40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns | Handmade Holiday Gift Ideas Week 8

40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns via Underground CrafterThis is the eighth in a series of 12 weeks of roundups for the handmade holidays, and it’s also part of my monthly charity spotlight series. I’m sharing 40 free crochet patterns for amigurumi animals (with a few mythical creatures thrown in for good luck). These make great gifts for children and teens on your handmade holiday list, or wonderful donations to this month’s featured charity, Cancer Kickin’ Critters.

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November’s Featured Charity: Cancer Kickin’ Critters

Cancer Kickin’ Critters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that distributes crocheted and knit softies to children and teens with cancer, including those in the hospital and through support groups. The organization was started by Noelle Buice when she was just 17 years old after her best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma. Cancer Kickin’ Critters accepts crochet and knit softies in all sizes. You can also donate knit squares in any size, with a yarn tail at least 3 times the size of the square still attached. These squares are made into “Critter Creation Kits” so the recipients can make their own critters.

If you’re near Fairfax, Virginia, you can drop off your critters at the location listed on the website, or you can contact Noelle by sending an email to cancerkickincrittersATgmailDOTcom to get the mailing address. If you include your contact information, or if you tag Cancer Kickin’ Critters on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with a picture of your donation, they will even give you a social media shout out when your projects arrive. You can see my recent donation below.

 

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It’s great to see that my box of #crochet #amigurumi arrived safely to @cancerkickincritters! This is a nonprofit organization that distributes #handmade softies to children in hospitals, and it was founded by a 17 year old! Click over to their profile to find out how to donate. Swipe to see a screenshot of my Story from a few weeks ago when I was packaging these critters up. I will be sharing a blog post about it soon as part of my #charity spotlight series, but until then, most of these characters are available as #freecrochetpatterns. In the back row, from left to right you can find Mr. Putty Cat, Sr., Gift Pocket Red Panda, and Lion Pocket Pillow, and in the front row from left to right you can see Black Cat Softie, Snowdude, and Putty Cat, Jr. All of those projects were made with @redheartyarns Super Saver. The little lion in the front row is from a forthcoming pattern and he is as yet nameless (suggestions welcome!). Little lion guy is made with @lionbrandyarn Vanna’s Choice #yarn. Like all of my softies, this bunch is stuffed with @fairfieldworld #PolyFil. To get any of these patterns, head over to my blog via the link in my profile and search by name, or DM me with the one you’d like and I’ll send you the direct link. #undergroundcrafter #redheartyarns #joycreators #redheartsupersaver #lionbrand #lionbrandyarn #lionbrandvannaschoice #fairfieldworld #fairfieldpolyfil #attheheartofyourproject #cancerkickincritters #crochetamigurumi #crochetersofinstagram #instacrochet #crochetersgonnacrochet #makersgonnamake #freecrochetpattern #crochetforcharity #haken #ganchillo

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How To Make Great Softies for Cancer Kickin’ Critters

Cancer Kickin’ Critters accepts softies and squares in all sizes. Please use a soft, machine washable yarn so that the critters can get plenty of hugs, even with sensitive skin, and so they can be washed after a hospital visit. Include a critter birth certificate (available for download here) with each softie you donate that identifies the yarn used in case of allergies. You can find free patterns and more tips on the How Can I Help? page on the Cancer Kickin’ Critters website.

40 Free Crochet Amigurumi Animal Patterns

Roundup by Underground Crafter

40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns via Underground CrafterThese patterns include animals of all types and in all sizes, as well as a few mythical creatures (because why not?). If made with a machine washable yarn, every one would make a great donations to Cancer Kickin’ Critters.

28 Crochet Land Animals

These animals spend most of the time on the ground.

40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns via Underground Crafter | 28 free crochet patterns for land animalsTop row, from left to right:

  • Fox by Olena’s Crafts
  • Hyena by MadeByMary – measures 10”/25.5 cm tall when sitting
  • Monkey by All About Ami – measures 5.5”/14 cm tall and includes photo tutorial
  • Teddy Bear by Val Pierce – measures 4.25”/11 cm tall when seated
  • Mini Amigurumi Turtle Friend by Rebeckah’s Treasures – measures 1.75”/4.5 cm long in thread or 3.5”/9 cm long in sport yarn and includes a photo tutorial

Second row, from left to right:

Third row, from left to right:

Fourth row, from left to right:

Fifth row, from left to right:

Sixth row, from left to right:


7 Crochet Water Animals

These animals live most or all of their lives in water. Shown clockwise from top left.

40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns via Underground Crafter | 7 free crochet patterns for animals that live most of their lives in the water

3 Crochet Mythical Creatures

These animals exist in the hearts and minds of children everywhere! Shown from left to right.

40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns via Underground Crafter | 3 free crochet patterns for mythical creatures

  • Serrana the Mermaid by Stitches n Scraps – measures 19”/48 cm tall and includes photo and video tutorials
  • Cuddles Unicorn by B.Hooked Crochet – measures 14”/35.5 cm tall when sitting and includes detailed assembly photos
  • Snowicorn by Dora Does – this cross between a snowman and a unicorn measures 4.5”/11.5 cm

2 Crochet Christmas Critters

These animals are dressed for the holidays. Shown from left to right.

40 Free Crochet Animal Patterns via Underground Crafter | 2 free crochet patterns for Christmas critters

Need more crochet amigurumi inspiration? Follow my Amigurumi – Crochet Pinterest Board!

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