Free Mini Owl Crochet Pattern | Beginner Amigurumi
This free crochet pattern includes all instructions for a small, palm-sized owl amigurumi, perfect for beginners.
This Mini Owl pattern was one of the first things I ever published. It was a classic that sold really well at craft fairs, and I thought other crocheters could benefit from the pattern and being able to use it for craft fair inventory.
It is still one of my favorite things to crochet when I need something to cheer up a friend or use up some scrap yarn. They are fun and work up fast.
Pattern Snapshot
- Finished Size: 4″ x 4″
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Time to Make: Fast Project (1–2 hours)
- Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic, Weight: 4
- Hook: H (5.00 mm)
Originally published 2016. Updated 2026.
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How To Crochet Your Mini Owl
- Nothing but increase and decreases and working in the round. Super easy.
- Make all the pieces.
- Use the safety eyes to hold the eye circles together.
- Sew on beak, feet, wings, eye circles, and add your ear fringe.
- Tada!
Before You Start This Pattern
This pattern is written for beginners. It is a great first amigurumi because it only has one piece that requires stuffing, and almost no shaping.
Worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn works best for most amigurumi patterns. Using a smaller hook than recommended will help create tight stitches with fewer gaps.
Use a hook smaller than the yarn label suggests and keep your stitches tight. This helps prevent stuffing from showing through the fabric.
If the finished project is intended for small children, consider embroidering the eyes instead of using safety eyes, and make sure all pieces are securely attached.
Mini Owlet | Free Crochet Pattern
Pattern is written in English, in US terms, using Craft Yarn Council abbreviations.
You Need to Know
Chains (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), increases (inc) and decreases (dec), mattress stitch sewing. Be eager to learn and ready to have fun!
For a quick refresher of these basic skills, go to www.hookedbykati.com/basics
You Will Practice Beginner Techniques
- How to make a 3-dimensional object in crochet
- How to use pins to perfectly place and attach amigurumi parts
- How to shape using increases and decreases
Supplies
- Red Heart Super Saver yarn, 100% acrylic, worsted weight, 364 yds/7 oz/198 g, Main color [Body and Wings] (MC), Accent Color 1 [Outer Eye Circle] (AC1), < 1 ball; Accent Color 2 [Inner Eye Circle] (AC2), < 1 ball; Accent Color 3 [Beak and Feet] (AC3), < 1 ball.
- H (5.00 mm) hook
- Two 15mm colored round-pupil safety eyes
- Polyfil stuffing
- Tapestry needle
Measurements
4” tall x 4” wide
Gauge
7 sts x 7 rows in sc = 2” x 2”
Pattern Notes
- Work in continuous rounds. Do not slip stitch unless otherwise specified by the pattern.
- For best results, assemble parts in order as directed.
- Weave in attachment ends at very end of project in case pieces require repositioning.
- Ch-2 at beginning of row counts as dc.
Special Stitches
- Fringe threading: Fold strand of yarn in half, insert hook into desired st in work, wrap loop of yarn over hook, pull through st, wrap both strands over hook, pull through loop on hook, pull tight.
Instructions
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Body
With MC, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6-16: Sc evenly around. (30)
Rnd 17: [3 sc, dec] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 18: [2 sc, dec] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 19: [sc, dec] 6 times. (12)
Bind off leaving long tail for sewing.
Stuff, leaving some space at the top so it can be pinched closed.
Press remaining stitches flat and sew together in a straight seam, allowing to bunch slightly on the ends for “ears.”
Wings
(Make 2)
With MC, chain 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: Sc evenly around. (6)
Rnd 3: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 4-5: Sc evenly around. (12)
Rnd 6: [2 sc, dec] 3 times. (9)
Bind off leaving long tail for sewing.
Large Eye Circle
(Make 2)
With AC1, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times. Sl st in 1st st to smooth the edge. (18)
Bind off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Optional: Slip stitch in next stitch to help keep circle round.
Small Eye Circle
(Make 2)
With AC2, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. Sl st in 1st st to smooth the edge. (12)
Bind off and weave in ends.
Optional: Slip stitch in next stitch to help keep circle round.
Feet
(Make 2)
With AC3, ch 4.
Rnd 1: 5 dc in fourth ch from hook.
(This will create a half-circle.)
Bind off leaving long tail for sewing.
Beak
With AC3, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2-3: Sc evenly around. (6)
Bind off leaving long tail for sewing.
Assembly
- Lay small eye circles on top of large eye circles. Insert safety eye through the center of the layered eye circles. Use the safety eye back to attach the eye and the two circles together. Back will be very tight to hold safety eye in place.
- Sew the eyes to the body, centered under each “ear,” using the long tail on the large eye circle. The eyes will touch in the center.
- Squish wings flat and sew onto the sides of the body in line with eyes. Be sure to sew them to the same round so they are even.
- Sew beak between eye circles, centered on the body.
- Sew feet two stitches apart at about Round 5 of the body, centered under the eye circles.
- For “ear fuzz”, cut 2 pieces of AC1 and AC2.
Place the hook through the top of one ear, loop one piece of each color around the hook, pull the loop through then wrap the ends of the yarn around the hook and pull them through the loop. Pull tight and cut to desired length. Repeat on other ear.
Weave in all attachment ends when parts are positioned as desired.
© Hooked by Kati LLC 2017-2026
Crochet Pattern FAQ
A: Yes! This is a free crochet pattern you can use directly on the blog. It includes all instructions needed to complete the project without purchasing the PDF.
I think of my free crochet patterns a bit like a fun-size candy bar—same great ingredients, just a smaller experience. They’re complete patterns meant to be followed right from the blog, but they also give you a chance to see whether my pattern-writing style works for the way you crochet before investing in one of my premium designs.
If you prefer the king-size experience, the printable PDF versions include color photos, progress check boxes, and extra guidance for trickier sections. Available at shop.hookedbykati.com.
A: This pattern is written for beginners. It is a great first amigurumi because it only has one piece that requires stuffing, and almost no shaping.
A: You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but you may not redistribute or sell the pattern itself. This ensures free patterns remain accessible while respecting the designer’s work.
A: Yes, you can change the size by using a different yarn weight and hook size. I have a great post all about this called “Making Ami Bigger Without Changing the Pattern.”
Read through the pattern notes carefully and check the tutorial links included in the pattern. You can leave a comment on the pattern post and Kati, the designer, will do her best to help. You can also email the designer at kati@hookedbykati.com. The Facebook Group is also very helpful as many of the people in it have finished a HbK pattern (if not several).
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Share Your Work!
Post your finished project in the Gallery! Use #hookedbykati or tag @hookedbykati on social media.
Join the community in the Epic Amigurumi Patterns & Crochet Inspiration Facebook Group to share your progress or ask questions.
You may sell items made from this pattern. Please credit Hooked by Kati.
Do not copy, sell, or distribute this pattern — it’s protected and a lot of work goes into each design!
If you run into a snag, reach out — I’m always happy to help! I answer emails Monday – Friday. 8-5.
Kati is a crochet pattern designer, dragon obsessive, and certified geek who has been turning yarn into fantasy creatures since 2016. Her patterns lean heavily toward dragons, fantasy beasts, and whatever her brain decides is a good idea at 2am. She is proudly anti-AI crochet and very pro-finishing-your-WIPs (she’s working on it). When she’s not crocheting something with too many horns, she’s probably watching something nerdy or playing dog agility with her two American Hairless Terriers. Want to work together or just say hi? Contact her here.
I LOVE this pattern. I wish I could post some pictures here of the ones I’ve made (at least 18 so far). Beelzebub is a demon owl and has fiery feathers. Brad is a custom owl with a bowler hat and fancy eyes. Most represent different countries in my International Owls collection that signifies the need for global cooperation during the pandemic and beyond. Please let me know if you would like a picture or two as examples.
I would LOVE to see your owls! They sound amazing! You can email pictures to kati@hookedbykati.com or post them in the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/hookedbykati
2 stitches in one stitch don’t you mean increase?
So cute!!!!!:)
Love your critters…they’re so expressive!
Thank you so much! 🙂