Hug Me Lion Lovey – Free Crochet Pattern

Are you searching for the perfect baby shower gift or a quick, comforting project? Look no further! This adorable Hug Me Lion Lovey crochet pattern combines the fun of an amigurumi toy with the softness of a security blanket to create a treasure your little one will never put down. Whether you’re a beginner crocheter looking to try your first lovey or a veteran wanting a speedy gift, this FREE pattern is designed to be easy to follow and fast to finish. Get ready to crochet a unique companion that brings comfort and cheer!

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

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Free Crochet Pattern for Hug Me Lion Lovey

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)
DC = double 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 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 arms require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the ears. 
• Blanket: Ch 3 at the beginning of each round does count as a stitch (unless otherwise specified).
• See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Head

Using color B (shown as cream):

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

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (21 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (24 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (27 sts)

R10: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (30 sts)

R11: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. Add a st marker to the last worked st. **2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from ** an additional 2 times. (36 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front sides of the face. The first sequence of sts between the first and second st markers indicates the top of the head. The second sequence of sts between the second and first st markers indicates the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R8-9, with 7 sts between. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

Using color C (shown as brown):

R12: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R13-14: Working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R15: Working in the back loops only, *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

At this point I recommend moving on to the mane, as it is a bit easier to crochet before the head is stuffed.

R17: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R18: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill head with stuffing.

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

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

Cut yarn, leaving long strand. Weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

Mane

Using color C (shown as brown):

Attach yarn to the head at the first unworked st of R12 (where your first round of color C brown started).

Working in the unworked front loops from R12-14: *Ch 8, sl st into each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Ears (make 2)

Using color A (shown as yellow):

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

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

R3-4: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R5: Fold the ear closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

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

Arms (make 2)

Using color B (shown as cream):

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)

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R7-12: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R13: Fold the arm closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

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

Blanket

Using 5.0mm (H) hook:

Using color A (shown as yellow):

Ch 6, join with a sl st to form a ring.

R1: Working in the ring, ch 3 (counts as DC), 2 DC, [ch 2, 3 DC] 3 times, ch 2. Join with a sl st to top of ch 3. (12 DC sts and 4 corner ch-2 spaces)

R2: Ch 3 (counts as DC), DC in next 2 sts to first ch-2 space, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in ch-2 space (corner made), DC in each st to next ch-2 space**; rep from * to ** 3 times, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in ch-2 space (corner made). Join with a sl st to top of ch 3. (28 DC sts and 4 corner ch-2 spaces)

Using color D (shown as mint):

R3: Ch 3 (counts as DC), DC in each st to first ch-2 space, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in ch-2 space (corner made), DC in each st to next ch-2 space**; rep from * to ** 3 times, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in ch-2 space (corner made), DC in each st to beginning. Join with a sl st to top of ch 3. (44 DC sts and 4 corner ch-2 spaces)

R4: Repeat R3.

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R5: Repeat R3.

Using color E (shown as pink):

R6: Repeat R3.

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R7: Repeat R3.

Using color D (shown as mint):

R8-10: Repeat R3.

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R11: Repeat R3.

R12: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), SC in same st, SC in each st to first ch-2 space, *[2 SC, ch 1, 2 SC] in ch-2 space (corner made), SC in each st to next ch-2 space**; rep from * to ** 3 times, [2 SC, ch 1, 2 SC] in ch-2 space (corner made), SC in each st to beginning. Join with a sl st to top of first SC.

Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach each ear between the first and second round of the mane, with approximately 7 sts between each ear.

Using color C (brown), embroider a nose between R3-4 across approximately 5 sts. Embroider a line down from the middle of the nose. See tutorial photos.

With a stand of color A (yellow), attach the bottom of the head at R12-14 to the center of the blanket with the snout facing a corner.

Attach each arm where the head and blanket meet, on each side of the head, slightly angled forward.

Using color C (brown), embroider 3 nails on each arm, over R3-4, leaving about 2 sts between each nail. To do so, using a tapestry needle, thread the yarn through and wrap around the designated stitch one time.

I hope you enjoyed making this adorable and free lion crochet lovey pattern.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Hug Me Lion Lovey

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Lion Lovey

These quick techniques will help you achieve a professional-looking finish for your Hug Me Lion Lovey:

• Seamless Color Changes: I recommend using the seamless color change method on the amigurumi pieces to keep your color transitions clean.
• Pin Before You Sew: Always use pins to secure your pieces in place before sewing. This ensures symmetry and helps you check your placement.
• Need More Amigurumi Help? If you are looking for guidance on invisible decreases, tension, and more, check out my full guide: Ultimate Collection of Amigurumi Tips and Tricks.

Lion Lovey Pattern Alterations & Customizations

• Go Big with Chunky Yarn: To create a large, cuddly version of the lion lovey, try using a bulky plush yarn like Parfait Chunky. Remember to use an appropriate hook size with your chosen yarn. Check out my tutorial on choosing your amigurumi hook size.
• Match Any Nursery: The pastel stripes on this blanket are adorable, but you can easily customize the colors of the blanket and the lion’s mane to match any nursery theme!
• Safety First with Eyes: If this lovey is intended for a baby under three years old, use embroidered eyes, not safety eyes. For a full walkthrough on embroidering eyes on amigurumi, check out my tutorial on embroidering on amigurumi.

More Free Crochet Patterns You’ll Love

Now that you’ve finished the Hug Me Lion Lovey, you might be looking for another fun project! I have hundreds of free patterns available, but here are a few ideas for gifts and future projects.

• Consider making the matching Landon the Lion amigurumi pattern to complete the set!
• My Perry the Puppy baby toy pattern is the perfect size for little hands!
• For even more lovey ideas, be sure to check out the complete collection of lovey crochet patterns.