🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
1.4K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This pattern includes detailed photo tutorials for complex steps like invisible joins, ear assembly, and eye placement. Working in continuous spirals and strategic row work creates Bubba's distinctive elephant shape with proper proportions and adorable character.

Why You'll Love This Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern teaches you advanced construction techniques while creating such an endearing character! The way the trunk flows seamlessly into the head is incredibly satisfying to work, and I find the detailed ear assembly process fascinating—it's like solving a creative puzzle. What really makes my heart sing is adding those final embroidered details that give Bubba personality and soul. The brushed tail technique is a game-changer that adds professional polish. Every time I complete a Bubba, I'm amazed at how those careful stitches transform into a huggable friend with so much charm and character that brings smiles to everyone who sees him.

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color variations to give each Bubba elephant a unique personality! While the original pattern uses a beautiful neutral beige, you could create a pastel pink or baby blue elephant for a nursery, or even go bold with bright colors like purple, teal, or coral for a more whimsical look.

For an extra special touch, I sometimes add a small crocheted bow tie or flower crown to Bubba's head, which transforms him from adorable to absolutely irresistible. You could also embroider tiny hearts or stars on the ears for added charm.

If you want to make Bubba truly personalized, consider using variegated or ombre yarn that gradually shifts colors throughout the body—this creates a magical, one-of-a-kind effect that makes your elephant stand out. I've even seen crafters add small fabric patches to the ears or embroider the recipient's name on Bubba's foot.

Size variations are another fun way to switch things up! Use thicker yarn with a larger hook to create a giant cuddle buddy, or try thread weight yarn with a tiny hook for an adorable miniature version that could be a keychain charm. Each size change brings new possibilities and challenges that keep the pattern exciting.

Don't be afraid to get creative with the embroidered details either—you could add eyelashes for a feminine look, change the eyebrow expression to create different moods, or even add little toenails in contrasting colors. The beauty of handmade is that no two Bubbas need to look exactly the same, and each variation tells its own special story!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Overstuffing the trunk making it too stiff instead of keeping it slightly flexible and poseable as intended ✗ Forgetting to mark eye placement stitches before installing safety eyes resulting in uneven or asymmetrical facial features ✗ Missing the back loops only instructions in specific rounds which changes the texture and shaping dramatically ✗ Not pinning body parts before sewing them causing misalignment and requiring difficult adjustments or complete reassembly ✗ Skipping stitch markers during continuous spiral rounds leading to lost count and incorrectly sized pieces ✗ Stuffing the arms and tail sections that should remain flat making assembly difficult and awkward

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

Create your own adorable Bubba the elephant with this detailed amigurumi pattern! Standing at approximately 7.9 inches tall, Bubba features charming details including embroidered eyebrows, expressive eyes, lovely big ears, and a fluffy brushed tail. This comprehensive pattern guides you through creating a cuddly elephant companion using worsted weight yarn and includes special techniques for shaping the trunk, assembling intricate ear pieces, and adding personality through embroidered details that bring Bubba to life.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    100% acrylic worsted weight yarn in Dark Beige or Grey (VERTO DI ROMA Vinia recommended, color code V69)
  • 02
    Small amount of Beige or White yarn for embroidery details on nails and eyebrows

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.25mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and embroidery
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers or locking stitch marker
  • 05
    Pins for assembly
  • 06
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 07
    Safety eyes 12mm diameter
  • 08
    Wire pet brush or velcro hook side for brushing tail (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Trunk - Head :

Info :

With Dark Beige/Grey. The trunk and head are worked in one piece, starting with the trunk

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 3 (15)

Round 4 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 3 - WORK THIS ROUND THROUGH BACK LOOPS ONLY (12)

Round 5-10 :

12 sc - 6 rounds (12)

Info :

Start stuffing the trunk and keep doing it as you go, but do not push too much stuffing inside to keep trunk slightly flexible. Be careful when stuffing the beginning of the trunk so it remains sunk

Round 11 :

[5 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (14)

Round 12-15 :

14 sc - 4 rounds (14)

Round 16 :

[6 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (16)

Round 17-20 :

16 sc - 4 rounds (16)

Round 21 :

[7 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (18)

Round 22-25 :

18 sc - 4 rounds (18)

Round 26 :

[8 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (20)

Round 27-28 :

20 sc - 2 rounds (20)

Info :

Stop here, now we are going to start working for rows. From where you stopped on R28, make a chain, turn your piece and work

Row 1 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

Stop once you have finished the 12 sc (we leave without working the remaining 8 stitches), and continue working for rows

Row 2 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 dec (10)

Row 3 :

1 ch, turn, 10 sc (10)

Row 4 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 6 sc, 1 dec (8)

Row 5 :

1 ch, turn, 8 sc (8)

Row 6 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec (6)

Info :

We are going to work the first round along the edges of the rows we just made, in the R28 stitches of the trunk we left without working and in the row 6 stitches. Work in a continuous spiral again

Round 1 :

24 sc (5 sc along the edges from R6 to R1, 8 sc in the R28 stitches of the trunk we left without working, 5 sc along the edges from R1 to R6, 6 sc in the stitches of R6) (24)

Round 2 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

Round 3 :

30 sc (30)

Round 4 :

2 sc, [1 inc, 4 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 2 sc (36)

Round 5 :

[5 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (42)

Round 6 :

3 sc, [1 inc, 6 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 3 sc (48)

Round 7-8 :

48 sc - 2 rounds (48)

Info :

Stop here and mark the nº 35 stitch you made on R8 and continue. Remember to start stuffing normally from now on

Round 9 :

48 sc (48)

Info :

Stop here and mark the nº 3 stitch you made on R9. Bubba's eyes will be placed later in the marked stitches. There will be 15 stitches between the two marked stitches

Round 10 :

48 sc (48)

Round 11 :

[7 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (54)

Round 12 :

54 sc (54)

Info :

Stop here and install the safety eyes into the marked stitches and continue with the head

Round 13-20 :

54 sc - 8 rounds (54)

Round 21 :

[7 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (48)

Round 22 :

3 sc, [1 dec, 6 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 3 sc (42)

Round 23 :

[5 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (36)

Round 24 :

2 sc, [1 dec, 4 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 2 sc (30)

Round 25 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (24)

Round 26 :

1 sc, [1 dec, 2 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 1 sc (18)

Round 27 :

[1 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (12)

Round 28 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and close the hole using the yarn needle through front loops, pull tight, secure with knot and hide end inside head

— Eye Expression :

Info :

Cut a long piece of yarn (same color as head), thread yarn needle and insert it through edge of left eye between rounds 8-9 of the head horizontally towards same place in right eye. Pull out leaving a tail. Wrap yarn over one stitch up between rounds 9-10, push needle horizontally towards same place in left side of head above edge of eye. Wrap yarn over one stitch and repeat. Cut yarn leaving similar tail. Pull both tails gently at same time to sink eyes into head. Secure with 2 knots at edge of eye and hide tails inside head

— Eyebrows Embroidery :

Info :

Eyebrows will be placed between rounds 11-12 of the head. Each one will be embroidered over 4 holes. Cut long Black yarn piece, thread yarn needle and insert through hole 1, pull out at opposite side of head through hole 2 leaving tail. Insert needle through hole 3 and pull out through hole 1 for right eyebrow. Insert needle through hole 4 and pull out through hole 1 for left eyebrow. Tie two tails together with 2 knots and hide inside head

— Ears (Right Ear - 1st Piece) :

Info :

With Dark Beige/Grey. Do not stuff. The ears are worked for rows. Each ear is made of 2 pieces that will be joined later. Make foundation chain with 2 ch. Starting in 2nd chain from hook

Row 1 :

1 inc (2)

Row 2 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 1 sc (3)

Row 3 :

1 ch, turn, 2 sc, 1 inc (4)

Row 4 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 3 sc (5)

Row 5 :

1 ch, turn, 4 sc, 1 inc (6)

Row 6 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 5 sc (7)

Row 7 :

1 ch, turn, 6 sc, 1 inc (8)

Row 8 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 7 sc (9)

Row 9 :

1 ch, turn, 8 sc, 1 inc (10)

Row 10 :

1 ch, turn, 10 sc (10)

Row 11 :

1 ch, turn, 9 sc, 1 inc (11)

Row 12-13 :

1 ch, turn, 11 sc - 2 rows (11)

Row 14 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 inc (11)

Row 15 :

1 ch, turn, 11 sc (11)

Row 16 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 inc (11)

Row 17 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 8 sc, 1 dec (11)

Row 18 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 7 sc - LEAVE WITHOUT WORKING THE 2 REMAINING STITCHES (8)

Row 19 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec (6)

Row 20 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 4 sc + 1 sc + 2 sc (8)

Info :

Do not fasten off, we are going to continue working around the ear's shape. Mark with stitch marker the last stitch you made on R20

Shape :

17 sc, 1 inc, 19 sc, 8 sc (46)

Info :

Cut yarn leaving tail and pull out through last stitch. Finish with invisible join. Mark the last stitch made on shape's round to guide joining pieces together

— Right Ear (2nd Piece) :

Info :

Make another piece just like 1st one until R20 (included). Stop before working the shape. Turn your work without making a chain

Shape :

8 sc, 19 sc, 1 inc, 17 sc (46)

Info :

DO NOT FASTEN OFF. Place second piece on top of first one, right sides facing out. Join the 46 stitches of both pieces with slip stitch round using back loops only from both pieces. Start in next stitch from where you stopped on 2nd piece and in marked stitch on 1st piece. Mark first sl to know where to finish round. Once finished, fasten off making another sl in first sl of round. Cut yarn leaving long tail for sewing

— Left Ear (1st Piece) :

Info :

Repeat same instructions as right ear until R20 (included), stop before working piece's shape. Before turning work, mark next hole from where you stopped. Turn work

Shape :

8 sc, 19 sc, 1 inc, 17 sc (46)

Info :

Once you reach stitch marker, remove it and make last stitch of shape's round here. Cut yarn leaving tail and pull out through last stitch. Finish with invisible join. Mark the false stitch to guide joining pieces together

— Left Ear (2nd Piece) :

Info :

Repeat same instructions until R20 (included), stop before working shape

Shape :

17 sc, 1 inc, 19 sc, 8 sc (46)

Info :

DO NOT FASTEN OFF. Join 46 stitches of both pieces with slip stitch round using back loops only. Place 2nd piece on top of 1st piece. Start in 2nd piece next stitch and in 1st piece marked stitch. Mark first sl. Complete shape's round, fasten off making sl into first sl. Cut yarn leaving long tail for sewing

— Body :

Info :

With Dark Beige/Grey

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

[1 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

1 sc, [1 inc, 2 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 1 sc (24)

Round 5 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

2 sc, [1 inc, 4 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 2 sc (36)

Round 7 :

[5 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (42)

Round 8 :

3 sc, [1 inc, 6 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 3 sc (48)

Round 9 :

[7 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (54)

Round 10-15 :

54 sc - 6 rounds (54)

Round 16 :

[7 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (48)

Round 17-19 :

48 sc - 3 rounds (48)

Round 20 :

3 sc, [1 dec, 6 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 3 sc (42)

Round 21-23 :

42 sc - 3 rounds (42)

Round 24 :

[5 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (36)

Round 25-27 :

36 sc - 3 rounds - Start stuffing (36)

Round 28 :

2 sc, [1 dec, 4 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 2 sc (30)

Round 29-30 :

30 sc - 2 rounds (30)

Round 31 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (24)

Round 32 :

24 sc (24)

Info :

Finish with sl and cut yarn leaving long tail for sewing

— Arms :

Info :

With Dark Beige/Grey. Make two

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

[1 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

1 sc, [1 inc, 2 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 1 sc (24)

Round 5 :

24 sc - WORK THIS ROUND THROUGH BACK LOOPS ONLY (24)

Round 6-10 :

24 sc - 5 rounds (24)

Round 11 :

[6 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (21)

Round 12-15 :

21 sc - 4 rounds - Start stuffing (21)

Round 16 :

[5 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (18)

Round 17-20 :

18 sc - 4 rounds (18)

Round 21 :

[4 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (15)

Round 22-27 :

15 sc - 6 rounds - Stop stuffing at R25 approx (15)

Round 28 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (12)

Round 29 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

Fasten off and cut yarn leaving tail for sewing. Close the arm by folding in half, place yarn to the back before start, and from where you stopped in R29 crochet 6 sc through stitches of both parts

— Legs :

Info :

With Dark Beige/Grey. Make two

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

Round 3 :

[1 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

1 sc, [1 inc, 2 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 1 sc (24)

Round 5 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

2 sc, [1 inc, 4 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 2 sc (36)

Round 7 :

36 sc - WORK THIS ROUND THROUGH BACK LOOPS ONLY (36)

Round 8-9 :

36 sc - 2 rounds (36)

Round 10 :

5 sc, [1 dec, 10 sc] x 2, 1 dec, 5 sc (33)

Round 11 :

33 sc (33)

Round 12 :

[9 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (30)

Round 13 :

30 sc (30)

Round 14 :

4 sc, [1 dec, 8 sc] x 2, 1 dec, 4 sc (27)

Round 15 :

27 sc (27)

Round 16 :

[7 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (24)

Round 17-18 :

24 sc - 2 rounds (24)

Round 19 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

Round 20-22 :

30 sc - 3 rounds (30)

Info :

Fasten off and cut yarn leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff the legs

— Tail :

Info :

With Dark Beige/Grey. Do not stuff

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Round 2-9 :

6 sc 8 rounds (6)

Round 10 :

[2 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (8)

Round 11 :

8 sc (8)

Round 12 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (10)

Round 13 :

10 sc (10)

Info :

Close the tail the same way as arms. Fold it in half and from where you stopped at R13 crochet 5 sc through stitches of both parts. Optional: Brush tail bottom carefully with wire pet brush or velcro hook part until fluffy as desired. Trim extra long fibers if necessary. Alternative: Cut cotton pieces same color and tie them at tail bottom, then trim to desired shape

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew ears onto head in row of holes number 7 counting from where eyes are, with approximately 9 stitches between them, aligned one row above eyebrows through 12 stitches each.
  • Attach body to head using pins to hold position before sewing, and when 6 stitches remain add more stuffing inside body to keep head firm.
  • Sew legs onto body following pin placement, stopping with some stitches left to add extra stuffing inside each leg before completing.
  • Attach arms to body sides using pins for proper positioning before sewing them securely in place.
  • Sew tail to back of body at appropriate position for natural elephant appearance.
  • Embroider nail details on each foot using 4 nails and each hand using 3 nails with white or beige yarn, inserting needle through same holes 3 times to make nails thicker.
  • Optionally brush tail bottom with wire pet brush or velcro to create fluffy texture, or attach cut yarn pieces for alternative finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use tight tension or smaller hook than yarn recommends to prevent stuffing from showing through stitches
  • 💡Always use stitch markers to track beginning of rounds when working in continuous spiral to maintain accurate stitch counts
  • 💡The trunk should be stuffed lightly to remain slightly flexible and poseable, not rigid like the head
  • 💡Mark eye placement stitches carefully before installing safety eyes to ensure symmetrical and properly positioned facial features
  • 💡Pin all body parts in position before sewing to verify correct placement and proportions before permanent attachment
  • 💡Stop stuffing arms and tail at specified rounds as these parts need to remain flat for proper closing and assembly
  • 💡For children under 3 years old, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes to ensure toy safety

This charming Bubba the elephant pattern brings together intermediate crochet techniques with delightful finishing details to create a truly special handmade companion. From the innovative trunk-and-head construction to the intricate two-piece ear assembly and those adorable embroidered eyebrows, every element is designed to teach you valuable skills while crafting something absolutely precious. The optional brushed tail adds that extra touch of magic that makes Bubba stand out from ordinary amigurumi projects. Whether you're making him for yourself, as a heartfelt gift, or to brighten a child's day, Bubba is sure to become a treasured friend. Happy crocheting and enjoy watching your elephant come to life stitch by stitch! 🐘💕🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will my finished Bubba elephant be?

Following this pattern with worsted weight yarn and a 3.25mm hook, Bubba will measure approximately 7.9 inches (about 20cm) tall when completed.

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the final size. Use a hook size smaller than recommended for your chosen yarn to maintain tight tension and prevent stuffing from showing through. Thicker yarn will create a larger elephant, while thinner yarn will make a smaller one.

How do I make the trunk flexible instead of stiff?

The key is to stuff the trunk lightly and gradually as you work. Don't push the stuffing in too firmly—you want it to have some give. Be especially careful at the beginning of the trunk to keep it slightly sunken as shown in the pattern photos.

Why are the ears made in two pieces each?

The two-piece ear construction creates realistic elephant ears with proper shape and dimension. When joined with slip stitches through back loops only, it creates a natural-looking ear edge that stands away from the head beautifully.

Is the brushed tail technique necessary?

The brushed tail is completely optional but adds a lovely fluffy finish. It only works well with acrylic or wool yarn—not cotton. If you prefer not to brush or used cotton yarn, you can tie cut yarn pieces to the tail bottom and trim them to shape instead.

What's the invisible join technique used in this pattern?

The invisible join is a finishing method that eliminates the visible bump from a traditional fasten-off knot. The pattern includes a detailed photo tutorial on page 25 showing how to create a 'false stitch' that blends seamlessly with your work for professional-looking results.

Can I make this pattern child-safe?

Absolutely! Replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes for children under 3 years old. Make sure all yarn ends are securely woven in and hidden, and stuff firmly enough that the toy holds its shape but won't have any hard lumps.

Why do some rounds need to be worked in back loops only?

Working through back loops only (BLO) creates a visible ridge or texture change in your work. In this pattern, it's used strategically to define the trunk shape, create natural joints at limbs, and add dimensional details that make Bubba look more realistic.