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Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern

Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern
4.1★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.8K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates Alan the Lion, a soft amigurumi with a full wool mane and striped t-shirt. You will crochet the snout and head seamlessly, add detailed color changes, assemble limbs, and finish with embroidered claws and nose. The mane uses wool hairpieces for a textured, dramatic look.

Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full round-by-round instructions for head, body, limbs, tail, mane, and assembly guidance. Photographs and placement notes help you position eyes, ears, and hair for the best expression.

Why You'll Love This Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines traditional amigurumi shaping with a playful mane that gives Alan so much personality. I enjoy the small color-change details on the t-shirt — they make the finished doll feel handmade and special. The construction is satisfying: the snout is worked seamlessly into the head and the assembly steps give a sturdy, neat finish. Making the mane is therapeutic for me; it takes time but gives such a rewarding, tactile result.

Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how flexible this pattern is for customization; you can change yarn colors to give Alan a new personality, like soft pastels or bold brights.

If you want a larger cuddly lion, try a bulkier yarn and a larger hook; for a tiny keychain version, use fingering yarn and a much smaller hook.

I often swap the t-shirt colors to match holidays or themes — red and green for festive versions or sporty stripes for a playful look.

For a different mane texture try fuzzy or boucle yarn instead of wool to get a wilder or fluffier mane effect.

I sometimes embroider freckles, a smile, or different nose shapes to change expressions and character.

Want a posable lion? Add thin craft wire inside the limbs before stuffing so you can pose Alan sitting or standing.

Try adding tiny accessories like a crochet scarf, hat, or removable sweater to make Alan an outfit-changing friend.

To make the mane sparser or denser, vary the hairpiece spacing and length — I usually test a small area first to see the visual effect.

I recommend experimenting with eye placement to change Alan's mood; moving eyes closer together or further apart alters the expression dramatically.

If you prefer embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes, use black yarn and embroider small ovals; this is great for baby-safe toys.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during color changes will make it hard to track rounds; place markers at each round start and when you change color to maintain alignment. ✗ Not stuffing gradually can create lumps or an uneven head shape; stuff a little at a time, shaping as you go to keep the head smooth and well-formed. ✗ Closing the head without counting final stitches may leave an irregular opening; always count stitches before closing and consider the recommended 12-stitch finish for a flat result. ✗ Changing yarn abruptly or cutting threads for each color causes messy joins; carry the yarn loosely or hide unused colors as recommended to keep color changes tidy. ✗ Rushing the mane placement leads to visible holes or uneven coverage; place hairpieces carefully and check from multiple angles, adjusting hair density before trimming.

Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern

Make your own cuddly Alan the Lion with this detailed crochet pattern. You will learn to shape a charming snout, assemble limbs, and create a full mane using step-by-step instructions. Perfect for gifting or decorating a nursery, this pattern includes color changes and finishing tips to get professional results. Follow the photos and notes for a neat, lovable lion.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Alan the Lion Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Semi-thick cotton yarn 8/6 or DK in camel color - approx 80 g for the lion body
  • 02
    Semi-thick cotton yarn 8/6 or DK in natural (cream) color - small amount for snout and paws
  • 03
    Light turquoise yarn - small amount for t-shirt stripes (approx 10-20 g)
  • 04
    Aquamarine green yarn - small amount for t-shirt stripes (approx 10-20 g)
  • 05
    Brown yarn for embroidering nose and claws - small amount
  • 06
    Acrylic wool (cashmilon) 4/7 in camel color for the mane - approx 60 g

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.25mm (or 2.5mm as alternative)
  • 02
    Black safety eyes size 8mm or 10mm (2 pieces)
  • 03
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 04
    Sewing needle
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Pins for assembly
  • 08
    Sharp small scissors for trimming mane

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Head :

Info :

The snout and head are knitted without sewing. We start with the snout in natural color.

Round 1 :

Make 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 inc, 1 sc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(3 inc, 6sc) x2 (24)

Round 5 :

(1 inc, 1 sc) x3, 6sc (1 inc, 1 sc) x3, 6sc (30)

Round 6 :

(1 inc, 2sc) x3, 6sc, (1 inc, 2sc) x3, 6sc (36)

Info :

From R7 to R10 add the camel color like this:

Round 7 :

12sc in natural, 6sc in camel, 18sc in natural (36)

Round 8 :

11sc in natural, 8sc in camel, 17sc in natural (36)

Round 9 :

10sc in natural, 10sc in camel, 16sc in natural (36)

Round 10 :

9sc in natural, 12sc in camel, 15sc in natural (36)

Info :

These stitches in camel must stay centered.

Info :

From now on we will continue in camel color. Cut the natural yarn.

Round 11 :

10sc, (1 inc, 1sc) x6, 14sc (42)

Round 12 :

42sc (42)

Round 13 :

10sc, (1 inc, 2sc) x6, 14sc (48)

Round 14 :

10sc, (1 inc, 3sc) x6, 14sc (54)

Round 15 :

(1 inc, 8sc) x6 (60)

Round 16 to 25 :

60sc (60) 10 rounds

Round 26 :

(1 dec, 8sc) x6 (54)

Round 27 :

54pb (54)

Round 28 :

(1 dec, 7sc) x6 (48)

Round 29 :

48pb (48)

Round 30 :

(1 dec, 6sc) x6 (42)

Info :

Place the eyes on the 2nd R counting from the last R in natural color and with 9 or 10 stitches of separation.

Round 31 :

(1 dec, 5sc) x6 (36)

Round 32 :

(1 dec, 4sc) x6 (30)

Info :

Fill with polyfiber.

Round 33 :

(1 dec, 3sc) x6 (24)

Round 34 :

(1 dec, 2sc) x6 (18)

Round 35 :

(1 dec, 1sc) x6 (12)

Info :

Finish filling the snout and the head tightly before closing. The head must be in good shape. Close with 1 sl sc, hide the thread and cut.

— Embroider the nose :

Info :

Start from the 2nd round from the center of the magic ring and take in the central 6sc. Cover the triangle completely with various stitches, make one or two horizontal stitches and finally embroider the vertical line.

— Ears x2 :

Info :

Use the camel color.

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 inc, 1sc) x6 (18)

Round 4 to R6 :

18sc (18) 3 rounds

Round 7 :

(1 dec, 7sc) x2 (16)

Info :

Close with 1 sl st and leave a thread to sew. Ears don't get filled. Sew the ears onto the head approx on round 11, counting from the eyes location and with 12 stitches of separation.

— Body :

Info :

Start with the camel color.

Round 1 :

Make 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 inc, 1sc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(1 inc, 2sc) x6 (24)

Round 5 :

(1 inc, 3sc) x6 (30)

Round 6 :

(1 inc, 4sc) x6 (36)

Round 7 :

(1 inc, 5sc) x6 (42)

Round 8 :

(1 inc, 6sc) x6 (48)

Round 9 :

(1 inc, 7sc) x6 (54)

Round 10 to R14 :

54sc (54)

Info :

Change to t-shirt color (light turquoise).

Round 15 to R19 :

54sc (54) 10 rounds

Round 20 :

(1 dec, 7sc) x6 (48)

Info :

(there are 6 rounds in light turquoise) Change to aquamarine green

Round 21 and R22 :

48sc (48) 2 rounds

Round 23 :

(1 dec, 6sc) x6 (42)

Round 24 and R25 :

42sc (42) 2 rounds

Round 26 :

(1 dec, 5sc) x6 (36)

Round 27 and R28 :

36sc (36) 2 rounds

Round 29 :

(1 dec, 4sc) x6 (30)

Round 30 and R31 :

30sc (30) 2 rounds

Round 32 :

(1 dec, 3sc) x6 (24)

Round 33 and R34 :

24sc (24) 2 rounds

Info :

Close with 1 sl st and leave a long thread to sew. Fill the body with quite polyfiber.

— Legs x2 :

Info :

We start with natural color.

Round 1 :

Make 6sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 inc, 1sc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(1 inc, 2sc) x6 (24)

Round 5 :

(1 inc, 3sc) x6 (30)

Info :

Change to camel color.

Round 6 to R9 :

30sc (30) 4 rounds

Round 10 :

9sc, 6 dec, 9sc (24)

Round 11 :

8sc, 4 dec, 8sc (20)

Round 12 :

8sc, 2 dec, 8sc (18)

Round 13 and R14 :

18sc (18) 2 rounds

Info :

Fill the base of the leg with polyfiber.

Round 15 :

(1 dec, 7sc) x2 (16)

Round 16 and R17 :

16sc (16) 2 rounds

Round 18 :

1 dec, 14sc (15)

Round 19 to R24 :

15sc (15) 6 rounds

Round 25 :

(1 dec, 3sc) x3 (12)

Info :

Continue filling the leg up to the R 23 approx. These last 2 rounds remain unfilled.

Round 26 :

Close by flattening both sides the knit and unite every pair of stitches with 1 sc. You should have 6sc.

Info :

Cut the yarn keeping a long thread to sew.

— Arms x2 :

Info :

We start with natural color.

Round 1 :

Make 6sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 inc, 1sc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(1 inc, 2sc) x6 (24)

Info :

Change to camel color.

Round 5 to R8 :

24sc (24) 4 rounds

Round 9 :

6sc, 6 dec, 6sc (18)

Round 10 :

6sc, 3 dec, 6sc (15)

Round 11 :

15sc (15)

Round 12 :

(1 dec, 3sc) x3 (12)

Info :

Fill the base with polyfiber.

Round 13 to R21 :

12sc (12) 9 rounds

Info :

Knit 1 sc extra for the left arm and 2 or 3 sc extras for the right one. Make sure that the changing of color from natural to camel stays in line.

Info :

Change to t-shirt color (light turquoise)

Round 22 and R23 :

12sc (12) 2 rounds

Info :

Change to aquamarine green color

Round 24 to R25 :

12sc (12) 2 rounds

Round 26 :

(1dec, 4sc) x2 (10)

Info :

Knit 2 sc extras for the left arm and 6 sc for the right one as same as the legs, the color changing will be better and not seen in front.

Info :

Fill the arm with a bit of polyfiber. The last 3 rounds remain unfilled.

Round 27 :

Close by flattening both sides the knit and unite every pair of stitches with 1 sc. You should have 5 sc.

Info :

Cut the yarn leaving a long thread to sew.

— Tail :

Info :

Crochet in camel color as follows:

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 and R4 :

12sc (12) 2 rounds

Round 5 :

(1 dec, 2sc) x3 (9)

Round 6 to R19 :

9sc (9) 14 rounds

Round 20 :

Flatten and knit 4 sc taking together the opposites.

Info :

Fill the base of the tail and then just a bit until half. It must be light. Do not put any polyfiber at the superior part.

Info :

Let's put the hair to the tail like this: Cut wool threads of approx 18 cm long. With the help of the crochet hook pass one through one stitch starting at the R5 of the tail. Make a knot of 1 round only and adjust to ensure. Repeat this all the way through the round. Continue adding threads downwards covering all spaces. Finally cut as long as you like. You may model the hair as you wish.

— Mane :

Info :

Important considerations: We will use cashmilon wool for the mane. I chose a camel color, similar to Alan's body. The mane is not difficult to make, it takes time and patience. The mane must be neat and with a nice shape. Use the crochet hook to put the hairpieces.

Info :

In order to begin, cut strips approx 16 or 17 cm long. I use my hand's palm to measure by spinning the wool around it and cutted in series.

Info :

Start placing the hairpiece at the inner border of the left ear, just on the round where the ears were sewed. It's very important not to keep holes or any visible stitch. Cover all spaces and reach the back of the neck, adjusting every hairpiece.

Info :

Now continue where you started going to the other side and complete the round. The first row is ready. We will do the second round to give more volume. You may skip some stitches to have a less dense cheek area. Delimitate the outline of the face and the beard. Start approx 6 or 7 stitches under the eyes line and form a diagonal going down to distribute the hairpieces.

Info :

From now on we will complete the head. You may continue placing hairpieces in circular way, following the rounds direction or divide the head in two with a hairpiece line and complete one half and then the other. Put the hairpieces stitch by stitch behind the ears up to the back of the head.

— Assembling :

Step 1 :

We will start by sewing the head onto the body. The body's color changing must remain on the back. Use pins to set the head and make sure the eyes to be placed in the center and at the front. We will use the remaining body's thread. Use the sewing needle with it and follow these steps.

Step 2 :

Now let's sew the legs. The legs are placed 3 rounds beneath the first round of the t-shirt. Use pins in order to center them both sides of the body and placed at the same distance. Make a couple stitches at the inferior part for more insurance.

Step 3 :

The arms are placed underneath the union of the head and the body. As same as we did with the legs, make a couple stitches under the arm to secure.

Step 4 :

Sew the tail one round under the t-shirt.

Step 5 :

We will embroider Alan's claws on legs and arms when sewed to the body. Every leg and arm have 3 claws centered. Place each one with 3 stitches of separation taking over 3 rounds in total.

Step 6 :

Finally sew the mane by placing hairpieces all around the head and trim to shape. Finish trimming and styling following the suggested haircut guidance in the photos.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the head to the body so the body's color change stays at the back; center the head about 5 rounds from the end of the last natural-color round and use the body's long thread to stitch it securely.
  • Position the legs three rounds beneath the first round of the t-shirt, spacing them evenly on both sides and sewing through the base; add a couple of reinforcing stitches at the inferior part for extra security.
  • Attach the arms underneath the union of the head and body, matching the same spacing technique used for the legs and sewing a couple of stitches under each arm to anchor them.
  • Sew the tail one round under the t-shirt with the long tail thread and stuff only the base lightly so it hangs naturally, then attach the tufted tail hair as instructed.
  • After all parts are sewn, embroider the claws on each leg and arm (three claws per limb) centered with three stitches of separation and add nose embroidery following the nose instructions.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always work in spiral rounds and use a stitch marker to identify the round start to maintain consistent shaping.
  • 💡Use a hook one or two sizes smaller than recommended on the yarn label for tight amigurumi fabric to avoid stuffing leakage.
  • 💡Stuff gradually and shape as you go; overstuffing can distort features and under-stuffing leaves the doll floppy.
  • 💡Hide color change threads inside the work instead of cutting them frequently to keep neat joins and prevent loose yarn tails.

This Alan the Lion pattern brings a playful, handmade friend to life with a textured wool mane and striped t-shirt. Follow the step-by-step rounds and photos for neat finishing and expressive features. Make it in different colors to create a whole family of lions! 🧶🦁

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Alan is approximately 30 cm tall when using the suggested yarn and 2.25–2.5 mm hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but changing yarn weight and hook size will change the final size; use a smaller hook for tighter fabric and adjust stuffing accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; you should be comfortable with amigurumi basics: magic ring, increases, decreases, and sewing pieces together.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish Alan in around 8-10 hours, though creating and attaching the mane can add extra time depending on desired volume.