Ellii the Elephant Crochet Pattern – Cute Blue Amigurumi Tutorial
There is something undeniably magical about crocheting a tiny animal from a simple ball of yarn and watching it slowly transform into a chubby, squishy creature with a personality all its own. Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed toys, has captured the hearts of crafters around the world for exactly this reason. Today, we are going to dive into one of the most beloved animal shapes in the amigurumi world — the elephant — and we are going to make her absolutely adorable. Meet Ellii, a sweet little blue elephant with floppy ears, a gently curved trunk, and the most endearing round body you have ever seen.
Whether you are a beginner who has just mastered the magic ring or an experienced crocheter looking for your next weekend project, this Ellii the Elephant crochet pattern is designed with you in mind. The instructions are detailed, the techniques are straightforward, and the result is a plush little friend that works beautifully as a baby shower gift, a nursery decoration, a child’s toy, or simply a cheerful addition to your own shelf. Let’s get started.
Materials You Will Need
Before you pick up your hook, gather everything you need so the project flows smoothly from start to finish.
Yarn: You will need a light worsted weight or DK weight yarn in your chosen shades. For the classic Ellii look, choose a soft medium blue as the main color and white or pale cream for the belly and inner ears. Approximately 100–150 grams of the main color and around 30 grams of the contrast color should be more than enough.
Hook: A 3.5 mm crochet hook works well with DK weight yarn and creates a nice tight fabric that keeps the stuffing from showing through. If you are using worsted weight, bump up to a 4.0 mm hook.
Safety Eyes: Two 12 mm black safety eyes. If you are making Ellii for a baby or toddler under three years old, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead for safety.
Polyfill Stuffing: A good handful of polyester fiberfill stuffing. You want Ellii to be firm but still huggable, so don’t be shy when filling her body and head.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
Stitch Markers: To mark the beginning of each round, especially useful since amigurumi is worked in continuous rounds.
Scissors: A sharp pair for clean yarn cuts.
Optional: A small piece of blush-colored felt or a tiny bit of pink yarn for rosy cheeks, and small fabric flowers or ribbon for a feminine touch.
Abbreviations and Stitches Used
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference for all the stitches you will encounter.
MR – Magic Ring
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
inc – increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch)
dec – invisible decrease (insert hook through the front loops of the next two stitches and work as one single crochet)
BLO – back loop only
FLO – front loop only
st(s) – stitch(es)
Rnd – Round
All rounds are worked in continuous spiral unless otherwise noted. Do not join at the end of each round unless the pattern specifically instructs you to. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
Understanding Amigurumi Basics Before You Begin
If this is your first amigurumi project, a few foundational concepts will make the whole process much smoother. Amigurumi pieces are almost always worked in continuous spiral rounds rather than joined rounds, which creates a seamless, stretchy fabric with no visible seam line. The magic ring is the standard starting method because it allows you to pull the center completely closed, leaving no hole in the middle of your work.
The invisible decrease is worth practicing before you begin, because it creates a much cleaner finish than a standard decrease. To work it, insert your hook through only the front loop of the next stitch and then through only the front loop of the stitch after that, yarn over, and pull through both loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. The result is a decrease that lies flat and blends into the fabric.
Stuffing as you go is always recommended for the body and head. Once the opening becomes too small to fit your hand through comfortably, you will not be able to add enough stuffing to make the piece firm. Add stuffing a little at a time throughout the assembly and press it firmly into the base of each piece.
Now, with all of that in mind, let’s crochet Ellii together.
The Head
The head is the heart of any amigurumi project. Ellii has a beautifully round, oversized head that gives her that irresistible plush doll look.
Rnd 1: Start with a MR, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close. (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)
Rnd 7: Sc 5, inc repeat around. (42 sts)
Rnd 8: Sc 6, inc repeat around. (48 sts)
Rnd 9 – 16: Sc in each st around. (48 sts) — work 8 even rounds.
Rnd 17: Sc 6, dec repeat around. (42 sts)
Rnd 18: Sc 5, dec repeat around. (36 sts)
Now is the time to insert the safety eyes between rounds 12 and 13, placing them approximately 10 to 12 stitches apart. Press the washers firmly onto the backs of the posts to secure them.
Rnd 19: Sc 4, dec repeat around. (30 sts)
Rnd 20: Sc 3, dec repeat around. (24 sts)
Begin stuffing the head firmly now. Continue stuffing as you close the remaining rounds.
Rnd 21: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (18 sts)
Rnd 22: Sc 1, dec repeat around. (12 sts)
Rnd 23: Dec around. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle, weave through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close, and secure. Leave a very long tail for sewing the head to the body later.
The Trunk
Ellii’s trunk is perhaps her most defining feature. It is gently tapered and slightly curved, giving her a sweet, expressive look.
Rnd 1: MR, 5 sc into the ring. (5 sts)
Rnd 2 – 4: Sc in each st around. (5 sts) — work 3 even rounds.
Rnd 5: Sc 4, inc repeat around. (6 sts)
Rnd 6 – 8: Sc in each st around. (6 sts)
Rnd 9: Sc 2, inc repeat around. (8 sts)
Rnd 10 – 12: Sc in each st around. (8 sts)
Rnd 13: Sc 3, inc repeat around. (10 sts)
Rnd 14 – 15: Sc in each st around. (10 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the trunk lightly — you want it to feel soft and slightly floppy rather than stiff. Pin the trunk to the center of the face, just below and between the eyes, and sew it on securely, making sure the tip curves slightly downward or to one side for extra personality.
The Body
Ellii has a rounded, chubby body that is slightly smaller than her head, giving her that classic cartoon character proportion.
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 3, inc repeat around. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: Sc 4, inc repeat around. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: Sc 5, inc repeat around. (42 sts)
Rnd 8 – 18: Sc in each st around. (42 sts) — work 11 even rounds.
Rnd 19: Sc 5, dec repeat around. (36 sts)
Rnd 20: Sc 4, dec repeat around. (30 sts)
Rnd 21: Sc 3, dec repeat around. (24 sts)
Begin stuffing the body firmly.
Rnd 22: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (18 sts)
Rnd 23: Sc 1, dec repeat around. (12 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Close the opening if desired or leave it open to sew directly to the head. Stuff to firmness before closing completely.
The Ears
Ellii’s ears are wide, floppy, and adorably oversized — one of the most charming things about her. Each ear is made of two pieces: a larger outer piece in blue and a smaller inner piece in white or cream.
Outer Ear (make 2):
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 3, inc repeat around. (30 sts)
Rnd 6 – 8: Sc in each st around. (30 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Inner Ear (make 2):
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 – 5: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
To assemble the ears, place one inner ear on top of one outer ear, wrong sides together. Using your yarn needle, sew the inner ear to the outer ear around the edges, leaving the straight edge open. Do not stuff the ears — keeping them flat gives them that lovely floppy quality. Fold each ear slightly at the base to give it a gentle curve, then pin both ears to the sides of the head, roughly at rounds 8 and 9 counting from the top. Sew them on securely.
The Legs (make 4)
Ellii has four stubby little legs, each worked the same way. They are lightly stuffed so they hold their shape but remain flexible enough to position naturally.
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 – 5: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
Rnd 6: Working in BLO, sc in each st around. (18 sts) — this creates a subtle ridge at the base of the leg.
Rnd 7 – 12: Sc in each st around. (18 sts) — work 6 even rounds.
Rnd 13: Sc 1, dec repeat around. (12 sts)
Stuff the leg firmly, especially the foot area at the base. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the top of the leg slightly before sewing it to the body for a cleaner attachment.
Position the two front legs on the lower front of the body and the two back legs on the lower sides toward the back. All legs should sit at roughly the same height so Ellii stands evenly. Sew each leg on securely with several passes of the yarn tail, making sure to go through both the body fabric and the top of the leg.
The Tail
A tiny, simple tail completes Ellii’s look.
Cut five strands of yarn approximately 6 cm long. Fold them together and insert the folded end through one stitch at the back center of the body using your yarn needle or a crochet hook. Pull the ends through the loop to create a lark’s head knot. Trim the tail to about 3–4 cm and unravel the plies slightly to create a fluffy, wispy effect. If you like, you can add a tiny bow or knot at the tip.
Assembly and Finishing
With all your pieces complete, it is time to bring Ellii to life.
Begin by positioning the head on top of the body. The head should sit slightly forward rather than perfectly centered, which gives Ellii a more dynamic, curious look. Pin the head in place and check the positioning from several angles before committing. Once you are happy with it, sew the head to the body using the long yarn tail, working through the stitches of the last round of the body and the corresponding stitches of the head. Go around twice for extra security, then weave in the end deep inside the body where it will never be seen.
Next, sew on the trunk, ears, and legs if you have not already done so. Use pins generously to test positioning before sewing, and take your time with each attachment — this is where the overall appearance of your finished Ellii is really determined.
If you would like to add blush cheeks, cut two small circles from pink or blush felt and glue them gently below the eyes on either side of the trunk. Alternatively, use a light pink yarn and a yarn needle to embroider a few small stitches in a circular pattern for a softer look. A tiny embroidered smile using black yarn or thread just below the trunk gives Ellii an expression that feels warm and friendly.
Weave in all remaining yarn ends, tucking them deeply into the stuffing of each piece so they do not work their way out over time.
Tips for Customizing Your Ellii
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making amigurumi is how easily you can personalize the finished piece. Here are a few ideas to make your Ellii uniquely yours.
Changing the color scheme is the simplest way to create a whole herd of elephant friends. A dusty rose Ellii with ivory accents looks lovely for a baby girl gift, while a soft sage green version feels earthy and modern. Gray yarn creates a more realistic elephant look that still reads as cute and plush.
Adding a tiny bow between the ears, a crochet flower attached to one ear, or even a small bow tie at the neck completely changes the character’s personality. A purple ribbon makes Ellii look regal; a tiny plaid bow gives her a vintage, classic toy feel.
For a larger version of Ellii, simply move up a hook size and use a thicker yarn. Moving from DK weight to worsted weight with a corresponding hook increase will give you an elephant that is roughly one and a half times the size of the original pattern.
If you would like to make a garland or mobile, crochet several small Ellii heads without bodies, attach them to a length of ribbon or twine, and hang them above a crib or along a shelf for a sweet, handmade nursery decoration.
Care Instructions
Because Ellii is likely to
