Thank you for the astounding love given to my recent free amigurumi patterns and tutorials, you have just given me an act of greater courage to design more animals amigurumi to share here. As an appreciation to your support, in the next few posts, a series of animals amigurumi will arrive in Craft Passion.
As the first one to parade in, please welcome the king of the Jungle, Leon, the Lion Amigurumi as the leader to embrace the ceremony of the new series – Animal & Wildlife Amigurumi.
Lion Amigurumi – Free Crochet Pattern
scroll ⬇️ to get the pattern & tutorial
Inspired by the movie Lion King, I started to design and crochet Leon after watching the movie. Oh dear, it is so adorable that I just can’t stop myself for not making more. Obviously, I went crazy and begin my hardcore journey, burning days of midnight oil, I ended up with these 4 lovely lion brothers. Not only the lions, but I have also set up my mind that I am going to design and make more animals immediately after that. Never regret at all to have dark circles on my eyes because of them.
Leon, the lion amigurumi is about 13.5″ tall in standing pose and about 10.5″ tall when it is sitting, crochet from DK lightweight acrylic yarn by using 2.5mm hook. It is a great size as a huggable softie, hence, it is absolutely lovely to make for children as a gift. However, the size can be altered by using a different yarn weight, eg. bigger size by using heavier yarn, DK medium yarn with 3.0mm hook, or, smaller size by using lighter baby yarn with 2.0mm. Crochet tension will determine the size a little, usually, my tension is quite snug, thus, my lion could be a little smaller compares to yours.
To begin the project, first of all, choose the yarn color you like to crochet the lion amigurumi. You can be creative by using other colors that give the uniqueness to your lion. By following the crochet pattern and instruction below, crochet and stuff all parts. Sew to assembly all the parts as per instructions.
The mane is fastened on from strips of yarns, though it is time-consuming, however, it makes the lion amigurumi more cozy to hug and cuddle. Honestly speaking, I spent a full day to fasten just the mane and with no regret on how much time I put on it.
If you would like to make the lion stands on its own legs with just a little support, you may stuff some beads or stuffing pellets into the feet and bottom of the body. The stuffing pellets will make the lion a little heavier and stable to maintain in standing position. You may read how to do it in the MooMoo Cow Amigurumi Pattern.
Apparently, Leon sits better then stands, still, he prefers to lie down on his back and relax.
4 brothers sitting together to watch the night grows dark
Please stay tuned for the next animal showing up in the parade.
“I confessed that I hope I will have a chance to publish a book for this series, isn’t it great to hold a hard copy of books where you can flip through physically? Book publisher, kindly approach me if you are interested to work with me on this book.”
Leon, Lion Amigurumi Pattern
Free crochet pattern of cute and huggable-size Lion Amigurumi, named Leon, that you can crochet by following the instructions and written pattern. An absolutely perfect gift for anyone who loves lion or wildlife.
Materials
- 2.5mm hook
- Acrylic yarn in Yellow, Light Khaki, Dark Brown, Beige and Black colors
- Polyester fiberfill
- 10mm Dome-Button Eye, 1 pair
- 18mm Safety Nose, 1 pc.
Tools
- Darning needle (Long)
- Fabric marker (water erasable)
- Cardboard, 4"
- Scissors
- Pins
Instructions
- Crochet all parts by following the crochet patterns stated below.
- Stuff the parts as instructed
- For head, sew muzzle on the head after completed round 33, remove stuffing to install safety nose. Re-stuff the head again and continue the pattern to complete the head. Sew dome-button eyes, followed by the ears to the head.
- Wind yarns to the 4" cardboard. Cut about 1,00 strips of Dark Brown yarns at the length of about 4” as the mane of the lion.
- Sew body to the head followed by sewing arms, feet and tail to the body
- Sew the paws line to the arms and feet of the lion.
- Fasten mane to the head of the lion with the strips cut in #4.
~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~
Abbreviations
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: 2sc incresase
inv dec: invisible decrease
ps3: puff stitch (hdc3tog)
~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~
AMIGURUMI PATTERN
Body
With Yellow yarn:
Round 1: ch5, Inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 5sc in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain base, sc 2, 3sc in the last ch. {14}
Round 2: Inc, sc 4, [Inc] 3 times, sc 4, [Inc] 2 times. {20}
Round 3: Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc, Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc. {26}
Round 4: Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times, Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times. {32}
Round 5: Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc, Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc. {38}
Round 6: Inc. sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times, Inc, sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times. {44}
Round 7: Inc, sc 14, Inc, sc 3, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc 14, Inc, sc 3, Inc, sc 2. {50}
Round 8: Inc, sc 16, [Inc, sc 3] 2 times, Inc, sc 16, [Inc, sc 3] 2 times. {56}
Round 9: sc around. {56}
Round 10: sc 25, Inc, sc 27, Inc, sc 2. {58}
Round 11: sc 26, Inc, sc 28, Inc, sc 2. {60}
Round 12: sc 27, Inc, sc 29, Inc, sc 2. {62}
Round 13: sc 28, Inc, sc 30, Inc, sc 2. {64}
Round 14 – 23: sc around. {64}
Round 24: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 14] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 8. {60}
Round 25: sc around. {60}
Round 26: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 13] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 7. {56}
Round 27: sc around. {56}
Round 28: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 12] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 6. {52}
Round 29: sc around. {52}
Round 30: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 11] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 5. {48}
Round 31: sc around. {48}
Round 32: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 10] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 4. {44}
Round 33: sc around. {44}
Round 34: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 9] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 3. {40}
Round 35: sc around. {40}
Round 36: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 8] 3 times, Inv dec, sc 2. {36}
Round 37: sc around. {36}
Round 38: [sc 4, Inv dec] around. {30}
Stuff the body firmly with polyester fiberfill.
Round 39: sc around. {30}
Round 40: sc 2, [Inv dec, sc 3] 5 times, inv dec, sc. {24}
Round 41: [sc 2, Inv dec] around. {18}
Round 42: [Inv dec, sc] around. {12}
Round 43: [Inv dec] around. {6}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
#
Head
With Yellow yarn:
Round 1: sc 6 in magic ring. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2. inc] around. {24}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {30}
Round 6: sc 2, [inc, sc 4] 5 times, inc, sc 2. {36}
Round 7: [inc, sc 5] around. {42}
Round 8: sc around. {42}
Round 9: sc 3, [inc, sc 6] 5 times, inc, sc 3. {48}
Round 10: sc around. {48}
Round 11: [inc, sc 7] around. {54}
Round 12 - 13: sc around. {54}
Round 14: sc 4, [inc, sc 8] 5 times, inc, sc 4. {60}
Round 15 - 16: sc around. {60}
Round 17: [inc, sc 9] around. {66}
Round 18 - 24: sc around. {66}
Round 25: [inv dec, sc 9] around. {60}
Round 26: sc around. {60}
Round 27: sc 4, [inv dec, sc 8] 5 times, inv dec, sc 4. {54}
Round 28: sc around. {54}
Round 29: [inv dec, sc 7] around. {48}
Round 30: sc 3, [inv dec, sc 6] 5 times, inv dec, sc 3. {42}
Round 31: [inv dec, sc 5] around. {36}
Round 32: sc 2, [inv dec, sc 4] 5 times, inv dec, sc 2. {30}
Round 33: [inv dec, sc 3] around. {24}
Stuff with polyester fillings, sew muzzle. Remove stuffing to install safety nose. Re-stuff again and continue to complete the head.
Round 34: sc, [inv dec, sc 2] 5 times, inv dec, sc. {18}
Round 35: [inv dec, sc 1] around. {12}
Round 36: [inv dec] around. {6}
Fasten and hide yarn end.
#
Muzzle
Make 2 with Beige yarn:
Round 1: sc 6 in magic ring. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2. inc] around. {24}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {30}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Sew 2 circles alongside together (about 4 stitches) to form the muzzle.
#
Ears
Make 2 with Yellow yarn:
Round 1: Sc 4 in magic ring. {4}
Round 2: sc around. {4}
Round 3: [inc] around. {8}
Round 4: sc around. {8}
Round 5: [inc, sc] around. {12}
Round 6: [inc, sc 2] around. {16}
Round 7: [inc, sc 3] around. {20}
Round 8: sc around. {20}
Round 9: [inc, sc 4] around. {24}
Round 10 - 15: sc around {24}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fold the ear and sew the bottom to give it a scooped appearance.
#
Arms
Make 2 starting with Light Khaki yarn:
Round 1: sc 6 in magic ring. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2. inc] around. {24}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {30}
Change yarn color to Yellow.
Round 6 – 10: sc around. {30}
Round 11: [sc 8, Inv dec] around. {27}
Round 12 - 13: sc around. {27}
Round 14: [sc 7, Inv dec] around. {24}
Round 15 – 16: sc around. {24}
Round 17: [sc 6, Inv dec] around. {21}
Round 18 – 19: sc around. {21}
Round 20: [sc 5, Inv dec] around. {18}
Round 21 – 22: sc around {18}.
Round 23: [sc 4, Inv dec] around. {15}
Round 24 – 35: sc around. {15}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fill the bottom 2/3 of the arms firmly with polyester fiberfill.
#
Legs
Make 2 starting with Light Khaki yarn:
Round 1: ch5, Inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 5sc in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain base, sc 2, 3sc in the last ch. {14}
Round 2: Inc, sc 4, [Inc] 3 times, sc 4, [Inc] 2 times. {20}
Round 3: Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc, Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc. {26}
Round 4: Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times, Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times. {32}
Round 5: Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc, Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc. {38}
Round 6: Inc. sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times, Inc, sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times. {44}
Change yarn color to Yellow.
Round 7 – 10: sc around. {44}
Round 11: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 12, Inv dec, sc 14. {42}
Round 12: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 10, Inv dec, sc 14. {40}
Round 13: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 8, Inv dec, sc 14. {38}
Round 14: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 6, Inv dec, sc 14. {36}
Round 15: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 4, Inv dec, sc 14. {34}
Round 16: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 2, Inv dec, sc 14. {32}
Round 17: sc 14, Inv dec, Inv dec, sc 14. {30}
Round 18: sc around. {30}
Round 19: [sc 6, Inv dec] 3 times, sc 6. {27}
Round 20 – 21: sc around. {27}
Round 22: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 5] 3 times. {24}
Round 23 – 24: sc around. {24}
Round 25: sc 5, Inv dec, sc 10, Inv dec, sc 5. {22}
Round 26 – 27: sc around. {22}
Round 28: sc 5, Inv dec, sc 9, Inv dec, sc 4. {20}
Round 29 – 30: sc around. {20}
Round 31: sc 4, Inv dec, sc 8, Inv dec, sc 4. {18}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fill the bottom 2/3 of the legs firmly with polyester fiberfill.
#
Tail
With Yellow yarn:
ch 4, slst to form a ring.
ch1, sc 4 into the ring. sc around until the tail is 4″ long, slst.
Change yarn color to Light Khaki.
ch3, ps3 in each st, slst. Hide both Yellow and Light Khaki yarn end into the tail.
ch, Inv dec around, slst, ch
Fasten off. Trim near the knot. Apply tiny craft glue to the end and shape it pointy.
#
Notes
Depending on the speed and hours you are spending on the project, the total time needed is only an approximation.
Stuff the parts firmly and densely to give a good shape to amigurumi doll.
Recommended Products
Purchase the exact same material used in this pattern from Craft Passion Shop.
More Details on how to crochet Leon, the Lion Amigurumi
After completed round 33 of the Head part, stuff the head to polyester filling.
Pin the muzzle to the head, with the center of the muzzle at 2nd round of the Head.
Sew around the muzzle, stuff some polyester filling to the muzzle before finish up.
Sew a philtrum line with black yarn.
Remove polyester filling to install safety nose through the starting hole of the head.
Re-stuff the head again after the safety nose has been installed.
Crochet to complete the head.
Sew eyes at round 13, 17 stitches apart.
Do not cut the yarn after sewing the first eye, instead, insert it into the head and come out from the second eye to sew another eye.
Pull the yarn a little to sink the eyes a little to the head, knot securely. You can run the yarn through the head a few times to prevent the yarn from snapping in the long run.
Sew the ears to the head, about 6 rounds at the back of the eyes.
The contact area between the base of the ear and head is a form of triangle shape.
Crochet and get ready the rest of the parts for final assembly.
Mark the centerline below the head and the top of the body.
Position the head to the body (refer the picture) below. Sew the head to the body at 1 stitch away from the centerlines, sew about 7 stitches from center of the body to the front, followed by 2 stitches to the side. Sew about 9 stitches to the back and another 2 stitches to the side followed by 2 stitches to complete the stitching.
The contact area of the head is a rectangle of 9 sts x 2 sts.
The head will tilt a little to the front.
Sew arms at the side, next to the seam of the head and body.
Followed by sewing legs at round 15 (from the bottom) of the body.
Lastly, sew the tail to the back of the body
Sew 3 black lines on each limb as the toe lines of the lion.
The front of the lion amigurumi.
Without a mane, Leon, the lion amigurumi doesn’t look happy.
The back of the lion amigurumi.
Wind yarn around the 4″ cardboard, the lion needs about 1000 of 4″ strips to be tied on the head.
Starting from the back of the head, fasten the yarn strip as shown in the picture.
Fasten to mane in every stitch to have a full and fluffy hair for the lion.
After a few rounds, the pile starts to show fuller.
It takes time to fasten, please be a little patience.
Continue to fasten until 2 rounds away from the eyes; 4 rounds after the ear.
Fasten more at the chin of the lion by following the shape of the muzzle at at distance of about 4 stitches away.
It takes about a day to fasten the mane but the outcome is flattering. The soft and fluffiness of the mane is such a cozy little softie to hug and cuddle.
Is there a video on the mane. I’ve never done one before and not sure how to do it
bellisimo este leon , gracias por compartirlo gratis no sabes lo q eso significa para algunas como yo que amamos tejer, felicidades por crear hermosos amigurumis
Translation (by Google):
beautiful this lion, thanks for sharing it for free you don’t know what that means to some like me who love knitting, congratulations for creating beautiful amigurumis
Hi there Leon is absolutely gorgeous. I am in the UK and assume these instructions are in US?
How much yarn – weight wise am I looking for please. Don’t want to buy and then run out half way through 🙁
Yes, this is in US terminology, however, it is not difficult to convert the pattern to UK terminology. I am sure you know the difference between US and UK terms.
I used a ball of 100g for the main color.
Thank you for your quick reply. I shall give it a go and convert to UK terms – hope it turns out as good as yours look.
It will be, Jan. Happy crochet!
Thanks so much!
GG
How adorable is Leon!!
I am wondering if there are any yellow Leons for sale in your shop?
Also, I wanted to know if you have videos or a YouTube site so I can see the stitches for crochet.
Thanks,
GG
Thank you, GG. At this moment we do not have the capacity to make and sell the amigurumi designed by me. However, we do not prohibit other homemakers to make and sell with proper credit to Craft Passion. Perhaps you can find someone nearby that can make for you with this free pattern.
There are videos showing how to do amigurumi stitches in Youtube, you can learn from there and apply to this pattern.
Happy crochet!