🦁 How to Crochet a Plushie Lion: Craft Your Own Cuddly King of the Jungle

September 16, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the majestic lion—the king of the jungle, the ruler of the savannah, and an eternal symbol of strength and courage. But what if you could bring that regal power home in the form of a soft, snuggly, handcrafted plushie lion?

Whether you’re an expert crocheter or a newbie eager to dive into amigurumi, this detailed tutorial will guide you step-by-step to create your very own fuzzy lion friend. With its fluffy mane, proud stance, and sweet little face, this plushie lion will surely claim your heart (and your crochet hook).

Ready to roar into crafting? Let’s get started!

🧶 What You’ll Need to Make Your Plushie Lion

Before we unleash the creativity, here’s a quick checklist of your lion-making supplies:

Yarn:
- Golden yellow or tan (for body and head)
- Dark brown or rust (for the mane)
- Cream or light beige (for muzzle and belly)
Crochet hook: 4 mm (G) or size appropriate for your yarn
Stuffing: Polyester fibrefill
Safety eyes: 10 mm–12 mm (or black yarn for embroidered eyes)
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Scissors
Black embroidery thread for nose, mouth, and whiskers

🧵 Quick Crochet Terms Refresher (US Terms)

sc = single crochet
inc = increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec = decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
st = stitch
rnd = round
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch

🦁 The Plushie Lion Pattern Breakdown

Your lion will be crafted in parts, then lovingly stitched together:

Head
Body
Mane
Ears (x2)
Legs (x4)
Tail with a tuft
Muzzle
Embroidered facial details

🦁 Head (Golden Yellow 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 rounds 8 and 9, about 6 stitches apart.

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

🦁 Body (Golden Yellow Yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st (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 in each st (36)  
Rnd 14: *sc 4, dec* around (30)  
Rnd 15: *sc 3, dec* around (24)  
Rnd 16: *sc 2, dec* around (18)  
Stuff firmly!  
Rnd 17: *sc 1, dec* around (12)  
Rnd 18: dec around (6)  
FO and leave a tail for sewing.

🦁 Mane (Dark Brown Yarn)

The mane is the lion’s crown! We’ll make a ring of fluffy loops around the head.

Chain 50 (or enough to fit snugly around the head’s base). Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Rnd 1: ch 5, sl st into next st around the ring.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

How to attach: Sew this ring around the base of the lion’s head, fluffing the loops to create that glorious mane!

🦁 Ears (Make 2, Golden Yellow Yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)  
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)  
Rnd 4: sc in each st (18)  
FO and leave a tail for sewing.

🦁 Legs (Make 4, Golden Yellow Yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (9)  
Rnd 3–5: sc in each st (9)  
Lightly stuff legs.  
FO and leave a tail for sewing.

🦁 Tail (Golden Yellow Yarn + Dark Brown Tuft)

Tail base:
- Chain 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each chain back (9 sc).
- FO, leave a tail for sewing.
Tuft:
- Make several dark brown loops (chain 5 loops) or create a small pom-pom with brown yarn and attach at tail end.

🦁 Muzzle (Cream Yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)  
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)  
Rnd 3: sc in each st (12)  
FO and leave a tail for sewing.

Sew muzzle onto front of the head under the eyes.

🧵 Assembly & Finishing Touches

Sew the muzzle on the head.
Embroider the nose (black yarn, triangle shape) and mouth details.
Attach safety eyes or embroider eyes if you prefer.
Sew the ears to the sides of the head, just above the mane ring.
Sew the mane ring around the base of the head, fluffing loops outward.
Attach the head to the body securely.
Sew legs evenly spaced on the bottom of the body.
Attach tail at the back.
Embroider some whiskers or freckles if you want extra character!

🦁 Extra Tips for a Roaring Success

Use fuzzy or boucle yarn for the mane to get an ultra-fluffy effect!
Play with yarn colours for a fantasy lion—white lion, golden sunset, or even pastel!
Add accessories like a tiny crocheted crown, scarf, or bowtie to make your lion even more majestic.

🦁 Final Roar

Creating a plushie lion isn’t just about crafting a cute toy; it’s about inviting a little courage and warmth into your home. This lion, with its soft mane and brave heart, is a reminder that strength can be gentle and that every crochet stitch weaves a story.

So get your yarn ready, take your time, and enjoy every loop and stitch as you bring your cuddly king to life.

📸 Show Off Your Pride!

Finished your lion? Don’t be shy— Drop a photo in the comments below. I’d love to see your majestic work!

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