Bring a splash of vibrant red to your crochet collection with this Amigurumi Cardinal Baby pattern! Whether you love crafting adorable birds or want to stitch up a tiny feathered friend, this free pattern lets you create a charming little cardinal full of personality. With its fluffy round body, signature crest, and sweet expression, this miniature bird captures the essence of nature’s most striking songbird. Perfect for bird lovers, whimsical decor, or heartfelt gifts, this crochet project brings warmth and charm to any space.
Designed for customization and creativity, this pattern allows you to experiment with different shades of red, soft feather-like textures, and tiny embroidered details to make your cardinal uniquely yours. Add expressive eyes for extra personality, stitch up tiny feet for a lifelike touch, or even perch your baby cardinal in a miniature crochet nest! Whether crafted as a seasonal decoration, a meaningful keepsake, or simply for the joy of crochet, this amigurumi cardinal baby is a delightful project that brings nature’s beauty to life—one stitch at a time! 🐦🧶✨
🐦 Amigurumi Cardinal Baby – FREE Crochet Pattern
Bring a splash of nature to your crochet collection with this bold and beautiful cardinal baby! Perched on a branch and full of personality, this bird features signature red plumage, a striking black face mask, and a soft beige beak and feet. Perfect for bird lovers, winter décor, or woodland-themed gifts.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Includes color changes, shaping, assembly, and texture work.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) tall using worsted weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
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Worsted weight yarn in:
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Red (body, crest, wings)
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Black (face mask)
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Beige or light tan (beak, feet)
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3.5 mm crochet hook
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12 mm safety eyes
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Tapestry needle
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Polyfill stuffing
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Stitch marker
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Optional: Wooden base and stick for display
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase
dec – Decrease
sl st – Slip Stitch
ch – Chain
FLO/BLO – Front/Back Loop Only
FO – Fasten Off
🐤 Head & Body (Red Yarn – Worked in One Piece)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
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(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
7–15. sc around (36)
Insert safety eyes between Rounds 9–10, spaced about 9 stitches apart -
(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
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(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
Stuff the head firmly -
(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
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(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
22–30. sc around (36) -
(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
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(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
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(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
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dec x6 (6)
FO and close.
🪶 Wings (Make 2 – Red)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
4–10. sc around (18)
Flatten and FO, leave long tail for sewing to sides of body.
🎓 Crest (Red)
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MR, 6 sc
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(1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
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sc around
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(2 sc, inc) x3 (12)
5–6. sc around -
dec x6 (6)
FO and sew to top of head.
😎 Black Face Mask
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Ch 6
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sc across (5)
3–5. Repeat for square shape -
Shape eye curves and top edge with ch 1, sc around for trim
FO and sew to front of face between eyes, covering eye base slightly.
👃 Beak (Beige)
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MR, 4 sc
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inc x4 (8)
3–4. sc around
FO, stuff lightly, and sew centered on mask.
🐾 Feet (Beige – Make 2)
Each foot has 3 toes
Toe (Make 3 per foot):
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MR, 5 sc
2–3. sc around
FO and sew together at base.
Stitch two sets and sew feet flat to base or branch.
🪵 Optional: Perch
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Use a real or faux wooden stick
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Stitch or glue feet onto stick
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Mount stick onto a circular wooden base with glue or screws for display
✂️ Finishing Touches
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Adjust crest to be upright and sew securely
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Ensure wings are positioned at mid-body
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Use invisible stitches to attach mask cleanly around the beak and eyes
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Add subtle stuffing adjustments to keep balance if using display perch
💡 Customization Ideas
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Add wire to wings for poseability
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Use felt for mask and beak for different texture
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Make a blue version for a Blue Jay companion
This amigurumi cardinal is a striking addition to your handmade menagerie—perfect for festive displays, birdwatcher gifts, or year-round woodland charm. 🧶❤️🐦
