Baxter the Hanging Bat – Free Crochet Pattern

Meet Baxter the Bat! If you are looking for a quick and fun Halloween project, this free bat crochet pattern is the perfect place to start. With its simple shaping and cute winged profile, this friendly little amigurumi works up fast and makes a wonderful seasonal gift or desk buddy.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced maker, this step-by-step guide walks you through crafting your own plush bat from nose to wings.

At a Glance: Free Bat Crochet Pattern

Learn to crochet a bat with this quick, spooky-cute amigurumi featuring simple shaping and distinct winged details. This free amigurumi bat crochet pattern is perfect for Halloween decor, stash-busting, and last-minute handmade gifts!

• Required Skills: Magic ring, single crochet (SC), increasing, decreasing (SC2tog) with the invisible decrease method, and simple assembly.
• Yarn: Super bulky (6) yarn in desired color, with secondary color for embroidery.
• Hook Size: 5.0mm (H) crochet hook.
• Finished Size: Approximately 10″ tall.
• Format & Resources: Free on-page written pattern with step-by-step photos, and helpful amigurumi tips.

I would classify this free bat crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

I originally designed this crochet bat pattern in Brava Worsted yarn, but recently updated it to Parfait Chunky. This simple change in yarn makes this amigurumi bat project bigger, and softer!

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I would classify this pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

Free Crochet Pattern for Baxter the Hanging Bat

Stitch Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)
FSC = foundation single crochet

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

• Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
• All pieces, with the exception of the legs and wings, are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
• Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
• Head and body require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the ears.  
• Wings: chain 1 at the beginning of each row does NOT count as a stitch (unless otherwise specified).

Pattern

Head

Using color A (shown as orchid):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (27 sts)

R6-8: 1 SC in each st around. (27 sts)

R9: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert them now between rounds 7 and 8, with 5 sts showing between them.

R11: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R12: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Do not fasten off.

Body

R13: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R14: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R15-18: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R20: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, weave in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

Ears (make 2)

Using color A (shown as orchid):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R3: 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts. 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. (8 sts)

R4: 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. (10 sts)

R5: 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. (12 sts)

R6: 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. (14 sts)

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (14 sts)

R9: *1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R10: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R11: Fold the ear closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across. (3 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Wings

** NOTE: The foundation single crochet stitch is preferred; however, you could alternatively replace R1 with Ch 27, SC in second ch from hook and each ch to end. (26 sts), and then proceed as written with R2.

Using color A (shown as orchid):

R1: 26 FSC**. (26 sts)

R2: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (26 sts)

R3: Turn, sl st into the next 3 sts, ch 1, 1 SC in same st and each of the next 21 sts. (22 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (22 sts)

R5: Turn, sl st into the next 3 sts, ch 1, 1 SC in same st and each of the next 17 sts. (18 sts)

R6: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (18 sts)

Cut yarn, fasten off. Weave in ends.

Feet (make 2)

Using color A (shown as orchid):

R1: Ch 10. Sl st into second ch from hook and each of the next 2 sts. Ch 4. Sl st into second ch from hook and each of the next 2 sts. Ch 4. Sl st into second ch from hook and each of the next 2 sts. Continuing along the beginning ch of leg, sl st into remaining unworked ch sts.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Using color B (shown as dusty mauve), embroider nose between R8 and R9, centered between the eyes. With the rounded sides of ears facing outward, embroider lines on ears, as pictured. See tutorial photos.

Attach an ear to each side of the top of the head, between R2 and R5.

Attach legs to bottom of body.

Fold wings in half to identify middle. Sew the middle of wings down the back of the body.

I hope you enjoyed making Baxter! Happy stitching, and I can’t wait to see your spooky new project come to life!

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Baxter the Hanging Bat

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Pin Before You Sew: Amigurumi pieces can shift or twist while shifting. Use pins to secure the wings, ears, and feet in place before sewing to ensure perfect symmetry.
• Track Your Rounds: Because this pattern is worked in continuous rounds, it is easy to lose count. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round and move it up as you go.
• Master the Amigurumi Basics: For more ways to improve your amigurumi projects, check out my complete guide on amigurumi tips and tricks!

Crochet Bat Alterations & Customization Ideas

• Make Poseable Legs: If you want your bat to wrap around branches or display hooks, insert a piece of wire or a pipe cleaner stem inside the legs. (Note: if you’re making this plushie for young children, omit this option).
• Scale the Size Up or Down: You can easily alter Baxter’s final dimensions by changing your yarn weight. Just be sure to choose the right hook size for your chosen yarn.

More Free Halloween Crochet Patterns

Looking for more quick and seasonal projects after making Baxter? Check out these fun, beginner-friendly Halloween amigurumi patterns:

• Candy Corn Plush Pattern: A sweet, quick stash-buster with classic Halloween color blocking.
• Free Zombie Bear Crochet Pattern: A spooky-cute plushie featuring fun details.
• Witchy Cat Crochet Pattern: An adorable kitty complete with its own witch hat and broom.

First published September 2020.