🐅 How to Crochet a Plushie Tiger: Bring the Jungle to Your Hands

There’s something undeniably majestic about tigers — those fierce stripes, that bold stare, and the silent power in every step. But what if you could tame one… with your crochet hook? Enter the world of plushie tigers, where ferocity meets fuzziness, and every stitch brings a tiny tiger to life.

This project is perfect for those who want to channel their inner artist and animal lover at the same time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hooker, this plush tiger will become your cozy jungle buddy in no time.

Ready to pounce? Let’s dive into making your very own cuddly tiger!

🧶 Supplies You’ll Need

Before we roar, let’s round up your tiger toolkit:

  • Yarn:

    • Orange (for the main body)

    • White (for belly, muzzle, and inner ears)

    • Black (for stripes and nose)

  • Crochet hook: 4 mm (G) or size recommended for your yarn

  • Safety eyes: 10 mm–12 mm (or black yarn to embroider)

  • Polyester stuffing: Fluffy and firm

  • Yarn needle: For sewing parts together and embroidering details

  • Stitch markers

  • Scissors

  • Black embroidery thread (for whiskers and mouth)

🧵 Basic Crochet Terms (US)

Here’s a quick glossary to keep things clear:

  • sc — single crochet

  • inc — increase (2 sc in one stitch)

  • dec — decrease (sc 2 together)

  • st — stitch

  • rnd — round

  • ch — chain

  • sl st — slip stitch

All pieces are crocheted in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise.

🐯 The Plushie Tiger Pattern Breakdown

We’ll create the tiger piece-by-piece:

  • Head

  • Body

  • Belly patch

  • Ears (x2)

  • Legs (x4)

  • Tail

  • Stripes & Facial details

🐾 Head (Main Orange Yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)  
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)  
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* around (24)  
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* around (30)  
Rnd 6–11: sc in each st (30)  

➡️ Insert safety eyes between Rnds 8–9, 6 sts apart.

Rnd 12: *sc 3, dec* around (24)  
Rnd 13: *sc 2, dec* around (18)  
Stuff the head firmly now.
Rnd 14: *sc 1, dec* around (12)  
Rnd 15: dec around (6)  
FO and leave a tail for sewing.

🐅 Body (Orange Yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)  
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)  
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* around (24)  
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* around (30)  
Rnd 6: *sc 4, inc* around (36)  
Rnd 7–13: sc around (36)  
Rnd 14: *sc 4, dec* around (30)  
Rnd 15: *sc 3, dec* around (24)  
Rnd 16: *sc 2, dec* around (18)  

➡️ Stuff the body firmly.

Rnd 17: *sc 1, dec* around (12)  
Rnd 18: dec around (6)  
FO and leave a tail for sewing.

🐾 Belly Patch (White Yarn)

Make a small oval-shaped patch for the belly:

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)  
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)  
Rnd 4–5: sc around (18)  
FO, leave tail to sew to body.

🐯 Ears (Make 2)

Rnd 1 (Orange): 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)  
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)  
FO, leave a tail for sewing.

Make a smaller white patch inside the ear (optional):

Rnd 1 (White): 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: sc around (6)  
FO and sew inside orange ear.

🐾 Legs (Make 4)

Rnd 1 (Orange): 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (9)  
Rnd 3–5: sc around (9)  
FO, stuff lightly, leave tail to sew.

🐅 Tail (Orange Yarn)

Ch 8, turn  
Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (7)  
FO, leave tail to sew.

🧵 Assembly & Details

Sew all parts together:

  • Attach the belly patch to the front of the body.

  • Sew the head to the top of the body, centred.

  • Attach ears on either side of the head.

  • Sew legs to the bottom of the body, two at the front and two at the back.

  • Attach the tail at the back.

Add the stripes & face:

  • Use black yarn to embroider stripes on the head, body, and tail.

  • Embroider a nose and whiskers on the muzzle area.

  • Add a sweet little smile, or a fierce tiger grin — your call!

🐯 Tips for Extra Cuteness

  • Add a tiny bow tie or scarf for personality!

  • Use safety eyes with eyelashes for a sassy tiger look.

  • Experiment with yarn textures — plush, velvet, or even sparkly yarn for a magical twist.

  • Create siblings: lion, leopard, or jaguar plushies using the same base pattern but different colours and details.

🐅 Roar Your Way to Cozy

Crocheting your plushie tiger is more than just a craft—it’s bringing a little wild magic into your life. Each stitch builds not only a soft companion but a story, a memory, and a splash of creativity.

So grab your yarn, embrace the tiger spirit, and let your hook do the roaring. Before you know it, your jungle crew will be ready to prowl!

🐾 Share Your Stripes!

Made your own crochet tiger? I’d love to see your fierce creations! Post a pic and tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below — let’s celebrate your crafty roar together!

 

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