Free Crochet Sloth Pattern

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When I was designing this Amigurumi sloth lady, I really wanted her to stand out from the crowd of all the brown and beige sloths out there. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this rich purple yarn. I just knew it would be perfect for my free crochet sloth pattern!

I also had a bit of fun with this cute sloth and made her look extra foxy with colourful eye shadows and matching nail polish. 🙂

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (4)

Free Crochet Sloth Pattern – Notes

Skill level: intermediate crochet skills and knowledge

Finished size when seated: 20cm / 8 inches

Finished size from head to claws: 30cm / 12 inches

Free Crochet Sloth Pattern – Materials and Equipment

Yarn I used for this free crochet sloth pattern:

– Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply

– 55% cotton and 45% acrylic

– 2x ball of purple yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 50 – (50g/160m)

– 1x ball of pink yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 74 – (50g/160m)

– 1x ball of multi-coloured yarn – YarnArt Jeans Tropical – colour 622 – (50g/160m)

I like to purchase my YarnArt Jeans from Amazon or from Etsy. If you would like to check some great 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.

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.

Other materials used: polyester fibre fill, a long piece of black yarn for nose and mouth embroidery

Crochet hook: I used 2.5mm = B/1, 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, 12mm 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.

Free Crochet Sloth Pattern – Abbreviations Used

This free crochet sloth 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

– TC: triple 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

– DEC: standard decrease

– 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

Free Crochet Sloth Pattern – Let’s Get Started!

You may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this free crochet sloth pattern. And don’t forget to watch my step by step video tutorials for extra help with my patterns.

To view the free online pattern, please continue to scroll down. You can also download the ad-free and printable version of this pattern for a small fee from my Etsy 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 for everyone to enjoy.

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Free crochet sloth pattern, Amigurumi sloth crochet toy pattern

How to Crochet the Eye Patches

Crochet as an oval and finish each round with a slip stitch, i.e. you will not crochet in a continuous spiral on this occasion.

R1: Chain 10 ST {10}

R2: SC in 9 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 7 ST, INC in last ST, SL ST into first ST of R2 {20 excl the SL ST}

R3: Chain 1x ST, INC in first ST – this is the same ST you slip stitched into at the end of R2, SC in next 7 ST, INC in next 3 ST, SC in next 7 ST, INC in last 2 ST, SL ST into first ST of R3 {26 excl the SL ST}

R4: Chain 1x ST, SC in first ST – this is the same ST you slip stitched into at the end of R3, INC in next ST, SC in next 7 ST, (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) x 3, SC in next 7 ST, (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) x 2, SL ST into first ST of R4 {32 excl the SL ST}

FO and leave a long piece of yarn for sewing.

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (11)

How to Crochet the Head

Crochet from the front to the back of the head.

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: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}

R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}

R8: SC in each ST around {42}

R9: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {48} – leave a stitch marker in at the start of R9 as you will need to refer to it when placing the eyes

R10: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 6 {54}

R11: SC in next 9 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 9 ST {60}

R12: SC in next 10 ST, INC, (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 9 ST {66}

R13: SC in next 11 ST, INC, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 9 ST {72}

R14: SC in each ST around {72}

Change yarn to purple colour.

R15: SC in each ST around – BLO {72}

R16: (SC in next 11 ST, INC) x 6 {78}

R17-R23 (7 rounds): SC in each ST around {78}

R24: (SC in next 11 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {72} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease for Amigurumi

R25: SC in each ST around {72}

R26: SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {66}

R27: SC in each ST around {66}

R28: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {60}

R29: SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {54}

R30: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {48}

R31: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {42}

R32: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (2)

You can now place the eyes:

– stuff the head well first

– it helps to use pins with large heads to first mark the spots where the eyes will be placed – you can make a decision whether you are happy with the placement and if it looks symmetrical before you insert the safety eyes; the safety eyes usually make a large hole in between the stitches so it is not recommended to change the placement of the eyes once they are in (Pic H1)

– place the safety eyes between rounds R9 and R10

– first eye – count 15 stitches from your marker at the start of R9 and place the eye between ST15 and ST16

– second eye – count 32 stitches from your marker at the start of R9 and place the eye between ST32 and ST33

– you can now insert the safety eyes together with the patches but do not put the safety backs on yet (Pic H3)

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (7)

Sculpting the eyes (indented eye look):

– watch this step by step video tutorial on How to indent eyes in Amigurumi (eye sculpting)

– take a long piece of yarn and thread your needle

– remove the left eye and the patch; place the needle in a stitch next to the left eye hole (Pic H4)

– remove the right eye and the patch; come across the side with the needle and place it into a stitch next to the right eye hole (Pic H5); pull all the way through till the yarn tail is not showing

– place your needle in another stitch next to the right eye and come across the side with the needle again (Pic H6)

– repeat the process back and forth between the two eye holes while pulling on the yarn tightly each time you come across the side

– you will need to repeat this about three times until you achieve the indented eye look you want and then you can weave the yarn in (Pic H8)

– place the eyes back into the patches and then into the holes in the head; remove some or most of the stuffing and place the safety backs on making sure they snap in place tightly

– you can now re-stuff the head and continue crocheting R33 – you will sew on the eye patches once the head is completed

– continue to stuff the head as you go along

R33: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {30}

R34: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}

R35: SC in next ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next ST {18}

R36: (SC in next ST, INV DEC) x 6 {12}

R37: SC in each ST around {12}

Stuff well, FO closing the hole using a yarn needle – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in an Amigurumi piece

You can now sew on the eye patches. I attached them between R5 and R18 at about 45° angle.

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (10)

How to Crochet the Body

Crochet from the bottom of the body to the top.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}

R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}

R8: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {48}

R9: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 6 {54}

R10: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {60}

R11: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 6 {66}

R12: SC in each ST around {66}

R13: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {72}

R14-R19 (6 rounds): SC in each ST around {72}

R20: SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {66}

R21-R23 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {66}

R24: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {60}

You can now start stuffing the body.

R25-R27 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {60}

R28: SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {54}

R29-R31 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {54}

R32: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {48}

R33-R35 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {48}

R36: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST {42}

R37: SC in each ST around {42}

R38: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}

R39: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {30}

R40: SC in each ST around {30}

FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing; stuff well.

Crochet sloth pattern, Amigurumi sloth pattern

How to Crochet the Claws

Crochet 3 claws for each arm and leg.

Arm claws – the middle claw is one round longer:

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: SC in each ST around {6}

R3: INC, SC in next 5 ST {7}

R4-R7 (4 rounds): SC in each ST around {7}

R8: SC the opening together to close the claw {3}

FO and weave the yarn end in, do not stuff.

Middle claw:

R4-R8 (5 rounds): SC in each ST around {7}

R9: SC the opening together to close the claw {3}

FO and weave the yarn end in, do not stuff.

Leg claws – the middle claw is one round longer:

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: SC in each ST around {6}

R3: INC, SC in next 5 ST {7}

R4-R8 (5 rounds): SC in each ST around {7}

R9: SC the opening together to close the claw {3}

FO and weave the yarn end in, do not stuff.

Middle claw:

R4-R9 (6 rounds): SC in each ST around {7}

R10: SC the opening together to close the claw {3}

FO and weave the yarn end in, do not stuff.

How to Crochet the Arms

Crochet from the bottom of the arm upwards.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 3 {33}

R7: SC in each ST around {33}

R8:

– SC in next 5 ST

– you will now attach the first claw to the next 3 STs

– insert your hook into the first ST of the claw and then 6th ST of R8 (Pic C1)

– so you now have two STs on the hook, SC these 2 STs together

– repeat for the remaining 2 STs of the first claw

– you will now attach the middle claw to the next 3 STs

– and finally attach the last claw to the next 3 STs (Pic C6)

– SC in next 19 ST {33}

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (9)

R9-R10 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {33}

R11: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {30}

You can now start stuffing the arm.

R12: SC in each ST around {30}

R13: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}

R14: SC in each ST around {24}

R15: SC in next ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next ST {18}

R16-R19 (4 rounds): SC in each ST around {18}

R20: INV DEC, SC in next 16 ST {17}

You can now stop stuffing the arm.

R21-R22 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {17}

R23: INV DEC, SC in next 15 ST {16}

R24-R25 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {16}

R26: INV DEC, SC in next 14 ST {15}

R27-R29 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {15}

R30: SC in next 14 STs and then SC the opening together to close the arm – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in a flat Amigurumi piece

FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing.

To stop the claws from sticking out too much you need to sew them to the arm with a few stitches. I stitched them to R5 of the arm.

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (8)

How to Crochet the Legs

Crochet from the bottom of the leg upwards.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}

R7: (SC in next 11 ST, INC) x 3 {39}

R8: SC in each ST around {39}

R9: SC in next 5 ST, attach the claws to the next 9 ST the same way as you did for the arms, SC in next 25 ST {39}

R10-R12 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {39}

R13: (SC in next 11 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {36}

You can now start stuffing the leg.

R14: SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 2, SC in next 5 ST {33}

R15: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {30}

R16: SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 2, SC in next 4 ST {27}

R17: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {24}

R18: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 2, SC in next 3 ST {21}

R19: SC in each ST around {21}

R20: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {18}

R21-R23 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {18}

You can now stop stuffing the leg.

R24: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 2, SC in next 2 ST {15}

R25-R30 (6 rounds): SC in each ST around {15}

R31: SC in next 4 ST and then SC the opening together to close the leg

FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing.

Sew the claws to the leg with a few stitches. I stitched them to R6 of the leg.

How to Crochet the Tail

Crochet from the end of the tail.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}

R3: SC in each ST around {9}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next ST {12}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3 {15}

R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next 2 ST {18}

R7-R9 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {18}

FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing, do not stuff.

How to Assemble Your Crochet Sloth Softie

Head and body: Pin the body to the head first making sure that the head is in the centre from the front and back, however you can attach the head as per your preference. Sew the body to the head, adding more stuffing if needed.

Arms: Pin the arms to the body in a forward facing angle (at about 45°) making sure both arms are symmetrical from the front and back. Sew the arms to the body. I placed the arms between R30 and R38 of the body.

Legs: Turn the body upside down with the nose facing away from you. Pin the legs to the body as shown in the photo below making sure they look symmetrical. The best way to ensure you are happy with the placement of the legs is to sit your toy up and adjust the placement of the legs if needed. Sew the legs to the body. I placed the legs between R3 and R9 of the body.

Tail: Pin the tail to the body first making sure that it is placed in the centre of the lower back. Sew the tail to the body. I placed the tail between R10 and R12 of the body.

Nose and mouth embroidery: You can embroider the nose and the mouth using a long piece of black yarn. First mark the corners of the nose with pins and then outline the shape of the nose with the yarn. You can then fill in the nose and embroider the mouth.

Watch this step by step video tutorial on How to embroider a nose on your Amigurumi toy

You have now finished your crochet animal. I hope you found my free sloth crochet pattern easy to follow and enjoyed making it.

Free crochet sloth pattern, free Amigurumi sloth pattern by Cuddly Stitches Craft (6)

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Explore More of My Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

If you like this free crochet sloth pattern, you may also love these patterns. Why don’t you give them a try?!

Free crochet hippo pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Free crochet dinosaur pattern

Free crochet monkey pattern

Free crochet elephant pattern

Or explore more of my crochet ZOO animals patterns. From fun Safari animals to playful jungle critters, there is something for everyone to love!

Happy crocheting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. My patterns work great with a variety of different yarns including worsted weight yarn. Your crochet toy will just be a bit bigger than specified.

I am very happy to help and provide support with my patterns. Visit my Contact page for different options how to get in touch with me.

I would be very grateful if you could share the link to this pattern on social media. But sharing of my actual written Amigurumi patterns on social media is strictly prohibited. For more details, have a read of my Copyright Policy.

You may sell finished toys 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 free from my Etsy store.

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10 Comments

  1. LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️ 😍
    Easy to follow instructions and great results. My grandchild loves it.

    1. Thank you so much Val, so happy to hear you found the instructions easy to follow and your grandchildren liked the sloth. 🙂

      Love,
      Petra x

  2. thank you for your easy to crochet great patterns. Just finishing up Party Sally. Started the lion and panda.
    love them all so far.

    1. Hi Valerie, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Really happy to hear you love my patterns and I hope you enjoy making the lion and panda. 🙂

      Love, Petra x

  3. Hi, what does ‘excl’ mean? I see 32 excl the SL ST.. but have no idea what’s excl.

    thanks

  4. Hi I am making your purple sloth and I have a question about the eye patching in R4. In the instructions you say:

    – ch 1, SC in first ST and it should be the same as the last ST from R3 then you say to INC -are we INC in the same SC that we just made? And is that same throughout the rest of the instructions for this round?

    then you say:

    – the next set says to SC in the next 7 ST, (SC in next ST INC) x3 -so I am assuming that we do that 3 times.

    This is my first time making a toy so I want to be sure that I am reading it correctly.

    1. Hi KB,

      Please see my asnwers to your questions below:

      1. In R4 you SC first into the same stitch you slip stitched into at the end of R3 and then you INC in the next stitch. Not in the same stitch you did the first SC into but in the next stitch. I can see why this could be confusing so I have now amended the pattern to make it clearer. 🙂

      R4: Chain 1x ST, SC in first ST – this is the same ST you slip stitched into at the end of R3, INC in next ST, SC in next 7 ST, (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) x 3, SC in next 7 ST, (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) x 2, SL ST into first ST of R4 {32 excl the SL ST}

      2. yes, you repeat 3 times what is written in the brackets, i.e. (SC in next ST, INC in next ST)

      I hope this helps but please let me know if you have more questions. 🙂

      Love,
      Petra x

    2. Hi, thank for for sharing your pattern! I am still new to crochet and I used super bulky yarn and a 5.5mm hook. She is for my daughter for Christmas. I will add some accessories but I love her! 🥰 She turned out huge! Not sure how to post a picture.

      1. Hi Keetee, thank you for your comment. So happy you liked the sloth and yes she would be quite big when made with a bulky yarn. But the bigger the toy, the bigger the cuddles! :-)) I hope your daughter was delighted with her Christmas present. 🙂 As for sharing the photos, it’s not possible to do that when commenting on my website but you can share the photo in our community group on FB if you wish. I can’t wait to see it. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cuddlystitchescommunity

        Love,
        Petra x

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