Crochet Pattern Mini Koala

In this blog post, we'll crochet an adorable koala as an amigurumi together. Koalas, often mistakenly referred to as bears, are fascinating marsupials native to the eucalyptus forests of Australia. They spend most of their lives in trees, sleep up to 20 hours a day, and feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves.

Our little crocheted koala will be about 10 cm tall when finished. Due to its small size, this project is perfect for using up leftover yarn in the respective colors. Additionally, the small koala can be completed relatively quickly, making it an ideal project for in between larger ones. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this easy-to-understand pattern and detailed pictures will help you successfully complete this project. Crocheting is not only a wonderful way to create unique and creative handmade items, but it also offers a relaxing and rewarding hobby.

Preparation:

Materials List:

- Crochet hook size 3mm
- Cotton yarn (approx. 115m/50g) in dark gray, beige/white, and black (alternatively, other yarn with a suitable crochet hook)
- Stitch marker or a different colored thread
- Stuffing
- 6 mm safety eyes
- Embroidery thread in white/beige for detailing

Abbreviations:

- sc - single crochet
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- st - stitch
- inc - increase (2 stitches in one stitch)
- dec - decrease (crochet 2 stitches together)
- rep - repeat

Notes:
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all parts are crocheted in spiral rounds, even if the pattern specifies, for example, "3 rounds sc."
The numbers before each step indicate the row/round number.
The number in parentheses at the end of each step indicates the number of stitches at the end of that step.

Crochet pattern:

Body:
In dark gray
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)
Round 2: double each st (12)
Round 3: double every 2nd st (18)
Round 4: double every 3rd st (24)
Round 5: double every 4th st (30)
Round 6: double every 5th st (36)
Round 7: double every 6th st (42)
Round 8: double every 7th st (48)
Rounds 9-24: sc in each st for 16 rounds (48)
Round 25: single crochet together every 7th and 8th st (42)
Round 26: single crochet together every 6th and 7th st (36)
Round 27: single crochet together every 5th and 6th st (30)
Round 28: single crochet together every 4th and 5th st (24)
Round 29: single crochet together every 3rd and 4th st (18)
Insert the eyes between Rounds 12 and 13, 10 stitches apart. Stuff the body well.
Round 30: single crochet together every 2nd and 3rd st (12)
Round 31: single crochet together every 1st and 2nd st (6)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn, and close the small hole by threading the yarn through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole completely.

Ears:
Make 2 in white first, finishing as usual with a slip stitch.
Make 2 in dark gray second, but do not finish!

Round Instructions:
2 ch or Magic Ring
Round 1: 6 sc (6)
Round 2: double each st (12)

Now, place a white ear on top of a gray ear and join them together by crocheting the next round in dark gray as follows:
Round 3: double every 2nd st (18)

While doing this, insert your hook through both the loops of the white inner ear and the gray outer ear. Finish the round with a slip stitch, and leave a long enough tail for sewing.

Feet (make 2):
In dark gray
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)

Round 2: double each st (12)
Round 3: double every 2nd st (18)
Round 4: sc in each st (18)
Round 5: single crochet together every 2nd and 3rd st (12)
Round 6: single crochet together every 1st and 2nd st (6)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn long enough for sewing, and finish off. Flatten the feet so that the end is centered on the back of the foot.

Tail:
In dark gray
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)
Round 2: double every 2nd st (9)
Round 3: double every 3rd st (12)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn long enough for sewing, and finish off.

Arms (make 2):

In dark gray
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)
Round 2: double every 2nd st (9)
Rounds 3-4: sc in each st for 2 rounds (9)
Round 5: single crochet together every 2nd and 3rd st (6)
Rounds 6-9: sc in each st for 4 rounds (6)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn long enough for sewing, and finish off.

Snout:
In black
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)
Round 2: double every 2nd st (9)
Round 3: double every 3rd st (12)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn long enough for sewing, and finish off.

Paws (make 2):
In white
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn, and finish off.
 

Belly (make 2):
In white
2 ch or Magic Ring

Round Instructions:
Round 1: 6 sc (6)
Round 2: double in each st (12)
Round 3: double every 2nd st (18)
Round 4: double every 3rd st (24)
Round 5: double every 4th st (30)

Slip stitch into the next stitch, cut the yarn long enough for sewing.

Finishing:

To assemble your koala, first attach all body parts to the main body using pins. Pay close attention to ensure that the placement is correct, with the arms and legs at the same height. None of the body parts (ears, arms, legs, tail, snout) should be stuffed.

Once everything is in place, begin by sewing on the belly, followed by the legs and tail. The legs and tail should form a triangle, ensuring the koala stands or sits securely.

Tip: For a clean sewing edge on both the belly and the nose and paw pads, I recommend starting the seam from the back with the sewing needle through the two loops, then from the front on the next stitch (this wraps the thread around the bridge between the two stitches, creating a neat finish). Only then do you insert the needle around one stitch on the body. Repeat this process until you've gone all the way around.

Next, sew on the arms, ears, and snout. Ensure that the ears and arms are symmetrically positioned on the body, and that the snout sits centrally between the eyes. When attaching the arms, start by sewing them onto the shoulders, then secure them with a stitch about halfway down the arm to prevent them from sticking out too much from the body.

Lastly, attach the paw pads to the feet, ensuring they are slightly positioned downward and outward. Follow the sewing tip mentioned earlier for a neat finish. Now, add a few embellishments: Use some leftover yarn to sew claws onto the paws and to embroider the whites of the eyes.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial! If you have any questions or encounter any issues, feel free to reach out in the comments. I would also appreciate any positive feedback!

Otherwise, have fun crocheting along. Feel free to check out my other free blog posts or take a look around my shop. There, you'll find many more sewing and crochet patterns for practical items or cute cuddly toys and amigurumi.