Cuddle Paws Capybara - Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
Meet the adorable Cuddle Paws Capybara, a cuddly amigurumi crochet pattern inspired by the internet’s favorite chill animal. Standing about 6 inches (15 cm) tall, this sweet plush capybara is crocheted with soft KnitPal Merino Moments yarn, giving it a cozy texture that’s perfect for hugging or displaying. The pattern is worked in continuous rounds and features charming details like tiny ears, round paws, and a simple embroidered nose and mouth that bring its gentle personality to life. Designed as an easy-level project, Cuddle Paws Capybara is a fun and satisfying make for beginners who want to try amigurumi and create a lovable handmade companion.
Download a printable pattern PDF with step-by-step photos
What You’ll Need
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Yarn:
KnitPal Merino Moments (weight #5, 40% Merino / 10% Silk / 30% Modal / 20% Java Cotton, 114 yds per 100 g)
MC: Approximately 1 ball in Pink Blush
CC: Approximately 1 ball in Gray Pink
Black cotton yarn (weight #3) for embroidering nose and mouth - 28" (70 cm) -
Hook:
US G-6 / 4 mm
Or size needed to obtain gauge -
Notions:
Stitch marker
Scissors
2-Plastic safety eyes - 16 mm
Stuffing for toys
Tapestry needle
Sewing pins
Details
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Skill Level: Easy
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Gauge:
A 4-round gauge swatch = 2" (5 cm) in diameter with US G-6 / 4 mm hook
Swatch:
Round 1: 6sc in a Magic Ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc, inc)x 6. (18 sts)
Round 4: (Sc 2, inc)x 6. (24 sts) - Sizes: 6" (15 cm) tall
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CC: contrast color
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- dec: decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together; use an invisible decrease when working in the round, see below)
- inc: increase
- MC: main color
- rnd: round
- sc: single crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- (...)x #: work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed
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(# sts) - indicates the total number (#) of stitches you should have at the end of the round/row
Special Stitches
invisible decrease - insert hook in FRONT LOOP ONLY of next two stitches (which results in two more loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops on hook, yarn over, pull through last two loops on hook
Notes
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This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round, moving it up each round.
Patterns
Download a printable pattern PDF with step-by-step photos
BODY
Use MC (Blush Pink).
Round 1: 8sc in a Magic Ring. (8 sts)
Round 2: Inc around. (16 sts)
Round 3: (Sc, inc)x 8. (24 sts)
Round 4: (Sc 2, inc)x 8. (32 sts)
Round 5: (Sc 3, inc)x 8. (40 sts)
Rounds 6-13 (8 rounds): Sc 40.
Round 14: (Sc 8, dec)x 4. (36 sts)
Round 15: Sc 36.
Round 16: (Sc 7, dec)x 4. (32 sts)
Round 17: Sc 12, (inc)x 8, sc 12. (40 sts)
Rounds 18-26 (9 rounds): Sc 40.
Using sewing pins, mark the points where you want to attach the eyes. Insert the eyes at Round 23, 17 sts apart.
Round 27: (Sc 3, dec)x 8. (32 sts)
Round 28: (Sc 2, dec)x 8. (24 sts) Stuff the Body.
Round 29: (Sc, dec)x 8. (16 sts)
Round 30: (Dec)x 8. (8 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Using a tapestry needle, thread the yarn tail through each st of the last round and pull to close. Hide the yarn end inside the Body.
LEGS (MAKE 2)
Use CC (Gray Pink).
Round 1: 6sc in a Magic Ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts)
Rounds 3-4 (2 rounds): Sc 12.
Sl st in next st.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto the Body. Sew the last round closed
ARMS (MAKE 2)
Use CC (Gray Pink).
Round 1: 6sc in a Magic Ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: (Sc, inc)x 3. (9 sts)
Rounds 3-5 (3 rounds): Sc 9.
Sl st in next st.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto the Body.
EARS (MAKE 2)
Use CC (Gray Pink).
Row 1: In a Magic Ring, ch2 (counts as first dc), dc 7. (8 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto the Body.
TAIL
Use CC (Gray Pink).
Round 1: 6sc in a Magic Ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts)
Rounds 3-4 (2 rounds): Sc 12.
Round 5: (Dec)x 6. (6 sts)
Sl st in next st.
Stuff the Tail. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto the Body.
Download a printable pattern PDF with step-by-step photos
Share Your Finished Piece!
We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
If you post your capybara on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!
And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.
With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/
