Chick or Duck Amigurumi – Free Crochet Pattern

Spring is one of the most inspiring seasons for crochet lovers. The soft pastels, the new life, the cheerful themes — it all comes together in the most delightful little projects. And if you’re looking for something that captures that seasonal magic in yarn form, this chick or duck amigurumi pattern is exactly what you need. Whether you crochet as a hobby, sell your makes at craft fairs, or create gifts for the little ones in your life, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, quick to work up, and absolutely adorable from every angle.

In this post, I’m sharing a complete, free crochet pattern for a sweet little chick or duck amigurumi. With just a few small changes — mainly beak color and the addition of wings — you can make either a fluffy yellow chick or a classic white duck. Both versions use the same base body pattern, which makes this a wonderfully versatile project. Let’s dive in.

What Is Amigurumi?

If you’re new to the world of amigurumi, welcome! Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals and characters. The word itself is a combination of “ami,” meaning crocheted or knitted, and “nuigurumi,” meaning stuffed doll. These little figures originated in Japan and have since become one of the most popular crochet niches worldwide.

What makes amigurumi so appealing is the combination of simplicity and charm. The basic techniques — working in the round, magic rings, increases, and decreases — are not complicated once you get the hang of them, but the results look impressive and polished. They make wonderful toys for children, Easter basket fillers, decorative accents, and heartfelt handmade gifts.

Materials You’ll Need

Before jumping into the pattern, gather your supplies. Having everything ready before you start makes the crocheting process much smoother.

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (size 4) works beautifully for this pattern and gives you a nicely sized finished amigurumi. For the chick, use yellow yarn for the body and orange for the beak and feet. For the duck, use white yarn for the body, orange for the beak and feet, and optionally a soft blue or yellow for an accent bow or hat.

Hook: A 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook. Using a slightly smaller hook than recommended for your yarn helps create a tighter stitch so the stuffing doesn’t show through.

Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill, enough to stuff the body and head firmly.

Safety eyes: Two 9mm or 12mm black safety eyes. These give the amigurumi that classic wide-eyed look. If you’re making this for a child under 3, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead for safety.

Yarn needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.

Stitch markers: Optional but helpful for marking the beginning of each round.

Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern is written in US crochet terminology. Here are the abbreviations you’ll encounter:

MR — Magic ring
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
inc — increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch)
dec — decrease (invisible decrease: insert hook into front loops of next two stitches, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops)
st — stitch
sts — stitches
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
rnd — round
rep — repeat

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (a spiral), meaning you do not join rounds with a slip stitch unless specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.

The finished amigurumi is approximately 4 to 5 inches tall, depending on your yarn, hook size, and tension.

Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight, even stitch so the stuffing stays hidden inside.

All pieces are crocheted separately and sewn together at the end, with the exception of the body, which is worked continuously from bottom to top.

Free Crochet Pattern: Chick or Duck Amigurumi

Body and Head (Make 1)

The body and head are worked in one continuous piece, starting from the bottom.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat around (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] repeat around (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] repeat around (30 sts)
Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] repeat around (36 sts)
Rnds 7–12: Sc in each st around (36 sts) — 6 rounds even
Rnd 13: [Sc 4, dec] repeat around (30 sts)
Rnd 14: [Sc 3, dec] repeat around (24 sts)
Rnd 15: [Sc 2, dec] repeat around (18 sts)

At this point, insert your safety eyes between rounds 9 and 10, spaced about 8 to 10 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the body firmly.

Rnd 16: [Sc 1, inc] repeat around (24 sts) — this begins the head section
Rnd 17: [Sc 2, inc] repeat around (32 sts)
Rnd 18: [Sc 3, inc] repeat around (40 sts)
Rnds 19–23: Sc in each st around (40 sts) — 5 rounds even
Rnd 24: [Sc 3, dec] repeat around (32 sts)
Rnd 25: [Sc 2, dec] repeat around (24 sts)
Rnd 26: [Sc 1, dec] repeat around (16 sts)

Continue stuffing the head as you go.

Rnd 27: Dec around (8 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use the yarn needle to weave through the remaining 8 stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end.

Wings (Make 2)

Wings are optional for the chick but give the duck a more finished look. For the chick, you can skip wings or make small rounded ones. For the duck, make slightly elongated wings.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat around (18 sts)
Rnds 4–6: Sc in each st around (18 sts)
Rnd 7: [Sc 1, dec] repeat around (12 sts)

Do not stuff the wings. Flatten them and slip stitch across the opening to close, or leave open and sew closed when attaching to the body. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew one wing to each side of the body between rounds 8 and 12, slightly toward the back.

Beak (Make 1)

The beak is the same for both the chick and the duck. Use orange yarn for both. The duck’s beak is slightly wider and flatter in appearance; you can achieve this by crocheting more rows or by shaping it when you sew it on.

Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc (4 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (8 sts)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat around (12 sts)
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around (12 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten the beak and sew it onto the face centered between the eyes and slightly below, between rounds 10 and 12.

Feet (Make 2)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnds 3–5: Sc in each st around (12 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten and sew the feet to the bottom of the body, pointing slightly outward for a cute waddling effect.

Comb (Chick Only — Optional)

For an extra-adorable touch on the chick, add a little comb on top of the head using yellow or orange yarn.

Cut three pieces of yarn about 2 inches long. Fold each piece in half and pull the loop through a stitch on top of the head using your crochet hook, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten. Trim to about half an inch to create a fluffy little comb. You can also crochet a small chain of 5 or 6 and attach it folded into a loop for a slightly more polished look.

Tail Feathers (Duck Only — Optional)

For the duck, a small tail adds charm and makes it instantly recognizable.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat around (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] repeat around (24 sts)
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around (24 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten slightly and sew to the back of the body, slightly upward, between rounds 6 and 10.

Finishing Touches

Once all your pieces are crocheted, assembly is where the magic happens. Lay out all your pieces before you begin sewing so you can visualize the final result and make any adjustments.

Use the long yarn tails left on each piece to sew them onto the body. A yarn needle and simple whip stitches work perfectly. Make sure to sew through both the piece and the body stitches firmly so nothing comes loose, especially if the amigurumi will be handled by children.

Weave in all remaining ends on the inside of the body. If you haven’t already, give your finished amigurumi a gentle squeeze and reshape it with your hands — this helps even out the stuffing and gives the head and body that satisfying round shape.

If you want to add any extra embellishments, this is the time. A small ribbon bow around the duck’s neck in a contrasting color looks adorable. A few French knot stitches in white thread on the eyes adds a cute highlight. You can even embroider tiny cheek circles with pink yarn using satin stitches for a blush effect.

Tips for a Perfect Amigurumi

Go tighter than you think. The most common beginner mistake with amigurumi is crocheting too loosely, which lets the white stuffing peek through the stitches. Use a hook one size smaller than the yarn label suggests, and keep your tension snug.

Use the magic ring. A magic ring creates a tight, seamless beginning for your rounds. If you’re not familiar with it yet, a quick video tutorial will make it click — it’s one of those techniques that feels tricky the first time and completely natural the second.

Invisible decrease is your friend. The standard decrease in amigurumi can leave a visible bump on the surface. The invisible decrease, worked through the front loops only, creates a much smoother finish that looks more professional.

Stuff as you go. It becomes very difficult to properly stuff your amigurumi once the opening is too small. Add stuffing incrementally, especially as you begin the decreasing rounds. Aim for firm but not overly tight — you want the finished piece to hold its shape without the seams pulling.

Mark your rounds. Losing count in amigurumi is easy to do, especially when you’re working in a spiral. A simple stitch marker, a piece of scrap yarn, or even a bobby pin placed at the beginning of each round will save you from having to count all the way back.

Yarn and Color Ideas

While the classic chick-yellow and duck-white are always charming, amigurumi is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are some color variations to consider:

A mint green or lavender chick makes a sweet Easter alternative that fits in beautifully with pastel spring décor. A soft grey duck with an orange beak and a tiny knitted scarf is darling for autumn or winter gifting. You could even make an entire rainbow flock of chicks in different colors for a cheerful spring garland. String them together with a length of twine and hang them as a seasonal decoration.

For a more textured effect, try using a fluffy or chenille yarn for the body to give your chick a genuinely feathery look. Just keep in mind that fluffy yarns can be harder to work with if you’re just starting out, so save that experiment for after you’ve made one in regular yarn.

Pattern Sizing

As written, this pattern produces an amigurumi that stands about 4.5 inches tall. If you’d like a smaller or larger version, here’s a simple guide:

For a mini version, use fingering or sport weight yarn (size 1 or 2) with a 2mm or 2.5mm hook. The finished piece will be roughly 2 to 3 inches tall — perfect for keychains or decorations.

For a larger version, use bulky weight yarn (size 5 or 6) with a 5mm or 5.5mm hook. You’ll get an amigurumi around 7 to 8 inches tall, which makes a wonderful plushie for toddlers.

Skill Level and Time Estimate

This pattern is suitable for beginners who are comfortable working in the round and have a basic grasp of increases and decreases. If you’ve made a few granny squares or crocheted a hat, you have everything you need to tackle this project.

In terms of time, most crocheters complete the full body in one or two sessions. The smaller pieces — wings, beak, feet — come together in just a few minutes each. All told, you’re looking at roughly two to four hours from start to a fully assembled, finished amigurumi. That makes this a wonderful last-minute gift project or a satisfying afternoon craft.

Making Multiple and Selling Your Makes

This pattern is free for personal use and for making items to sell. If you sell amigurumi made from this pattern, I simply ask that you credit the pattern and not resell the pattern itself as your own. Handmade chick and duck amigurumi sell beautifully at spring markets, Easter fairs, and through platforms like Etsy. A trio of them in a little basket makes an especially appealing display.

Storing and Caring for Your Amigurumi

Most worsted weight acrylic yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle, but always check your yarn label first. If you’ve used safety eyes, hand washing is a safer choice to prevent any stress on the eye posts over time. Lay flat to dry and reshape while damp for best results.

Store amigurumi in a breathable bag or basket rather than a sealed plastic container, which can cause moisture buildup over time. They hold their shape well for years with proper care.

Share Your Makes

There’s something incredibly satisfying about finishing an amigurumi and seeing that little face looking back at you. If you make this chick or duck amigurumi, I’d absolutely love to see it. Share your finished photos in the comments below or tag your work on social media — seeing different makers’ color choices and interpretations is one of the best parts of sharing a free pattern.

Happy crocheting, and may your stitches always be tight, your magic rings always close cleanly, and your amigurumi always turn out even cuter than you imagined.