Small Crochet Dog Pattern

Welcome to this fun and beginner-friendly crochet dog pattern! Whether you want to use up your yarn stash or create a handmade gift, this adorable little puppy is a joy to stitch. Using basic amigurumi techniques, you will transform a simple ball of yarn into a sweet, custom-colored companion.

This project is worked in continuous rounds using single crochet stitches. With clear round-by-round instructions and helpful assembly tips, you will have your new furry friend crocheted and ready in no time!

Materials & Tools Needed

• Medium-weight (Worsted / Aran) cotton or acrylic yarn in a main color (and a small amount of contrasting color for the muzzle, optional)
• Crochet hook (size 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm)
• Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
• Safety eyes (approx. 6mm–8mm) or black embroidery thread
• Black embroidery thread for the nose and mouth
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Abbreviations & Pattern Notes

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase (work 2 sc in the same st)
• dec: Decrease (invisible decrease recommended)
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• st/sts: Stitch / Stitches
• FO: Fasten Off
• R: Round
• Note: Work in continuous rounds without joining unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch in each round.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

1. Head
   R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
   R2: inc around (12)
   R3: [sc, inc] × 6 (18)
   R4: [2 sc, inc] × 6 (24)
   R5: [3 sc, inc] × 6 (30)
   R6: [4 sc, inc] × 6 (36)
   R7–R12: sc around (36). Insert safety eyes between R9 and R10, about 5–7 stitches apart.
   R13: [4 sc, dec] × 6 (30)
   R14: [3 sc, dec] × 6 (24)
   R15: [2 sc, dec] × 6 (18). Begin stuffing the head firmly with fiberfill.
   R16: [sc, dec] × 6 (12)
   R17: dec around (6). FO, close the hole, and weave in ends.
2. Muzzle
   R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
   R2: inc around (12)
   R3: [sc, inc] × 6 (18)
   R4: sc around (18). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Add a tiny bit of stuffing, then embroider the nose and mouth onto the center.
3. Ears (Make 2)
   R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
   R2: inc around (12)
   R3: [sc, inc] × 6 (18)
   R4–R6: sc around (18)
   R7: [sc, dec] × 6 (12)
   R8–R9: sc around (12). FO, leaving a long tail. Flatten the ears without stuffing them.

Finishing & Helpful Tips

• Maintain Firm Tension: Keep your stitches tight enough so that the polyester stuffing doesn’t peek through, but loose enough for your hook to move comfortably.
• Use Stitch Markers: Always mark the first stitch of every round to avoid losing your count during increases and decreases.
• Pin Before You Sew: Use pins to temporarily position the muzzle and ears on the head before stitching them down permanently. This allows you to check and adjust the puppy’s expression.
• Child-Safe Features: If you are gifting this toy to a baby or toddler, skip the plastic safety eyes and embroider the facial features entirely with yarn or embroidery floss.

Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: