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Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern
4.7β˜… Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.4K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

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

About This Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a sweet crocheted elephant named Bubba, worked mainly in worsted/aran weight yarn with a 3.25mm hook for tight stitches. The trunk and head are made in one piece, with separate pieces for ears that are joined, plus arms, legs and a tail. Clear photos and shaping tips are included so you can reproduce the subtle facial expression and flexible trunk.

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and use continuous spiral rounds for most pieces. You will also find step-by-step photo tutorials for joining, embroidering eyebrows and sinking the eyes for a gentle, expressive face.

Why You'll Love This Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because Bubba has so much personality packed into a simple silhouette. I enjoy the challenge of shaping the trunk and head as one continuous piece β€” it gives Bubba a unique, handcrafted charm. The ear construction and joining are clever and yield a realistic floppy ear that I always get compliments on. I also love the embroidery steps for the eyebrows and eye sinking because small details like these really bring the character to life.

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easily this pattern adapts to color changes β€” try a soft grey with blush inner ears for a classic look or pastel colors for a baby-ready Bubba.

To change size, swap yarn weights and adjust hook size: a bulkier yarn plus a larger hook makes a chunky, cuddly elephant while a thinner yarn and smaller hook creates a tiny keychain pal.

I often embroider different expressions: move the eyebrow placement or change the angle of the stitched brows to create surprised, sleepy, or cheerful personalities.

Try using safety eyes of different sizes or replace them with embroidered eyes for a fully child-safe toy; 10mm or 9mm eyes give a cuter, more proportionate face for smaller versions.

For a posable version, add thin florist wire into the arms or legs before stuffing to be able to pose Bubba's limbs.

Change the tail finish by brushing the tail yarn for a fluffy look or attach a small pompom for a playful accent.

I sometimes add tiny crocheted accessories like a scarf, bow or little hat to seasonally style Bubba β€” these are quick add-ons that personalize the toy.

Try using a tweed or boucle yarn for a textured, vintage-style Bubba that feels extra cozy and unique.

Make a set by crocheting Bubba in several sizes and colors so they can be a family of elephants β€” miniature versions are perfect as keychains or ornaments.

Don't be afraid to experiment with stitch tension for different feels; a tighter tension gives a crisp, firm shape while a looser tension produces a softer, cuddly toy.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

βœ— Skipping stitch markers when instructed makes it hard to place facial features later; place a marker in the indicated stitches so eyes and brows line up correctly. βœ— Overstuffing the trunk will make it too rigid and lose flexibility; stuff lightly at the start and add small bits progressively to keep the trunk slightly sunk at the tip. βœ— Not working rounds in a continuous spiral where requested causes misaligned shaping; use a locking stitch marker and do not join unless the pattern explicitly tells you to. βœ— Forgetting to use back loops only in specified rounds will change the ear and limb shapes; follow the 'work through back loops only' notes exactly for the intended edge effect.

Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

Make your own lovable Bubba the Elephant with this detailed crochet pattern. You will work the trunk and head as one piece, shape charming ears, limbs and a fluffy tail, and finish with embroidered details for expression. The pattern includes clear step-by-step rounds, photos and assembly guidance so you can follow along with confidence. Perfect for gifting or keeping as a cute handmade companion.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Bubba the Elephant Amigurumi Pattern

β€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Acrylic worsted yarn (UK: Aran) - Verto di Roma Vinia, 100% acrylic; main color Dark Beige V69 (use enough for head, body, limbs - approx 150-200g depending on tension)
  • 02
    Small pieces of Beige or White yarn for embroidery details (eyes/ toenails)
  • 03
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing - sufficient to stuff trunk, body, arms and legs
  • 04
    12mm safety eyes (Ø12mm) - 2 pieces

β€” Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.25mm (used for this sample)
  • 02
    Recommended hooks for yarn: 4.5mm-5mm as suggested by yarn label (pattern uses 3.25mm to keep stitches tight)
  • 03
    Safety eyes 12mm (2 pieces)
  • 04
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing and embroidery
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Stitch markers (locking markers recommended)
  • 08
    Pins for assembly
  • 09
    Wire pet brush or Velcro hook for optional tail brushing

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

β€” Trunk :

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

R2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

R3 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 3 (15)

R4 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 3 - WORK THIS ROUND THROUGH BACK LOOPS ONLY (12)

R5-R10 :

12 sc - 6 rounds (12)

Info :

Start stuffing the trunk and keep doing it as you go, but do not push too much the stuffing inside; keep the trunk a bit flexible and be careful to stuff the beginning so it remains 'sunk'.

R11 :

[5 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (14)

R12-R15 :

14 sc - 4 rounds (14)

R16 :

[6 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (16)

R17-R20 :

16 sc - 4 rounds (16)

R21 :

[7 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (18)

R22-R25 :

18 sc - 4 rounds (18)

R26 :

[8 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (20)

R27-R28 :

20 sc - 2 rounds (20)

Info :

Stop here, now we are going to start working for rows (later we will work in a continuous spiral again to make the head's part). Continue with rows as below.

β€” Trunk (Rows) :

Row 1 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

Stop once you have finished the 12 sc (we leave without working the remaining 8 stitches), and continue working for rows.

R2 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 dec (10)

R3 :

1 ch, turn, 10 sc (10)

R4 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 6 sc, 1 dec (8)

R5 :

1 ch, turn, 8 sc (8)

R6 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec (6)

Info :

Once here, we are going to start with the head and working in a continuous spiral again.

β€” Head :

Round 1 :

24 sc (5 sc along the edges from R6 to R1, 8 sc in the R28 stitches of the trunk left without working, 5 sc along the edges from R1 to R6, 6 sc in the stitches of R6) (24)

R2 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

R3 :

30 sc (30)

R4 :

2 sc, [1 inc, 4 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 2 sc (36)

R5 :

[5 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (42)

R6 :

3 sc, [1 inc, 6 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 3 sc (48)

R7-R8 :

48 sc - 2 rounds (48)

Info :

Stop here and mark (e.g. with a yarn piece of a different color) the nΒ°35 stitch you made on R8 and continue.

R9 :

48 sc (48)

Info :

Stop here and mark the nΒ°3 stitch you made on R9. Bubba's eyes will be placed later in the marked stitches. There will be 15 stitches between the two marked stitches.

R10 :

48 sc (48)

R11 :

[7 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (54)

R12 :

54 sc (54)

Info :

Stop here and install the safety eyes into the marked stitches and continue with the head.

R13-R20 :

54 sc - 8 rounds (54)

R21 :

[7 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (48)

R22 :

3 sc, [1 dec, 6 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 3 sc (42)

R23 :

[5 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (36)

R24 :

2 sc, [1 dec, 4 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 2 sc (30)

R25 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (24)

R26 :

1 sc, [1 dec, 2 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 1 sc (18)

R27 :

[1 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (12)

R28 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail, pull the working loop all the way out until the end of the yarn has been pulled through the middle of the last stitch. Thread yarn into needle and bring needle under the front loop of the next stitch; repeat for each remaining stitch, pull yarn end to tighten and close the hole, secure with knot and hide tail inside the head.

Info :

Adding expression to Bubba's eyes: use a long piece of head-color yarn and follow the photo tutorial to sink the eyes and make a horizontal wrap and knots to make eyes sink; secure each tail with knots and hide inside head.

Info :

Embroider Bubba's eyebrows between rounds 11 & 12; each eyebrow is embroidered over 4 holes using black yarn and the pictured sequence; tie tails together and hide inside head.

β€” Ears :

Info :

With Dark Beige / Grey. Do not stuff. The ears are worked in rows. Each ear is made of 2 pieces that will be joined later.

β€” Right Ear - 1st Piece :

Foundation :

Make a foundation chain with 2 ch. Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook.

Row 1 :

1 inc (2)

R2 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 1 sc (3)

R3 :

1 ch, turn, 2 sc, 1 inc (4)

R4 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 3 sc (5)

R5 :

1 ch, turn, 4 sc, 1 inc (6)

R6 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 5 sc (7)

R7 :

1 ch, turn, 6 sc, 1 inc (8)

R8 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 7 sc (9)

R9 :

1 ch, turn, 8 sc, 1 inc (10)

R10 :

1 ch, turn, 10 sc (10)

R11 :

1 ch, turn, 9 sc, 1 inc (11)

R12-R13 :

1 ch, turn, 11 sc - 2 rows (11)

Continue :

Continue on next page for rows 14-20 and shape.

R14 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 inc (11)

R15 :

1 ch, turn, 11 sc (11)

R16 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 inc (11)

R17 :

1 ch, turn, 1 inc, 8 sc, 1 dec (11)

R18 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 7 sc - LEAVE WITHOUT WORKING THE 2 REMAINING STITCHES (8)

R19 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec (6)

R20 :

1 ch, turn, 1 dec, 4 sc + 1 sc + 2 sc (8)

Info :

Once here do not fasten off; continue working around the ear's shape in first/last hole of each row and in the R20 stitches to finish the shape. The pattern shows a shape round: 17 sc, 1 inc, 19 sc, 8 sc (46) when closing the shaped round.

Info :

Finish with an invisible join, mark the last stitch you made on the shape's round with a stitch marker to guide joining later.

β€” Right Ear - 2nd Piece :

Instruction :

Make another piece just like the 1st one until R20 (included). Stop before starting the shape. The shape for the 2nd piece is: 8 sc, 19 sc, 1 inc, 17 sc (46). Turn your work without making a chain and continue working shape as pictured. Do not fasten off; you will start joining pieces from here.

β€” Joining 1st and 2nd pieces together (right ear) :

Instruction :

Place the second piece on top of the first one, right sides facing out. Join the 46 stitches of both pieces with a slip stitch round using back loops only from both pieces. Start in next stitch from where you stopped on 2nd piece and the marked stitch on 1st piece. Remove stitch marker and make first slip stitch, place marker into that first sl to know where to finish the round. Continue making sl around until complete the round and reach the marked stitch. Once finished remove marker and fasten off making another sl in the first sl of the round. Cut yarn leaving long tail for sewing. Done.

β€” Left Ear :

Info :

To make the left ear, repeat the same instructions as the right ear until R20 (included) and stop before working the piece's shape. The process to work the left ear 1st piece's shape mirrors the right ear's second piece shape: Shape: 8 sc, 19 sc, 1 inc, 17 sc (46). Once R20 is finished, mark the next hole from where you stopped. Turn your work and continue the shape. Finish with invisible join, mark the 'false' stitch to guide later joining.

β€” Body :

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

R2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

R3 :

[1 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (18)

R4 :

1 sc, [1 inc, 2 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 1 sc (24)

R5 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

R6 :

2 sc, [1 inc, 4 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 2 sc (36)

R7 :

[5 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (42)

R8 :

3 sc, [1 inc, 6 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 3 sc (48)

R9 :

[7 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (54)

R10-R15 :

54 sc - 6 rounds (54)

R16 :

[7 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (48)

R17-R19 :

48 sc - 3 rounds (48)

R20 :

3 sc, [1 dec, 6 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 3 sc (42)

R21-R23 :

42 sc - 3 rounds (42)

R24 :

[5 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (36)

R25-R27 :

36 sc - 3 rounds - Start stuffing (36)

R28 :

2 sc, [1 dec, 4 sc] x 5, 1 dec, 2 sc (30)

R29-R30 :

30 sc - 2 rounds (30)

R31 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 6 (24)

R32 :

24 sc (24)

Info :

Finish with a sl and cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing.

β€” Arms :

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

R2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

R3 :

[1 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (18)

R4 :

1 sc, [1 inc, 2 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 1 sc (24)

R5 :

24 sc - WORK THIS ROUND THROUGH BACK LOOPS ONLY (24)

R6-R10 :

24 sc - 5 rounds (24)

R11 :

[6 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (21)

R12-R15 :

21 sc - 4 rounds - Start stuffing (21)

R16 :

[5 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (18)

R17-R20 :

18 sc - 4 rounds (18)

R21 :

[4 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (15)

R22-R27 :

15 sc - 6 rounds - Stop stuffing at R25 approx (15)

R28 :

[3 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (12)

R29 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

To close the arm fold it in half and from where you stopped in R29, crochet 6 sc through the stitches of both parts. Fasten off and cut the yarn leaving a tail for sewing.

β€” Legs :

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

R2 :

[1 inc] x 6 (12)

R3 :

[1 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (18)

R4 :

1 sc, [1 inc, 2 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 1 sc (24)

R5 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

R6 :

2 sc, [1 inc, 4 sc] x 5, 1 inc, 2 sc (36)

R7 :

36 sc - WORK THIS ROUND THROUGH BACK LOOPS ONLY (36)

R8-R9 :

36 sc - 2 rounds (36)

R10 :

5 sc, [1 dec, 10 sc] x 2, 1 dec, 5 sc (33)

R11 :

33 sc (33)

R12 :

[9 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (30)

R13 :

30 sc (30)

R14 :

4 sc, [1 dec, 8 sc] x 2, 1 dec, 4 sc (27)

R15 :

27 sc (27)

R16 :

[7 sc, 1 dec] x 3 (24)

R17-R18 :

24 sc - 2 rounds (24)

R19 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 6 (30)

R20-R22 :

30 sc - 3 rounds (30)

Info :

Fasten off and cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the legs.

β€” Tail :

Round 1 :

6 sc in a magic ring (6)

R2-R9 :

6 sc - 8 rounds (6)

R10 :

[2 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (8)

R11 :

8 sc (8)

R12 :

[3 sc, 1 inc] x 2 (10)

R13 :

10 sc (10)

Info :

Now close the tail the same way as the arms. Fold it in half and from where you stopped at R13 crochet 5 sc through the stitches of both parts. Optional: brush the tail yarn to make it fluffy or use cotton pieces for a pompom tail as shown in photos.

β€” Brushing Bubba's tail (optional) :

Info :

Use a wire pet brush or Velcro hook 'hook' part to brush the tail carefully until fluffy; trim extra fibers to shape. If cotton was used, tie pieces and trim to desired shape.

β€” Assembly :

Info :

Let's start sewing the ears onto the head. The ears will be sewn in the row of holes nΒ°7 counting from where the eyes are. There will be approx 9 stitches between them; mark beginning hole where you will start sewing each ear and use the pictures as a guide. Notice that the marked holes are aligned one 'row' above the eyebrows.

Info :

To sew the ears: place ear on head and sew through 12 stitches, starting at the stitch where you made the fasten off knot (previous stitch). From the head use the marked holes' row starting in the marked hole. Thread yarn needle and insert it through ear nΒ°1 stitch, then place ear on top of head and start sewing the ear 12 stitches through the head holes. Once finished fasten off and hide tail inside head.

Info :

Sew the second ear the same way starting at the fasten off knot stitch (or next stitch depending on ear construction) and match the 12 stitch seam. Bubba's head is then complete.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew each ear to the head in the row of holes number 7 counting from where the eyes are, leaving approximately 9 stitches between the ears; mark the beginning hole to start sewing and use two yarn needles for symmetrical placement.
  • Attach the arms to the body sides using the long tails from the arm pieces; position the arms slightly forward and sew securely with whipstitch through the body rounds where they align for a natural pose.
  • Sew legs to the bottom of the body spaced evenly so Bubba can sit; use the long tails to whipstitch each leg to the body and reinforce with extra stitches for stability.
  • Place and secure the trunk/head assembly onto the top of the body using the long tail from the body opening, sew evenly around the neck opening and reinforce with several passes, then hide ends inside the body.
  • Install safety eyes into the marked stitches on the head before finishing upper shaping, then use the embroidery technique described to sink the eyes and create expression before securing tails inside the head.
  • Embroider eyebrows between the specified rounds (between rounds 11 & 12) following the photo tutorial; tie and hide tails inside the head to finish the expression.

Important Notes

  • πŸ’‘Work in a continuous spiral for rounds unless the pattern explicitly tells you to work rows; use a locking stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
  • πŸ’‘Keep tension tight or use a smaller hook to avoid visible stuffing; the sample used a 3.25mm hook to produce tight stitches with Aran/worsted yarn.
  • πŸ’‘Stuff pieces gradually while shaping and stop stuffing slightly early at points that should remain flexible; add small bits at a time and use the back of the hook to push stuffing into small openings.
  • πŸ’‘If you don't have safety eyes, replace them with embroidery for children under 3 years old as recommended.

This charming Bubba the Elephant pattern combines classic amigurumi shaping with sweet facial details and floppy ears to make a treasured handmade friend. Whether you crochet one for a nursery, a gift, or to practice shaping and joining techniques, Bubba brings personality in every stitch. Enjoy the step-by-step photos and tips to finish a neat, expressive toy you can be proud of. 🧢🧡

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 7.9 inches tall (20 cm) when using the recommended yarn and 3.25mm hook as in the sample.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the final size; use an appropriate hook for your chosen yarn and expect the finished dimensions to change.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with single crochet, increases, decreases, working in continuous spiral, and basic sewing of amigurumi parts.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level, customization, and photo-sewn details.