CUTE LION AMIGURUMI YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE
Head
The head of this crochet lion is worked in continuous rounds to create a smooth and rounded shape. Tight and even stitches help the amigurumi lion hold its form while keeping the surface neat. The placement of the safety eyes plays a key role in giving the crochet animal its gentle expression.
For the head we will use yellow color yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook. Stuff while advancing.
Round 1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2. 6 inc (12)
Round 3. (sc, inc) x6 (18)
Round 4. (sc, inc, sc) x6 (24)
Round 5. (sc 3, inc) x6 (30)
Round 6. (sc 2, inc, sc 2) x6 (36)
Round 7. (sc 5, inc) x6 (42)
Rounds 8-13. Sc around (42)
Round 14. (sc 5, dec) x6 (36). Inserts eyes between rounds 11-12, 7 stitches apart.
Round 15. (sc 2, dec, sc 2) x6 (30)
Round 16. (sc 3, dec) x6 (24)
Round 17. (sc, dec, sc) x6 (18)
Round 18. (sc, dec) x6 (12)
Round 19. 6 dec (6). Fasten off.
Muzzle and Nose
The muzzle adds personality to this amigurumi lion and helps define the face. Using a lighter yarn color creates contrast and highlights the lion’s features. Simple embroidery techniques are enough to shape the nose and mouth without making the design too complex. These small details give the crochet lion a warm and calm expression, making it perfect for both decorative and gift purposes.
For the muzzle we will use light yellow color yarn and 3.5 mm crochet hook.
Round 1. Ch 4, starting in the second chain from the hook sc 2 sc 3 in the last chain, continue on the other side of the chain, sc, sc 2 in the last chain (8)
Round 2. Inc, sc, inc 3, sc, inc 2 (14). Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
With brown color yarn we sew in place the nose and the mouth for the lion.
Legs (x2)
For the legs we’ll use yellow color yarn and a 3.5mm crochet hook. Stuff while advancing.
Round 1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2. 6 inc (12)
Round 3. (sc, inc) x6 (18)
Rounds 4-5. Sc around (18)
Round 6. Sc 3, 6 dec, sc 3 (12)
Round 7. Sc 3, 3 dec, sc 3 (9)
Rounds 8-13. Sc around (9)
Round 14. 4 dec, sc (5). Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Body
The body of this crochet lion is built with gradual increases and decreases to create a stable and well-balanced shape. A slightly rounded belly gives the lion a playful look while helping it sit or stand nicely when displayed. Consistent stitch count is essential for a clean finish. This body structure works well for many crochet animals, making it a versatile amigurumi base.
For the body we will use yellow color yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook. Suff while advancing.
Round 1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2. 6 inc (12)
Round 3. (sc, inc) x6 (18)
Round 4. (sc, inc, sc) x6 (24)
Round 5. (sc 3, inc) x6 (30)
Round 6. (sc4 , inc, sc 5) x3 (33)
Rounds 7-10. Sc around (33)
Round 11. (sc 4, dec, sc 5) x3 (30)
Round 12. (sc 3, dec) x6 (24)
Round 13. (sc 3, dec, sc 3) x3 (21)
Round 14. (Sc 5, dec) x3 (18)
Round 15. (sc 2, dec, sc 2) x3 (15)
Round 16. (sc 3, dec) x3 (12). Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Here we are, with the body of the amigurumi lion completed. We can say that most of the work is almost finished.
Arms (x2)
For the arms we will use yellow color yarn and a 3.5mm crochet hook. Do not stuff.
Round 1. 7 sc in magic ring (7)
Rounds 2-9. sc around (7). Fold the arms in two and sc the two sides together with 3 sc.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
We’ve finished the lion’s arms, now we can move on to the next piece: its ears.
Ears (x2)
For the ears we will use yellow color yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook.
Round 1. 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2. (sc, inc) x3 (9)
Round 3. (sc, inc, sc) x3 (12)
Round 4. (sc 3, inc) x3 (15)
Round 5. Sc around. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
We’ve finished the crocheted lion’s ears, and now its face is emerging. All that’s left is to make its mane, which will give it a true lion’s appearance. Let’s finish the mane!
Crochet lion mane
The mane is one of the most distinctive parts of a crochet lion amigurumi. Textured stitches or loop techniques can be used to create volume without adding too much complexity. Paired with small rounded ears, the mane frames the face and adds depth to the design. This combination gives the lion its signature look and makes it stand out among other amigurumi animals.
For the mane we will use brown color yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook.
Chain 33, starting the second chain from the hook, ( hdc, [dc, tr cr, dc in the next chain], hdc, sl st) repeat across the chain 8 times. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly
Sew the muzzel in place just below the eyes.
Sew the sides of the ears and sew them to the head.
Sew the mane in place before the ears.
Sew the body to the head.
Sew the arms in place on the sides of the body just below the head.
Sew the legs in place on the sides of the body bewteen rounds 6-7.
For the tail we attache yellow color yarn on the bottom of the body and ch 5, in the last chain we add some brown color yarn we secure it ahdn waeve in the ends from the chain (yellow yarn)
Save These Pins for Later Inspiration
Small crochet animals like this lion design are perfect for quick projects that still feel detailed and gift-ready. Simple shapes, soft textures, and playful features make these pieces ideal for nursery decor, keychains, or handmade gifts. Exploring different yarn colors and facial styles can help you create a unique lion that stands out.
Cute Crochet Lion Amigurumi You’ll Want to Make
