Squirrel Crochet Pattern

In this free crochet pattern, you and I will walk through the step-by-step process of this squirrel crochet pattern. This will allow you to make your own, adorable crochet squirrel pattern. This little squirrel is one of the most adorable woodland animals and is such fun to create.

Making crochet amigurumi or stuffed animals is so much fun, and you get to put your twist on the crochet toy when you make it yourself. I am so excited to share these free detailed instructions with you to make this adorable squirrel. Let’s jump right in by first exploring what you will need to make this fun squirrel amigurumi, stuffed squirrel toy.

Getting Started

Choosing the Right Yarn for the Amigurumi Squirrel

Before you get started making this adorable little squirrel, you will want to select your desired color of yarn and type of yarn. First, let’s look at some different color ideas for making your little squirrel.

The Colors

There are many different color options to choose from for your little squirrel. Some common options are to make red squirrels, gray squirrels, or dark brown squirrels. In these pictures, I tried to choose a rich chestnut brown color to make the squirrel out of.

You might also enjoy using black yarn or white yarn to make your squirrel. Just because my squirrel is all one color, doesn’t mean that yours has to be! You can make color changes wherever you want in this adorable little squirrel.

Type of Yarn

The type of yarn that you choose to use will also determine the outcome of your squirrel. I used baby velvet yarn from Jo Ann’s in Bernat brand. The yarn was a #4 medium worsted weight yarn, and I used two strands of yarn so that the thickness of the thread was a little bigger. Otherwise, the squirrel would have turned out much smaller.

Reading the Pattern Abbreviations

One of the important things in getting started with your crochet project is being able to read and understand what each of the pattern abbreviations stands for. I have created an abbreviation list for you below, however, you can also sign up for my email list and get a free download with crochet and knitting basics. Included is a complete list of all of the crochet abbreviations with their meanings that make for a handy cheat sheet to have on hand.

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Crochet Techniques Used

Magic Ring. A magic ring or a magic circle is often used as the base for any round project. An alternative method is to chain two stitches and work your first round of stitches into the first chain space made. Although the magic ring has a nicer finished appearance, the chain two methods can often work better when you are working with thicker yarn. To learn how to crochet a magic ring, make sure to check out my complete tutorial.

Single Crochet Stitches. Making a single crochet stitch is the basic crochet stitch that is used throughout this crochet pattern. If you are new to crocheting, make sure to check out my beginner’s guide for crochet stitches to learn how to make a single crochet.

Slip Stitches. I prefer to make my patterns so that you join the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip stitch. This way you know which round you are on in the pattern. To do this you will want to use a slip stitch.

Increasing and Decreasing. Increasing or decreasing the overall number of round stitches gives the crochet squirrel its shape. To make an increase stitch in the project, you will make two single crochet stitches in the same stitch. A decrease stitch is when two single crochet stitches are combined into one stitch.

Changing Colors. You can change colors at any time in your project. To do this you will simply pull your new color through the old color and continue stitching with the new color. Make sure to tie the yarn tail together so that it doesn’t pull apart.

Attaching Safety Eyes. I like to use plain black safety eyes. Feel free to use your desired size, and make sure that the eyes can fasten securely to your project.

Sewing Pieces Together. To sew the different crochet pieces together, you can easily use some yarn, of the same color your animal is made from, and a yarn needle or tapestry needle. Sew the pieces as desired. Make sure that they are completely secured before finishing off.

Materials Needed

Yarn. I recommend using soft velvet yarn in your desired color. If using one strand, make sure it is a size #5 bulky weight, or you will need two strands of #4 medium weight.

Crochet Hook Size 5.50 mm crochet hook recommended

Fiberfill Stuffing. To fill the crochet squirrel before finishing it out.

Black Safety Eyes. 2 mm safety eyes or larger. Feel free to use whatever size you prefer.

Yarn Needle. This is used to assemble the squirrel once all of the body pieces are created.

Scissors. You will need to have some scissors on hand to cut the yarn.

Squirrel Crochet Pattern: Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

Ch – chain

St/sts – stitch / stitches

Sc – single crochet

Inc – increase

Dec – decrease

Sl st – slip stitch

Please note that this pattern is written in US Terms

Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate

Making the Head and Body

Round 1: ch 5, sk 1 ch space, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, 4 sc in last st, turn. Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st. Join with sl st to the first st made.

Round 2: ch 1, (inc, sc) 6 times around. Join with sl st.

Round 3: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 4: ch 1, (inc, 2 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 5: ch 1, sc in next 12 sts. (inc, sc) 3 times, sc in next 6 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 6: ch 1, sc in next 12 sts. (inc, 2 sc) 3 times, sc in next 6 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 7- 9: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (30 sts)

Round 10: ch 1, (dec, 2 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 11: ch 1, (dec, sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 12 – 13: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (16 sts)

Round 14: ch 1, inc in each st around. Join with sl st. (32 sts)

Round 15: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (32 sts)

Round 16: ch 1, (inc, 2 sc) repeat 4 times. Sc in each of the remaining stitches around, until you reach the last three sts. Inc, sc in remaining 2 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 17 – 20: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 21: Ch 1, sc in next 16 sts, (inc, sc) 4 times, sc in next 6 sts, (inc, sc) 4 times. Join with sl st.

Round 22: Ch 1, sc in next 16 sts, (inc, 2 sc) 4 times, 5 sc, (inc, 2 sc) 4 times, join with sl st.

Round 23 – 24: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 25: ch 1, sc in next 16 sts, dec, sc in next 12 sts, dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec, sc in next 12 sts, dec. Join with sl st.

Round 26 – 27: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 28: ch 1, sc in next 14 sts, dec 2 times, sc in next 10 sts, dec 3 times, sc in next 10 sts, join with sl st.

Round 29: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 30: ch 1, (dec, 3 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 31: ch 1, (dec, 2 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

*add stuffing and insert safety eyes

Round 32: ch 1, (dec, sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 33: ch 1, dec around. Join with sl st.

Thread the yarn tail through a yarn needle and weave through the stitches. Pull the yarn tight to close. Tie a knot, and weave in the ends of the yarn tail.

Tail (make 1)

Round 1: ch 2, in the 2nd ch from the hook, make 6 sc sts. Join with a sl st.

Round 2 – 3: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st.

Round 4: ch 1, (inc, sc) repeat around. Join with a sl st.

Round 5: ch 1, (inc, 2 sc) repeat around. Join with a sl st.

Round 6: ch 1, (inc, 3 sc) repeat around. Join with a sl st.

Round 7 – 9: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 10: ch 1, sc in next 7 sts, inc, sc in next 7 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 11: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 12: ch 1, sc in next 7 sts, inc 2 times, sc in next 7 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 13 – 14: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 15: ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, inc, sc in next 2 sts, inc, sc in next 2 sts, inc, sc in next 6 sts. Join with sl sts.

Round 16 – 20: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 21: ch 1, (dec, 3 sc) repeat around, sc. Join with sl st.

Round 22: ch 1, (dec, 2 sc) repeat around, sc. Join with sl st.

*add stuffing to the tail

Round 23: ch 1, (dec, sc) repeat around, sc. Join with sl st.

Round 24: ch 1, dec around. Join with sl st.

To finish off, cut the yarn and pull it through your loop. Thread the yarn onto a yarn needle and weave it through the top of each dec stitch. Pull the yarn tight together and tie a knot. Leave a long tail of yarn for sewing the tail to the squirrel’s body.

The Feet (make 2)

Round 1: ch 2, in the 2nd ch from hook, make 6 sc stitches.

Round 2: ch 1, (inc, 2 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 3: ch 1, (inc, 3 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 4: ch 1, (inc, 4 sc) repat around. Join with sl st.

Round 5 – 8: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 9: ch 1, (dec, 4 sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

* add stuffing

Round 10: ch 1, sc through both sides of the feet together. Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Squirrel Hands (make 2)

Round 1: ch 2, in the 2nd ch from hook, work 8 sc sts. Join with sl st.

Round 2: ch 1, (inc, sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 3 – 10: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

* add stuffing

Round 11: ch 1, sc through both sides to pull them together. Finish off and leave a long yarn tail for sewing.

Ears (make 2)

Round 1: ch 2, in the 2nd ch from hook, make 6 sc sts. Join with sl st.

Round 2: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 3: ch 1, inc, sc in next 2 sts, inc, sc in next 2 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 4: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 5: ch 1, inc, sc in next 3 sts, inc, sc in next 3 sts. Join with sl st.

Round 6: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Round 7: ch 1, (inc, sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.

Round 8: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.

Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing the ears onto the head.

Tip: when attaching the ears, I like to pinch them a little bit at the base to give them a nice shape.

Assembly

Now that the different pieces of your squirrel have been created, it’s time to assemble them to make your adorable crochet squirrel. First, you will want to attach the tail to the body.

Attaching the Tail to the Body

Use a yarn needle and a long strand of the same color yarn to sew the tail to the squirrel. You will want to sew it even with the squirrel’s butt, then attach it up through the back of the squirrel so that it stays in place nicely.

Sewing on Ears

After the tail is sewn on, you can add the ears in your desired location to the squirrel. Make sure to weave in the ends of your yarn when you are finished sewing on each piece.

Adding Facial Features

Embroider the Nose and Mouth and Attach Safety Eyes

Eyes and Nose

Remember that your safety eyes were added while you were making the body of your squirrel. However, if you choose to skip the safety eyes, then you might enjoy stitching the eyes in place. I also used a light pink yarn to make a simple nose.

Also, to give the squirrel’s head a little more character, I like to use the same color yarn as the body and take my yarn needle. Insert a loop of yarn under each eye, and pull it snug, so that the eyes pull together a little bit. This helps to give the head an added shape and makes its cheeks look full of acorns for the winter.

Final Touches

I have noticed over the years that it’s the little details added to your crochet project that help to bring it to life and make it adorable. To help with this, I created a simple bow, and crochet scarf, and set it with a pinecone to help this little lady turn out extra cute.

Bow

To make the bow, choose whatever color of yarn you desire. I used a simple baby yarn in light pink. Make a chain, until it is long enough for you to tie into a small bow. Sew the bow to the squirrel’s head.

Scarf

The scarf is made using that same pink baby yarn. I created a chain that was eight chain stitches long, then created a half double crochet stitch in the 3^rd stitch from the hook and in each space across. When you reach the end of the row, chain 2 stitches then continue working each row, in the back loops only until the scarf reaches your desired length.

Pinecone or the Biggest Acorn

I added a real pinecone with my little squirrel, but you might enjoy finding a big acorn and giving that to your little crochet squirrel if desired. It’s completely up to you how creative you want to get!

Congratulations on finishing your Baby Squirrel!

Want the PDF Pattern? Get the Printable Pattern!

If you would like to get a copy of this crochet squirrel pattern, as a PDF pattern, you can purchase that at my Etsy store.

Please note that this squirrel crochet pattern is intended for your personal use only, and not for commercial distribution under any circumstances. However, feel free to make and sell this little squirrel, or give it away as a cute gift.

Tips and Tricks

Customizing the Squirrel with Different Colors. Feel free to mix things up with the colors you use to make this adorable little squirrel.

Creative Embellishments. I have added a simple bow and scarf to my little squirrel to give it some extra embellishments. Feel free to add anything else you might enjoy!

Maintaining Consistent Tension. One of the main keys to your crochet squirrel turning out great is to maintain a consistent tension in your yarn as you work the stitches. Once you get the hang of that, your stitches will be nice and even.

Working in Continuous Rounds. It is not my personal preference to work on projects in continuous rounds. However, if you prefer this method, then feel free to adapt this pattern and use a stitch marker to keep track of each round, without joining them once completed.

Cute Crochet Squirrel

If you are looking for a fun, and free crochet pattern to make a cute baby squirrel, I hope you will try out my pattern. I am a little partial, but I think that this little cutie is so sweet and can make the perfect gift for anyone in your life.

I hope that you will enjoy this free squirrel crochet pattern!

Resources for You:

Make sure to check out my easy tutorial for beginner crocheters! This is a great beginner’s guide for the very basics of crochet. If you or someone you know wants to learn how to crochet, then this is a fabulous resource to start with.

More Free Patterns! I have many other free amigurumi pattern options as well as different types of crochet projects. Make sure to take a look around and see if any of them catch your eye!

Did you give this pattern a try? If so, make sure to tag me on social media so that I can see your adorable project! I love to see all of your creations!

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More Free Crochet Patterns!

Squirrel Crochet Pattern

Materials

Yarn I used bulky weight velvet yarn
Crochet Hook Size 5.50 mm crochet hook
Fiberfill Stuffing
Black Safety Eyes
Yarn Needle
Scissors