If you’re looking for a delightful, characterful crochet project, this plush mammoth amigurumi is perfect for you. With its oversized ears, lush brown fur, curly tufted hair on top, adorable trunk, and striking white tusks, this mammoth plushie captures prehistoric charm while being cuddly and soft. The body is rotund and hug-sized, with sturdy legs, expressive safety eyes, and big floppy ears featuring color-contrasted inner linings for extra cuteness. This project stands out because of the invitingly plush texture achieved using super bulky velvet yarn, making it not just visually appealing but utterly snuggly. It works beautifully as a unique child’s toy, a playful nursery decoration, or a thoughtful handmade gift. The project is a fun, engaging build for anyone who loves expressive amigurumi animals.
Project Overview
This mammoth plushie is constructed in distinct, easily managed pieces worked primarily in the round using single crochet and simple increases and decreases. The head and body are made as continuous rounds and sewn together. The trunk, legs, and tusks are worked separately and attached, while the big floppy ears are crafted flat and edged before assembly. Curly hair tufts are made with chain loops and sewn to the top. The facial features and accents are added last for personality and cohesion.
Skill Level
Intermediate. While the stitches themselves are simple (sc, inc, dec), this project involves working with plush yarn, creating and attaching many pieces, shaping, and adding details like hair loops and color changes, all of which give it an intermediate challenge. Crocheters should be comfortable working in the round and sewing amigurumi pieces together for the best results.
Materials
- Super bulky (weight 6) velvet yarn: Approx. 250–300g dark brown (main), 60g light beige (ear inner), 40g white (tusks and accents)
- Crochet hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) or size appropriate for a firm fabric with bulky plush yarn
- Tapestry needle for sewing pieces
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Two 24mm black safety eyes, or black yarn for embroidered eyes if for children under 3
- Fiberfill/stuffing (polyester)
- Pins for positioning parts before sewing
Finished Size
- Approximately 35 cm tall x 32 cm wide at ears (13.7 x 12.5 inches).
- Size can be altered by using different yarn weights and hook sizes, but yardage will vary accordingly.
Gauge
Exact gauge is not essential for amigurumi, but for reference, 6 sc x 5 rows = 5 cm x 5 cm (2 x 2 in) using plush super bulky yarn and a 6 mm hook. Tight tension keeps stuffing from showing; adjust hook size if needed.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc two together)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- All pieces (except ears and tusk accents) are worked in continuous rounds; use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Chain stitches do not count as stitches unless otherwise indicated.
- To change colors, join new yarn in the last step of the previous stitch for a seamless transition.
- Stuff as you go for best shape, especially in the legs and trunk.
- The right side (RS) should face out throughout.
- Safety eyes should be attached before closing the head.
- The hair tufts are sewn on at the end; adjust quantity or position for desired look.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: The Head
- With dark brown, MR, 6 sc into ring (6)
- Inc in each sc (12)
- (Sc 1, inc) around (18)
- (Sc 2, inc) around (24)
- (Sc 3, inc) around (30)
- (Sc 4, inc) around (36)
- (Sc 5, inc) around (42)
- (Sc 6, inc) around (48)
- (Sc 7, inc) around (54)
- (Sc 8, inc) around (60)
- Rounds 11–22: Sc in each st around (60 each round, 12 rounds total)
- (Sc 8, dec) around (54)
- (Sc 7, dec) around (48)
- Place safety eyes 18 sts apart, between rounds 13 and 16. Stuff as you go.
- (Sc 6, dec) around (42)
- (Sc 5, dec) around (36)
- (Sc 4, dec) around (30)
- (Sc 3, dec) around (24)
- (Sc 2, dec) around (18)
- (Sc 1, dec) around (12)
- Dec around (6)
- Fasten off, weave end through last stitches, cinch closed.
Part 2: The Body
- With dark brown, MR, 6 sc into ring (6)
- Inc in each sc (12)
- (Sc 1, inc) around (18)
- (Sc 2, inc) around (24)
- (Sc 3, inc) around (30)
- (Sc 4, inc) around (36)
- (Sc 5, inc) around (42)
- (Sc 6, inc) around (48)
- (Sc 7, inc) around (54)
- (Sc 8, inc) around (60)
- (Sc 9, inc) around (66)
- Rounds 12–23: Sc in each st around (66 each round, 12 rounds total)
- (Sc 9, dec) around (60)
- (Sc 8, dec) around (54)
- (Sc 7, dec) around (48)
- (Sc 6, dec) around (42)
- (Sc 5, dec) around (36)
- (Sc 4, dec) around (30)
- (Sc 3, dec) around (24)
- (Sc 2, dec) around (18)
- Dec around (9)
- FO, leave long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly as you go.
Part 3: Trunk
- With dark brown, MR, 6 sc into ring (6)
- (Sc 1, inc) around (9)
- Sc in each (9)
- (Sc 2, inc) around (12)
- Sc in each (12), 8 rounds
- (Sc 2, dec) around (9)
- Sc in each (9), 8 rounds (for a nice curve, work a few increases at the underside and decreases at the top as you go—optional)
- FO, stuff lightly, leave a long tail for sewing. Curl the trunk up gently and shape before attaching.
Part 4: Legs (Make 4)
- With dark brown, MR, 6 sc into ring (6)
- Inc in each (12)
- (Sc 1, inc) around (18)
- (Sc 2, inc) around (24)
- Sc in each (24), 6 rounds
- Switch to white, sc 5, dark brown sc 19 (to create the ‘toenail’ effect; alternate colors at toe edge only for 2 rounds as follows):
- With white, *sc 1 in next st, switch to dark brown for 3 sts* repeat for both rounds along the front 5 sts, the rest in brown (front of the leg); continue main color for remainder.
- Sc 2 together around (12)
- FO, stuff firmly, leave tail for sewing. Flatten top slightly for easier attaching.
Part 5: Ears (Make 2—work in rows, not rounds)
- With light beige and 6 mm hook, ch 13. Working into back bumps, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (12)
- Ch 1, turn. Inc in first and last st, sc across (14)
- Ch 1, turn. Inc, sc to last st, inc (16)
- Repeat this (increase at both ends) until you have 26 sts total.
- Change to dark brown. Work 2 rounds sc evenly around entire edge, making 3 sc in each corner (to round shape). FO, leave long tail.
- Fold slightly at the base to create the mammoth’s ear flare. Position and use pins before sewing to ensure symmetry.
Part 6: Tusks (Make 2)
- With white, MR, 4 sc into ring
- Sc around (4) for 5 rounds, stuffing lightly as you go.
- Inc, sc 3 (5). Sc in each 5 for 3 rounds.
- (Inc, sc 1) around (7). Sc in each (7) for 5 rounds. FO, stuff and leave tail for sewing. Curve gently while sewing under trunk.
Part 7: Hair Tufts (Make 12–16)
- With dark brown, ch 13–15. From 2nd ch from hook: sl st to end.
- Leave a tail and sew onto the very top/forehead of the head for the mammoth’s curly hair effect. Cluster the curls close together for fullness. Vary strand length for a natural look.
Part 8: Tail (optional)
- With dark brown, ch 10, sl st in each ch. FO, leave long tail; sew to back of body. Add a few extra ch sl st strands to end for a tuft.
Assembly and Finishing
- Stuff all parts firmly but do not overfill—plush yarn expands with stuffing.
- Sew trunk to head, centered between the eyes and angled slightly upward.
- Pin ears on either side of the head, with the beige inner facing forward. Sew using the long tail from each ear, adjusting as needed for symmetry and secure stitching.
- Sew the head to the body, matching centers.
- Attach legs: Place two at the front (slightly angled out), two at the back, then sew securely. Ensure the “toenail” accents face forward.
- Curve each tusk gently; sew under and to the sides of the trunk.
- Sew hair strands into the crown/forehead in a circular cluster to create the tufted mammoth “mane.”
- Weave in all ends securely.
- If desired, gently steam-block the ears flat (do not iron velvet yarn directly).
Customization Ideas
- Color variations: Try gray, ginger, or cream for different mammoth looks. Use pastel hues for a fantasy-style plush.
- Change yarn weight: Craft a miniature with worsted yarn and a 3.5mm hook, or super-size with blanket yarn.
- Uses: This motif makes a wonderful pillow, whimsical wall decor, or even a unique plush bag—just add straps and a zip to the back.
- Details: Embroider eyebrows, give blush with pink yarn, or decorate the ears with colorful stitches.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your mammoth curls inward or outward, check stuffing consistency and adjust tension.
- Uneven edges on ears can be neatened with careful blocking.
- If motifs are mis-sized, review your hook size and yarn weight; plush yarn can stretch or compress a lot.
- Loose color changes can be tightened by fully pulling the yarn and weaving tails securely inside pieces.
- Keep tension even, especially with plush yarn—work slowly for neatness.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cold or lukewarm water with mild detergent. Do not bleach.
- Squeeze gently to remove excess water; do not wring. Shape and air dry flat.
- Avoid heat or tumble drying to preserve plush yarn texture and prevent misshaping.
Final Notes
Regularly check stitch counts, especially when increasing or decreasing. If your plush is off-shape, adjust stuffing and ease details as you assemble. Slow and consistent tension helps with plush yarn projects. Use the provided instructions as a guide but feel free to personalize your mammoth for character—play with hair placement, ear positioning, or color combos as you like! Enjoy the creative process and let the adorable result inspire your next amigurumi adventure.
