Crochet a Small Hippo (Free Pattern)

If you're looking for a fun and creative project, why not try your hand at crocheting a small hippo? With just a few basic crochet stitches and some colorful yarn, you can bring this cute and cuddly creature to life. Start by gathering all the materials you'll need, including a crochet hook, yarn in your chosen colors, and stuffing for the hippo's body. This charming creature can be brought to life with just a few simple crochet stitches and some colorful yarn. This project can be completed in no time and it is a great addition to your collection of handmade items. 

YOU WILL NEED

• Yarn 
• 2.50 - 3.00 mm crochet hook (US size 2/C - 3/D).
• Polyester fiberfill, wool, wadding/padding etc. for stuffing.
• 6 mm (1/4") safety eyes or buttons, beads, felt etc.
• Pink cotton embroidery floss.
• Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker.

ABBREVIATIONS

mr, sc n = magic ring. - crochet n (number) single crochet stitches into the adjustable loop.

ch = chain stitch.

sl st = slip stitch.

sc = single crochet stitch double crochet stitch in UK and Australia).

sc n = crochet n single

crochet stitches, one in each stitch.

inc = increase - crochet two single crochet stitches in the same stitch.

dec = decrease - crochet two stitches together using the invisible decrease method.

(sc 4, inc) x n = repeat the pattern between parentheses n times.

(36) = number of stitches in a round after finishing round.

NOTES

Work in a continuous spiral, do not join rounds or turn your work, unless instructed otherwise in the pattern.

Use a stitch marker or a piece of yarn to mark the end or the beginning of a round. Move the marker up after completing each round.

All stitches are worked into both loops, unless instructed otherwise in the pattern

HEAD

mr, sc 6 (6)

inc x 6 (12)

(sc, inc) x 6 (18)

(inc, sc 2) x 6 (24)

8: sc in each stitch (24)

9: (sc 2, dec) x 5, sc 4 (19)

Start stuffing the head. Keep adding a bit of fiberfill after every few rounds, stuffing the head firmly.

sc in each stitch (19)

sc 3, dec, sc 8, dec, sc 4 (17)

sc 5, dec, sc 2, dec, sc 6 (15)

14: sc in each stitch (15)

Attach the safety eyes to the opposite side from the end of the round, between rounds 12 and 13, leaving 5 stitches (count 4 holes) between them.

(sc, dec) x 5 (10)

dec x 5 (5)

Finish stuffing the head. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and fasten off. Pick up all the remaining_ stitches and close the opening:

Embroider the nostrils over round 5.

EARS (make 2)

mr, sc 5 (5)

sc in each stitch (5)

sc, dec, leave the rest of the stitches unworked (4)

Sl st in next stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing, and fasten off. Do not stuff the ears.

Flatten the ears and sew them to the head between rounds 15 and 16.

BODY

mr, sc 6 (6)

inc x 6 (12)

(sc, inc) x 6 (18)

(sc 3, inc) x 4, sc 2 (22)

12: sc in each stitch (22)

13: (sc 3, dec) x 4, sc 2 (18)

Start stuffing the body.

(sc, dec) x 6 (12)

dec x 6 (6)

Finish stuffing the body. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and fasten off. Pick up all the remaining_ stitches and close the opening.

Sew the head to the body, making tiny stitches below the head.

LEGS (make 4)

mr, sc 6 (6)

(sc, inc) x 3 (9)

4: sc in each stitch (9)

Si st in next stitch. Cut the yarn, leaving a yarn tail for sewing, and fasten off. Stuff the legs firmly.

Sew the legs to the body with whip stitch.

TAIL

Start with a slip knot at least 10 cm (4") from the yarn end. Chain 5, cut the yarn, leaving a 10 cm (4") tail, and fasten off. Cut another 20 cm (8") strand of yarn and draw it through the last chain. Adjust it so both yarn tails are about the same length. Make an overhand knot in the yarn tails and push it close to the tail. Trim off the extra yarn.

Sew the tail to the body, placing it just above round 3.

And done!