Knitting patterns for wild animals from forest to jungle, savannah to swamp. Updated 2/13/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Hippo, Giraffe, and Turtle by Amanda Berry
Animal amigurumi softies knitted flat on a pair of straight knitting needles. Techniques used include increases, decreases, knitting stripes and seaming. Designed by Amanda Berry
Tall Tiger
18 inch adorable tiger toy softie. Reminds me of Hobbes. Designed by Browneyedbabs. DK weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- See more toy patterns by Browneyedbabs
- See more Tiger Knitting Patterns
Geoffrey Giraffe
Designed by Ann Franklin, this giraffe toy uses a simple two-colour pattern to create the animal print effect. Overall height about 47 – 48 cms
Mini Hippo
Aine Marriott designed this hippo toy that can be knit in one evening.
Oliphaunt Elephant Toy
This elephant toy is knit in one piece from the rear legs forward to the trunk, shaped with short rows, and then sewn. Size depends on yarn weight and needles used. Designed by Cristina Bernardi Shiffman Pictured project by mariflori
Monkey
From Sarah Keen’s book ‘Knitted Wild Animals‘.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the book Knitted Wild Animals
- Get DK weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
Little Lion Sock Critter
This lion toy softie with a knit lace mane is 9-1/2 in. (24 cm) tall. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn.
Liam’s Beaver
Sara Elizabeth Kellner’s 6 inch tall beaver is knit in the round. The tail is knit in linen stitch to make it more sturdy.
Hedgehog
Designed by Purl Soho, this cute hedgehog is about 6 inches long and 11 1/2 inches around
Ribbit Frog
Designed by Spud & Chloë, this frog is 3 inches wide by 5 inches tall.
Armadillo
Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne’s friendly lizard is a free pattern from their book Knit Your Own Zoo.Length (including tail): 10in (25cm) Height to top of body: 4½in (11cm)
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive – IMPORTANT! Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page or search for Armadillo pattern.
- Get the book Knit Your Own Zoo
- See more Armadillo Knitting Patterns
Chameleon
Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne’s friendly lizard is a free pattern from their book Knit Your Own Zoo. Length (with curled tail): 14cm (51⁄2in) Height to top of head: 6cm (21⁄2in)
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive – IMPORTANT! Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page or search for Chameleon pattern.
- Get the book Knit Your Own Zoo
More Free Patterns
Sock Giraffe
Bobbi Padgett was inspired by Sock Monkeys to create a giraffe toy. The pictured project by jillybean22679 has some modifications.
Leon the Lion
Red Heart’s lion toy was designed by Nancy Anderson and features a mane of plied yarn that’s combed out. Finished Size 7″ (18 cm) tall
Elephant
Elephant measures 9 1⁄2in (24cm) in height
Knit One, Squirrel Two
Sara Elizabeth Kellner’s 7 inch tall squirrel is knit in the round. The tail is made of the same yarn as the body.
Mini Lion
Aine Marriott designed this tiny toy that is about 2.5 inches long
Lionel the Lion
Designed by the amazing Amanda Berry, this lion softie toy is approximately 24cm tall. All pieces are knitted flat except for the tail.
Woollyphant
This flat elephant can be used as an appliqué, decor, or jewelry. Aneta Gasiorowska designed this appliqué to be made in one piece using garter stitch and short rows.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get DK weight yarn for this project on Etsy
- See more Elephant Knitting Patterns
Forest Folk Cup Cozies
Alexandra Davidoff designed these trio of animal cozies embroidered with duplicate stitch.
Mini Elephant
Aine Marriott designed this elephant toy that is about 2 inches long
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get DK weight yarn for this project on Etsy
- See more Elephant Knitting Patterns
Little Giraffe
Designed by Christine Landry, this giraffe toy can be knit with any weight of yarn. The example is 17 cm (6.75 inches) tall but can be knit larger or smaller. The legs are then joined in the round and from there the body, neck, ears and head are knit all in one piece.
Skunk Baby
Sara Elizabeth Kellner’s 6 inch skunk is knit the round with white strips knit flat and added later. The tail is made of the same yarn as the body.
Hedgehog Amigurumi
Amy Gaines cute hedgehog toy is 6 inches tall.
Panda
From Sarah Keen’s book ‘Knitted Wild Animals‘, this panda measures 91⁄2in (24cm) in height
Patterns for Purchase
Liam the Lion
Cuddly lion toy softie is a quick knit. DK weight yarn. Designed by MumpitzDesign.
Knit Your Own Zoo: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 24 Animals
Knit Your Own Zoo includes patterns for a koala, giraffe, tiger, crocodile, penguin, meerkat, elephant, armadillo, panda, a kangaroo and her joey, and 14 other delightful creatures.
Nelson the Lion
This lion softie can be adapted to any size by changing the weight of yarn used. Pictured lion is 17 inches.
Giraffe Amigurumi
16 inch high giraffe toy softie.
Hippo Toy
The body is knit in one piece with head and feet knit separately and sewn on later. You can change the size by using a different weight of yarn.
Kath the Kangaroo and Joey
Kath the Kangaroo toy softie with baby Joey in pocket. Finished Sizes Kath: 12 1/2in (32cm) tall Joey: 6 1/4in (16cm) tall
Toby the Tiger
Toby is about 9 inches tall if standing
Elephant Toy
Full instructions for knitting and finishing off a little elephant with a textured sweater and shorts. Approx 22cm (9 inches) from the tip of the toes to the top of the ears.
- Get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- Get DK weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Get this elephant pattern with dress
Backyard Bandits
The Badger and Raccoon are 27 cm (11”) tall, and the Fox is 30 cm (12”) tall.
