Crochet a Cute Koala - Free Amigurumi Pattern

Love koalas? This free amigurumi crochet pattern lets you craft your own adorable koala in just a few hours!

Scroll down for the full pattern and step-by-step guide.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is Beginner-Friendly and only requires one special stitch (Bobble).

Time estimate: 2 - 3 hours

*More experienced crocheters will complete this project faster

Finished size: 12cm / just under 4.75inches

*Note: size will differ with different yarn & crochet tension

Note on the skill level:

This project is beginner friendly and can be done as a first amigurumi / crochet toy project. Tips and recommendations are included for very novice crocheters.

For general tips see my Learn to Crochet Page.

Material Needed

Yarn

Super Bulky Yarn - I used Baby Snuggle Solid in Grey from Hobbii for the body (I also used this to make the Bunny below) and Bernat Pipsqueak in white for the ears.

*See notes on Yarn

Free Pattern for the Bunny is by The Friendly Red Fox

Yarn notes:

You can use any super bulky yarn for this project. I originally made these types of toys from Sirdar Snowflake Chunky magic that I thrifted, but it is no longer available, and I received a customer order to make 7 of these koalas.

A similar elephant I made using Sirdar Snowflake Chunky magic yarn (with a strand of white medium size yarn)

Recommended yarn: I recommend using Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn for toys. I used the Baby Snuggle Hobbii yarn because that is what I had on hand in grey, but although it is super bulky, it is lighter than Bernat Blanket Yarn and it isn't as nice to crochet with as the Bernat yarn.

The ears: I originally used Sirdar Snowflake Chunky yarn for the ears, but I ran out and then used Bernat Pipsqueak yarn. I like the Sirdar Snowflake Chunky yarn look more for these little animals, but the Bernat Pipsqueak worked well as an available substitute.

Bernat Pipsqueak on the left and Sirdar Snowflake Chunky on the right

Beginner tip: Because the ears are made with fluffy furry looking yarn, I did use another yarn strand with it to make it easier to crochet and see the stitches. In both cases I used a medium size white yarn I had on hand.

Embroidering

1. Bernat Blanket Yarn in Black/Coal

2. White embroidery floss

3. Yarn needle

I have linked the ones I used.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you! This helps me keep sharing free patterns like this koala amigurumi. Thanks for your support!

Hook

Size: 8mm

Additional material:

Fill - to stuff the head and body. I use this one.

Optional: You can use safety eyes instead of embroidering eye, but please note that safety eyes should not be used when the item is for children under 3.

Abbreviations & Stitches

1. sc – Single Crochet

   • Description: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

2. inc – Increase

   • Description: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch to increase the stitch count.

3. dec – Decrease

   • Description: Combine 2 stitches into 1 by inserting hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

4. inv dec – Invisible Decrease

   • Description: A neater decrease worked into front loops only—insert hook into front loop of first stitch, then front loop of next stitch, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.

5. BO – Bobble Stitch

   • Description: Creates a textured bump—[yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through the first 2 loops] - do this 4 times in the same stitch (6 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 6 loops, tighten down.

6. FBLO – Front-Loop-Only Bobble

   • Description: A bobble stitch worked into the front loop only of the stitch, leaving the back loop free.

7. MR – Magic Ring

   • Description: A technique to start a piece in the round—loop yarn around your finger to form an X, insert hook under the bottom strand, pull the top strand through with hook, remove finger from loop, yarn over, pull through loop on hook to secure.

8. FL – Front Loop

   • Description: The loop of the stitch closest to you when working (as opposed to the back loop). Used alone or in specific stitches like inv dec or FBLO.

Beginner tip: The best resource I found that I have on hand for crocheting is Crochet Techniques & Tips.

Free Koala Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Finished Size: Approximately 4.72 inches (12 cm) tall with super bulky yarn

Hook size: 8mm

Notes:

• Worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise—do not join rounds.

• Use a stitch marker to track the start of each round.

• "FL" = front loop only; "inv dec" = invisible decrease (worked into front loops).

Head & Body

Instructions

Round 1: 6 sc in a Magic Ring (MR). Total: 6 sts

Round 2: [Inc] 6 times. Total: 12 sts

• Note: "Inc" = 2 sc in the same stitch.

Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] 6 times. Total: 18 sts

Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] 6 times. Total: 24 sts

Rounds 5–7: 24 sc for 3 rounds. Total: 24 sts per round

Round 8: [Inv dec] 12 times, working into front loops only. Total: 12 sts

• Tip: Invisible decreases create a smoother finish—insert hook into front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through.

Round 9: In front loops only: [3 sc, 1 bobble stitch (BO), 4 sc, 1 BO, 3 sc]. Total: 12 sts

Round 10: [1 sc, 1 inc] 6 times. Total: 18 sts

Round 11: 18 sc. Total: 18 sts

Round 12: 6 sc, 1 front-loop-only bobble (FBLO), 6 sc, 1 FBLO, 4 sc. Total: 18 sts

Round 13: [1 sc, 1 dec] 6 times. Total: 12 sts

Round 14: [Dec] 6 times. Total: 6 sts

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread a yarn needle through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in the end.

Stuff the head and body firmly before closing for a plump koala shape.

Ears (Make 2)

Instructions

Round 1: 6 sc in a Magic Ring (MR). Total: 6 sts

Round 2: [Inc] 6 times. Total: 12 sts

Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] 6 times. Total: 18 sts

Round 4: 6 sc, [dec] 3 times, 6 sc. Total: 15 sts

Finishing

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Whipstitch it to the head on either side.

Embroidering the Face

How to the embroider the face details coming soon in the next blog - check back :)

Pattern Use Disclaimer

You’re free to sell items you craft from this koala amigurumi pattern—enjoy sharing your handmade creations! However, please do not distribute, share, or copy this pattern itself for sale or any other purpose. You also may not claim my photos as your own; they’re here to inspire, not to be repurposed. I’d love it if you credit me as the pattern designer whenever you share or sell your finished koalas. Thanks for honoring my work—happy crocheting!

The large Koala was made by adapting the Panda Pattern found in Mama Made Minis Knotted Lovey book. I created the pattern for the ears and the facial details. Information on this to come - check back.

Get the Mama Made Minis Knotted Lovey book

And you've done it! I'd love to admire your creation - please share a photo and tag me @sustainabilityC or share about it in the comments below.

Inspiration for this pattern:

I was asked to make 7 little koalas after someone saw the small bunny I made using a free pattern by Little Crochet Farm. I created the pattern for the koala to match the style of the bunny.

Free pattern by Little Crochet Farm

BTW - These make amazing little gift for kids. I made the Bunny & Elephants for kiddos attending my toddler's birthday party.

Thanks for reading,

Carmen

About Me

Hi, I’m Carmen! I’m a South African living in Calgary, Canada, where I’m a full-time mom to my toddler, Elba, and a homemaker. I’m also an Employment Relations Specialist with my own small consulting business. I approach everything intentionally, always learning new skills and hobbies, and seeking ways to create a more wholesome, healthy life for myself and my family. Thanks for visiting my little corner—I’m happy to share it with you!