Crochet Plush Bat Tutorial – head and body (Part 1)

🎥 Prefer watching? If you learn better by video, you can find the full step-by-step video tutorial embedded at the bottom of this article!

Hello, my wonderful crochet family! I am beyond thrilled to welcome you back to another cozy crafting adventure here on the blog. Autumn leaves are drifting, the air is crisp, and if you are anything like me, your hook has been itching to create something equal parts spooky and sweet. Well, look no further, because today we are diving headfirst into one of the most delightful amigurumi projects of the season: the Crochet Plush Bat Tutorial – head and body (Part 1)! There is something undeniably magical about handcrafted plushies. Whether you are making this little creature as a gift for a cherished little one, adding a touch of handmade charm to your Halloween decor, or simply expanding your growing menagerie of squishy friends, this pattern is guaranteed to steal your heart.

When you picture a bat, you might initially think of dark, spooky caves or midnight skies, but this little guy is pure cuddly joy. Designed with thick, velvety plush yarn, he works up surprisingly fast and feels like a warm hug right off the hook. In this first part of our comprehensive masterclass, we are going to focus on constructing the foundation of our flying friend: his wonderfully round, expressive head and his chubby, huggable little body. Amigurumi can sometimes feel intimidating if you are newer to the craft, but take a deep breath and grab your favorite beverage, because we are going to break everything down step-by-step so that crocheters of all skill levels can succeed and have fun along the way.

So, clear off a cozy spot on the couch, light your favorite candle, and let’s get those hooks moving. By the time you finish working through this first segment, you will have a gorgeous, firm head and a perfectly proportioned body just waiting for wings, ears, and personality. Let’s gather our supplies, review our stitches, and jump straight into the magic of making!

What You’ll Need

Before we make our first magic ring, let’s talk about supplies. Choosing the right materials makes all the difference when working with plush yarns, ensuring your stitches are easy to see and your finished bat is delightfully squishy. Here is a complete checklist of everything you will need to bring your plush bat to life:

Super Bulky Plush Yarn (Weight 6): Approximately 1 ball of main color (traditional black, dark gray, or a fun pastel like dusty lavender or mint) for the head and body.
Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) or 6.0 mm (J-10) ergonomic crochet hook, depending on your personal tension and how tightly you like to pack your stitches.
Safety Eyes: Pair of 12mm or 14mm plastic safety eyes with washers (or black embroidery floss if you prefer embroidered sleepy eyes).
Polyfill Stuffing: A generous handful of high-quality polyester fiberfill to give your bat that signature plump shape.
Tapestry Needle: A large-eyed, blunt-tip yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
Stitch Markers: Locking stitch markers to keep track of your rounds in continuous spiral crochet.
Scissors: A sharp pair of crafting scissors for clean yarn cuts.

Crochet Abbreviations

To ensure we are all speaking the same crochet language, this pattern uses standard US terminology. Keep this handy reference list nearby as you work through your rounds:

ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: single crochet increase (work 2 sc in the same indicated stitch)
dec: invisible decrease (single crochet two stitches together through the front loops only)
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
Rnd(s): Round(s)
FO: fasten off
BLO: back loop only
FLO: front loop only

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that our materials are gathered and our shorthand is locked in, it is time to build our creation! We will tackle this project systematically, moving from the crown of the head down through the main body. Take your time, count your stitches at the end of each round, and remember to enjoy the meditative rhythm of amigurumi.

Part 1: The Head

Start with a magic ring using your main color plush yarn. Work 6 single crochet (sc) stitches directly into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the center securely. (6 sts)
For Round 2, work an increase (inc) in every single stitch around. This will double your stitch count and start building the dome of the head. (12 sts)
For Round 3, *work 1 sc in the next stitch, then 1 inc in the following stitch* and repeat that sequence all the way around the circle. (18 sts)
For Round 4, *work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 1 inc* and repeat around. (24 sts)
For Round 5, *work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 1 inc* and repeat around. (30 sts)
For Rounds 6 through 9, work 1 sc in every single stitch all the way around without increasing or decreasing. This creates the height and cheeks of the head. (30 sts per round)
Begin shaping the lower half by decreasing. For Round 10, *work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 1 invisible dec* and repeat around. (24 sts)
Insert your safety eyes between Rounds 7 and 8, leaving about 5 to 6 stitches of space between them. Secure the washers firmly on the inside.
For Round 11, *work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 1 invisible dec* and repeat around. (18 sts)
Firmly stuff the head with polyfill, making sure it is nice and plump, but not so stretched that holes appear between the stitches.
For Round 12, *work 1 sc in the next stitch, then 1 invisible dec* and repeat around. (12 sts)
Add a tiny bit more stuffing to top off the neck area if needed. FO, leaving a long tail of yarn for later assembly and securely weaving in the starting tail.

Part 2: The Body

Create a new magic ring with your main color yarn and work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
For Round 2, work an inc in every stitch around to expand the base. (12 sts)
For Round 3, *work 1 sc, then 1 inc* and repeat around. (18 sts)
For Round 4, *work 2 sc, then 1 inc* and repeat around. (24 sts)
For Round 5, *work 3 sc, then 1 inc* and repeat around. (30 sts)
For Rounds 6 through 9, maintain your shape by working 1 sc in every single stitch around. (30 sts per round)
For Round 10, start tapering the body back down: *work 3 sc, then 1 invisible dec* and repeat around. (24 sts)
For Round 11, work 1 sc in every stitch around evenly. (24 sts)
For Round 12, decrease again: *work 2 sc, then 1 invisible dec* and repeat around. (18 sts)
For Round 13, work 1 sc in every stitch around. (18 sts)
Stuff the body thoroughly with polyfill, ensuring a firm, chubby shape that will support the head nicely.
For Round 14, *work 1 sc, then 1 invisible dec* and repeat around. (12 sts)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing the body to the base of the head. Finish stuffing the top section fully before cinching the remaining stitches closed with your tapestry needle if desired.

Customization Tips

One of the absolute greatest joys of crochet is taking a pattern and making it entirely your own. While a classic midnight black bat is stunning, plush yarn comes in an absolute rainbow of gorgeous shades that invite experimentation. Why not try crafting a mystical pastel bat using soft pinks, baby blues, or mint greens? You can add a tiny matching bow to one ear for a sweet touch, or embroider delicate little fangs using white yarn or embroidery floss to give your bat a mischievous, friendly smile.

Another fun way to customize your plush bat is by playing with textures and accents. If you want your bat to have a contrasting belly, you can switch to a cream or light gray yarn for the body rounds while keeping the head and wings in your main dark color. Adding a tiny felt heart to the chest or sewing on cute little safety nose buttons can also completely change the character and expression of your handmade toy. Let your imagination run wild—there are no mistakes in amigurumi, only unique design choices!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plush yarn difficult to use for beginners?

Plush or velvet chenille yarn can have a bit of a learning curve because the fuzzy texture makes individual stitches harder to see visually. However, because the yarn is so thick, you can easily feel your stitches with your fingers. Working with a slightly larger hook and keeping your tension consistent will make the process much smoother!

Can I use regular worsted weight yarn instead of plush yarn?

Absolutely! If you prefer traditional yarn, you can easily substitute a worsted weight (Weight 4) acrylic or cotton yarn with a 3.5mm or 4.0mm hook. Keep in mind that your finished bat will be significantly smaller, so you will want to adjust your safety eye size down to 8mm or 9mm accordingly.

How do I prevent holes from forming when stuffing amigurumi?

Holes usually happen when your crochet hook is too large for your yarn weight, or when you are not pulling your stitches tight enough. If you notice gaps where the stuffing is showing through, simply drop down one hook size and make sure you are stuffing your pieces firmly rather than over-stuffing them to the point of stretching.

What is an invisible decrease and why should I use it?

An invisible decrease is a technique used in amigurumi where you work your single crochet decrease through the front loops only of the two stitches being combined. This eliminates the unsightly bumps and gaps that traditional decreases often leave behind, giving your plush bat a smooth, professional finish.

Where should I place the safety eyes on the head?

For this pattern, placing the safety eyes between Rounds 7 and 8, with approximately 5 to 6 stitches of distance between them, creates a wonderfully cute and proportionate face. Feel free to hold the eyes against your work before securing the backs to test out different placements and expressions!

How do I attach the head to the body securely?

Use the long yarn tail left on either the head or the body and a sturdy tapestry needle. Whipstitch through corresponding stitches on both the bottom of the head and the top of the body, making multiple passes around the circumference to ensure the neck is strong and stable enough to hold the head upright.

Can I wash my finished plush bat?

Yes, but with caution! Because plush yarn and polyfill can hold water and potentially warp, we recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. If a deeper wash is needed, place your bat inside a mesh laundry bag and machine wash on a gentle, cool cycle, then air dry completely.

What size safety eyes are best for super bulky yarn?

For Weight 6 super bulky plush yarn, 12mm or 14mm safety eyes generally look the most balanced and proportional. If you want a more wide-eyed, anime-style look, you can bump up to 16mm eyes, just be sure to check the spacing so they don’t crowd each other.

Why do I need to use stitch markers?

Because amigurumi is worked in continuous spirals rather than joined rounds, it is very easy to lose track of where your round begins and ends. Placing a stitch marker in the very first stitch of every round ensures you maintain the correct stitch count and shape.

When will Part 2 of the tutorial be available?

Part 2 of the tutorial—focusing on the wings, ears, and final assembly—is typically released right alongside or shortly after Part 1! Be sure to subscribe to the channel and bookmark this blog so you never miss a step of the fun.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Watch the step-side video below and follow along at your own pace!