Stitch up a storybook legend with this Amigurumi The Gruffalo crochet pattern! With his knobbly knees, terrible tusks, and orange eyes, this beloved character comes to life in yarn form—perfect for fans of the classic tale or anyone who loves crafting whimsical creatures. Whether you’re creating a cuddly companion for a little reader, adding to a literary-themed display, or just indulging in a playful project, this Gruffalo is ready to stomp into your collection with charm and character. 🧶🐾📚
Designed for texture and personality, this pattern invites you to explore plush yarns, bold features, and fun extras like tiny horns, claws, and a spiky back. Customize his expression, add woodland props, or pair him with a mini mouse for storytelling flair. Whether perched on a shelf, nestled in a gift basket, or starring in a handmade forest scene, this Gruffalo Amigurumi is a joyful and satisfying project—perfect for stitching up a little handmade mischief, one loop at a time! 💖✨🌲
🐾 Amigurumi Gruffalo Crochet Pattern
Step into the deep dark wood and bring the beloved Gruffalo to life with your own two hands! This detailed crochet pattern captures all his iconic features: orange eyes, terrible tusks, knobbly knees, purple prickles, and that mischievous grin. A must-make for storytelling, displays, or treasured handmade gifts. 🌲📖💛
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Advanced (shaping, color changes, sewing details, small parts).
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 30–36 cm (12–14 inches) tall when using DK yarn and a 2.5–3.0 mm crochet hook.
🧶 Materials
- Dark Brown (~150 g / 375 m) – body, head, arms, legs, outer ears, tail
- Beige/Tan (~60 g / 150 m) – muzzle, paw pads, inner ears, belly patch, knobbly knees
- White (~40 g / 100 m) – teeth, tusks, claws, eye highlights
- Orange (~15 g / 40 m) – eye circles
- Cream (~10 g / 25 m) – eyebrows
- Black (~10 g / 25 m) – nose, mouth embroidery
- Purple (~25 g / 65 m) – back spikes
Other supplies:
- 2.5–3.0 mm crochet hook
- 10 mm black safety eyes (or crocheted eyes)
- Polyfill stuffing
- Tapestry needle & stitch markers
- Optional: wire for ear shaping, hot glue for claws
🪡 Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – Magic Ring
- sc – Single Crochet
- inc – Increase (2 sc in same st)
- dec – Decrease (sc 2 together)
- ch – Chain
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- BLO – Back Loop Only
- FLO – Front Loop Only
- FO – Fasten Off
🧸 Pattern Instructions
Head (Dark Brown)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc ×6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) ×6 (30)
6–18. sc around (30) - (3 sc, dec) ×6 (24)
👉 Insert safety eyes between R9–10, ~7–8 sts apart. Add orange crochet rings around eyes, then embroider tiny white highlights. - (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
- Stuff firmly. (1 sc, dec) ×6 (12)
- dec ×6 (6), FO.
Muzzle (Beige)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc ×6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
4–5. sc around (18) - (2 sc, dec) ×4, 2 sc (14)
👉 Lightly stuff, sew to lower face. Add black embroidered smile line. Attach round black nose at top.
Tusks & Teeth (White)
Tusks (make 2):
- MR 4, sc around 5–6 rounds, FO. Stuff and sew to sides of muzzle.
Teeth (4–5 small):
- MR 4, sc 1 round, flatten, sew under muzzle edge.
Eyebrows (Cream – corrected)
- MR 6
- inc ×6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
- sc 1 round, FO.
👉 Flatten into small ovals and sew above eyes.
Ears (Brown outer, Beige inner – make 2)
Outer: MR 6 → inc (12) → (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18) → (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24). FO.
Inner: Repeat to 18 sts in beige. Sew inside brown ear. Fold slightly and attach to head sides.
Horns (Taupe – make 2)
- MR 4, sc around, increase to 8 sts, work 8–10 rounds.
- Sew curved on top of head.
Body (Dark Brown)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc ×6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) ×6 (30)
6–24. sc around (30) - (4 sc, dec) ×6 (25)
- (3 sc, dec) ×6 (20)
- (2 sc, dec) ×6 (15)
👉 Stuff firmly. FO.
Belly patch (Beige – corrected):
- ch 8, work oval in rounds for 6 rows (~5–6 cm long). FO.
- Attach low on belly, not full chest.
Arms (Dark Brown – make 2)
- MR 6
- (1 sc, inc) ×3 (9)
3–12. sc around (9)
👉 Stuff lightly, FO.
Claws (White – 3 per hand):
MR 4, sc 2–3 rows, FO. Sew to fingertips.
Legs & Feet (Dark Brown + Beige – make 2)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc ×6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
4–6. sc around
7–9. switch to beige, sc around (18)
👉 Stuff, flatten, and sew to body.
Claws (White – 4 per foot): same as arm claws.
Knobbly knees (Beige): MR 6, inc ×6 (12), FO, stuff slightly, sew above each foot.
Tail (Dark Brown)
- MR 6, sc around 8–10 rows, FO. Attach to back.
Purple Spikes (Make 7 – corrected)
- MR 5, sc around
- inc to 8 sts, sc 6–8 rows
- FO, stuff lightly.
👉 Sew 7 spikes evenly from top of head down spine.
✂️ Final Assembly
- Attach head to body.
- Sew muzzle, tusks, teeth, eyebrows, ears, and horns.
- Add arms and legs with claws and knobbly knees.
- Place belly patch low on body.
- Attach 7 purple spikes down back.
- Embroider smile lines with black yarn.
🎉 Finishing Touches
✔ Shape tusks slightly outward.
✔ Add blush around cheeks for expression.
✔ Position claws so they look curled forward.
✔ (Optional) Crochet mushrooms or a forest mat to complete a woodland display.
🧶 Wrap-Up
And there he is—the Gruffalo in all his glory! With his orange eyes, terrible tusks, knobbly knees, and purple prickles, this cuddly monster is ready for storytelling or display. Whether you use him as a reading prop, a handmade gift, or a whimsical decor piece, he’s sure to charm children and grown-ups alike. 🌲🐾✨
