Free Crochet Pattern for Elephant

Friday, May 29, 2026

Learn to crochet a sweet baby elephant wearing pants with this easy-to-follow free pattern! It will surely steal hearts! Using only simple stitches like single crochet, increase and decrease, you will create a charming amigurumi! It can be used as decoration and as a little gift. A lovely giveaway for friends and relatives. This amigurumi is also the perfect companion for every child, whether it is to play or travel with. It´s a very simple design which can be made in any desired colors. If you’re looking to practice crocheting in the round, this is the perfect pattern to practice with! The pattern is very detailed. It comes with easy-to-follow written instructions and photo tutorial. Scroll down to see the step-by-step written instructions and supplies you’ll need.

SUPPLIES YOU NEED

Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials:

cotton yarn (e.g. Schachenmayr Catania 125m/50g) in the following colors: lavender, yellow and rose, crochet hook 2,5 mm, Polyester fiberfill or any stuffing material of your choice, chopstick or something similar to help with stuffing small parts, stitch marker, scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing parts together, black buttons or two black beads 7 mm, scissors.

Feel free to replace these materials with others of your choice. Using different materials and hook size to what is recommended may alter the final appearance of your amigurumi.

SKILL LEVEL

I would classify this free crochet pattern as an advanced beginner. It is necessary to have some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

FINISHED SIZE

The ready amigurumi is approx. 20 cm high, from bottom to top, can be made bigger or smaller depending on the yarn and hook you use. Use thicker yarn if you want to create a bigger amigurumi.

SKILLS YOU NEED

chain, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, increase, decrease, front post double crochet

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch =chain

St = stitch

Sc = single crochet

Sl st = slip stitch

dec = decrease stitch (two single crochets together)

inc = increase stitch (two single crochets in the one stitch)

Dc = double crochet

Hdc = half double crochet

Tc = treble crochet

Rnd = Round

* = repeat the instructions for the times indicated

(...) = at the end of every round total amount of stitches is indicated

TIPS

Do not join rounds, work in a continuous spiral
Place a stitch marker or a piece of yarn at the beginning stitch of the round and move it up at the start of each additional round
This pattern doesn´t include any specific stitch tutorials
All stitches are worked into both loops, unless stated otherwise in the pattern
The number of stitches for completion is noted in parentheses at the end of each round
When filling with polyester stuffing, pull apart each large chunk into many smaller chunks. This ensures an even distribution of firmness within the amigurumi
Amigurumi can be made in any desired colors
The pattern is written in English using US crochet terminology
Work the pattern in the order as shown below, because it is joined together as it is made.

Seamless way of changing color when working in the round

Pick up the new color at the end of the round: inset your hook into the stitch, yarn over the new color and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook to complete the stitch.

To make a magic ring

Loop the thread twice around your middle finger
Put the hook under both loops, pull the yarn under the loops and hook the thread again
Pull the thread through the new loop. The first crochet stitch is ready!
Repeat the number of times needed.
Pull the inner threads to tighten the ring.

INSTRUCTIONS

The elephant consists of several parts which you crochet separately and then sew them together.

ARM (2x)

Crochet using lavender colored yarn.

Round 1: 6 single crochets into Magic Ring (alternative: if preferred, chain 2 stitches and then 6 single crochets in the second chain from hook) (6 stitches)

Round 2: increase 6 times (12 stitches)

Round 3: *single crochet in next stitch, increase* (18 stitches)

Round 4 (working into the back loop): single crochet in each of next 18 stitches

Rounds 5-10: single crochet in each of next 18 stitches

Round 11: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 4 stitches* (15 stitches)

Rounds 12-14: single crochet in each of next 15 stitches

Stuff slightly.

Round 15: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 3 stitches* (12 stitches)

Rounds 16-20: single crochet in each of next 15 stitches

Fasten off. Work the second arm the same way.

LEG (2x)

Use lavender colored yarn.

Round 2: increase 6 times (12 stitches)

Round 3: *single crochet in next stitch, increase* (18 stitches)

Round 4: *single crochet in each of next 2 stitches, increase* (24 stitches)

Round 5 (working into the back loop): single crochet in each of next 24 stitches

Rounds 6-10: single crochet in each of next 24 stitches

Round 11: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 2 stitches* (18 stitches)

Rounds 12-14: single crochet in each of next 18 stitches

Stuff the leg firmly.

Round 15: *single crochet in each of next 2 stitches, decrease*, repeat from* 4 times, single crochet in each of next 2 stitches (14 stitches)

Rounds 16-20: single crochet in each of next 14 stitches

Fasten off. Work the second leg the same way.

SHIFT STITCH

Sometimes during the work of the spiral amigurumi, you need to keep the work symmetrically. As work tends to twist to the right you need to adjust position of the marker periodically (beginning of the round).

Shift stitch is an extra stitch you work at the end of a round to make your work look symmetrical. If you notice that marker moves right, you need to work one extra stitch at the end of the round and move marker for one stitch (now second stitch of the round becomes first). This is the shift stitch.

The shift stitch is not included in the round description. To check if it’s time to work shift stitch fold your work in half and check if marker still goes straight or use a yarn that marks a straight line.

You may think this is an increase, but it isn’t. This way you don’t increase or decrease the number of stitches. The stitches count remains the same.

BODY

Crochet with lavender colored yarn. Make the shift stitch every 2-3 rounds.

Round 2: increase 6 times (12 stitches)

Round 3: *single crochet in next stitch, increase* (18 stitches)

Round 5: *single crochet in each of next 3 stitches, increase* (30 stitches)

Round 6: *single crochet in each of next 4 stitches, increase* (36 stitches)

Round 7: *single crochet in each of next 5 stitches, increase* (42 stitches)

Round 8: *single crochet in each of next 6 stitches, increase* (48 stitches)

Round 9: *single crochet in each of next 7 stitches, increase* (54 stitches)

Round 10: single crochet in each of next 54 stitches

Round 11: *single crochet in each of next 8 stitches, increase* (60 stitches)

Round 12: single crochet in each of next 60 stitches

In the next round attach the legs (ensure that the legs are located in the middle and make several shift stitches if needed):

Round 13: single crochet in each of next 11 stitches, 7 single crochets both through leg and body, single crochet in each of next 23 stitches, 7 single crochets both through leg and body, sc in each of next 12 stitches.

Rounds 14-21: single crochet in each of next 60 stitches

Round 22: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 8 stitches* (54 stitches)

Round 23: single crochet in each of next 54 stitches

Round 24: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 7 stitches* (48 stitches)

Round 25: single crochet in each of next 48 stitches

Round 26: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 6 stitches* (42 stitches)

Round 27: single crochet in each of next 42 stitches

Round 28: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 5 stitches* (36 stitches)

Round 29: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 4 stitches* (30 stitches)

In the next round attach arms (ensure that the hands are located in the middle and make several shift stitches if needed):

Round 30: single crochet in each of next 5 stitches, 6 single crochets both through arm and body, single crochet in each of next 9 stitches, 6 single crochets both through arm and body, single crochet in each of next 4 stitches

Stuff the body firmly.

Round 31: decrease, single crochet in each of next 3 stitches (24 stitches)

Round 32: single crochet in each of next 24 stitches

Do not fasten off!

HEAD

Continue crocheting with lavender yarn

Round 1: *single crochet in next stitch, increase* (36 stitches)

Round 2: *single crochet in each of next 2 stitches, increase* (48 stitches)

Round 3: *single crochet in each of next 7 stitches, increase* (54 stitches)

Round 4: *single crochet in each of next 8 stitches, increase* (60 stitches)

Rounds 5-15: single crochet in each of next 60 stitches

Round 16: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 8 stitches* (54 stitches)

Round 17: single crochet in each of next 54 stitches

Round 18: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 7 stitches* (48 stitches)

Round 19: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 6 stitches* (42 stitches)

Mark where you want the safety eyes to be placed with pins and attach them within the distance of 10 stitches to the head of your amigurumi.

Round 20: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 5 stitches* (36 stitches)

Round 21: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 4 stitches* (30 stitches)

Round 22: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 3 stitches* (24 stitches)

Round 23: *decrease, single crochet in each of next 2 stitches* (18 stitches)

Round 24: *decrease, single crochet in the next stitch* (12 stitches)

Round 25: *decrease* 6 times.

Fasten off. Cut the yarn leaving a tail and pull through last st. Weave the yarn tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull to close. Hide the end inside the head.

TRUNK

Crochet with lavender colored yarn

Chain 9 stitches, join for crocheting in rounds with a slip stitch.

Rounds 1-2: single crochet in each of next 9 stitches (9 stitches)

Round 3: *single crochet in each of next 2 stitches, increase* (12 stitches)

Rounds 4-8: single crochet in each of next 12 stitches

Round 9: *single crochet in each of next 3 stitches, increase* (15 stitches)

Rounds 10-13: single crochet in each of next 15 stitches

Round 14: *single crochet in each of next 4 stitches, increase* (18 stitches)

Rounds 15-16: single crochet in each of next 18 stitches

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

EAR (2x)

Crochet 2x with lavender colored yarn and 2x with rose colored yarn.

Round 1: 6 single crochets into Magic Ring.

Round 2: increase 6 times (12 stitches)

Round 3: *single crochet in next stitch, increase* (18stitches)

Round 5: *single crochet in each of next 3 stitches, increase* (30 stitches)

Round 6: *single crochet in each of next 4 stitches, increase* (36 stitches)

Round 7: *single crochet in each of next 5 stitches, increase* (42 stitches)

Seam both parts with single crochets.

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Work the second ear the same way. The ears don´t need to be stuffed.

ASSEMBLY

Since all the elements of your amigurumi are crocheted, it´s time to sew them together. Use a blunt sewing needle.

Sew the trunk to the head. Hide yarn ends inside the head.

Fold the ears and sew them to the head. Be sure to step back and take a look to make sure they are even.

Embroider eyebrows with black color yarn. You can also add eyelashes. Hide the yarn tails inside the head.

Using the rose yarn cut about 6-8 cm lengths, fold in half, loop through the stitches on the top of the head.

PANTS

The pants are worked in a single piece from the down top. The work begins at legs and continues up to the waist.

Crochet with yellow yarn or any color of yarn you wish.

Round 1: chain 64 stitches, join for crocheting in rounds.

Round 2: chain 1 stitch, single crochet in each of next 64 stitches, slip stitch

Rounds 3-14: chain 2 stitches, hdc in each of next 64 stitches, slip stitch

Rounds 15-17: single crochet in each of next 12 stitches, turn the work.

Round 18: chain 1 stitch, decrease, single crochet in each of next 8 stitches, decrease, slip stitch, turn the work.

Round 19: chain 1 stitch, decrease, single crochet in each of next 6 stitches, decrease, slip stitch.

Fasten off.

Skip 18 stitches and crochet as follows:

Rounds 1-4: single crochet in each of next 16 stitches, turn the work.

Do not fasten off.

STRAP

Chain 18 stitches, sc in each of next 17 stitches, slip stitch, single crochet in each of next 14 stitches, chain 18 stitches, single crochet in each of next 17 stitches, slip stitch.

Fasten off.

Close the crotch seam: sew the middle 8 stitches together. Decorate as desired. Embroider the flowers you wish or sew some beads on.

Sew straps to the pants. Ready! Happy crocheting!

I hope you enjoyed crocheting the owl and found the pattern helpful. I would love to see your finished amigurumi, so share a picture here or on Instagram by tagging me @tansuluucrafthaus.

If you would like to share this pattern, please link to this page. Also, please credit me when using this pattern by tagging me @tansuluucrafthaus on Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you for stopping by and have a lovely day!