This cheerful amigurumi hippo girl wears a bright yellow dress with a green scalloped hem, white daisy details, yellow sandals, and a lavender bow. The set also includes a wide straw hat with flower trim, a sunflower crossbody bag with a tiny bee, a small watering can, and a potted sunflower to match the garden theme.
Free Crochet Pattern Overview
This pattern is written in US crochet terms and is designed to recreate the soft garden hippo doll shown in the image. The finished piece has a large rounded head, short rounded arms, sturdy legs, a flared skirt, flower decorations, and several removable display accessories.
The doll is worked mainly in continuous spiral rounds, with separate details sewn on afterward. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round. Stuff each body part firmly but gently so the shape stays smooth without stretching the stitches.
- Finished size: about 11.5–12.5 inches tall when made with worsted weight yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.
- Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
- Main technique: amigurumi worked in continuous rounds.
- Style: garden hippo doll with matching accessories.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn in light gray for the hippo body.
- Worsted weight yarn in yellow for the dress, sandals, hat, flowers, and bag petals.
- Small amounts of white, green, lavender, tan, brown, black, pink, and golden yellow yarn.
- 3.0 mm crochet hook for the doll and most pieces.
- 2.5 mm crochet hook for flowers, leaves, bee details, nostrils, and small trims.
- 10–12 mm black safety eyes or black sewn eyes.
- Polyester fiberfill.
- Yarn needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, and embroidery needle.
- Optional: thin cardboard or plastic canvas for the hat brim and flowerpot base.
Abbreviations
- MR: magic ring
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: increase, 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec: invisible single crochet decrease
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- st/sts: stitch/stitches
- R: round or row
- FO: fasten off
Gauge and Construction Notes
For amigurumi, exact gauge is less important than tight, even stitches. The sample look is created with compact stitches, visible round texture, and firm shaping. Use a hook small enough that stuffing does not show through the fabric.
- Approximate gauge: 6 sc and 6 rounds equal 1 inch.
- Work in continuous rounds unless the pattern says to join.
- Stuff the head more firmly than the arms.
- Keep the dress slightly looser than the body so it flares outward.
- Use pins before sewing every facial and accessory detail.
Head and Muzzle Shape
The hippo head is the largest feature. It is wide and round at the cheeks, with a slightly flattened lower muzzle area. The eyes sit high and wide, while the nostrils are placed on the upper sides of the muzzle.
Head
Use light gray yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: sc 3, inc; repeat around. (30)
- R6: sc 4, inc; repeat around. (36)
- R7: sc 5, inc; repeat around. (42)
- R8: sc 6, inc; repeat around. (48)
- R9: sc 7, inc; repeat around. (54)
- R10: sc 8, inc; repeat around. (60)
- R11–R18: sc around. (60)
- R19: sc 14, inc, sc 30, inc, sc 14. (62)
- R20–R22: sc around. (62)
- R23: sc 14, dec, sc 30, dec, sc 14. (60)
- R24: sc 8, dec; repeat around. (54)
- R25: sc 7, dec; repeat around. (48)
- R26: sc 6, dec; repeat around. (42)
- R27: sc 5, dec; repeat around. (36)
Insert the eyes between R14 and R15, about 8 stitches apart. The image shows large white eye circles behind black pupils, so make the white eye patches before locking safety eyes permanently.
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White Eye Patches
Make 2 with white yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- Sl st to finish. FO, leaving a long tail.
Place each white circle between R12 and R17 of the head. Put the black eye slightly toward the inner upper area of each white circle to match the alert, cute expression. Sew the white circles flat before securing the black eyes if using safety eyes.
- R28: sc 4, dec; repeat around. (30)
- R29: sc 3, dec; repeat around. (24)
- Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks outward.
- R30: sc 2, dec; repeat around. (18)
- R31: sc 1, dec; repeat around. (12)
- R32: dec around. (6)
- FO, close the opening, and weave in the tail.
Muzzle Shaping and Smile
The lower face in the image is broad and soft. Add gentle shaping with embroidery instead of making a separate snout, so the head stays rounded and smooth.
- Use black embroidery thread or thin black yarn.
- Embroider two curved nostrils between R17 and R19, each about 3 stitches wide.
- Place nostrils about 13 stitches apart, one on each side of the muzzle.
- Use short vertical and curved stitches to make each nostril oval.
- Embroider a shallow smiling mouth from R21 to R22, about 12 stitches wide.
Pink Cheeks
Make 2 with soft pink yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- Sl st to finish. FO with a sewing tail.
Sew one cheek on each side of the smile, between R20 and R23. Flatten the circles slightly into soft ovals while sewing. The cheeks should sit below the eyes and beside the lower muzzle.
Ears
The ears are small, round, and sit high on the head. Each ear has a gray outer piece and a pink inner detail.
Outer Ears
Make 2 with light gray yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4–R5: sc around. (18)
- R6: sc 1, dec; repeat around. (12)
- Flatten lightly. Do not stuff heavily. FO with a long tail.
Inner Ears
Make 2 with pink yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: sc 1, inc; repeat 3 times. (9)
- Sl st to finish. FO with a sewing tail.
Sew the pink inner ear to the center of each gray ear. Attach ears between R8 and R12 of the head, about 18 stitches apart across the top. Angle them slightly outward so they peek from behind the bow.
Body
The body is smaller than the head and mostly hidden under the yellow dress. It should be pear-shaped, with a firm neck and a rounded lower section to support the skirt.
Use light gray yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: sc 3, inc; repeat around. (30)
- R6: sc 4, inc; repeat around. (36)
- R7–R13: sc around. (36)
- R14: sc 4, dec; repeat around. (30)
- R15–R17: sc around. (30)
- R18: sc 3, dec; repeat around. (24)
- R19–R20: sc around. (24)
- R21: sc 2, dec; repeat around. (18)
- R22: sc around. (18)
- Stuff firmly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
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Sew the body to the bottom of the head. The head should slightly overlap the neckline, giving the doll the same plush, compact look as the image. Keep the face centered above the dress front.
Legs
The legs are short and cylindrical. The feet are rounded and visible inside yellow sandals. Make the legs sturdy so the doll can sit neatly for display.
Feet and Legs
Make 2 with light gray yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: BLO sc around. (24)
- R6: sc 6, dec 6 times, sc 6. (18)
- R7: sc 5, dec 4 times, sc 5. (14)
- R8–R17: sc around. (14)
- Stuff the foot firmly and the leg medium firm.
- R18: sc 1, dec; repeat 4 times, sc 2. (10)
- FO, leaving a long sewing tail.
Sew the legs to the lower front of the body between R4 and R7 of the body base. Leave about 3 stitches between the legs. The feet should point forward and show below the skirt.
Arms
The arms are rounded tubes with small white hand tips, similar to the image. They hang down at the sides and slightly outward from the dress.
Make 2, starting with white yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4–R5: sc around. (18)
- Change to light gray yarn.
- R6: sc 1, dec; repeat around. (12)
- R7–R18: sc around. (12)
- Stuff the lower hand lightly and the upper arm very lightly.
- R19: flatten the opening and crochet 6 sc through both layers.
- FO, leaving a long sewing tail.
Sew arms to the sides of the body just under the head, around body R18–R20. Angle them downward so the hands rest near the skirt and sandals. The white hand tips should face forward.
Yellow Dress
The dress has a fitted bodice, shoulder straps, a flared skirt, white daisies, green stems, and a green scalloped hem. Work the dress directly onto the body when possible, or make it separately and slide it on before attaching the head.
Bodice
Use yellow yarn. Work in joined rounds around the body or as a separate tube.
- R1: ch 37, join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist. Work 36 sc around. (36)
- R2–R5: ch 1, sc around, join with sl st. (36)
- R6: ch 1, sc 4, dec; repeat around, join. (30)
- R7–R8: ch 1, sc around, join. (30)
- FO and weave in the end.
Place the bodice around the upper body. It should sit just under the head and cover the torso smoothly. Sew the back seam closed if needed.
Shoulder Straps
Make 2 with yellow yarn.
- Ch 19.
- Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 18.
- FO with a long tail.
Sew each strap from the front top edge of the bodice, over the shoulder area, to the back top edge. In the image, the straps sit close to the neck and frame the chest. Add one tiny white daisy on the right side of the bodice.
Flared Skirt
Join yellow yarn to the front loop or lower edge of bodice R1. Work downward.
- R1: ch 2, hdc inc in each stitch around, join. (72)
- R2: ch 2, hdc around, join. (72)
- R3: ch 2, hdc 5, inc; repeat around, join. (84)
- R4–R6: ch 2, hdc around, join. (84)
- R7: ch 2, hdc 6, inc; repeat around, join. (96)
- R8–R9: ch 2, hdc around, join. (96)
- R10: ch 1, sc around, join. (96)
Green Scalloped Hem
Join green yarn to any stitch of the final skirt round.
- R1: ch 1, sc around, join. (96)
- R2: ch 1, skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st; repeat around.
- FO and weave in the end.
The scallops should form a leafy green border under the yellow skirt. Keep them evenly spaced and slightly curled outward, matching the soft garden trim in the image.
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Daisy Decorations for Dress
The skirt has several white daisies across the front, each with a yellow center and green stem. Make 4 larger daisies for the skirt and 1 smaller daisy for the bodice.
Large Daisies
Make 4 with white and golden yellow yarn.
- With golden yellow, R1: 6 sc in MR. Join and FO. (6)
- Join white to any stitch.
- Petal sequence: ch 3, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sl st into same center stitch.
- Repeat the petal sequence once in each center stitch for 6 petals.
- FO with a long white tail.
Small Daisy
Make 1 for the bodice using the same method, but use ch 2 petals with 1 sc in the second ch from hook.
Sew the large daisies across the lower front of the skirt. Place one near the left side, one near the center-left, one near the center-right, and one near the right side. Embroider green stems about 4 rounds tall and add two small green leaf stitches to each stem.
Yellow Sandals
The sandals are bright yellow with open toes, thick soles, ankle straps, and small white flowers on the outer sides. Make them snug enough to fit around the gray feet.
Sandal Soles
Make 2 with yellow yarn.
- Ch 8.
- R1: sc in second ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side of the chain: sc 5, inc in last st. (16)
- R2: inc, sc 5, inc 3 times, sc 5, inc 2 times. (22)
- R3: sc 1, inc, sc 6, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 6, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc. (28)
- Sl st to finish. FO.
Toe Strap
Make 2 with yellow yarn.
- Ch 13.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sc 12.
- FO with a long tail.
Sew each toe strap across the front third of the sole. Leave the toe opening visible so the white and gray foot can be seen, matching the image.
Ankle Strap
Make 2 with yellow yarn.
- Ch 20.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sc 19.
- FO with a long tail.
Wrap the ankle strap around the lower leg above the foot and sew both ends to the sole sides. Add one tiny daisy on the outer side of each sandal strap.
Lavender Bow
The bow sits centered on top of the head between the ears. It has two rounded loops and a wrapped middle band.
Bow Loops
Make 2 with lavender yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5–R6: sc around. (24)
- R7: sc 2, dec; repeat around. (18)
- Flatten lightly without stuffing. FO with a long tail.
Bow Center
- Ch 8 with lavender yarn.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sc 7.
- R2–R4: ch 1, turn, sc 7.
- FO with a long tail.
Pinch the two loops together side by side. Wrap the center band around the middle and sew firmly at the back. Attach the bow to the head between R4 and R8, centered above the eyes.
Sunflower Crossbody Bag
The bag looks like a sunflower with a brown round center, yellow petals, a long yellow strap, and a tiny bee attached near the side. It hangs across the body from the left shoulder to the right hip.
Brown Bag Center
Make 2 with brown yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: sc 3, inc; repeat around. (30)
- For the front piece only, sl st around once to create a raised spiral look. FO.
- For the back piece, do not FO after R5.
Hold front and back together with wrong sides touching. Sc around through both layers for 24 stitches, then leave the top 6 stitches open like a small pocket. Stuff very lightly if you want the flower to look puffed.
Sunflower Petals
Join yellow yarn to the outside edge of the bag.
- Petal: ch 4, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, skip 1 edge stitch, sl st in next edge stitch.
- Repeat around the visible outer edge until the flower is full.
- FO and weave in the end.
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Bag Strap
Use yellow yarn.
- Ch 75 for a strap about 15 inches long.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sc 74.
- FO with long tails at both ends.
Sew one end of the strap to the left side of the sunflower bag and the other end to the right side. Place the strap diagonally across the hippo’s chest. The sunflower bag should rest on the doll’s lower right side over the skirt.
Tiny Bee
Use golden yellow yarn and black yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR with golden yellow. (6)
- R2: sc around. (6)
- Change to black, R3: sc around. (6)
- Change to golden yellow, R4: sc around. (6)
- FO, close the end, and embroider a tiny black smile or stripe if desired.
For wings, make 2 with white yarn: ch 4, sl st into the first ch to form a loop, FO. Sew the wings to the bee’s back. Attach the bee to the sunflower bag near the upper right petal area.
Wide Yellow Straw Hat
The hat is a separate display accessory. It has a rounded crown, a wide flat brim, a green band, and small white daisies along the front. Work tightly so the brim holds its shape.
Hat Crown
Use yellow yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: sc 3, inc; repeat around. (30)
- R6: sc 4, inc; repeat around. (36)
- R7: sc 5, inc; repeat around. (42)
- R8: sc 6, inc; repeat around. (48)
- R9: sc 7, inc; repeat around. (54)
- R10–R16: sc around. (54)
Hat Brim
- R17: FLO sc 2, inc; repeat around. (72)
- R18: sc 5, inc; repeat around. (84)
- R19: sc around. (84)
- R20: sc 6, inc; repeat around. (96)
- R21: sc around. (96)
- R22: sc 7, inc; repeat around. (108)
- R23: sc around. (108)
- R24: crab stitch or sl st loosely around for a firm rim. FO.
For a flatter brim, cut a ring of plastic canvas and stitch it invisibly under R19–R23. The image shows a rounded yellow hat placed beside the doll, so the brim should be wide and circular.
Green Hat Band
Use green yarn.
- Ch 58.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sc 57.
- FO with a long tail.
Wrap the band around the crown where it meets the brim. Sew it in place. Make 3 small daisies using the small daisy instructions and sew them along the front left side of the band.
Small Watering Can
The watering can is tan, rounded, and sits beside the doll. It has a body, spout, handle, and small top opening.
Can Body
Use tan yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: BLO sc around. (24)
- R6–R12: sc around. (24)
- R13: sc 2, dec; repeat around. (18)
- R14: sc 1, dec; repeat around. (12)
- Stuff lightly.
- R15: dec around. (6)
- FO and close the opening.
Spout
Use tan yarn.
- R1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
- R2–R8: sc around. (5)
- R9: sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 1. (7)
- R10: sc around. (7)
- FO with a sewing tail.
Sew the spout to one upper side of the can, angled upward. Bend it slightly outward with stitches as you sew.
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Handle
Use tan yarn.
- Ch 24.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sc 23.
- R2: ch 1, turn, sc 23.
- FO with a long tail.
Attach one end of the handle near the upper back of the can and the other end near the lower back. Curve it into a soft oval handle, like the image.
Potted Sunflower
The potted sunflower is a separate garden accessory. It has a ribbed terracotta-style pot, green leaves, a brown center, and yellow petals.
Flowerpot
Use warm brown or terracotta yarn.
- R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- R5: BLO sc around. (24)
- R6–R11: sc around. (24)
- R12: FLO sc around to make the top rim. (24)
- R13: sc around. (24)
- FO and weave in the end.
Place a small circle of cardboard or plastic canvas inside the base if you want the pot to stand firmly. Stuff the pot lightly, leaving the top slightly open.
Stem
Use green yarn.
- Ch 16.
- Starting in second ch from hook, sl st 15.
- FO with tails for sewing.
For a stronger stem, crochet around a pipe cleaner, or sew the stem against a hidden green yarn strand folded double. Keep the stem straight and centered above the pot.
Leaves
Make 4 with green yarn.
- Ch 7.
- Starting in second ch from hook: sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st.
- FO with a sewing tail.
Sew two leaves near the top of the pot and two leaves halfway up the stem. Angle them outward so they look like the leaves shown beside the sunflower.
Sunflower Head
Use brown for the center and yellow for petals.
- With brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- R2: inc around. (12)
- R3: sc 1, inc; repeat around. (18)
- R4: sc 2, inc; repeat around. (24)
- Join yellow yarn.
- Petal: ch 4, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, sl st into next brown edge stitch.
- Repeat the petal around the center until full. FO.
Sew the flower head to the top of the stem. Place the potted sunflower to the right of the doll for display, matching the garden arrangement in the image.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
- Sew the body securely to the head, keeping the face centered.
- Attach legs to the lower body so the feet point forward below the skirt.
- Sew arms under the head, angled down toward the dress.
- Attach ears high on the head and sew the lavender bow between them.
- Place the yellow dress smoothly around the body, then secure the straps.
- Sew daisies and green stems onto the skirt front and bodice.
- Add the sandals to the feet and sew the tiny flowers to the outer straps.
- Place the sunflower bag diagonally across the body and secure it with a few hidden stitches.
- Embroider nostrils, cheeks, and smile last so the expression stays balanced.
Check the face from the front before knotting off embroidery threads. The eyes should be wide and round, the nostrils should sit evenly on both sides, and the smile should be small and gentle. This creates the same friendly garden hippo expression shown in the image.
Care Notes
- Spot clean the doll with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Do not soak if the hat brim or pot base contains cardboard.
- Let all pieces air dry completely before storing.
- Keep the bow and flowers flat while drying.
- For a child-safe version, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- The hippo has a large gray rounded head and smaller gray body.
- White eye circles are placed behind black eyes.
- Pink cheeks and black nostrils are even on both sides.
- The lavender bow is centered between the ears.
- The yellow dress has straps, daisies, and a green scalloped hem.
- The sandals are yellow with open toes and flower accents.
- The sunflower bag includes brown center, yellow petals, strap, and bee.
- The straw hat has a wide brim, green band, and white daisies.
- The watering can and potted sunflower are completed as separate props.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Store the doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Bright yellow, lavender, and green yarns can fade if left in strong light for long periods. Keep the accessories beside the doll rather than pressed under heavy objects.
To refresh the shape, gently squeeze the stuffed parts and smooth the skirt with your fingers. If the hat brim curls, lay it flat under a light book for a short time. Avoid high heat, machine washing, or harsh cleaning products.
Please note: This is an AI-assisted crochet pattern based on an AI-generated design. I do my best to make each pattern clear and accurate, but occasional errors may happen. Thank you for understanding and enjoying this design.
