Meet Your New Tiny Hippo Friend

Isn’t there something magical about miniature crochet creatures? This No-Sew Hippopotamus might be small (just 3 inches long!), but it’s bursting with personality. What makes it extra special? No sewing required! All those adorable features – ears, legs, even the curly tail – are crocheted directly onto the body.

This pattern is perfect for beginners wanting to dip their toes into amigurumi. You’ll practice:
✔ Working in continuous rounds
✔ Simple increases and decreases
✔ Attaching parts without sewing
✔ Creating cute textured details

Finished in under an hour, these pocket-sized hippos make wonderful:
• Keychain charms
• Bag accessories
• Desk buddies
• Baby-safe toys (just embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes)

The best part? You only need 15 yards of yarn – it’s the ultimate stash-buster project

🧶 Materials You’ll Need

• Yarn: 15 yards worsted weight gray yarn
• Hook: 3.5mm (Size E)
• Safety eyes: 6mm black pair (optional – can embroider eyes)
• Polyfill stuffing
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (for weaving ends)

📏 Finished Size

Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long

📝 Stitch Glossary (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc two together)
• Special Stitches:
  • Ear: ch 2, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook
  • Leg: Work 5 dc in same st, omitting final yo/pull-through on each, then yo and draw through all 6 loops

🧵 Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Starting the Hippo Body (Worked from Nose)

1. Round 1:
   • Chain 5
   • 2 sc in 2nd chain from hook
   • 1 sc in next 2 chains
   • 4 sc in last chain
   • Working on opposite side of chain: 1 sc in next 2 chains, 2 sc in first chain
   • (12 sc total)
2. Rounds 2-5:
   • Follow increase/decrease pattern to shape the head (see detailed rounds in original pattern)

Adding Character Features

3. Round 6 (Ears):
   • Work to marker, then make first ear (ch 2, 2 sc in 2nd ch)
   • Continue pattern, adding second ear later in round
4. Insert Eyes:
   • Place safety eyes just in front of ears
   • Alternative: Embroider eyes with black yarn for baby-safe version
5. Rounds 7-8 (Legs):
   • When pattern indicates, create legs using special stitch:
     1. Work 5 dc in same st (stopping before final pull-through each time)
     2. Yarn over, pull through all 6 loops on hook

Finishing Touches

6. Final Rounds:
   • Continue decreasing to close body
   • Stuff firmly as you go
7. Tail:
   • After final round: ch 4
   • Sl st in 2nd ch, sl st in next ch, sc in last ch
   • Attach to body so it curls adorably

💡 Pro Tips for Hippo-Making Success

• Use stitch markers to track rounds (this pattern works in continuous spirals)
• Stuff as you go – especially important for the snout area
• Keep tension even so stuffing doesn’t show through
• For keychains: Attach a ring before closing the final rounds

🌟 Make It Your Own!

Personalize your hippo with:

• Different colored yarn for a rainbow herd
• Mini bows or hats for extra charm
• Variegated yarn for a fun watercolor effect

✨ Final Thoughts

This No-Sew Hippopotamus proves big things come in small packages! It’s the perfect project when you need a:
✓ Quick crochet fix
✓ Thoughtful handmade gift
✓ Portable project for trips
✓ Confidence-booster for new crocheters

We’d love to see your hippo creations! Tag us on social media to share your tiny triumphs. Happy crocheting