Crochet Cody the Bison: A Free & Easy Amigurumi Pattern

Looking for a fun and easy crochet project that’s perfect for beginners? Meet Cody the Bison—a charming, huggable amigurumi that’s just waiting to be stitched up! Standing at 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) tall, this little guy is worked in thick, soft yarn, making him quick to crochet and oh-so-snuggly.

Cody is made with Lion Brand® Re-Spun Thick & Quick® yarn, which means fewer stitches and faster results—ideal for new crocheters or anyone who loves instant gratification. Plus, his loop-stitch mane and sweet embroidered face give him loads of personality!

This pattern is great for:

Beginners (thanks to simple stitches and clear instructions!)
Gift-giving (kids, friends, or even as a nursery decoration)
Seasonal crafting (a rustic touch for fall or winter decor)

And don’t worry—exact gauge isn’t essential, so you can relax and enjoy the process. Let’s grab our hooks and get started!

Materials You’ll Need

Yarn:
- Lion Brand® Re-Spun Thick & Quick® (Art. #843)
  - #125 Cider (A) – 1 ball (for body, legs, ears, arms)
  - #150 Pumice Stone (B) – 1 ball (for muzzle, horns)
  - #126 Espresso (C) – 1 ball (for mane, head stripe, details)
Crochet Hook: Size H-8 (5 mm)
Other Supplies:
- Large-eyed blunt needle
- 2 plastic safety eyes (10mm)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Scissors

Abbreviations & Stitches Used

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for the stitches in this pattern:

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (decrease)
loop st = loop stitch (used for the mane—see detailed instructions below)
Magic Ring = adjustable ring technique for starting rounds

Special Stitch: Loop Stitch (for Mane)

Wrap yarn over your index finger (about 1.5 inches/4 cm long).
Insert hook into next stitch.
Hook the lower strand and pull it through the stitch.
Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.

Finished Size

Cody stands about 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) tall when complete.

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Cody is worked in 11 separate pieces, then assembled. Here’s how to make each part:

Legs-Body-Head (Worked Continuously)

Leg I (Make 1, fasten off)

Magic Ring, ch 1, 8 sc in ring. Join with sl st. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st around. (12 sc)
Rnds 3-4: Sc in each st around.

Leg II (Make 1, do NOT fasten off)
Work same as Leg I, then proceed to Join Legs.

Join Legs:

Ch 3 (for leg gap), attach to Leg I, then work increases and hdc between legs. (40 sts total)

Body (Rnds 6-21)

Work in continuous rounds, shaping the body with increases and decreases.
Start stuffing around Rnd 14 and continue as you go.

Head (Rnds 22-40)

Work increases for a round head, then decrease to close.
Add safety eyes between Rnds 29-30 (11 sts apart).

Other Pieces (Sew On Later)

Muzzle (With B)

Magic Ring, work sc and hdc in a curved shape. Sew to face.

Head Stripe (With C)

Ch 13, sc in rows. Sew to top of head.

Ears (Make 2, With A)

Magic Ring, increase rounds, then flatten and sew.

Horns (Make 2, With B)

Work in increasing rounds, stuff lightly, and attach above ears.

Arms (Make 2, With A)

Work in rounds, stuff lightly, and sew to body.

Mane Hair (With C)

Chain 17, work loop stitches, and tie around neck.

Tail (With A)

Chain 7, slip stitch, add a tuft of C yarn.

Assembly & Finishing

Embroider Face:
- Use B for eye highlights, C for eyebrows/nostrils.
Sew On Muzzle: Stuff lightly before attaching.
Attach Ears & Horns: Place ears between Rnds 30-32, horns above them.
Sew Arms: Attach between Rnds 18-19 of the body.
Tie Mane: Wrap around neck and knot at the back.
Add Tail & Belly Button: Sew tail to back, embroider a French knot belly button.

Tips for Beginners

Magic Ring Help: If new to this technique, check out video tutorials for a visual guide.
Stuff Firmly (But Not Too Tight): Keeps shape without stretching stitches.
Safety First: If gifting to a child, ensure all parts are securely sewn.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your very own Cody the Bison! Whether you’re making him for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, this little guy is sure to bring smiles.