Free Koala Crochet Pattern
Kira the Koala
I am so excited to release my latest free crochet pattern, Kira the Koala. Kira the Koala is an adorable amigurumi who loves the gardening in the sunshine.
Kira’s design was inspired by my Nana. My nana owned a plant nursery when I was growing up in Australia and always wore a wide brim hat when she worked with her plants outdoors. She is still alive and well, however no longer owns the plant nursery, but I still have many fond memories. Kira is a reflection of these memories.
Kira the Koala’s crochet pattern is ideal for intermediate crocheters. My personal favourite part of Kira’s design are her legs and arms which move back and forth. Instructions for how to assemble the legs and arms so they can move are included in the pattern.
If you have any questions at all while crocheting Kira, please feel free to get in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, or by email.
I hope you enjoy this new pattern, and don’t forget to share your completed makes with me on social media by tagging @cillacrochets and using the hashtag #CrochetKiraTheKoala. I hope you have fun!
Prefer the PDF Crochet Pattern?
Kira the Koala’s crochet pattern is also available as a PDF via the shop links below. The PDF crochet pattern includes additional photos, a simple eye embroidery tutorial, and of course is accessible offline.
Kira the Koala’s Crochet Pattern Information
Materials needed
Here’s what you’ll need to crochet Kira the Koala and her accessories:
Yarn: DK yarn in the following colours and amounts needed:
A - Blue (29 grams = 67 m/ 73 yds)
B - White (3 grams = 7 m/ 7.5 yds)
C - Black (1 gram = 2.3 m/ 2.5 yds)
D - Yellow (8 grams = 18.5 m/ 20 yds)
E - Pink (12 grams = 27.5 m / 30 yds)
F - Orange (14 grams = 32 m / 35 yds)
G - Green (1 gram = 2.3 m / 2.5 yds)
H - Brown (3 grams = 7 m / 7.5 yds)
Crochet hook: 2.5 mm (US C/2)
Additional materials:
Stuffing
Needle
Scissors
Pins
2 Stitch markers
Safety eyes 6 mm (Option 1)
Black embroidery thread (Option 2 if you’d like to embroider the eyes)
Gauge
Gauge is not required for this pattern, however keep tension consistent throughout. For reference my gauge for the koala was as follows:
14 sc stitches on 5 cm / 1.96 "
14 rows on 5 cm / 1.96 "
Amigurumi Size
I used the Rico Design Ricorumi DK 100% Cotton yarn with a 2.5 mm (US C/2) hook and the amigurumi turned out to be 14 cm / 5.5 " high (excluding hat) and 5cm / 1.96 " wide across the largest part of the koala's body. Please note: I do tend to crochet quite tightly, so your Kira the Koala may turn out larger.
Crochet Pattern Abbreviations
This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
R# - Row/round number
st - Stitch
ch - Chain
sl st - Slip stitch
mc - Magic circle
sc - Single crochet
inc - Increase
dec - Decrease
FLO - Front loop only
BLO - Back loop only
sk - Skip
[...] x ... - Repeat the sequence of stitches in brackets x-times
(...) - Total number of stitches at the end of each row/round
Additional Crochet Pattern Notes & Top Tips
Yarn: The yarn choice is completely up to you, and you can change the yarn weight, material, and colours based on your own personal preference. Just be aware that the weight of your yarn may impact the hook size you need to use and also the size of your final make.
Hook size: I recommend using a smaller hook size than recommended on the yarn label. This will stop the stuffing appearing through your stitches.
Eyes: In this pattern you have the choice of using safety eyes or embroidered eyes. Detailed instructions are included for both, including an eye embroidery photo tutorial within the PDF pattern. Please note that safety eyes are a choking hazard and are not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
Working in rounds: All parts within this pattern are worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated.
Stitch marker: Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round/row to keep track of the number of stitches.
Stuffing: Unless otherwise stated, stuff all amigurumi parts firmly as you crochet.
Decreases: I recommend using invisible decreases for all amigurumi pieces throughout. For pieces that are worked back in forth in rows, use a standard decrease.
Changing colour: To ensure straight lines, add the new colour in the last yarn over of the sc before the new colour is needed.
Koala Ears: Each ear is made up of two crochet pieces that are then joined together by crocheting. The 1st section (Section A) is worked back and forth in rows where turning chs are not counted in the total st count. The 2nd section (Section B) is worked in continuous rounds, where chs are counted in the total st count, but sl sts are not counted.
Copyright notice: You cannot copy, sell or redistribute this written pattern. The pattern has been designed for personal use only, however you’re more than welcome to sell the creations you’ve made using this pattern giving credit to the pattern designer. Please see the full copyright notice at the bottom of this pattern for more information.
Kira the Koala’s Crochet Pattern
Ears (Make 2)
Before starting the ears, read Koala Ears note in the additional pattern notes above.
SECTION A: CROCHETING TWO PIECES
Using Colour B Yarn (White).
Do not stuff.
Start: Ch 3, turn
R1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, turn (2)
R2: [Inc] x 2, ch 1, turn (4)
R3: Inc, 2 sc, Inc, ch 1, turn (6)
R4: sc across, ch 1, turn (6)
R5: sc across (6)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Sew in all yarn tails to hide.
Using Colour A Yarn (Blue) repeat from Start to R5 but do not cut yarn or fasten off. Instead, ch 1 and turn.
SECTION B: JOINING TWO PIECES TOGETHER
Hold the two crocheted pieces together so each side is aligned. Now you will join these two pieces together by crocheting. To do this, insert your hook into an sc of both crochet pieces (two scs on your hook). Then complete the sc as per normal.
R6: 6 sc, ch 1 at corner, 5 sc along side, ch 1 at corner, 2 sc on shortest end, ch 1 at corner, 5 sc along side, ch 1 at corner, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (22)
R7: sc in each st around including 1 sc in each ch space, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (22)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing and fasten off. Repeat Section A & Section B steps to make a second ear. Completed ears shown in image above.
Head
Using Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
R3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36)
R7: [5 sc, inc] x 6 (42)
R8 - R16: sc around (42) - 9 rounds
If using safety eyes, insert them now between R10 & R11 of the head with 9 sts in between the eyes.
R17: [5 sc, dec] x 6 (36)
R18: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30)
R19: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)
R20: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)
R21: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)
R22: [dec] x 6 (6)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Using needle, weave yarn tail through FLO of 6 sc & pull tight to close. Sew yarn tail into head to hide. Completed head shown in image above.
Nose
Using Colour C Yarn (Black).
Do not stuff.
Start: Ch 6
R1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook sc in next 4 sts, 3 sc in last st, working on other side of ch sc in next 3 sts, inc in last st, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (12) - Sl st is not counted in total st count
R2: 5 sc, inc, 6 sc, inc, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (15)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off.
Sew in short yarn tail from starting chain to hide. The end yarn tail will be used for assembly.
See completed nose in image above.
Body
Start with Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
R3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36)
R7 - 10: sc around (36) - 4 rounds
Change to Colour D Yarn (Yellow). See colour changing note on page 3.
R11: BLO sc around (36)
R12 - R16: sc around (36) - 5 rounds
R17: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30)
R18: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)
R19: sc around (24)
R20: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)
R21: sc around (18)
Cut yarn leaving a longer yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off. See completed body in image above.
Legs (Make 2)
Using Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
R3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
R4 - R6: sc around (18) - 3 rounds
R7: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)
Stuff foot firmly.
R8 - R13: sc around (12) - 6 rounds
Stuff leg firmly.
R14: [dec] x 6 (6)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off.
Using a needle, weave yarn tail through FLO of 6 sc and pull tight to close.
Repeat steps to make a second leg. Completed legs shown in image above.
Arms (Make 2)
Start with Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [sc, inc] x 3 (9)
R3: [2 sc, inc] x 3 (12)
R4 - R5: sc around (12) - 2 rounds
R6: [2 sc, dec] x 3 (9)
Stuff hand firmly.
R7 - R10: sc around (9) - 4 rounds
Change to Colour D Yarn (Yellow).
R11: BLO sc around (9)
R12 - R14: sc around (9) - 3 rounds
Finish stuffing arm firmly.
R15: [sc, dec] x 3 (6)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off. Using a needle, weave yarn tail through FLO of 6 sc and pull tight to close. Completed arm shown in image above.
Hat Flower
Using Colour E Yarn (Pink).
Leave a long yarn tail at the start of the mc in R1.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
In R3 you will create 4 petals for the flower using ch sts.
R3: [sl st, ch 5, sk 1, sl st] x 4 (28) - Total st count includes all chs and sl sts
Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in yarn tail.
The longer yarn tail from the start of your mc will be used for assembly.
See completed flower in image above.
Hat
Using Colour F Yarn (Orange). Do not stuff.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
R3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
R5 - R8: sc around (24) - 4 rounds
The following section is worked back and forth in rows. Turning chs are not counted in total st count.
R9: ch 1, turn, BLO inc in next 9 sts, ch 1, turn (18) - Image 14 shows first BLO st in this row
R10: sc across, ch 1, turn (18)
R11: [sc, inc] x 9, ch 1, turn (27)
R12 - R14: sc across, ch 1, turn (27) - 3 rounds
R15: [2 sc, inc] x 9, ch 1, turn (36)
R16 - R18: sc across, ch 1, turn (36) - 3 rounds
R19: [3 sc, inc] x 9 (45)
Cut yarn. Fasten Off. Weave in yarn tail.
Attach Colour F Yarn (Orange) to R8, 3 sts away from the section you just finished.
Repeat R9 - R19 to create other side of hat but do not cut yarn/fasten off. Instead continue to R20.
R20: Ch 3, 45 sc with your 1st st on the other side of the gap, ch 3, 45 sc with your 1st st on the other side of the gap, ch 1, turn (96) - Image 16 shows first sc across gap
R21: [5 sc, inc] x 16, sl st to 1st sc in row to join (112)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Weave in all yarn tails. Completed hat is shown above.
Watering Can
Using Colour E Yarn (Pink).
The watering can is made up of three individual parts that are sewn together. No parts are stuffed. Please note assembly instructions for the watering can are in the assembly section after all crochet pattern parts.
PART A: CAN
R1: mc with 8 sc (8)
R2: [inc] x 8 (16)
R3: [sc, inc] x 8 (24)
R4: BLO sc around (24)
R5 - R11: sc around (24) - 7 rounds
R12: BLO [sc, dec] x 8, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (16)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Weave in yarn tails.
PART B: SPOUT
Leave a long yarn tail at the start of your mc in R1.
R1: mc with 5 sc (5)
After securing mc with yarn tail, weave tail through to other side of mc as this will be used for sewing later.
R2 - R5: sc around (5) - 4 rounds
R6: [FLO inc] x 5 (10)
R7: sc around then sl st to 1st st in round to join (10)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Weave in fastened off yarn tail. Yarn tail from mc will be used for sewing.
PART C: HANDLE
This part is worked back and forth in rows. Turning chs are not counted in total st count.
Leave a longer yarn tail at beginning of starting ch for sewing.
Start: Ch 15
R1: Start in 2nd ch from hook and sc in next 14 sts, ch 1, turn (14)
R2: sc across, ch 1, turn (14)
R3: sc across (14)
Cut yarn tail leaving a longer yarn tail for sewing and fasten off.
Using a needle and the yarn tail you just fastened off, sew the long edges of this crocheted piece together to form a cylinder. To do this, join FLO of the sc in R3 to the starting ch along the long side. This technique will make the tube curve.
Eucalyptus Stem
The eucalyptus stem is made up of three shapes that are sewn together. No parts are stuffed.
PART A: LEAVES (MAKE 2)
Using Colour G Yarn (Green).
Working back and forth in rows. Turning chs are not counted in total st count.
Leave a longer tail at the beginning of your starting ch as this will be used for assembly.
Start: Ch 4
R1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 sts, ch 1, turn (3)
R2 - R4: 3 sc, ch 1, turn (3) - 3 rounds
R5: dec, sc, ch 1, turn (2)
R6: dec (1)
Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in the yarn tail that you just fastened off.
Make two leaves.
PART B: STRAIGHT BRANCH
Using Colour H Yarn (Brown).
Working in continuous rounds.
R1: mc with 5 sc (5)
R2 - R12: sc around (5) - 11 rounds
Cut yarn and fasten off. Using a needle, weave yarn tail through FLO of 5 sc and pull tight to close. Weave in yarn ends.
PART C: CURVY BRANCH
Start: Ch 12
R1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 11 sts, ch 1, turn (11)
R2: sc across, Ch 1, turn (11)
R3: sc across (11)
Cut yarn leaving a longer tail for sewing and fasten off. Sew starting ch yarn tail into piece to hide.
Using the same technique as for the watering can handle, sew FLO of each sc in R3 to the starting ch along the long edge to form a tube. Assembly instructions are included in the assembly section below.
Assembly Instructions for Kira the Koala
Watering Can Assembly
Step 1:
Sew bottom of handle between R4 & R5 of the can. Sew top of handle between R10 & 11 of can.
Step 2:
Sew water spout to handle. To do this, sew the centre of mc up to R1 of the spout to between R4 & R5 of the can. The spout should sit at an angle.
Eucalyptus Stem Assembly
Step 1:
Using the yarn tail from the curvy branch, sew the end of the curvy branch to the middle of one side of the straight branch as shown in image 31. This is approximately between R5 & R7 of the straight branch.
Step 2:
Sew the starting ch of each leaf to the curvy branch. Each leaf should be attached to 3 sts of the curvy branch. Choose any placement you like.
Koala Amigurumi Assembly
Step 1:
Pin ears into place on the head. The top of the ears sit between R5 & R6 of the head with 14 sts between the top of the ears at the front. The bottom of the ears sit between R11 & R12 of the head with 20 sts between the bottom of the ears at the front. Test that the hat fits over the ears in this position and if necessary adjust the ear placement accordingly. Sew ears into place by sewing in between R6 & R7 of the ear to the head.
Step 2:
Sew nose to head. The nose should sit in the centre of the head between the eyes (or ears if you're embroidering the eyes). The top of the nose should sit between R9 & R10 of the head. The bottom of the nose should sit between R16 & R17 of the head.
Step 3:
Using yarn tail from body, sew body to R20 of the head.
Step 4:
Before pinning the arms into place, sew yarn tail from each arm back into each arm and out through a st between R14 & R15 of the same arm. The st where the yarn tail is now will be the section of the arm that sits against the side of the body.
Pin arms into place on the body before sewing. Arms sit between R19 & R20 of body with 11 sts in between the front of the arms.
Now sew the arms into place so they can move/swivel by following the steps below.
*Using yarn tail from arm 1 (shown in image 36), sew into a st on body and out through the st on the opposite side aligned to arm 2. These sts should be between R19 & R20 of the body and 11 sts apart at front of body.
Weave into the same st in arm 2 that the arm 2 yarn tail is coming out from (between R14 & R15 of arm 2). Weave out of st just below, between R13 & R14 of arm.
Sew back through the exact same sts of the body so you are on the arm 1 side.
Sew back into st of arm (between R13 & R14) and weave out through starting st (between R14 & R15 of arm).
Weave back into same st of body and out through any st in the back of koala.
To ensure the arms are attached securely, repeat all steps from * using yarn tail from arm 2. Ensure this yarn tail goes through all of the exact same sts of the arms and body as the first yarn tail and ends in the exact same st at the back of the koala.
Pull yarn tails tight and double knot them together. Thread both yarn tails onto a needle and weave them back into body. Cut yarn to hide.
Step 5:
Before pinning legs into place, sew yarn tail from each leg back into the leg and out through a st between R12 & R13 of the same leg.
Pin legs into place before sewing. Legs sit between R7 & R8 of the body with 17 sts between the front of the legs.
*Using yarn tail from leg 1, sew into st on body and out through st on the opposite side of body. Sts should be between R7 & R8 of body 17 sts apart.
Weave into the same st in leg 2 that the yarn tail is coming out from (between R12 & R13). Weave out of st just above, between R13 & R14 of leg.
Sew back through the exact same sts of the body so you are on the leg 1 side.
Sew back into st of leg 1 (between R13 & R14) and weave out through starting st (between R12 & R13 of leg 1).
Weave back into same st of body and out through any st at the back of koala.
Repeat from * with yarn tail from leg 2. Ensure yarn tail ends in same st at back.
Pull yarn tails tight at the back of the koala and double knot them together. Thread both yarn tails onto a needle and weave them back into body. Cut yarn to hide.
Hat Assembly
Step 1:
Using yarn tail from the magic circle of the flower, sew flower to between R6 & R7 of the hat. The flower should sit towards the left side at the front of the hat.
Optional:
I wanted the hat to be removable, so I haven't sewn it to the head. However, if you would like to permanently secure the hat to the head sew BLO of R8 of the hat to R4 of the koala's head.
Eye Embroidery (If Applicable)
If you have chosen to embroidery Kira the Koala’s eyes, use black embroidery thread to embroider Kira’s eyes 3 sts away on either side of the nose between R9 & R11 of the head as shown in the image here.
Congratulations, you have finished crocheting Kira the Koala!
Don’t forget you can share your makes with the community by using the hashtag #CrochetKiraTheKoala & by tagging me on social media @cillacrochets.
I hope you had fun!
If you enjoyed this pattern, you may like to try some of my other free crochet patterns. You can check these out here.
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
© 2022 Cilla Crochets. Cilla Richards - All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only.
The pattern (or parts of it) may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared, or posted (for sale or for free) over the internet or offline.
You can sell items made from this pattern if they are handmade by yourself in a limited number and you give credit to the designer. Please add the following text to your item description for any item designed by Cilla Crochets/Cilla Richards that you are selling:
“This product is handmade by [your name] from a design and pattern by Cilla Richards at Cilla Crochets. See www.cillacrochets.com for more information.”
