Skittlez the Rainbow Zebra: Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
If you’ve been searching for a crochet project that combines whimsy, color, and just the right amount of challenge, look no further than Skittlez the Rainbow Zebra. This amigurumi toy pattern is bursting with personality — a soft, squishy zebra whose stripes come in every color of the rainbow instead of classic black and white. Whether you’re making Skittlez as a gift for a child, a decoration for a nursery, or simply a fun project for yourself, this pattern delivers a satisfying result that looks impressive but is completely achievable for crocheters at an intermediate level.
In this post, you’ll find the complete crochet pattern for Skittlez, including a full materials list, gauge information, stitch abbreviations, and step-by-step instructions for every part of the body. I’ve also included tips for assembly and finishing so your finished zebra looks polished and professional. Let’s get started!
About This Pattern
Skittlez is worked in the round using the magic ring method and standard amigurumi increases and decreases. The body pieces are worked separately and then sewn together at the end. The rainbow stripes are created by changing yarn colors every few rounds, and you can customize the color sequence however you like — stick to the rainbow order of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, or mix things up to match your own yarn stash.
The finished toy measures approximately 10 inches tall when sitting, making it a great huggable size for little ones while also being compact enough to display on a shelf.
Materials
To make Skittlez the Rainbow Zebra, you will need the following:
Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in the following colors — white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. You’ll use white as the main color and the rainbow shades for stripes. Approximately 200 yards of white and 30–40 yards of each stripe color will be plenty.
Hook: 3.5mm crochet hook (or the size that gives you a tight, even gauge for your yarn)
Other supplies:
A pair of 12mm black safety eyes, polyester fiberfill stuffing, a yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends, stitch markers, and scissors.
Gauge: 5 single crochets × 5 rows = 1 inch. Gauge is important for amigurumi to ensure your stitches are tight enough that the stuffing doesn’t show through.
Abbreviations
Throughout this pattern, the following abbreviations are used:
MR — magic ring
CH — chain
SC — single crochet
INC — increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch)
DEC — invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next two stitches, yarn over and pull through both, yarn over and pull through remaining loops)
SL ST — slip stitch
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
PM — place marker
RM — remove marker
R — round
ST(S) — stitch(es)
A Note on Amigurumi Technique
If you’re newer to amigurumi, a few quick notes before you begin. First, always use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round — it’s very easy to lose your place without one. Second, crochet in a continuous spiral rather than joining at the end of each round unless the pattern specifically says to join. Third, stuff your pieces firmly as you go rather than waiting until the end; this gives you a rounder, more even shape.
For color changes, I recommend the “join as you go” method: when you reach the last stitch before the color change, complete the stitch until you have two loops left on your hook, then use the new color to pull through both loops. This creates a clean join with minimal weaving in of ends.
Pattern Instructions
Body
The body is the largest piece and forms the core of Skittlez. You’ll work it in white and add rainbow stripes as you go.
Round 1: Using white yarn, make a MR and work 6 SC into the ring. Pull the ring closed. (6 sts)
Round 2: INC in every stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3: SC 1, INC repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: SC 2, INC repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: SC 3, INC repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: SC 4, INC repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: SC 5, INC repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: SC 6, INC repeat around. (48 sts)
Rounds 9–10: SC around all 48 sts. (48 sts)
Change to red yarn.
Round 11: SC around all 48 sts in red. (48 sts)
Change to orange yarn.
Round 12: SC around in orange. (48 sts)
Change to yellow yarn.
Round 13: SC around in yellow. (48 sts)
Change to green yarn.
Round 14: SC around in green. (48 sts)
Change to blue yarn.
Round 15: SC around in blue. (48 sts)
Change to purple yarn.
Round 16: SC around in purple. (48 sts)
Change back to white yarn.
Rounds 17–18: SC around in white. (48 sts)
Repeat rounds 11–18 once more to create a second set of rainbow stripes (rounds 19–26).
Rounds 27–28: SC around in white. (48 sts)
Now begin the decreases to close the bottom of the body.
Round 29: SC 6, DEC repeat around. (42 sts)
At this point, begin stuffing the body firmly with fiberfill. Continue stuffing as you work the remaining decrease rounds.
Round 30: SC 5, DEC repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 31: SC 4, DEC repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 32: SC 3, DEC repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 33: SC 2, DEC repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 34: SC 1, DEC repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 35: DEC around. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end.
Head
The head is worked in white with rainbow stripes on the upper portion.
Round 1: MR, 6 SC. (6 sts)
Round 2: INC around. (12 sts)
Round 3: SC 1, INC repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: SC 2, INC repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: SC 3, INC repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: SC 4, INC repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: SC 5, INC repeat around. (42 sts)
Rounds 8–10: SC around all sts in white. (42 sts)
Change to red yarn.
Round 11: SC in red. (42 sts)
Change to orange.
Round 12: SC in orange. (42 sts)
Change to yellow.
Round 13: SC in yellow. (42 sts)
Change to green.
Round 14: SC in green. (42 sts)
Change to blue.
Round 15: SC in blue. (42 sts)
Change to purple.
Round 16: SC in purple. (42 sts)
Change back to white.
Rounds 17–18: SC in white. (42 sts)
Now attach the safety eyes. Position them between rounds 10 and 11, approximately 8 stitches apart. This is also the time to embroider any facial details you want before the head closes up.
Round 19: SC 5, DEC repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 20: SC 4, DEC repeat around. (30 sts)
Begin stuffing the head firmly.
Round 21: SC 3, DEC repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 22: SC 2, DEC repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 23: SC 1, DEC repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 24: DEC around. (6 sts)
Fasten off and close the same way as the body. Set aside.
Snout / Muzzle
The snout gives Skittlez that adorable zebra face. It’s worked flat and then sewn onto the head.
Round 1: MR, 6 SC. (6 sts)
Round 2: INC around. (12 sts)
Round 3: SC 1, INC repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: SC 2, INC repeat around. (24 sts)
Rounds 5–6: SC around. (24 sts)
Do not stuff the snout. Flatten it slightly and sew it onto the lower front of the head, centered below the eyes. Use black yarn to embroider two small nostril dots on the snout.
Ears (make 2)
Round 1: MR, 6 SC. (6 sts)
Round 2: INC around. (12 sts)
Round 3: SC 1, INC repeat around. (18 sts)
Rounds 4–6: SC around. (18 sts)
Round 7: SC 1, DEC repeat around. (12 sts)
Do not stuff. Pinch the bottom of the ear closed and sew the edges together. You can add a small stripe of pink or a contrasting color to the inside of the ear if you like. Sew the ears to the top of the head, just in front of where you’ll attach the mane.
Mane
The mane is one of the most fun parts of Skittlez! It’s made using a simple loop stitch or cut fringe method along the top of the head.
Loop Stitch Method: Using a length of each rainbow color in sequence, thread your yarn needle and run it through the top of the head from the forehead to between the ears, leaving loops of about 1.5 to 2 inches. You can work these loops in rainbow order for the full effect. Once all the loops are in place, you can either leave them as loops or cut them open to create a fluffier mane. Trim to even if needed.
Fringe Method: Cut strands of each color approximately 4 inches long. Fold each strand in half, insert the folded end through a stitch on the top of the head using your hook, then pull the ends through the loop to create a fringe knot. Alternate colors in rainbow order and trim to your preferred length.
Tail
The tail is a simple bundle of yarn strands tied together at the base.
Cut 8–10 strands of yarn, each about 6 inches long, using each rainbow color for a stripe or two. Bundle them together and tie tightly at one end with a separate short piece of white yarn, leaving a long tail to sew onto the body. Braid or leave loose. Sew the tied end to the back lower portion of the body.
Legs (make 4)
Each leg is worked in white with a small stripe sequence at the top.
Round 1: MR, 6 SC. (6 sts)
Round 2: INC around. (12 sts)
Round 3: SC 1, INC repeat around. (18 sts)
Rounds 4–5: SC around in BLO. (18 sts) — This creates the hoof ridge.
Round 6: SC 1, DEC repeat around. (12 sts)
Rounds 7–10: SC around in white. (12 sts)
Change to one of your rainbow colors.
Round 11: SC in color. (12 sts)
Change to white.
Rounds 12–16: SC in white. (12 sts)
Stuff the leg lightly to moderately — you want it firm enough to hold shape but not so stuffed that it sticks out sideways. Flatten the top of the leg and sew it closed. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, positioning the front two legs slightly forward and the back two legs slightly back, so Skittlez sits in a stable, balanced position.
Assembly
Once all pieces are complete, it’s time to bring Skittlez to life! Follow this order for the cleanest result:
First, attach the snout to the head. Pin it in place before sewing to make sure you’re happy with the position — it should sit centered on the lower half of the head, just below the safety eyes. Use a whip stitch and matching yarn to sew it on, then embroider nostrils with black yarn.
Next, attach the ears. Position them on either side of the top of the head. A slight angle (tilting slightly forward) gives Skittlez a curious, perky expression.
Then sew the head to the body. Pin the head to the top of the body, centered, and sew it on securely. Make sure you sew through several rounds worth of stitches on both pieces so the head doesn’t wobble.
Attach the legs, then sew on the mane and tail as described in their respective sections.
Finally, if you want to add any additional embroidery details — a smile on the snout, eyelashes above the safety eyes, or extra stripe accents — now is the perfect time.
Tips and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about making Skittlez is how easy it is to make each one unique. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
If you want a more pastel version, swap the saturated rainbow colors for soft pastels — think blush pink, baby blue, lavender, mint, and butter yellow. This creates a dreamy, soft look that’s perfect for a nursery.
For a more traditional zebra with a twist, use black instead of white as your main color and keep the rainbow stripes as they are. The contrast is stunning.
You can also vary the stripe width by working two or even three rounds in each rainbow color instead of one. This creates a bolder, more graphic look.
If you’re making Skittlez for a baby, make sure to skip the safety eyes and embroider the eyes instead using black yarn. Embroidered eyes are completely safe for infants and also give the toy a softer, rounder look.
Caring for Your Finished Toy
Amigurumi toys made with acrylic worsted weight yarn are generally machine washable on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag, though always check your specific yarn’s label first. Reshape the toy while damp and allow it to air dry. Avoid putting amigurumi in a hot dryer, as this can cause the stuffing to clump and the yarn to pill.
Final Thoughts
Skittlez the Rainbow Zebra is one of those patterns that never gets old to make. Each one comes out slightly different depending on your color choices and tension, which means no two Skittlez are ever exactly alike. There’s something really satisfying about watching the rainbow stripes build up round by round and seeing the final toy take shape from a simple magic ring.
If you make your own version of Skittlez, I’d love to see it! Share your finished toy in the comments below or tag it on social media — there’s nothing better than seeing all the different color combinations people come up with.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every colorful stitch!
