This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
If you are looking for a simple pattern to help you make a really cute owl, then look no more. This free crochet owl pattern is the one for you! Meet Olive the Owl who will make a beautiful gift with her big wise eyes and delicate wings. I am sure she will be a loyal friend to anyone who loves handmade gifts and soft cuddles.
Why You Will Love this Pattern!
- Low-sew: all you need to sew on is the beak and the wings
- All you need to know is basic crochet stitches
- Works great with a variety of different yarns including worsted weight yarn
- Easy-to-follow instructions with step by step photos
- Includes detailed video tutorials for extra help
- I’m always happy to provide support with this pattern
- And more importantly…you will have fun making a beautiful gift for your little one or family and friends
Scroll down to view the full written pattern. Or purchase the ad-free printable PDF on Etsy or Ravelry.
Free Crochet Owl Pattern – Before You Get Started!
Pattern Notes
Skill level: beginner to intermediate crochet skills and knowledge
Finished size – height including ears: 19cm / 7.5 inches when using a 3mm (C/2) crochet hook and Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply yarn
Finished size – width including wings: 18cm / 7 inches when using a 3mm (C/2) crochet hook and Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply yarn
Materials and Equipment
Yarn I used:
– Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply
– 55% cotton and 45% acrylic
– 1x ball of dark purple yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 72 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of light purple yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 19 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of cream yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 03 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of black yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 53 – (50g/160m)
I like to purchase my YarnArt Jeans from Amazon or from Etsy.
Or just simply use any 100% cotton that will work just as well. You can also use 100% acrylic if you prefer to work with this type of yarn.
Yarn Substitutes
US Suppliers:
Sport weight yarn (4ply #2):
- 100% cotton: Schachenmayr Pyramid Cotton
- blend of cotton/acrylic: WeCrochet Comfy
Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3):
- 100% cotton:: WeCrochet Animation DK
- blend of cotton/acrylic: Sirdar Stories DK
Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4):
- 100% acrylic: Universal Yarn Uptown
- 100% acrylic: WeCrochet Brava
UK Suppliers:
Sport weight yarn (4ply #2):
- 100% cotton: Scheepjes Catona
- 100% cotton: Paintbox Yarns Cotton
Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3):
- 100% cotton: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- blend of cotton/acrylic: Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK
Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4):
- 100% acrylic: Universal Yarn Uptown
- 100% acrylic: Scheepjes Chunky Monkey
If you would like to check some more substitutes for YarnArt Jeans then have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial. You can find the substitutes towards the end of the article.
Other materials used: a long piece of black yarn for eye lash embroidery / polyester fibre fill
Crochet hook: I used 3mm = C/2, if using different weight of yarn then refer to hook size recommendations on the yarn but go one size smaller. I highly recommend this ergonomic crochet hook set from Amazon as it comes in a stylish case and with other accessories such as stitch markers etc.
Other equipment used: scissors, yarn needle, pins with large heads, stitch marker or thin yarn to use instead, 15mm safety eyes
Choking hazard warning: the use of safety eyes or buttons poses a choking risk for children under the age of 3 therefore I recommend using embroidery instead.
Abbreviations Used
This Amigurumi owl pattern is written using US crochet terminology
MR: magic ring
ST: stitch
SC: single crochet stitch
HDC: half double crochet stitch
DC: double crochet stitch
CH: chain stitch
SL: slip stitch
INC: increase = two single crochet stitches in the same stitch
L INC: large increase = three single crochet stitches in the same stitch
INV DEC: invisible decrease = insert the hook into the front loop of the first stitch (two loops on hook) and immediately insert it again into the front loop of the next stitch (three loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the first two loops on the hook (two loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the two loops on the hook to finish your invisible decrease.
BLO: back loops only
FO: fasten off (…..) x 6: repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number (in this example, repeat the pattern in the brackets 6 times)
{…}: number shown inside these brackets equals the number of total stitches at the end of each round
Best Yarn for Amigurumi – Get the Free Guide Now!
Sign up for my newsletter and receive the free guide straight into your inbox. Plus stay in the loop with updates on new designs, tutorials and special offers.
Need Help with this Crochet Owl Softie?
The fastest way to get help with this free crochet owl pattern is to leave your question in the comment box at the bottom of this post.
Or join our Cuddly Stitches Community Facebook group to ask for support with this pattern. Many of the members have experience with my free crochet patterns and will be more than happy to help. You can also share your crochet projects, chat to fellow Amigurumi makers or exchange tips and tricks.
Cuddly Stitches Community
Join thousands of other Amigurumi crocheters in our Facebook group. Get help with your projects, show off your creations and share helpful tips and tricks.
How to Download My Amigurumi Patterns
My free Amigurumi patterns are supported by ads on this website and are not downloadable or printable. But you can download the ad-free PDF pattern for a small fee from my Etsy store or Ravelry shop.
Your generous contribution will help towards the cost of materials and running this website. So I can continue to publish my free online patterns on this blog for everyone to enjoy.
Printable Crochet Owl Pattern
Purchase the ad-free PDF pattern with easy to follow instructions and extra photos.
Just want the free option? Keep scrolling!
Free Crochet Owl Pattern – Step by Step!
You may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this free crochet owl pattern. And don’t forget to watch my step by step video tutorials for extra help with my patterns.
You can find the free pattern below. I have included lots of photos to make it easier for you to follow the detailed instructions. Some sections of the pattern also include step-by-step video tutorials needed for that specific part of the pattern.
Wings
We will start by crocheting a circle using double crochet stitches; each circle will be connected with a slip stitch so we will not crochet in a spiral.
R1: MR – chain 2 ST, 11 x DC into MR, SL into 1st DC ST of R1 (Pic W1) – usually you would slip stitch into the top ST of the chain but I think the joint looks neater this way {12 incl. the chain}
R2: chain 2 ST, 1x DC into the same ST you slip stitched through at the end of R1 (Pic W2), 2x DC in each of the remaining STs, SL into 1st DC ST of R2 (Pic W3) {24 incl. the chain}
Change colour to light purple after R2
R3: chain 2 ST, 1x DC into the same ST you slip stitched through at the end of R2, 1x DC in next ST, (2x DC in next ST, 1x DC in next ST) x 11, SL into 1st DC ST of R3 {36 incl. the chain}
Change colour to dark purple after R3
R4: chain 2 ST, 1x DC into the same ST you slip stitched through at the end of R3, 1x DC in next 2 ST, (2x DC in next ST, 1x DC in next 2 ST) x 11, SL into 1st DC ST of R4 {48 incl. the chain} – do not FO and leave your hook in
R5: Fold the circle in half and SC the sides together to close the opening (Pic W4) – do not stuff the wings, FO and leave a long tail for sewing
Sew the wings to the body, I attached the top of the wings to R36.
Explore My Popular Pattern Bundles!
Get Lifetime Access to All Patterns!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic offer! Get unlimited access to all of my printable crochet patterns.
Eyes
We will start by crocheting a circle using double crochet stitches, each circle will be connected with a slip stitch so we will not crochet in a spiral.
R1: MR – chain 2 ST, 11 x DC into the ring, SL into 1st DC ST of R1 {12 incl. the chain} – do not make your MR too tight, you need to leave a hole in the middle to put the safety eye through
R2: chain 2 ST, DC into the same ST you slip stitched through at the end of R1, 2x DC in each of the remaining STs, SL into 1st DC ST of R2 {24 incl. the chain}
Change colour to light purple after R2
R3: In this round we will crochet the decorative hem around the eye (Pic E2) – chain 1 ST, SL into the same ST you slip stitched through at the end of R2, (chain 1 ST and SL into next ST) x repeat all around, FO and leave a long tail for sewing
Embroider the eye lashes before you insert the safety eyes (Pic E4) and attach the eyes to the head.
Head and Body
Starting from the bottom of the body upwards
R1: Chain 15 ST {15} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet Amigurumi around a foundation chain to help you out with R1 to R4
R2: SC in 14 ST starting from 2nd CH from the hook; go through back bump of each CH as well, now work on the opposite side of the chain, INC in next ST, SC in next 12 ST, INC in last ST {30}
R3: INC in first ST, SC in next 12 ST, INC in next 3 ST, SC in next 12 ST, INC in last 2 ST {36}
R4: (SC in next ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next ST, INC) x 2 {42}
R5: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 2 {48}
R6: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 2 {54}
R7: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2 {60}
R8: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 2 {66}
R9: (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 2 {72}
R10: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 2 {78}
R11: (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 2 {84}
R12: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 2 {90}
R13-R19 (7 rounds): SC in each ST around {90}
R20: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 2 {84} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease for Amigurumi
R21-R23 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {84}
R24: (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 2 {78}
R25-R27 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {78}
R28: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 2 {72}
R29-R36 (8 rounds): SC in each ST around {72} – leave your marker in at the start of R36 as you will need to refer to it when placing the eyes later on.
Change yarn to light purple colour after R36 and start stuffing the body.
R37-R42 (6 rounds): SC in each ST around {72}
R43: SC in next 71 ST, INC in last ST {73}
R44: INC in first ST, SC in next 5 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 20 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 5 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 5 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 20 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 7 ST {72}
R45: SC in next 7 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 18 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 14 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 18 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 5 ST, INC in next 2 ST {70}
R46: INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 5 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 16 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 5 ST, INC in next 4 ST, SC in next 5 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 16 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 9 ST {72}
R47: SC in next 9 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 14 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 18 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 14 ST, 1x INV DEC, SC in next 9 ST {68}
R48-R49 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {68}
Mystery Crochet Along
Join our free crochet along and unravel the mystery as you stitch along with other fellow crocheters.
You can now place the eyes:
– stuff the body and head well
– first use pins with large heads to mark the spots where the eyes will be placed (Pic H1), then pin the crocheted eyes to the head and decide whether you are happy with the placement and if they look symmetrical
– place eyes between rounds R36 and R37
– first eye – count 11 stitches from your marker at the start of R36 and place the eye between ST11 and ST12
– second eye – count 23 stitches from your marker at the start of R36 and place the eye between ST23 and ST24
– put the safety backs on and continue crocheting R50
R50: SC in next ST, add more stuffing if needed and then SC the opening together to close the head (Pic H2) – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in a flat Amigurumi piece
FO and weave the yarn end in
Beak
Starting from the tip of the beak upwards
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring for Amigurumi
R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}
R3: SC in each ST around {9}
R4: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3 {12}
R5: SC in each ST around {12}
R6: SC the opening together to close the beak (do not stuff), FO and leave a long tail for sewing
Sew the beak to the head, I attached mine to R32.
Save 15% off all PDF patterns!
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a discount on all current and future patterns purchased on Etsy. Plus stay in the loop with updates on new designs, tutorials and special offers.
How to Make the Ears
Step 1: Cut 8 strands of yarn for each ear. The 8 strands will consist of 2x black, 2x cream, 2x dark purple and 2x light purple yarn. Each strand needs to be 15cm / 6 inches long to start with, you can cut it to your preferred length after.
Step 2: Insert your hook into the last stitch at the top of the ear, fold your yarn strands in half and pull them through the stitch (Pic S2). Pull the ends of the yarn through the loop you created and make sure each strand of yarn is nice and tight.
Step 3: You can now cut the yarn to your preferred length. I cut mine to 2.5cm / 1 inch length (Pic S3).
You have now completed your crochet animal. And if you enjoyed the easy assembly then you will love these patterns:
No-Sew Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
Low-Sew Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
Explore More of My Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
If you like this free crochet owl pattern, you may also love these patterns. Why don’t you give them a try?!
Free crochet bunny pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Free crochet dinosaur pattern
Or explore more of my crochet forest animals patterns. And create adorable woodland characters that are perfect if you want to create something cute and unique for your loved ones!
Happy crocheting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Why don’t you search for the answer in the FAQ below.
Yes, absolutely. My crochet animal patterns work great with a variety of different yarns including worsted weight yarn. Your crochet toy will just be a bit bigger than specified.
However, I wouldn’t use worsted weight yarn for making my loveys as they could feel a bit bulky. I prefer using thinner yarn such as Sport yarn #2 of Light worsted yarn #3 for a nice cuddly feel.
Having said that, my lovey patterns will absolutely work with worsted weight yarn if that’s the type of yarn you prefer using. But bear in mind that your loveys will be a bit bigger than specified in this pattern.
To find out more about the best yarn for making crochet toys have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial.
I am very happy to help and provide support with any of my patterns. Visit my Contact page for different options on how to get in touch with me.
I would be very grateful if you could link to my patterns and tutorials on social media. But sharing of my actual written patterns on social media is strictly prohibited. For more details, have a read of my Copyright Policy.
You may sell finished items that you made using my Amigurumi patterns, provided you credit me as the original designer and provide a link back to my blog.
My free patterns are only available online on my blog and are not printable. If you would like to download a PDF version of my patterns then you can purchase them for a small fee from my Etsy store or Ravelry store.
I adore the owls I made for my two granddaughters! They chose their yarn and really love them. I made them from your website and spent a lot of time scrolling on it! I’m so pleased to now be able to get the free pdf to print for any future “friends” their owls need. Thanks so much for another beautiful pattern.
Hi Karen, thank you for your lovey message and you are very welcome! I’m really happy to hear your granddaughters love the owls. 🙂
Love,
Petra x
Love this pattern. Would love to find one for a smaller owl just like this one.
Thank you so much Sophie, so pleased to hear you like this pattern. You could use a thinner yarn and a smaller hook to make a smaller owl using my pattern. But it won’t be tiny tiny just a bit smaller. Otherwise there are some really nice patterns on Etsy or Pinterest.
Love,
Petra x
I need help understanding the x1, x2 in your pattern. Would you please explain that to me? I am working on your purple owl? SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 12 ST, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2
Hi Tammy, thank you for your comment. the x1, x2 etc means that you repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number. So for example (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2 means that you will crochet: SC in next 4 ST, INC in next ST, SC in next 4 ST, INC in next ST.
I hope this helps but please let me know if you have more questions.
Love, Petra x
Thank you for your great patterns!
I am working on your owl. The pattern shows 8 rows with the lighter color yarn, but all your photos show about 13. My owl is looking a little weird with the thinner strip of lighter color and the eyes are close to the top of his head if I put the center of the eye on the color change line. Am I missing something? I would like to add the additional rounds but not sure if just adding more rows with straight sc’s all the way around is going to change the look, especially the ears. Do you have any instructions for the additional rows on top? Or can you offer a suggestion on where I may have missed some instruction.
Hi Cathye, thank you so much! 🙂 I think you changed to the lighter purple colour after R42 but the pattern instructs to change the colour after R36. This should resolve the issue but please let me know if you have more questions. 🙂
Love, Petra x
Nevermind. I found where the issue is. You show rows 29-42 all together, implying all the same color. Instructions to change color are below that. It might have been less confusing to show 29-35, then change color and the Rows 36-42. At an rate, I have figured it out and I am happy because I really thin this is a cute owl. I will make notes for future makes.
Hi Cathye, thank you so much for your suggestion. I have amended the owl pattern now so it is more obvious at which point to change the colour. 🙂
Love, Petra x
Hi Petra, I love this pattern and made it as a weighted toy for a child. I wanted to make one slightly bigger without changing yarn size. Any advice on how to increase the size of the owl without losing the shape?
Hi Sarah, thank you so much! 🙂 If you would like to increase the size without changing the yarn size then you can add more rounds of increases at the bottom after R12 so let’s say you would continue to increase for another 2 or 3 rounds depending on how big you would like the owl to be. You would also need to increase the amount of rounds where you just single crochet all the way round like you did at R13-R19. And finally, you may need to add another round to the eyes to make them bigger. I hope this helps but please let me know if you need more help.
Love, Petra x
Hi Heather, thank you for your comment. I am pleased that the owl turned out right anyway. It is not possible to attach photos to the comments here but you can share your photo on IG or FB. 🙂
Thank you again.
Love, Petra x
Hi! I am loving this pattern so far! however, I am completely stuck on row 46. I cannot get my stitch count to match. also the increases look like they’re going to be in the wrong place. I cannot figure out what I’m doing wrong!
Hi Erica, it is difficult for me to help without seeing what your owl looks like at this stage. Would you be able to send me some photos to info@cuddlystitchescraft.com?
Was your stitch count adding up before R46? If it looks like the increases will be in the wrong place it is possible there is a mistake right at the beginning when you were crocheting around the foundation chain and now the owl is twisted as a result of that.
But it’s hard to say without seeing the photos.
Thank you.
Love, Petra x
Thank you for the free pattern
Hi Trudy, you are more than welcome! 🙂 I hope you like the pattern and enjoy making the owl!
Love, Petra 🙂
I loved working on the owl amigurumi <3
Thank you so much for sharing! I will definitely check out some of your other patterns (the hippo for sure).
Have you considered video tutorials for your creations? I think they're great and would probably attract new audiences.
Thank you again. Keep it up!
Hi Georgiana, thank you so much for your lovely comment! 🙂 I am very happy you loved working on the owl pattern and want to try some more of my patterns. 🙂 I publish a new pattern every 2-3 weeks so if you want to get updates please subscribe to my Newsletter. I will be making some shorter videos to help with my patterns but I am not planning to make full pattern videos at the moment. This may of course change in the future. 🙂
Kind regards,
Petra