crochet hippo applique pattern

Main project photo — *The finished project — looks amazing, right?*

2. Introduction

Welcome to the delightful world of crochet with this charming crochet hippo applique pattern! This sweet little hippo measures approximately 6 inches wide and 4 inches tall, making it a perfect addition to blankets, bags, or even as a playful embellishment on clothing. You can bring this adorable creature to life using a lovely combination of yarn colors; we recommend a soft lavender for the body, a warm gray for accents, and a cheerful pastel yellow for the details. These adult-friendly colors are not only modern but also bring a sophisticated touch to your crochet projects.

Crocheting this hippo is not only fun, but it’s also a quick project that can be completed in just a couple of hours! Whether you’re new to crochet or have some experience under your belt, this pattern is beginner-friendly, allowing crafters of all skill levels to create a cute and whimsical piece. This applique makes a fantastic gift for children or can be used to add a personal touch to any handmade item, making it a wonderful choice for seasonal crafting or special occasions.

Materials and preparation — *Materials and work-in-progress shot*

3. Materials Needed

– Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in lavender (approx. 50 yards), gray (approx. 20 yards), and yellow (approx. 10 yards)

– Hook: 3.5mm or 4.0mm crochet hook

– Eyes: 12mm safety eyes

– Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing (optional, see designer notes)

– Needle: Tapestry needle for sewing

– Marker: Stitch marker

– Optional extras: A small piece of felt for the nostrils, if preferred

4. Designer Notes / Tips

When working on your hippo applique, you’ll be using basic stitches such as single crochet (sc) and increases, which are perfect for beginners. The texture of the hippo’s body can be enhanced by ensuring your stitches are tight enough to maintain shape while allowing for a soft finish. If you prefer a plush look, don’t hesitate to stuff the hippo lightly; this will give it a nice rounded appearance.

For assembly, I recommend joining pieces with a slip stitch, which creates a neat finish. If you don’t have safety eyes, you can easily embroider eyes with black thread instead, ensuring they remain secure for little ones. Regarding yarn substitutes, any worsted weight yarn will work well, just be mindful of the color palette to keep it stylish. Lastly, for gauge, it’s less critical in this pattern, but keep an eye on your tension to ensure your pieces fit together nicely.

5. Pattern Instructions

This pattern is broken down into manageable sections for easy reference.

For Plushies:

Head:

*Place safety eyes between Round 4 and Round 5, about 6 stitches apart.*

Body:

*Stuff lightly before closing.*

Arms:

*Make two arms.*

Legs:

*Make two legs.*

Ears:

*Make two ears.*

Tail:

Assembly:

1. Attach the body to the head using a slip stitch.

2. Position the arms and legs on the sides of the body and sew securely.

3. Attach the ears to the top of the head.

4. Finally, sew the tail onto the back of the hippo.

5. Weave in all ends and trim any excess yarn.

6. Closing & Social Engagement

I hope you enjoy creating your adorable crochet hippo applique! This project is a wonderful way to express your creativity, and the joy of handmade items is truly rewarding. I’d love to see your version! Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts, tips, or color combinations. What color combination will you try for your hippo? Share your finished creations on social media, and let’s inspire each other in our crochet journeys!