Materials
• DK or light worsted cotton yarn. Use smooth cotton or cotton-acrylic for crisp shapes and good stitch definition.
• Suggested colors: soft gray, tan, golden yellow, caramel brown, cream, peach, sage green, lavender, and blush pink.
• 2.5-3.0 mm crochet hook for amigurumi parts and 3.0-3.5 mm hook for the spiral ribbon, adjusted to your tension.
• 6-8 mm black safety eyes, or black embroidery thread if the hanging will be used around small children.
• Polyester fiberfill for heads, bodies, and dimensional motifs.
• Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins, and a small amount of sewing thread if desired.
• Optional: wooden or acrylic beads, small crystal drops, jump rings, lobster clasps, and lightweight bells.
Abbreviations – US Crochet Terms
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• inc = 2 stitches in the same stitch
• dec = single crochet 2 stitches together
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• MR = magic ring
• st / sts = stitch / stitches
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat
• FO = fasten off
Method and General Notes
These hangings are built in modules. First crochet the spiral ribbon, then make the character topper and small decorative motifs. After blocking, sew or tie the motifs to the spiral and finish with a hanging loop and a bottom charm.
Work amigurumi pieces in continuous rounds unless a joined round is specifically stated. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. Stuff firmly enough to hold shape, but do not overfill small pieces.
For the spiral, the curl is created by working many increases across a long foundation row. The fabric should curl naturally while you crochet. If your spiral is too loose, add more increases; if it curls too tightly, use a larger hook or fewer increases.
The finished hanging is decorative. If you add beads, bells, safety eyes, or crystals, keep it away from babies and toddlers unless every component is securely sewn and age-appropriate.
Finished Size
Approximately 48-64 cm long. Character toppers are about 9-12 cm tall depending on ears, mane, and horns.
Shared Spiral Ribbon
This spiral is the foundation for all four hangings in this collection. The sample uses peach, yellow, lavender, or sage and cream. Adjust the foundation length to suit your space.
Foundation: With peach, yellow, lavender, or sage, ch 95. For a shorter hanging, ch 70-80; for a longer hanging, ch 105-120.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Work 2 hdc in each st across. The strip will begin to curl strongly. Do not flatten it.
Row 3: Change to cream. Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each st across the outside edge of the curl. FO, leaving a long tail for assembly.
Optional two-tone center line: Surface sl st along the original Row 1 using a contrast color. Keep the tension relaxed so the spiral remains flexible.
Hanging loop: Ch 35-45 with the chosen loop color. Sl st back through the chain to make a firm cord. Fold in half and sew securely to the top piece.
Pattern note: The exact number of visible turns depends on yarn, hook size, and the foundation length. Aim for 5-7 relaxed turns for a hanging approximately 45-60 cm long.
Elephant Topper
Head
Head Rnd 1: With soft gray, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
Rnds 7-12: Sc around. Place eyes between Rnds 9 and 10, about 6-7 sts apart, or embroider closed eyes.
Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18). Stuff firmly.
Rnd 16: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
Rnd 17: Dec around. (6). FO and close.
Trunk
Rnd 1: With gray, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnds 2-10: Sc around. Stuff very lightly.
Rnd 11: (sc, inc) x3. (9)
Rnds 12-13: Sc around. FO. Curve the trunk upward and tack the curve with a few stitches.
Ears – make 2
Outer ear: With gray, MR 6 sc; Rnd 2 inc around; Rnd 3 (sc, inc) x6; Rnd 4 (2 sc, inc) x6. FO.
Inner ear: Make the same shape one round smaller in pale pink. Sew inner ear to outer ear, then attach to head.
Elephant Body
Rnd 1: With soft gray, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnds 5-9: Sc around. (24)
Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Rnds 11-12: Sc around. (18)
Rnd 13: (sc, dec) x6. (12). Stuff.
Rnd 14: Dec around. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.
Flower accent: Sew a small daisy above one ear.
Lion Topper
Head
Head Rnd 1: With cream, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
Rnds 7-12: Sc around. Place eyes between Rnds 9 and 10, about 6-7 sts apart, or embroider closed eyes.
Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18). Stuff firmly.
Rnd 16: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
Rnd 17: Dec around. (6). FO and close.
Mane
Mane strip: With caramel, ch 70-80. Work 3 hdc in each chain. The strip will curl. Arrange the curls around the back and sides of the head and sew securely to form a full mane.
Ears – make 2
Ear: With tan, MR 6 sc; Rnd 2 inc around. Fold in half and sew to head just inside the mane.
Lion Body
Rnd 1: With cream, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnds 5-9: Sc around. (24)
Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Rnds 11-12: Sc around. (18)
Rnd 13: (sc, dec) x6. (12). Stuff.
Rnd 14: Dec around. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.
Tail charm: Make a small yellow sun or leaf cluster for the bottom of the spiral.
Giraffe Topper
Head
Head Rnd 1: With golden yellow, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
Rnds 7-12: Sc around. Place eyes between Rnds 9 and 10, about 6-7 sts apart, or embroider closed eyes.
Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18). Stuff firmly.
Rnd 16: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
Rnd 17: Dec around. (6). FO and close.
Ossicones – make 2
Horn: With brown, ch 5, sl st back. At tip, make a brown bobble with 5 dc closed together. Sew to top of head.
Ears – make 2
Ear: With yellow, ch 5. Starting in 2nd ch: sc, hdc, dc, 4 dc in last ch; opposite side: dc, hdc, sc. Add a pale-pink inner ear if desired.
Giraffe Body
Rnd 1: With golden yellow, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnds 5-9: Sc around. (24)
Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Rnds 11-12: Sc around. (18)
Rnd 13: (sc, dec) x6. (12). Stuff.
Rnd 14: Dec around. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.
Spots: Embroider irregular brown patches on head and body using satin stitch or small crocheted circles.
Monkey Topper
Head
Head Rnd 1: With warm brown, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
Rnds 7-12: Sc around. Place eyes between Rnds 9 and 10, about 6-7 sts apart, or embroider closed eyes.
Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18). Stuff firmly.
Rnd 16: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
Rnd 17: Dec around. (6). FO and close.
Face patch: With cream, ch 7. Work a small oval for 2 rounds. Sew to center front, then embroider nose and smile.
Ears – make 2
Ear: With brown, MR 6 sc; Rnd 2 inc around. Make a smaller cream circle and sew inside. Sew ears to sides of head.
Monkey Body
Rnd 1: With warm brown, 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rnds 5-9: Sc around. (24)
Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Rnds 11-12: Sc around. (18)
Rnd 13: (sc, dec) x6. (12). Stuff.
Rnd 14: Dec around. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.
Tail
Tail: With brown, ch 28-35. Starting in 2nd ch, sc across. Return with a second row of sc. FO. Curl the tail around your finger and lightly steam from a distance, or tack the curl in place with a few stitches.
Banana: With yellow, ch 10. Starting in 2nd ch: sc, hdc, dc 5, hdc, sc. Work a second row along one edge with 2 sc in each st to force a curve. Add brown tips.
Safari Decorations
Tropical Leaf
Leaf: Ch 8. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the opposite side of foundation: sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st. FO. For a pointed leaf, pull the final tail firmly through the tip.
Mini Daisy
Center: With yellow, MR, 6 sc. Sl st to first sc and FO.
Petals: Join white to any stitch. *Ch 4, 2 dc in the same stitch, ch 4, sl st in same stitch.* Repeat in each of the 6 center stitches. FO and weave in ends.
Layered Tropical Flower
Center: MR, 5 sc. Join.
Petals: *Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in same st.* Repeat around. FO.
Mini rainbow: Ch 16 with pink; work 2 dc in each chain. Add a second curved row in cream and a third in sage. Sew only the ends together to keep the rainbow arched.
Banana bunch: Make 3 tiny bananas using the monkey banana method with ch 7-8. Sew the top ends together under two small green leaves