Crochet Tutorial: Winter Lizard with Earmuffs and Backpack – Free Crochet Pattern

This charming winter lizard amigurumi is designed with a playful long neck, oversized eyes, striped sweater sleeves, cozy overalls, round earmuffs, warm slippers, a tiny backpack, and sweet winter table accessories. It makes a lovely handmade gift, nursery decor piece, or collectible crochet doll for amigurumi lovers shopping for cute seasonal patterns.

The finished design has a boutique handmade look with soft neutral shades, gentle pastel stripes, and detailed styling that feels perfect for holiday display, craft fair inspiration, or anyone searching for a winter animal doll, crochet gift idea, or whimsical stuffed lizard pattern to make and enjoy.

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 recreates the full winter lizard set shown in the image:

• The seated green lizard with a narrow neck and extra-wide smiling mouth
• Large bulging eyes with black safety pupils
• Beige earmuffs with a curved headband
• A striped sweater visible at the neck and sleeves
• Light beige overalls with straps and buttons
• Brown slippers with pom-poms
• A small backpack in beige and brown
• A striped winter hat
• A tiny snowman accessory
• A mini mug with cocoa and marshmallows

The doll is worked mostly in continuous rounds unless noted otherwise. Use a stitch marker and move it up every round. Keep tension firm so stuffing does not show through. The model in the photo has a smooth, compact stitch texture, so a smaller hook than usual for your yarn is recommended.

Skill Level

Intermediate. A confident beginner can still make it if you work slowly and count every stitch carefully.

The shaping is not difficult, but the look depends on accurate proportions, especially the head, eyes, neck, outfit fit, and the angle of the mouth. Small accessories also require patience.

Materials

• Sport weight or light DK cotton yarn in:
  • Light green
  • Medium green
  • Cream
  • Light beige
  • Warm taupe
  • Dusty brown
  • Soft blue
  • White
  • Black
  • Orange
  • Red
• 2.25 mm crochet hook for the doll and accessories
• 2.0 mm crochet hook for very small details if desired
• Black safety eyes:
  • 2 pieces, 8 mm for the lizard
  • 2 tiny black beads or embroidered dots for the snowman
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small buttons:
  • 2 for overall straps
  • 1 for backpack flap
• Optional lightweight cardboard or plastic canvas for the backpack base
• Blush or pastel chalk if you want subtle color on cheeks or accessories

Finished Size

The finished seated lizard is approximately 9.5 to 11 inches tall from the bottom of the slippers to the top of the earmuff band, depending on yarn and tension.

The body is slim and elongated. The head is visually wide because of the large eyes and extended mouth. The neck is tall and narrow. The legs are long and straight. The arms are slim with slightly larger hands.

Abbreviations

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

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Gauge and Notes

Exact gauge is less important than proportion. Still, your stitches should be tight and even. If your fabric looks loose, go down a hook size. The photo shows dense amigurumi fabric with very little visible gap between stitches.

• Stuff firmly but shape with your fingers as you go
• Do not overstuff the neck
• The mouth is flattened and slightly curved upward at the sides
• The eyes should be large and forward-facing, nearly touching
• The overalls should fit snugly, not loosely
• The slippers should be rounded and slightly oversized

Color Placement Guide

Before starting, here is the main palette arrangement used to match the image closely:

• Head, neck, arms, legs: green
• Eye whites: white
• Tongue: red
• Overalls: light beige
• Sweater stripes: cream, dusty brown, soft blue, cream, dusty brown
• Earmuffs: taupe outer section, cream inner section, taupe band
• Slippers: warm brown with cream cuff and beige pom-pom
• Backpack: beige body, brown pocket and trim
• Hat: beige ribbing with alternating dusty brown, cream, and soft blue stripes

Head

Use medium green.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x6. (48)
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54)
10. Rnd 10-16: sc around. (54)

The head should now look rounded but not tall. It is a softly flattened ball shape. The mouth piece and eyes will make it appear wider later, just like in the photo.

1. Rnd 17: (7 sc, dec) x6. (48)
2. Rnd 18: sc around. (48)
3. Rnd 19: (6 sc, dec) x6. (42)
4. Rnd 20: sc around. (42)

Insert stuffing firmly, especially in the upper back of the head. Leave the lower front area a little softer so the mouth piece can sit naturally.

1. Rnd 21: (5 sc, dec) x6. (36)
2. Rnd 22: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
3. Rnd 23: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)

Stop here if you prefer sewing the head to the neck later. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not close the opening too tightly; the head opening should still sit neatly over the neck top.

Long Neck

Use medium green.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3-18: sc around. (12)

The neck in the image is slim, tall, and quite straight. To make it stable, stuff firmly but evenly. You can also insert a trimmed cotton swab stem, floral wire wrapped safely, or a small dowel if you want extra support. If using support, make sure the ends are padded.

1. Rnd 19: BLO sc around. (12)
2. Rnd 20: sc around. (12)

Leave a long tail for sewing the neck into the head. The BLO round gives a tiny visual change that helps the neck transition under the chin.

Mouth Piece

Use light green. This piece is very important because it creates the wide lizard smile seen in the image.

1. Ch 18.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 16, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of foundation chain, sc 15, inc in last st. (36)
3. Row 2: sc 15, 3 sc in first corner group center st, sc 17, 3 sc in next corner group center st, sc 1. (40)
4. Row 3: sc around evenly, placing 2 incs at each rounded end. (44)

Fasten off with a long tail. Flatten the piece. It should look like a soft, elongated oval with gently pointed corners, not a circle.

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Embroider a thin black smile line across the front center after sewing, or lightly stitch the line first before attaching. The mouth sits horizontally across the lower front of the head and extends slightly beyond the eye width.

Tongue

Use red.

1. Ch 6.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, 3 dc in last st.
3. Continue on opposite side: dc, hdc, sc, sl st.

Fasten off with a tail. Fold slightly to create a soft curved tongue shape. Sew peeking out from the right side of the mouth, angled downward exactly like the image.

Eye Bases Make 2

Use white.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)

Insert an 8 mm safety eye between Rnds 3 and 4, centered. Lightly stuff. Fasten off with a long tail.

Eye Rims Make 2

Use light green.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: BLO sc around. (24)

Do not stuff. Slip each white eye base into a green eye rim. Sew around the outer edge through both layers. The eyes should become bulging cups with a raised green rim, matching the cartoon look in the image.

Body

The body is mostly hidden by the overalls, so keep it slim and simple. Use medium green.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5-8: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
7. Rnd 10-14: sc around. (18)

Stuff lightly to moderately. The torso should stay narrow so the overalls do not look bulky.

Fasten off with a long tail, leaving the top open for sewing to the neck base.

Legs Make 2

Start with medium green.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3-16: sc around. (12)

The legs are long, slim tubes. Stuff evenly but do not make them stiff. They should bend slightly when seated.

Fasten off first leg. Make the second leg the same, but do not fasten off if you want to join them with the body when constructing under the overalls. If sewing separately, fasten off both and leave long tails.

Arms Make 2

Use medium green.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x3. (9)
3. Rnd 3-4: sc around. (9)

These first rounds create a slightly larger hand area. The hands in the image are simple and not finger-defined, but they are a little fuller than the arm.

1. Rnd 5: dec, sc 7. (8)
2. Rnd 6-15: sc around. (8)

Stuff only the lower half. Flatten top opening. Fasten off with a long tail.

Sweater Collar

Use cream first, then stripe sequence dusty brown, cream, soft blue, cream, dusty brown. This collar is visible above the overalls and should sit close around the neck.

1. Ch 13, join with sl st carefully without twisting.
2. Rnd 1: sc around. (13)
3. Rnd 2: BLO sc around in cream. (13)
4. Rnd 3: sc around in dusty brown. (13)
5. Rnd 4: sc around in cream. (13)
6. Rnd 5: sc around in soft blue. (13)
7. Rnd 6: sc around in cream. (13)
8. Rnd 7: sc around in dusty brown. (13)

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Fasten off and sew around the neck base after the head and body are assembled. Keep it snug.

Sweater Sleeves Make 2

These are separate tubes added over the arms. Use the same stripe order as the collar. Start with cream cuff.

1. Ch 9, join.
2. Rnd 1-2: sc around in cream. (9)
3. Rnd 3-4: sc around in dusty brown. (9)
4. Rnd 5-6: sc around in cream. (9)
5. Rnd 7-8: sc around in soft blue. (9)
6. Rnd 9-10: sc around in cream. (9)
7. Rnd 11-12: sc around in dusty brown. (9)

Fasten off. Slide onto the arms before sewing the arms to the body. Leave a little green hand showing below the cuff, just as in the image.

Overalls Legs Begin

Use light beige. The overalls in the image are roomy around the hips and short at the lower leg, ending above the slippers.

1. Make 2 leg cuffs.
2. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
3. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
4. Rnd 3-6: sc around. (12)

Fasten off first leg. After second leg, ch 3 and join to first leg.

Overalls Shorts Section

1. Rnd 7: sc 12 around first leg, sc 3 across chain, sc 12 around second leg, sc 3 on opposite side of chain. (30)
2. Rnd 8-11: sc around. (30)
3. Rnd 12: (8 sc, dec) x3. (27)
4. Rnd 13-15: sc around. (27)
5. Rnd 16: (7 sc, dec) x3. (24)
6. Rnd 17-18: sc around. (24)

Test fit on the doll. The shorts should cover the upper legs and hips while leaving the sweater collar visible above. If needed, add or remove one round for your tension.

Overall Bib

Continue from the front center of the shorts.

1. Row 1: 10 sc across front center. Ch 1, turn. (10)
2. Row 2-8: sc across. (10)

The bib should reach to just below the sweater collar on the chest. Fasten off.

Overall Straps Make 2

Use light beige.

1. Ch 16.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 15. (15)

Fasten off. Sew one end of each strap to the top corners of the bib. Bring straps over shoulders and sew or button them at the back upper shorts edge. Add a small decorative button at the bib front where each strap meets the bib to match the photo.

Slippers Make 2

Use warm dusty brown for the main shoe, cream for the cuff, and beige for the pom-pom.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5-8: sc around. (24)

This creates the rounded slipper toe. Stuff lightly in the front only. The back should remain softer so it slips onto the foot well.

1. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
2. Rnd 10: sc around. (18)
3. Rnd 11: switch to cream, BLO sc around. (18)
4. Rnd 12: front post effect is optional, otherwise sc around. (18)

Fasten off and sew or slide over each leg end. Add a small beige pom-pom to the top front of each slipper.

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Earmuff Pads Make 2

Start with cream.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc around. (18)

Change to taupe.

1. Rnd 5: BLO sc around. (18)
2. Rnd 6-7: sc around. (18)

Lightly stuff to create thick rounded earmuff cups. Flatten slightly. Fasten off with tails for sewing.

Earmuff Band

Use taupe.

1. Ch 24.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 23. (23)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc 23. (23)

Fasten off with long tails. Curve gently and sew one earmuff pad to each end. The band sits over the head and slightly behind the eyes, not directly between them.

Backpack Front and Back Make 2

Use light beige. The backpack is rounded at the top and flatter at the base.

1. Ch 13.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 11, 3 sc in last ch, working opposite side sc 10, inc in last st. (26)
3. Row 2: sc around, placing 2 incs at each rounded top end and keeping bottom flatter. (30)
4. Row 3-7: sc around. (30)

Make two identical panels. For a firmer bag, insert a small cardboard or plastic canvas piece between layers when assembling.

Backpack Gusset

Use taupe or light brown.

1. Ch 8.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 7. (7)
3. Row 2-26: Ch 1, turn, sc 7. (7)

Wrap this strip around one backpack panel edge, sew in place, then attach second panel. Leave the upper center open slightly if you want a real pocket opening, or sew closed fully for a decorative backpack.

Backpack Pocket

Use brown.

1. Ch 8.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 7. (7)
3. Row 2-5: Ch 1, turn, sc 7. (7)
4. Row 6: dec, sc 3, dec. (5)
5. Row 7: sc across. (5)

Sew to the lower front of the backpack. Add a tiny button or embroidered button detail. This front pocket is a major visual feature in the photo, so position it centered and slightly low.

Backpack Flap

Use brown.

1. Ch 9.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 8. (8)
3. Row 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc 8. (8)
4. Row 4: dec, sc 4, dec. (6)
5. Row 5: dec, sc 2, dec. (4)

Fasten off. Sew to upper back of the backpack front. Add a button at the flap center to match the image.

Backpack Straps Make 2

Use taupe.

1. Ch 18.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st across. (17)

Sew to the back of the backpack. The bag in the image is displayed beside the doll, so the straps do not need to be wearable unless you want them functional.

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Winter Hat

This hat sits off to the side in the image and has a folded ribbed brim, soft stripes, and a pom-pom. Start with beige brim worked in rows.

1. Ch 9.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 8. (8)
3. Row 2-34: Ch 1, turn, BLO sc 8. (8)

Join short ends to form a ring. Turn the ribbed band so rows run vertically.

Now work around the top edge.

1. Rnd 1: sc 34 evenly around in beige. (34)
2. Rnd 2-3: sc around in cream. (34)
3. Rnd 4-5: sc around in dusty brown. (34)
4. Rnd 6-7: sc around in cream. (34)
5. Rnd 8-9: sc around in soft blue. (34)
6. Rnd 10-11: sc around in cream. (34)
7. Rnd 12-13: sc around in dusty brown. (34)
8. Rnd 14: (15 sc, dec) x2. (32)
9. Rnd 15: (6 sc, dec) x4. (28)
10. Rnd 16: (5 sc, dec) x4. (24)
11. Rnd 17: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
12. Rnd 18: dec x9. (9)

Fasten off, thread tail through remaining stitches, and close. Add a medium beige pom-pom on top. Fold brim upward.

Mini Snowman

Use white for the body, black for the hat, orange for the nose, red for scarf.

Lower Body

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5-7: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 8: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)

Head

1. Rnd 9: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
2. Rnd 10: sc around. (12)
3. Rnd 11: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. Rnd 12-13: sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 14: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
6. Rnd 15: dec x6. (6)

Stuff as you go. Add tiny black eyes, black stitched buttons, and a small orange carrot nose.

Snowman Hat

Use black.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. (12)
4. Rnd 4-5: sc around. (12)
5. Rnd 6: inc x12. (24)

Fasten off and sew to the head.

Snowman Scarf

Use red.

1. Ch 18.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st across. (17)

Wrap and tack in place. Add short fringe if desired.

Mini Mug with Cocoa

Use soft blue for mug, brown for cocoa, white for marshmallows.

Mug Body

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. (12)
4. Rnd 4-7: sc around. (12)
5. Rnd 8: sl st around.

Fasten off.

Cocoa Top

Use brown.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x6. (12)

Sew into top opening lightly stuffed or flat.

Marshmallows

Use white. Make 2 tiny puffs:

1. Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. (4)
2. Rnd 2: inc x4. (8)

Fasten off and stitch on top of cocoa.

Mug Handle

Use soft blue.

1. Ch 6.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st 5.

Sew to mug side in a curved loop.

Assembly Order

1. Sew neck to body center top
2. Sew head to neck, keeping face slightly forward
3. Sew mouth to lower head front
4. Add tongue at right side of mouth
5. Sew eyes close together above the mouth
6. Sew arms to body sides slightly below neck base
7. Sew legs to lower body evenly spaced for sitting balance
8. Slide on sleeves and tack in place
9. Add sweater collar around neck
10. Dress doll in overalls and secure straps
11. Add slippers to feet
12. Sew earmuffs to head
13. Finish backpack, hat, snowman, and mug as separate props

Exact Placement Notes for a Photo-Matching Result

• Eyes: place them almost touching, with the top of the mouth sitting directly beneath them
• Mouth: center it horizontally and keep the side corners gently lifted
• Neck angle: sew straight, not leaning too far back
• Arms: attach low enough for a relaxed dangling look
• Legs: point straight down, slightly apart
• Overalls: bib should sit high on chest but not cover the striped collar
• Earmuffs: pads align just outside the eyes, not too low on the cheeks
• Backpack: make it about the height of the torso from hip to chest

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Shape the head with your fingers before closing all seams completely. The face should look wide and cheerful, with the eyes prominent and forward. Embroider a subtle black mouth line across the center of the mouth piece. Lightly anchor the mouth corners upward for a gentle smile. Keep the tongue visible on one side.

Care Notes

Display the doll indoors and away from strong sunlight to protect the yarn colors. If using safety eyes, this item is best kept as decor or gifted with supervision. Small accessories like the mug, snowman, and backpack should be stored together when not displayed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are the eyes close enough together?
• Does the mouth sit wide and straight?
• Is the neck firm enough to hold the head?
• Do the overall straps sit evenly?
• Are the slipper pom-poms centered?
• Is the earmuff band curved naturally over the head?
• Does the backpack pocket sit centered on the front?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not twist or wring stuffed pieces. Press excess moisture out with a towel and reshape while damp. Dry flat completely before storing. For long-term preservation, keep the doll in a clean, dry space and avoid crushing the eyes, earmuffs, and backpack.