Free Crochet Axolotl Pattern

This free crochet axolotl pattern is cute and quick to make! Using blanket yarn makes this a cuddle sized amigurumi axolotl plushie, while using worsted weight yarn makes a 5 inch little backpack buddy!

Learn how to make free crochet axolotl pattern

This free crochet axolotl pattern results in a fun cuddly amigurumi friend. When I first heard of an axolotl, I thought it was a pokemon, and totally made up. Similar to how my cousin thought that a narwhal was mythical… And even though this unique amphibian and a unicorn whale seem like they may be too strange to be true, they exist! Now this axolotl exists as a free crochet pattern, and one you can make!

This pattern is somewhat similar to the squishy collection, although the body is a different shape. In fact, it is a mix between a squishy and a snuggler! Only the head is stuffed on this pattern, but you will find that the cuteness factor doesn’t go down due to the lack of stuffing!

You will start by making this free crochet axolotl pattern from the tail and working up to the head. The head/body/tail is made in one piece and everything is attached seperately. The position of the body is meant to seem like the axolotl is lying flat on its back with the little feet sticking up.

Don’t be afraid of the sewing, it goes quickly and the pieces are relatively easy to attach. I made some videos of this amigurumi axolotl’s steps, you can see them all here.

How to make an Amigurumi Axolotl Step by Step

Step by Step Instructions

Tail/Body/Head
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
Round 2: SC in each around. (8)
Round 3: SC INC in each around. (16)
Round 4-6: SC in each around. (16) *3 rows*
Round 7: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 8-14: SC in each around. (24) *7 rows*
Round 15: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
Round 16-17: SC in each around. (16) *2 rows*
Round 18: INV DEC in each around. (8)
Round 19: In the front loop only, SC INC in each around. (16)
Round 20: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 21: SC in the first two stitches, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
Rounds 22-26: SC in each around. (32) *5 rows*
Insert the neck strengthener here. Attach the eyes between rounds 25 and 26, about 5 stitches apart. Stuff as you close.
Round 27: SC in the first two stitches, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 28: SC in each around. (24)
Round 29: SC in the first. INV DEC in the next.. Repeat around. (16)
Round 30: INV DEC 8 times. (8)
Fasten off and sew the remaining hole closed. Weave in the ends.

Arms
*do not stuff the arms*
Round 1: SC 7 in a magic circle
Rounds 2-7: SC in each around.
Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on. Sew on between rounds 16 and 17.

Feet
*do not stuff the feet*
Round 1: SC 8 in a magic circle
Rounds 2-7: SC in each around.
Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on. Sew on with the bottom of the foot on round 8. Here is a video on how I attach the feet- a few simple tricks make a big difference in the end!

Fins (make 6)
R1: Chain 8. Turn and SC in the next chain from the hook. SC in the remaining 7. Chain 1 and turn. SC 7 times. SC 3x in the top chain. SC 7 times down the other side.
R2: Chain 1 and turn. SC in all 17. Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew it on.
Attach three fins on each side of the face. I attached one on round 23, 24, and 25 (or at least close to that, give or take) Watch the video below (or click here to open in a new tab) to see me making a fin, step by step.

Attaching the Fins
Line the first fin about 3-4 stitches from the eye, on the same round as the bottom of the eyes. Double check that they look to be about the same distance from the eyes so that both sides seem even. Pin them in place to make sure. Here is a helpful video that shows how I attach them to the face.

Tail Fin
Chain 22. Turn and skip a stitch, then 3 DC in one chain. Slip stitch in the next. Slip stitch in the next stitch. 3 DC in the next. Slip stitch in the next. Repeat * * for a total of 7 “shells” and fasten off. Place the middle shell at the verry bottom of the tail. Make sure the edges are even on both sides and attach to the tail with a whip stitch.

Embroider the scale patches with the contrasting color, just like the giraffe embroidery video here.

Answers to your questions about making this Free Crochet Axolotl Pattern

Q: Do I stuff the body?
A: No, only the head is stuffed on this pattern!

Q: Do you really use a size 4.5 hook? The yarn wrapper recommends that I use an 8mm.
A: Yes, I do! I always size down with amigurumi, but if this is too tight for you, size up until you can get a tight stitch without it bunching.

Q: Is there a video for this pattern?
A: Not for the whole thing, but you can find the collection of helpful tip videos for this axolotl amigurumi here.