Welcome to the wild and playful world of amigurumi! ๐โจ Today, Iโm excited to share my free crochet pattern for a Hyenaโa bold and mischievous creature full of personality, charm, and unmistakable spots! ๐ฟ Whether you love crafting unique wildlife-inspired designs, enjoy making expressive animal figures, or simply want to stitch up a lovable hyena with character, this pattern will guide you through creating a beautifully detailed plush companion with textured fur and striking features! ๐ค
This design embraces earthy tones, dynamic shaping, and playful expressions to bring this cunning and charismatic creature to life! ๐งถ๐๏ธ Iโve carefully outlined each step to ensure your Amigurumi Hyena turns out just rightโready to add a touch of the savanna to your collection or become a treasured handmade gift! ๐ So grab your hooks, pick out warm browns, golden yellows, and bold black accents, and letโs stitch up a fierce and lovable hyena friend! โจ

๐พ Amigurumi Hyena Crochet Pattern
Capture the wild charm of the savannah with this realistic Amigurumi Hyena, featuring tall upright ears, a long slender neck, a rounded snout, detailed brown paw tips, and a distinctive mane. With expressive eyes and natural body posture, this hyena looks ready to prowl โ or just sit proudly as a handmade showpiece.
โจ Skill Level
Intermediate to Advanced โ Includes shaping, color changes, sewing, and texturing (mane + spots).
๐ Finished Size
Approximately 28โ30 cm (11โ12 in) tall when seated, using DK or light-worsted yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.
๐งถ Materials
Yarn (DK or Light-Worsted Weight):
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Color A โ Beige / Cream (main body and head)
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Color B โ Dark Brown (paws, muzzle, and spots)
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Color C โ Black (nose and eye detail)
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Color D โ Golden / Caramel (mane)
Tools & Supplies:
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3.0 mm crochet hook
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10โ12 mm brown safety eyes
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Yarn needle
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Stitch markers
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Polyfill stuffing
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Small wire brush or pet slicker (for mane fluffing)
๐งต Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR โ Magic Ring
sc โ Single Crochet
inc โ Increase (2 sc in same st)
dec โ Decrease (sc2tog)
ch โ Chain
sl st โ Slip Stitch
FO โ Fasten Off
( ) โ repeat within parentheses
๐ช Pattern Instructions
๐ฆด Head (Color A)
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2 โ inc ร6 (12)
R3 โ (1 sc, inc) ร6 (18)
R4 โ (2 sc, inc) ร6 (24)
R5 โ (3 sc, inc) ร6 (30)
R6โR10 โ sc around (30)
R11 โ (4 sc, inc) ร6 (36)
R12โR16 โ sc around (36)
R17 โ (4 sc, dec) ร6 (30)
R18 โ (3 sc, dec) ร6 (24)
R19 โ (2 sc, dec) ร6 (18)
Insert safety eyes between R9โR10, spaced about 8 stitches apart.
Stuff the head firmly as you shape it slightly oval (longer snout).
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
๐ฝ Muzzle (Color B)
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2 โ inc ร6 (12)
R3 โ (1 sc, inc) ร6 (18)
R4โR6 โ sc around (18)
R7 โ (1 sc, dec) ร6 (12)
Stuff lightly and FO.
Sew centered to the head, extending halfway down the snout as in the photo.
Use black yarn (Color C) to embroider a rounded nose tip and a short vertical line below it.
๐พ Ears (Make 2 โ Color A)
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2 โ (1 sc, inc) ร3 (9)
R3 โ (2 sc, inc) ร3 (12)
R4 โ (3 sc, inc) ร3 (15)
R5 โ sc around (15)
Flatten the ear and sc across the top to close.
Sew on top sides of the head with a slight inward tilt (as shown in the photo).
๐ฆ Mane (Color D)
Cut 6 cm strands of golden yarn. Using the latch-hook method, attach along the center back of the head and down the upper neck.
Once attached, brush out with a pet slicker to achieve a fuzzy, upright mane.
Trim slightly to match the photoโs tousled mohawk look.
๐พ Body (Color A)
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2 โ inc ร6 (12)
R3 โ (1 sc, inc) ร6 (18)
R4 โ (2 sc, inc) ร6 (24)
R5 โ (3 sc, inc) ร6 (30)
R6โR10 โ sc around (30)
R11 โ (4 sc, inc) ร6 (36)
R12โR18 โ sc around (36)
R19 โ (4 sc, dec) ร6 (30)
R20 โ (3 sc, dec) ร6 (24)
R21โR25 โ sc around (24)
Stuff firmly, shaping the upper body slightly forward-leaning.
FO and leave a tail for sewing.
๐ฆต Front Legs (Make 2 โ start Color B, then A)
With Color B:
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2 โ (1 sc, inc) ร3 (9)
R3โR4 โ sc around (9)
Switch to Color A:
R5โR18 โ sc around (9)
Stuff lightly and FO.
Sew slightly forward on the chest so the hyena sits upright.
๐พ Back Legs (Make 2 โ start Color B, then A)
With Color B:
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2 โ inc ร6 (12)
R3 โ (1 sc, inc) ร6 (18)
R4 โ (2 sc, dec) ร4, sc ร2 (14)
Switch to Color A:
R5โR12 โ sc around (14)
FO and stuff.
Attach to sides toward the back in a bent โseatedโ pose like the photo.
๐ Tail (Color A with tuft D)
R1 โ 6 sc in MR (6)
R2โR6 โ sc around (6)
FO and sew to lower back.
Add a small tuft of Color D at the tip.
๐ค Spots (Color B)
For realistic patterning, vary between 1โ4 sc โpatches.โ
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Use surface slip stitching or small crocheted circles (3โ6 sc in MR).
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Attach asymmetrically on body, neck, and legs โ denser at the shoulders, lighter on the belly.
๐ฟ Finishing Touches
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Assembly Order:
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Sew head to top of body.
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Attach front and back legs in sitting position.
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Add mane and tail last.
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Face & Expression:
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Shape muzzle slightly forward.
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Pull light tension around eyes to form subtle cheek curves.
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Embroider short eyebrows for a curious look.
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Mane & Fur Detailing:
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Gently brush the mane upward to keep it fluffy and natural.
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Optionally, use a small amount of clear hair gel to shape it.
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๐ฌ Final Thoughts
This Amigurumi Hyena combines playful realism with handmade warmth. The expressive face, sturdy legs, and signature mane make it a striking piece in any wildlife collection. With patience and shaping, youโll create a true safari star that looks just as lifelike as the one in the photo! ๐พ๐ฆ
