This cheerful crochet hippo doll has a soft pink body, an oversized rounded muzzle, tiny ears, sleepy embroidered eyes, and a sunny yellow garden dress. The outfit includes blue flower embroidery, a white scalloped apron pocket, yellow sandals, a red crossbody pouch, a small round straw-style bag, a blue sun hat with a daisy, and two tiny crochet bees.
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 crochet terms and is designed as an amigurumi-style seated hippo doll with separate clothing and accessories. The shaping focuses on a large oval hippo head, a wide puffy muzzle, short rounded limbs, and small decorative garden details that match the reference image.
The finished doll is about 9 to 10 inches tall when made with sport or DK weight yarn and a 2.5 mm hook. The blue hat is separate, the bees are separate, and the red pouch is attached by a diagonal strap across the yellow dress.
Skill Level
- Intermediate beginner with patience for small parts.
- You should know magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases, working in rounds, basic color changes, and simple embroidery.
- Most doll parts are worked in continuous spiral rounds.
- The dress, apron, pouch, hat brim, and sandals use joined rows or rounds where noted.
Finished Size
- Hippo seated height: about 9 to 10 inches.
- Head width: about 5.5 inches across the cheeks.
- Dress length: about 4 inches from neckline to hem.
- Blue hat width: about 4.75 inches across brim.
- Bee length: about 1.5 inches each.
Materials
- DK weight cotton or cotton-acrylic yarn in soft pink for hippo body.
- DK weight yarn in yellow for dress, sandals, head flower, and daisy center.
- DK weight yarn in red for crossbody strap and pouch.
- DK weight yarn in white for apron pocket, daisy petals, and bee wings.
- DK weight yarn in blue for sun hat and flower embroidery.
- Small amount of green yarn for embroidered stems and leaves.
- Small amount of tan yarn for round straw bag.
- Small amount of black yarn for eyes, nostrils, smile, and bee stripes.
- 2.5 mm crochet hook for the doll and most pieces.
- 2.0 mm crochet hook for tiny flowers, bees, and embroidery-style pieces.
- Fiberfill stuffing.
- Yarn needle.
- Stitch markers.
- Pins for assembly.
- Optional: 6 mm black safety eyes, or embroider eyes for a softer handmade look.
Abbreviations
- MR: magic ring
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec: invisible single crochet decrease
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- st: stitch
- sts: stitches
- R: round or row
- FO: fasten off
Gauge and Tension
For the smooth rounded shape shown in the image, use a hook small enough that the stuffing does not show between stitches. With DK yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, 8 sc across should measure about 1 inch. Tight, even tension gives the hippo a firm plush shape.
Do not overstuff the muzzle and cheeks. They should be full and rounded, but still slightly soft. The head needs more stuffing than the limbs because it must hold the wide hippo face shape.
Important Notes Before Starting
- Work most amigurumi pieces in continuous rounds unless the pattern says to join.
- Use a stitch marker at the first stitch of every round.
- Stuff gradually as you crochet.
- Pin all face pieces before sewing so the hippo keeps a gentle, centered expression.
- Use the same yarn weight for all main pieces so the proportions stay close to the image.
- For a neat garden dress, keep the yellow fabric firm but not stiff.
Main Hippo Body
The body is pear-shaped and seated. It is wider near the lower belly and slightly narrower at the chest, so the yellow dress can sit around it without looking flat.
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Body in Soft Pink
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- R6: (sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
- R7: (sc 5, inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
- R8: (sc 6, inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
- R9: (sc 7, inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
- R10: (sc 8, inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
- R11-R17: sc around. (60)
- R18: (sc 8, dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
- R19-R21: sc around. (54)
- R22: (sc 7, dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
- R23-R24: sc around. (48)
- R25: (sc 6, dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
- R26-R27: sc around. (42)
- R28: (sc 5, dec) repeat 6 times. (36)
- R29: sc around. (36)
- R30: (sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
- R31: sc around. (30)
- R32: (sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Stuff firmly, keeping the bottom rounded and the upper chest slightly narrow.
- R33: (sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.
Hippo Head
The head is the most important part of this doll. It is large, rounded, and wider than the body. The front muzzle is attached separately to create the puffy hippo cheeks seen in the image.
Main Head in Soft Pink
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- R6: (sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
- R7: (sc 5, inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
- R8: (sc 6, inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
- R9: (sc 7, inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
- R10: (sc 8, inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
- R11: (sc 9, inc) repeat 6 times. (66)
- R12: (sc 10, inc) repeat 6 times. (72)
- R13-R23: sc around. (72)
- R24: (sc 10, dec) repeat 6 times. (66)
- R25: sc around. (66)
- R26: (sc 9, dec) repeat 6 times. (60)
- R27: (sc 8, dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
- R28: (sc 7, dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
- R29: (sc 6, dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
- R30: (sc 5, dec) repeat 6 times. (36)
- R31: (sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
- Start stuffing firmly, especially around the top and back of the head.
- R32: (sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
- R33: (sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R34: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)
- R35: dec around. (6)
- FO and close the hole.
Large Oval Muzzle in Soft Pink
The muzzle sits across the lower half of the face and creates the signature hippo look. It should be wide, pillowy, and slightly flattened against the head when sewn on.
- Ch 13.
- R1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 11, 3 sc in last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc 10, inc in last ch. (26)
- R2: inc, sc 10, inc in next 3 sts, sc 10, inc in next 2 sts. (32)
- R3: sc 1, inc, sc 10, (sc 1, inc) repeat 3 times, sc 10, (sc 1, inc) repeat 2 times. (38)
- R4: sc 2, inc, sc 10, (sc 2, inc) repeat 3 times, sc 10, (sc 2, inc) repeat 2 times. (44)
- R5: sc 3, inc, sc 10, (sc 3, inc) repeat 3 times, sc 10, (sc 3, inc) repeat 2 times. (50)
- R6-R10: sc around. (50)
- R11: sc 6, dec, sc 10, dec, sc 8, dec, sc 10, dec, sc 6. (46)
- R12: sc around. (46)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Stuff the muzzle lightly. Pin it across the lower front of the head from about R15 to R26. The top edge should sit just below the eyes. Sew around the edge, adding tiny bits of stuffing before closing.
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Cheek Puff Shaping
- Thread soft pink yarn through the lower center of the muzzle.
- Pull gently from the bottom middle to create a soft dip between the two cheek pads.
- Do not pull too tightly. The image shows a broad rounded muzzle, not a deep smile line.
- Secure the yarn inside the head and hide the tail.
Ears
The ears are small and rounded, placed high on the head. They sit slightly outward, not flat against the head.
Make 2 in Soft Pink
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4-R5: sc around. (18)
- R6: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)
- Flatten the ear opening.
- Do not stuff.
- Sc through both layers across 6 sts to close.
- FO, leaving a long tail.
Sew the ears to the top of the head between R8 and R12, about 14 stitches apart. Angle each ear slightly outward so the face looks round and friendly.
Nostrils
The nostrils are raised pink bumps on the top left and top right of the muzzle, with darker centers embroidered after sewing.
Make 2 in Soft Pink
- R1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
- R2: inc in each st around. (10)
- R3: sc around. (10)
- FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Stuff each nostril very lightly. Sew them onto the upper muzzle about 1 inch apart. With darker pink or black yarn, embroider one small curved line inside each nostril.
Eyes and Face Details
- Place the eyes above the muzzle between R15 and R17 of the head.
- Leave about 12 to 14 stitches between the eyes.
- Use 6 mm black safety eyes or embroider small oval eyes with black yarn.
- Add a tiny white stitch at the outside edge of each eye for a soft highlight.
- For the sleepy look, embroider a short black lash line above each eye.
The face should look gentle and slightly shy. Keep the eyes low and wide apart, because the muzzle is large. A high eye placement will make the hippo look less like the picture.
Arms
The arms are short, rounded, and rest beside the dress. The hands are pink with small rounded finger bumps suggested by embroidery.
Make 2 in Soft Pink
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4-R7: sc around. (18)
- R8: (sc 4, dec) repeat 3 times. (15)
- R9-R15: sc around. (15)
- Stuff the hand and lower arm lightly.
- R16: (sc 3, dec) repeat 3 times. (12)
- R17: sc around. (12)
- Flatten the top and sc through both layers across 6 sts.
- FO, leaving a long tail.
With darker pink yarn, sew three short vertical stitches on the front of each hand to suggest tiny hippo fingers. Sew the arms to the sides of the upper body between R25 and R29 of the body, angled forward.
Legs and Feet
The legs are seated and visible below the dress. Each foot has a yellow sandal sole on the front, matching the bright yellow dress.
Make 2 Legs in Soft Pink
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- R5-R8: sc around. (24)
- R9: sc 6, dec 6 times, sc 6. (18)
- R10: sc around. (18)
- R11-R16: sc around. (18)
- Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly.
- R17: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)
- Flatten the top and sc through both layers across 6 sts.
- FO, leaving a long tail.
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Sew the legs to the lower front of the body between R8 and R14. The toes should point forward and slightly outward, just like a seated plush doll.
Yellow Sandal Soles
Make 2 in Yellow
- Ch 8.
- R1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 6, 3 sc in last ch. Working on the other side, sc 5, inc in last ch. (16)
- R2: inc, sc 5, inc in next 3 sts, sc 5, inc in next 2 sts. (22)
- R3: sc 1, inc, sc 5, (sc 1, inc) repeat 3 times, sc 5, (sc 1, inc) repeat 2 times. (28)
- R4: BLO sc around. (28)
- R5: sc around. (28)
- FO, leaving a long tail.
Pin one yellow sole to the front-bottom of each foot. Sew around the edge, keeping the sole flat and oval. Add a yellow strap by chaining 12, then sewing the chain across the top of the foot from side to side.
Yellow Garden Dress
The dress is a removable-looking tube dress sewn around the body. It has a straight upper section, a slightly flared skirt, blue flower embroidery, green stems, a white apron pocket, and a red crossbody strap.
Dress Bodice and Skirt in Yellow
- Ch 55, join with sl st to form a ring. Make sure the chain is not twisted.
- R1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around, join with sl st. (55)
- R2-R7: Ch 1, sc around, join. (55)
- R8: Ch 1, (sc 10, inc) repeat 5 times. (60)
- R9-R12: Ch 1, sc around, join. (60)
- R13: Ch 1, (sc 9, inc) repeat 6 times. (66)
- R14-R18: Ch 1, sc around, join. (66)
- R19: Ch 1, (sc 10, inc) repeat 6 times. (72)
- R20-R22: Ch 1, sc around, join. (72)
- R23: Ch 1, FLO only, (sc, ch 2, sc) in first st, sl st in next st, repeat around for a tiny scalloped hem.
- FO and weave in ends.
Slide the dress onto the body before sewing the head in place, or open one back seam if needed. Position the top edge just under the head. Tack the dress to the body with several hidden yellow stitches so it does not shift.
Dress Shoulder Straps
- Join yellow yarn at the front left top edge of the dress.
- Ch 18.
- Attach the chain to the back left top edge with sl st.
- FO and weave in ends.
- Repeat on the right side.
The straps should be short and slightly curved over the shoulders. If your doll has a larger chest, add 2 to 4 chains to each strap.
White Scalloped Apron Pocket
The white apron pocket sits at the lower center front of the yellow dress. It is rounded at the bottom and flat at the top, like a small garden apron panel.
Apron Pocket in White
- Ch 13.
- Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 12, ch 1, turn. (12)
- Row 2: inc, sc 10, inc, ch 1, turn. (14)
- Row 3: inc, sc 12, inc, ch 1, turn. (16)
- Row 4-R7: sc across, ch 1, turn. (16)
- Row 8: dec, sc 12, dec, ch 1, turn. (14)
- Row 9: dec, sc 10, dec. (12)
- Do not turn.
- Border: Work sc evenly around the sides and top. Along the bottom edge, work (sc, ch 2, sc) in every other stitch to make scallops.
- FO, leaving a long tail.
Sew the apron pocket to the front of the dress between dress R13 and R20. Keep the top edge straight and the scalloped edge pointing down.
Blue Flower Embroidery on Dress
The dress has small blue flowers and green stems scattered across the bodice and skirt. The embroidery gives the doll its garden theme and should be added after the dress is secured.
Flower Placement
- Make 3 small flowers across the upper bodice.
- Make 5 to 6 small flowers around the lower skirt near the hem.
- Keep flowers irregular, like a hand-stitched garden border.
- Use blue yarn for petals and green yarn for leaves and stems.
How to Embroider Each Blue Flower
- Thread blue yarn on a yarn needle.
- Insert from inside the dress to the front.
- Make 5 short straight stitches radiating from one center point.
- Keep each petal about 1 stitch wide and 2 rows tall.
- Secure the yarn on the inside.
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How to Add Green Stems and Leaves
- Use green yarn and a yarn needle.
- Make one diagonal stem below each flower.
- Add two small leaf stitches on opposite sides of the stem.
- For the lower border, connect some stems with short green running stitches.
Red Crossbody Strap
The strap crosses from the hippo’s right shoulder down to the left side of the waist in the image. It sits on top of the yellow dress and connects to the red pouch.
Strap in Red
- Ch 58.
- Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each ch across. (57)
- FO, leaving long tails on both ends.
Pin the strap diagonally across the chest. Sew the upper end near the right back shoulder and the lower end near the left side of the skirt. Keep the strap flat and slightly snug.
Red Side Pouch
The pouch is a small red bag at the hippo’s side. It has a soft rectangular body and a rounded flap texture.
Pouch Body in Red
- Ch 10.
- Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 9, ch 1, turn. (9)
- Row 2-R8: sc across, ch 1, turn. (9)
- Row 9: sc across. (9)
- Do not turn.
- Border: sc evenly around all sides, placing 2 sc in each corner.
- FO, leaving a long tail.
Pouch Flap in Red
- Ch 9.
- Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 8, ch 1, turn. (8)
- Row 2: sc across, ch 1, turn. (8)
- Row 3: dec, sc 4, dec, ch 1, turn. (6)
- Row 4: dec, sc 2, dec. (4)
- FO, leaving a long tail.
Sew the flap to the top of the pouch body. Add one horizontal red stitch near the lower pouch to make the pocket line. Sew the pouch to the left side of the dress where the crossbody strap ends.
Round Tan Straw Bag
The round tan bag hangs near the red pouch. It looks like a small woven garden purse or picnic basket lid.
Make 2 Circles in Tan
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- FO first circle and weave in end.
- Do not fasten off the second circle.
Join the Circles
- Place both tan circles wrong sides together.
- Sc through both layers around 24 sts.
- Lightly stuff the center.
- Finish sc through both layers for the remaining 6 sts.
- Sl st to close and FO.
Embroider a spiral on the front of the tan bag using darker tan yarn. Sew it partly over the red pouch strap area, letting it sit like a small round accessory at the hip.
Yellow Head Flower
The hippo wears a small yellow flower beside one ear. It has a warm yellow petal layer and a soft pink center, matching the gentle garden look.
Yellow Flower Petals
- R1: 5 sc in MR, join with sl st. (5)
- R2: In each st, work: sl st, ch 2, 2 hdc, ch 2, sl st.
- FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Pink Flower Center
- R1: 6 sc in MR.
- Join with sl st and FO.
Sew the pink center to the middle of the yellow petals. Attach the flower near the hippo’s right ear, slightly forward so it can be seen from the front.
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Blue Sun Hat
The blue hat is placed beside the doll in the image. It has a rounded crown, a wide brim, a yellow band, and a white daisy decoration on the side.
Hat Crown in Blue
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- R6: (sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
- R7: (sc 5, inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
- R8: (sc 6, inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
- R9-R15: sc around. (48)
- R16: BLO sc around. (48)
Hat Brim in Blue
- R17: FLO from R16, (sc 3, inc) repeat 12 times. (60)
- R18: (sc 4, inc) repeat 12 times. (72)
- R19: (sc 5, inc) repeat 12 times. (84)
- R20: sc around. (84)
- R21: sl st around loosely for a neat brim edge.
- FO and weave in ends.
Yellow Hat Band
- Ch 52.
- Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 51.
- FO, leaving a long tail.
Wrap the yellow band around the base of the blue crown above the brim. Sew the ends together and tack it in place with small hidden stitches.
White Daisy for Hat
- With yellow yarn, make 6 sc in MR, join and FO.
- Join white yarn to any stitch.
- In each stitch, work: sl st, ch 3, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, sl st back into the same center stitch.
- Repeat for all 6 petals.
- FO, leaving a long white tail.
Sew the daisy onto the side of the blue hat band. The flower should sit slightly forward, just like a decorative summer garden hat.
Tiny Crochet Bees
Two small bees sit near the doll. Each bee has a yellow oval body, black stripes, a simple face, and two white wings. Make one bee facing slightly left and one facing slightly right for a playful scene.
Bee Body in Yellow
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc in each st around. (12)
- R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- R4-R6: sc around. (18)
- Change to black.
- R7: sc around. (18)
- Change to yellow.
- R8: sc around. (18)
- Change to black.
- R9: sc around. (18)
- Change to yellow.
- R10: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)
- Stuff lightly.
- R11: dec around. (6)
- FO and close the hole.
Bee Wings in White
Make 4 wings total, 2 for each bee.
- Ch 5.
- Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1, hdc 2, 3 hdc in last ch.
- Working on the other side of the chain, hdc 2, sc 1.
- Sl st to finish.
- FO, leaving a sewing tail.
Sew two wings to the top of each bee. With black yarn, embroider two tiny eyes and a small curved smile on the yellow front end.
Optional Daisy Accent for the Dress
The picture focuses mostly on blue flowers, but a small daisy accent can be added near the lower dress or beside the hat to connect the entire garden theme.
Small Flat Daisy
- With yellow yarn, 5 sc in MR, join and FO.
- Join white yarn.
- Work in each stitch: ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st into same stitch.
- Repeat for all 5 petals.
- FO and sew wherever desired.
Assembly Order
- Crochet and stuff the body.
- Crochet and stuff the head.
- Make the muzzle and sew it to the lower face.
- Add nostrils, ears, eyes, and face embroidery.
- Sew the head securely to the body.
- Attach arms and legs.
- Place the yellow dress on the body and tack it down.
- Add dress straps, flower embroidery, apron pocket, red strap, pouch, and tan round bag.
- Sew sandals to the feet.
- Add the yellow head flower.
- Make the blue hat, hat band, daisy, and bees.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
When sewing the head to the body, use many firm stitches around the neck opening. The head is large, so it must be balanced. Add extra stuffing between the body and head before closing the seam completely.
Shape the muzzle with your fingers after sewing. Push the upper edge slightly inward and keep the lower cheeks rounded. This creates the soft, wide hippo face visible in the photo.
Check the eyes before securing final knots. The eyes should sit low and far apart, giving the doll a sweet relaxed expression. Add small white highlights only after the black eye shape is complete.
For the hands and toes, use darker pink yarn to make short curved stitches. These small details help the doll look finished without making the limbs too busy.
Care Notes
- Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
- Do not wring or twist the doll.
- Let the doll air dry flat on a towel.
- Keep the blue hat and tiny bees separate during cleaning.
- Avoid soaking if you used glued safety eyes or non-washable stuffing.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- The muzzle is centered and evenly stuffed.
- The ears are placed high and slightly outward.
- The dress top edge sits just below the head.
- The white apron pocket is centered on the front.
- The red strap crosses diagonally across the chest.
- The red pouch and tan round bag sit on the same side.
- The yellow sandals are sewn flat to the feet.
- The blue hat has a yellow band and white daisy.
- Both bees have wings, stripes, eyes, and tiny smiles.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Store the hippo doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Strong sunlight may fade the yellow dress, blue hat, and pink body over time.
To remove dust, use a soft lint roller or gently pat the doll with a clean dry cloth. Do not brush the embroidered flowers too firmly, because the small stitches can loosen.
If the doll needs deeper cleaning, dab only the stained area with a damp cloth. Press with a dry towel afterward, then let the piece dry naturally.
For long-term display, keep the bees and hat beside the doll rather than under heavy pressure. This helps the brim, wings, and small accessories keep their shape.
Finishing Touch
Your Hippo Daisy Garden Dress Doll is complete when the face looks soft and rounded, the yellow dress sits smoothly, and every accessory adds to the sunny garden scene. Arrange the blue hat and two tiny bees beside the doll for the same sweet picnic-garden display shown in the image.



