Crochet Tutorial: Cute Elephant in Red Striped Overalls – Free Crochet Pattern

This charming crochet elephant is designed as a sweet collectible toy with a rounded body, long trunk, oversized ears, striped overalls, a cozy scarf, and tiny handmade accessories. It has the look of a boutique amigurumi doll, giftable nursery decor, and a lovely piece for anyone searching for a handmade crochet elephant doll pattern.

The finished set also includes removable shoes, a small flower hat, a striped shoulder bag, and the tiny cap shown in the photo, making it ideal for readers who enjoy heirloom-style amigurumi, cottagecore toys, and handmade stuffed animal projects. It also suits gift ideas for baby shower decor, toy display, and artisan-style crochet dolls.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English crochet terms and is designed to recreate the elephant and accessories shown in the image as closely as possible.

The elephant has a large rounded lower body, a slightly narrower upper torso, a long centered trunk, short tapered arms, tiny round feet, and large outward-curving ears.

The overalls are worked directly onto the lower body area as a striped garment effect, then finished with red straps and decorative buttons.

The scarf, shoulder bag, tiny cap, flower trim, straw hat, and shoes are made separately so the finished set looks full and layered like the sample.

Skill Level

Intermediate, mainly because of shaping, neat assembly, color placement, accessory work, and careful positioning.

Materials

• Light worsted or DK cotton yarn in:
  • Light gray for elephant
  • Brick red for overalls, straps, cap, shoes, and bag
  • White for stripes, cap trim, flower petals
  • Mustard yellow for scarf and small flower center detail
  • Cream or beige for hat, shoe soles, mushroom stem, and bag stripes
  • Pink or dusty rose for hat flower
  • Black for embroidery if needed
  • Small amount of green for leaf detail
• 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm crochet hook
• Polyester fiberfill
• 6 mm to 8 mm safety eyes, or black beads
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch marker
• Small buttons for suspender decoration and shoe straps
• Thin cardboard or plastic insert for shoe soles if you want firmer shape

Suggested Finished Size

• Elephant: about 7.5 to 9 inches tall seated/standing depending on stuffing density
• Bag: about 2 inches tall
• Shoes: sized to fit finished feet snugly
• Straw hat: slightly wider than one ear base when placed on the table

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in same stitch
• dec = invisible decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• st = stitch
• rep = repeat

Gauge and General Notes

Use a hook small enough to keep the stitches tight so stuffing does not show through. The sample elephant appears firm, smooth, and evenly shaped.

Stuff the body and head gradually as you go. Keep the lower body very full and rounded, but do not overstuff the upper body, or the trunk and face placement will look distorted.

The elephant in the image has a soft pear-shaped silhouette. The widest point is the lower striped body. The head transitions smoothly into the body instead of looking like a separate sphere.

For the cleanest look, use invisible decreases and keep the color changes for the striped overalls as neat as possible.

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Body and Head

Lower Body Base in Light Gray

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
10. Round 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
11. Round 11: (9 sc, inc) x 6. (66)
12. Round 12: (10 sc, inc) x 6. (72)

This creates the full rounded bottom seen in the image. The toy must feel slightly squat and wide at the base.

Build the Rounded Belly

1. Rounds 13-20: sc around. (72 each round)

At this stage, begin stuffing the bottom firmly. Shape the base so it sits flat. Press lightly on the underside while stuffing to create a stable sitting/standing surface.

Shape the Upper Body

1. Round 21: (10 sc, dec) x 6. (66)
2. Round 22: sc around. (66)
3. Round 23: (9 sc, dec) x 6. (60)
4. Round 24: sc around. (60)
5. Round 25: (8 sc, dec) x 6. (54)
6. Round 26: sc around. (54)
7. Round 27: (7 sc, dec) x 6. (48)
8. Round 28: sc around. (48)

The upper body should now be smaller than the striped lower section, but still rounded. The sample does not have a narrow neck.

Head Expansion

1. Round 29: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
2. Round 30: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
3. Round 31: (9 sc, inc) x 6. (66)
4. Round 32: (10 sc, inc) x 6. (72)
5. Rounds 33-39: sc around. (72 each round)

Insert eyes between Rounds 34 and 35, with about 10 to 12 stitches between them. Because the trunk will sit centrally below them, double-check spacing before securing.

The eyes in the image are small, glossy, and placed slightly outward, allowing the trunk to dominate the center of the face.

Top of Head

1. Round 40: (10 sc, dec) x 6. (66)
2. Round 41: (9 sc, dec) x 6. (60)
3. Round 42: (8 sc, dec) x 6. (54)
4. Round 43: (7 sc, dec) x 6. (48)
5. Round 44: (6 sc, dec) x 6. (42)
6. Round 45: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)

Stuff firmly, shaping the forehead and cheeks evenly. Do not close yet if you want to sew the tiny cap with a yarn tail through the opening area.

1. Round 46: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
2. Round 47: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)
3. Round 48: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
4. Round 49: (sc, dec) x 6. (12)
5. Round 50: dec x 6. (6)

Fasten off and close.

Trunk

The trunk in the image is long, softly tapered, and attached from high on the face, extending well below the body midpoint.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: (sc, inc) x 3. (9)
3. Round 3: sc around. (9)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 3. (12)
5. Rounds 5-8: sc around. (12 each round)
6. Round 9: (3 sc, inc) x 3. (15)
7. Rounds 10-15: sc around. (15 each round)
8. Round 16: (4 sc, inc) x 3. (18)
9. Rounds 17-30: sc around. (18 each round)

Lightly stuff only the upper two-thirds. Leave the lower end less stuffed so the trunk keeps a natural soft curve rather than standing rigid.

Flatten the top opening and sew it centered between and slightly below the eyes. The upper edge of the trunk should begin around eye level, as shown in the sample.

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Ears Make 2

The ears are large, wide, and gently cupped. They should sit high on the head and angle outward.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
10. Round 10: sc around. (54)
11. Round 11: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
12. Round 12: sc around. (60)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff.

Flatten each ear lightly. Pinch the base slightly so the ear curves inward. Sew to the sides of the head, with the top of each ear slightly above eye level.

The ears should project outward and slightly forward, not hang flat down.

Arms Make 2

The arms are short, cylindrical, and slightly tapered toward the shoulder.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rounds 3-8: sc around. (12 each round)
4. Round 9: (4 sc, dec) x 2. (10)
5. Rounds 10-15: sc around. (10 each round)

Stuff lightly, mostly at the hand end. Flatten the top opening and sew to the upper body just below the head join.

Angle the arms slightly downward and forward, matching the relaxed pose in the image.

Feet Make 2

The feet are small, round, and simple. They are much smaller than the lower body, which helps the elephant keep its cute, oversized-belly look.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. (18 each round)
5. Round 6: (sc, dec) x 6. (12)

Stuff lightly and close. Sew near the lower front edge of the base so they peek out as shown.

Striped Overalls Body Section

The garment in the image wraps around the elephant’s lower body like a rounded romper or overalls skirt. It is striped in red and white horizontal bands.

You may either crochet the striped section as a fitted cover and sew it on, or work surface rounds directly onto the body.

The cleanest beginner-friendly method is the fitted wrap described below.

Overalls Cover

Use red first. Chain enough to wrap around the elephant’s widest lower section with a snug fit.

For the stitch counts given here, the body circumference should fit a panel worked over 72 stitches.

1. Foundation: ch 73. Join carefully to form a ring without twisting. (72)
2. Round 1 in red: sc around. (72)
3. Round 2 in white: sc around. (72)
4. Round 3 in red: sc around. (72)
5. Round 4 in white: sc around. (72)
6. Round 5 in red: sc around. (72)
7. Round 6 in white: sc around. (72)
8. Round 7 in red: sc around. (72)
9. Round 8 in white: sc around. (72)
10. Round 9 in red: sc around. (72)

Try the piece around the lower body. It should fit the widest section and stop around the lower-upper body transition.

Sew or stitch the top and bottom edges invisibly to the body with matching yarn where needed.

Top Edge Ruffle in Red

The sample shows a slightly decorative upper red trim, especially near the front opening area beneath the straps.

Join red to the top edge front area only and work a shallow frill:

• (sl st, ch 2, 2 dc in next st, sl st in next st) repeated across the front half

Keep the ruffle small. It should look neat, not floppy.

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Suspender Straps Make 2

1. In red, ch 18.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (17)
3. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc across. (17)

Fasten off, leaving tails for sewing.

Sew each strap from the front top edge, up over the shoulder area, then down to the back or side-back of the overalls.

Cross the straps gently at the front just enough to imitate the sample styling, or place them nearly straight if that fits your shaping better.

Sew a decorative button at the lower front of each strap.

Scarf

The scarf is mustard yellow and wrapped loosely once around the neck with trailing ends.

1. ch 56
2. Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (55)
3. Rows 2-3: ch 1, turn, hdc across. (55)

Fasten off.

Add short fringe to each end if desired. Wrap around the neck once and tack in place lightly so it sits naturally.

Shoulder Bag With Mushroom Motif

The bag in the image is small, rectangular, striped, and hangs at the elephant’s side from a red strap.

Bag Base in Red

1. ch 11
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across 9, 3 sc in last ch, work on opposite side 8 sc, 2 sc in last ch. (22)
3. Round 2: inc, 8 sc, 3 inc, 8 sc, 2 inc. (28)
4. Round 3: sc around in BLO. (28)

Bag Sides With Stripes

1. Round 4 in red: sc around. (28)
2. Round 5 in cream: sc around. (28)
3. Round 6 in red: sc around. (28)
4. Round 7 in cream: sc around. (28)
5. Round 8 in red: sc around. (28)
6. Round 9: sc around. (28)

Fasten off and flatten. Sew top corners inward slightly if you want the bag to sit flatter.

Bag Strap

1. In red, ch 36 to 42 depending on desired hang length.
2. Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across.

Sew each end to upper corners of the bag.

Mushroom Applique

Stem in Cream

1. ch 4
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side with 2 sc. (7)
3. Round 2: sc around. (7)

Fasten off.

Cap in Red

1. 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Round 4: sc around. (18)

Flatten slightly. Embroider tiny white spots with short satin stitches.

Sew stem to bag, then cap over stem top.

Tiny Red Cap With White Pom-Pom

The elephant is wearing a small red cap with a white brim and pom-pom. It sits off-center on top of the head.

1. In red, Round 1: 4 sc in MR. (4)
2. Round 2: inc around. (8)
3. Round 3: sc around. (8)
4. Round 4: (sc, inc) x 4. (12)
5. Rounds 5-6: sc around. (12)
6. Change to white.
7. Round 7: sc around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Make a tiny pom-pom in white yarn and attach to the top.

Sew the cap at a jaunty angle on top of the head.

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Ladybug Detail

The small red ladybug sits beside the cap.

1. In black, make 4 sc in MR for the head. Fasten off.
2. In red, make 6 sc in MR, then Round 2: inc around to 12. Fasten off.

Flatten the red piece slightly, embroider a black center line and black dots, then sew the black head to one side.

Attach beside the cap.

Small Flower Beside the Cap

The image shows a tiny flower near the head accessory area.

• In cream or pale pink, make MR.
• Into MR work: (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) x 5.
• Pull tight and fasten off.

Add a yellow center knot and a tiny green leaf if desired.

Sew near the cap on the opposite side from the ladybug.

Straw Hat Accessory

The straw hat on the table is a separate accessory, worked in beige with a brim, flower, and top pom-pom.

Crown

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rounds 6-10: sc around. (30 each round)

Brim

1. Round 11: BLO sc around. (30)
2. Round 12: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
3. Round 13: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
4. Round 14: sc around. (42)

Fasten off.

Add a narrow dusty rose band by surface slip stitching or sewing a thin crocheted strip around the base of the crown.

Add a small flower to the front:

• (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) x 5 into MR

Sew a tan pom-pom to the top center.

Red Shoes Make 2

The shoes are soft Mary Jane style sandals in red with cream soles and a white daisy on top.

Sole in Cream

1. ch 7
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across 5, 3 sc in last ch, opposite side 4 sc, 2 sc in last ch. (14)
3. Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
4. Round 3: sc around in BLO. (20)

Shoe Upper in Red

1. Round 4: 6 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 6 sc. (18)
2. Round 5: 5 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 5 sc. (16)
3. Round 6: 4 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 4 sc. (14)

Fasten off.

For the ankle/instep strap, join red yarn at one side and ch 8 to 10, then sew or button to the opposite side.

Add a tiny decorative button near the strap edge if desired.

Daisy Applique for Each Shoe

• In white, work 5 small petals into MR using: (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st)
• Add a yellow center knot

Sew one flower to the front of each shoe.

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Optional Surface Details

To make the elephant even closer to the sample, add very small stitched details rather than heavy embroidery.

• Use a short black line above each eye if you want subtle lashes
• Add a few stitches at the trunk tip to define the nostril opening
• Use matching gray yarn to lightly sculpt the trunk base if it looks too flat
• Add a tiny pink blush with pastel if desired, but keep it very soft

Assembly Order

1. Sew the trunk to the center of the face
2. Sew the ears high on the sides of the head
3. Sew the arms just below the head
4. Sew the feet near the lower front base
5. Attach or fit the striped overalls panel around the body
6. Sew the red straps and buttons in place
7. Wrap and tack the yellow scarf
8. Sew the cap, flower, and ladybug to the head
9. Make the bag and place it diagonally across the body
10. Finish the hat and shoes as separate accessories

Positioning Guide for a Close Match

Trunk placement: centered vertically and horizontally, starting high enough to sit between the eyes and extending below the overalls top edge.

Ear placement: wide apart and high. The outer edges should frame the head and make the face appear small and sweet.

Arm placement: arms should sit slightly forward, not straight out to the side.

Feet placement: close together near the lower front so they barely peek from beneath the body.

Cap angle: tilt the tiny red cap toward one side rather than placing it straight upright.

Bag placement: hang the strap from one shoulder so the bag rests against the lower body at the front-side area.

Shaping Tips

The sample elephant looks especially appealing because the shaping is soft and balanced rather than stiff.

When stuffing, keep the cheeks smooth and full. Avoid hard lumps near the eye area.

The trunk should narrow elegantly near the face and widen gently toward the tip. If it curls too much, remove a little stuffing from the lower part.

The ears should not be over-pulled during sewing. Let them cup naturally so the inner ear area looks deep and rounded.

The striped overalls should hug the lower body. If your yarn is thicker than the sample, reduce one or two rounds from the garment height.

Making the Stripes Look Clean

For the crisp red and white bands, complete the last yarn-over of the stitch before each color change with the next color.

Carry the unused yarn neatly at the inside if you are comfortable doing so. Otherwise, fasten off each stripe and weave carefully.

Because the garment is very visible, neat color changes matter a lot in the final look.

Beginner-Friendly Notes

If you are newer to amigurumi, make the body and head first, then pin all parts before sewing.

Do not attach the accessories until the elephant itself looks balanced from the front.

Photograph the toy before final sewing. A quick phone photo often reveals if one ear is higher or if the trunk needs slight repositioning.

For the bag, shoes, and hat, exact miniature perfection is not required, but their color placement should stay close to the sample for the same visual effect.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from straight on before securing all ends permanently. The eyes should sit evenly on either side of the trunk, and the trunk should point straight down the center. Add tiny stitched nostril shaping only if needed, and keep all facial details delicate.

Care Notes

Store the elephant and accessories away from heavy dust and direct moisture. If giving to a child, secure every button and small embellishment firmly. For display dolls, gentle handling will keep the ears, cap, and bag in their best shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears level and angled outward?
• Is the trunk centered and softly stuffed?
• Do the red and white stripes look even?
• Are the scarf, bag, and cap positioned like the sample?
• Are all yarn tails woven in securely?
• Do the shoes and hat match the scale of the elephant?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap when needed. Do not machine wash if the toy includes buttons, beads, or fixed accessories. Let it air dry fully on a towel, reshape the ears and trunk gently, and store flat or upright in a clean, dry space.