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Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern

Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern
4.0★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

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All-Day Adventure

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

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Cute Companion

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

About This Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern

This charming koala pillow combines functionality with cuteness, creating a versatile piece that serves as both décor and comfort. The pattern uses soft plush yarn to achieve that irresistibly touchable texture koalas are known for. With detailed facial features including embroidered eyelids and a sweet smile, plus a hidden pocket on the back, this project offers delightful surprises at every turn. The finished size makes it perfect for cuddling, propping up during reading time, or adding a whimsical touch to any space.

Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Working with plush chenille yarn gives this koala pillow its signature softness while making the stitching process enjoyable and forgiving. The rectangular pillow body provides a stable base, while the rounded ears and limbs add dimensional charm that brings your koala to life.

Why You'll Love This Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms a functional pillow into an endearing character that sparks joy every time you see it! The combination of practical and adorable is hard to resist—you get a comfy pillow plus a sweet koala friend. I'm especially fond of the secret pocket detail on the back, which adds an element of surprise and functionality. Working with the plush yarn is such a treat; it glides through your fingers and creates that irresistibly soft texture. The satisfaction of watching those fuzzy ears take shape and seeing the personality emerge as you add the facial details is truly rewarding. This is one of those projects where every stitch feels worthwhile because you know you're creating something that will be treasured and actually used daily.

Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this koala pillow pattern can be with just a few creative tweaks! While the original uses soft greens and grays, I've experimented with different color combinations that give the koala entirely new personalities. Try using brown and cream tones for a more realistic koala look, or go bold with pastel pinks and purples for a whimsical fantasy version that kids absolutely adore.

I've also played around with the facial features to create different expressions. By positioning the eyes slightly closer together or farther apart, and adjusting the smile curve, you can give your koala a sleepy, surprised, or cheerful expression. I once embroidered tiny eyebrows above the eyes, and it added so much character!

The secret pocket is another area where I love to get creative. Instead of placing it on the back, I've sewn it onto the belly area for easy access, or even created two smaller pockets instead of one large one. Some crafters I know have added decorative elements like a small crocheted heart or flower near the pocket opening.

For a more advanced variation, I've experimented with adding texture by working some rounds in back loops only to create subtle ridges, or incorporating a contrasting color stripe pattern across the pillow body. You could even add small crocheted eucalyptus leaves attached near the ears for an extra adorable touch that references what koalas love to eat!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not stuffing the pillow corners firmly enough, which causes sagging—make sure to pack filling well into all angles for proper shape ✗ Pulling plush yarn too tightly when working, creating stiff fabric—maintain relaxed tension to preserve the soft, fluffy texture throughout ✗ Forgetting to use stitch markers at round beginnings, making it difficult to track progress—always mark your starting point when working in rounds ✗ Sewing ears too far apart or at wrong angles, affecting the koala's expression—pin ears in place first and check proportions before final attachment

Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern

Create an adorable and functional koala pillow that doubles as a cuddly companion! This delightful pattern guides you through crafting a soft, huggable pillow featuring sweet koala details including fuzzy ears, a gray nose, and tiny paws. Measuring approximately 29x46 centimeters, this versatile project works beautifully as bedroom décor, a travel companion, or a heartwarming handmade gift. The pattern includes a clever secret pocket on the back, perfect for tucking away small treasures. Using plush chenille yarn, you'll create a luxuriously soft texture that both children and adults will love snuggling with.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Pillow Koala Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Himalaya Dolphin Baby plush yarn (120m/100g) in light green - 3 skeins
  • 02
    Himalaya Dolphin Baby plush yarn in gray - less than 1 skein
  • 03
    Himalaya Dolphin Baby plush yarn in white - less than 1 skein
  • 04
    Small amount of black yarn for embroidered smile and eye details
  • 05
    Alternative: YarnArt Dolce or any similar plush chenille yarn

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5-4mm (size 3.5mm recommended)
  • 02
    Polyester fiberfill or hollofayber stuffing
  • 03
    Stitch markers or contrasting thread
  • 04
    Yarn needle for sewing
  • 05
    Black beads or buttons for eyes (22mm diameter)
  • 06
    One button for secret pocket closure
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Pins for assembly positioning

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Pillow Body :

Round 1 :

Make 90 ch, connect with first loop to form a ring

Round 2-39 :

90 sc (repeat for 38 rounds total)

Info :

Leave a long thread and sew the top of the pillow closed. Fasten and hide thread inside. Fill tightly and evenly, paying special attention to corners. Sew bottom closed, fasten thread and hide inside pillow.

— Ears (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

(inc) repeat 6 times (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (30)

Round 6 :

(4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (36)

Round 7 :

(5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (42)

Round 8 :

(6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (48)

Round 9 :

(7 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (54)

Round 10-14 :

54 sc (repeat for 5 rounds)

Round 15 :

(7 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (48)

Round 16 :

(6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (42)

Round 17 :

42 sc

Info :

Leave a long thread for sewing

— White Ear Inserts (Make 2) :

Row 1 :

5 sc in magic ring, turn

Row 2 :

(inc) repeat 5 times, turn (10)

Row 3 :

10 sc, turn

Row 4 :

(2 sc, inc) repeat 3 times, 1 sc, turn (13)

Row 5 :

(3 sc, inc) repeat 3 times, 1 sc, turn (16)

Row 6 :

16 sc, then crochet along the bottom of the ear: inc, 10 sc

Info :

Leave a long thread for sewing

— Nose :

Round 1 :

Make 11 ch

Round 2 :

Begin working from second loop from hook: 9 sc, 3 sc in 1 loop, 8 sc, inc (22)

Round 3 :

inc, inc, 9 sc, 3 sc in 1 loop, 11 sc (27)

Round 4 :

inc, inc, inc, 11 sc, inc, inc, inc, 10 sc (33)

Round 5 :

inc, 1 sc, inc, 1 sc, inc, 12 sc, inc, 1 sc, inc, 1 sc, inc, 11 sc (39)

Round 6 :

2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 12 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 11 sc (45)

Round 7 :

45 sc

Info :

Leave a long thread for sewing

— Legs (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

(inc) repeat 6 times (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

18 sc

Info :

Leave a long thread for sewing

— Arms (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

(inc) repeat 6 times (12)

Round 3 :

12 sc

Info :

Leave a long thread for sewing

— Secret Pocket :

Row 1 :

Make 35 ch

Row 2-31 :

Begin working from second loop from hook: 34 sc, turn (repeat for 30 rows total)

Row 32 :

Begin from second loop from hook: 16 sc, make 4 ch (buttonhole), skip 2 loops of previous row, crochet 16 sc. You can adjust chain length based on button size.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew ears to the top corners of the pillow, positioning ear edges directly on pillow angles. First sew ears flat to pillow surface, then sew around the circular edge to secure.
  • Stuff the nose lightly with fiberfill and sew it to the pillow front between rounds 12 and 27.
  • Attach arms and legs to appropriate positions on the pillow body using whipstitch and yarn needle.
  • Sew black bead or button eyes between rounds 22 and 23, spacing them appropriately for koala proportions.
  • Using black yarn, embroider eyelids above each eye by inserting needle between rounds 17-18 and creating small stitches over the top of each eye.
  • Continue with same black yarn to embroider a smile below the nose, securing all ends by weaving them inside the pillow.
  • Sew white ear inserts onto the inside of each gray ear for contrast detail.
  • Attach secret pocket to the back of the pillow and sew button in corresponding position for closure.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always use stitch markers or contrasting thread to mark the beginning of each round when working in continuous spiral
  • 💡Plush yarn can be tricky to see stitches—work in good lighting and count carefully to maintain accuracy
  • 💡Don't overstuff the pillow body; it should be firm but still comfortable for resting against
  • 💡Pin all facial features and limbs in place before final sewing to ensure balanced, appealing proportions
  • 💡The invisible decrease technique is crucial for neat shaping—always work through front loops only as specified
  • 💡When working with plush yarn, avoid splitting the yarn fibers by inserting your hook carefully between strands
  • 💡Adjust the buttonhole chain length in the secret pocket to match your specific button size for proper closure

This enchanting Pillow Koala pattern combines comfort and cuteness into one irresistible project! Designed with both functionality and charm in mind, this pattern creates a soft companion that works beautifully as bedroom décor, a travel buddy, or a heartfelt handmade gift. The addition of a secret pocket adds a delightful surprise element that makes this pillow extra special. Using luxuriously soft plush yarn, you'll create a huggable treasure that will be loved for years to come. 🐨🧶✨

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FAQs

Can I use regular acrylic yarn instead of plush chenille yarn?

While you can use regular yarn, the plush chenille yarn (like Himalaya Dolphin Baby or YarnArt Dolce) is what gives this koala its signature ultra-soft, cuddly texture. If using regular yarn, you'll need to adjust to a smaller hook size and the finished pillow will be smaller and have a different texture.

How do I keep track of rounds when working with plush yarn where stitches are hard to see?

Use a stitch marker or piece of contrasting colored yarn to mark the first stitch of each round. Move it up as you complete each round. Working in good lighting and counting stitches carefully as you go helps tremendously with plush yarn.

What's the best way to stuff the pillow to achieve the right firmness?

Use polyester fiberfill or hollofayber and stuff firmly but not too tightly. Pay special attention to the corners, making sure they're well-filled to maintain the pillow's rectangular shape. The pillow should feel comfortably firm but still be soft enough to rest against.

Can I make the pillow larger or smaller?

Yes! To make it larger, start with more chains in the foundation (maintaining an even number), and work more rounds. To make it smaller, use fewer foundation chains and fewer rounds. Keep in mind you'll need to adjust the ear and facial feature sizes proportionally.

Is this pattern safe for young children?

The pillow itself is child-friendly, but for very young children, consider embroidering the eyes instead of using beads or buttons to eliminate choking hazards. Also ensure all yarn ends are securely woven in and the secret pocket button is firmly attached.

How do I wash the finished koala pillow?

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent, then squeeze out excess water (don't wring). Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Avoid machine washing as it may damage the plush yarn texture and cause the pillow to lose its shape.