Designer: Alexandra Umnikova
Instagram: @a_igruami
Hooked on cuteness? You’re in the right place!
There’s something irresistibly charming about a handmade hippo—and this one, designed by the talented Alexandra Umnikova (VK: @a_igruami), is full of character and cuddly appeal. Standing approximately 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5″) tall, this little cutie makes a wonderful gift or keepsake. The pattern is beginner-friendly, making it a perfect project even if you’re just getting started with amigurumi.
To create your own crochet hippo, you’ll need YarnArt Jeans yarn (55% cotton, 45% acrylic), a 2.25 mm crochet hook, 5 mm safety eyes, and a bit of black yarn or embroidery floss for the eyebrows. Huge thanks to Alexandra for sharing this adorable design with the community. And don’t forget to check the end of the post, where you’ll find a handpicked selection of inspiring amigurumi hippo ideas to spark your creativity!
Materials:
• YarnArt Jeans (55% cotton, 45% acrylic) yarn
• 2.25 mm crochet hook
• Black yarn or embroidery floss for eyebrows
• 5 mm safety eyes
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Fiberfill
Height: 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5″)
Abbreviations:
R – row
ch – chain
st – stitch
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec – decrease (2 sc together)
[…] – number of stitches you should have at the end of the row
(…) – repeat whatever is between the brackets the given number of times
Head
Make 9 ch. Make an oval, starting from the 2nd ch from hook, work on both sides of the chain.
R 1: from the 2nd ch from hook: 7 sc, 3 sc in last st, turn: 8 sc [18]
R 2: inc, 6 sc, 3 inc, 6 sc, 2 inc [24]
R 3: 1 sc, inc, 6 sc, (1 sc, inc) repeat 3 times, 6 sc, (1 sc, inc) repeat 2 times [30]
R 4: (4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [36]
R 5-6: 36 sc (2 rows)
R 7: (4 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [30]
R 8: (3 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [24]
R 9: 24 sc
R 10: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [30]
R 11: (4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [36]
Insert safety eyes between R 10 and R 11 at the distance of 4 sc from each other.
R 12: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [42]
R 13: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [48]
R 14-19: 48 sc (6 rows)
R 20: (6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [42]
R 21: (5 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [36]
R 22: (4 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [30]
R 23: (3 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [24]
R 24: (2 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [18]
R 25: (1 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [12]
R 26: (dec) repeat 6 times [6]
Fasten off.
Arms (make 2)
R 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
R 2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12]
R 3-5: 12 sc (3 rows)
R 6: (2 sc, dec) repeat 3 times [9]
R 7-16: 9 sc (10 rows)
Stuff 1/2 full.
Fold the top opening flat and 4 sc through both sides.
Fasten off.
Legs (make 2)
R 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
R 2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12]
R 3-6: 12 sc (4 rows)
Fasten off.
Crochet the second leg, do not fasten off.
Make 3 ch on the second leg and join with the first leg.
Body
Stuff as you go.
R 7: 12 sc on the first leg, 3 sc in 3 ch, 12 sc on the second leg, 3 sc in 3 ch (opposite side) [30]
R 8: (4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [36]
R 9: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [42]
R 10: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [48]
R 11-15: 48 sc (5 rows)
R 16: (6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [42]
R 17-18: 42 sc (2 rows)
R 19: (5 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [36]
R 20-21: 36 sc (2 rows)
R 22: (4 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [30]
R 23-24: 30 sc (2 rows)
R 25: (3 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [24]
R 26: 24 sc
R 27: attach arms: 5 sc, 4 sc together with sc of the first arm, 9 sc, 4 sc together with sc of the second arm, 2 sc [24]
R 28: 24 sc
Fasten off.
Ears (make 2)
R 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
R 2: (inc) repeat 6 times [12]
Fold the ear flat and 1-2 sl st through both sides.
Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Tail
Insert the hook on the back of the body between R 14 and R 15 and make 8 ch.
Make a yarn tassel on the end of the tail.
Assembly
Sew ears on the head.
Sew the head to the body.
Check out other cute crochet hippo ideas:
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