Poppy the Unicorn – Free Crochet Pattern
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I’m so happy to be publishing this free unicorn crochet pattern! Meet Poppy the Unicorn, the full size amigurumi unicorn pattern with fun and colorful curls! This detailed pattern is great for all skill levels, and includes detailed instructions and photo tutorials.
Poppy the Unicorn pairs perfectly with my other free unicorn crochet patterns: Mini Poppy the Unicorn, Hug Me Unicorn Lovey, and Elanna the Unicorn. These unicorn amigurumi make great gifts for any unicorn lover!
Table of Contents
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 would classify this free unicorn crochet 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 Poppy the Unicorn
Pattern Specifics
Measurements: Approximately 8.5” tall (sitting) or 11” tall (standing)
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight: Medium (4), Worsted
Yarn Used: WeCrochet / Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (white): 125 yds, color B (purple): 70 yds, color C (blue): 28 yds, color D (pink): 16 yds, color E (gray): 4 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 12mm safety eyes, small amount of black yarn
Abbreviations
st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)
HDC = half 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, with the exception of the curls, 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.
- Body, head, legs, arms, and horn require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the ears.
- See tutorial photos.
Pattern
Using 4.0mm (G) crochet hook:
Body
Using color A (shown as white):
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 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)
R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)
R9-16: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)
R17: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)
R18: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)
R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
R20: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)
R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R22: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)
R23: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)
R24: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts).
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.
Fill with stuffing.
Head
Using color A (shown as white):
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 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R6-10: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)
R11: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
R12: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)
R13: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)
R14: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)
R15: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * an additional 5 times. 1 SC in each of the next 24 sts around. (54 sts)
R16: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 5 times. 1 SC in each of the next 24 sts around. (60 sts)
R17: 1 SC in each of the next 32 sts around. Add a st marker to the last worked st. 1 SC in each of the next 28 sts around. (60 sts)
The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front of the face. The 28 sts between the two st markers sit flat and indicate the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R14 and R15, with 14 sts between. Do not attach the backs to the safety eyes yet. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.
R18-19: 1 SC in each st around. (60 sts)
Using black yarn, add two eyelashes from the same stitch that you inserted your safety eyes, over 3 stitches. Attach safety eye backings. See tutorial photos.
R20: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (54 sts)
R21: * SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)
R22: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)
R23: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)
R24: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
R25: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)
R26: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R27: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)
R28: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)
Fill with stuffing.
R29: *SC2tog, 1 SC in the next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)
R30: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.
Ears (make 2)
Using color A (shown as white)
R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)
R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)
R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)
R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)
R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)
R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)
R7-9: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)
R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)
R11: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)
R12: Fold the ear closed, leaving 1 unworked st at the beginning of the fold. Working through both sides, to close the ear, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 3 unworked sts at the end of the fold. (4 sts) See tutorial photos.
Insert hook through the next pair of stitches that would finish closing the ear (leaving 1 unworked st at the end of the fold). Pinch the bottom of the ear to bring each end of the ear together, and working through both ends, join the ear with 1 SC. See tutorial photos.
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.
Hair Curls A (make 2)
Using color B (shown as purple):
R1: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
R2: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
R3: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
R4: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.
Hair Curls B (make 2)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R1: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
R2: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
R3: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.
Hair Curls C (make 2)
Using color D (shown as pink):
R1: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
R2: Ch 29, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in next st, *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in next st. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (42 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.
Horn
Using color E (shown as gray):
R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)
R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)
R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)
R4: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)
R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)
R6-9: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.
Legs (make 2)
Using color B (shown as purple):
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 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
R7: Working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)
R8: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)
R9: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R10: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)
Using color A (shown as white):
R11: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)
R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (20 sts)
R13-20: 1 SC in each st around. (20 sts)
Fill with stuffing.
R21: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (9 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing.
Arms (make 2)
Using color B (shown as purple):
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 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)
R6: Working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)
R7: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)
R8: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)
R9: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)
Using color A (shown as white):
R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)
R11-18: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)
Fill with stuffing.
R19: Fold the arm closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (8 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing.
Assembly & Finishing
See tutorial photos.
Attach horn at R19-21, on the top of head.
Attach an ear over R20-21, on each side of the horn, leaving about 3-4 stitches between the horn and each ear.
Attach head to body so horn and ears are upright, in line with the body, and the nose is facing straight out; attaching body to approximately R14-19 of the bottom of the head.
Attach legs between R7-8 of body, with 4 sts showing between.
Attach arms over R16-23 on each side of the body. At the top of the arms, leave approximately 12 sts between each arm across the front of the body. At the bottom of the arms, leave approximately 18 sts between each arm across the front of the body.
Attach one curl A to the back of the head diagonally, behind the horn and ears. Attach one curl B to the back of the head diagonally, running on top of the previous curl in the opposite direction. Attach one curl C to the back of the head diagonally, running on top of the previous curl in the opposite direction.
Attach remaining curl A to the back of the body diagonally, over R5-7. Attach remaining curl B to the back of the body diagonally, running on top of the previous curl in the opposite direction. Attach remaining curl C to the back of the body diagonally, running on top of the previous curl in the opposite direction.
Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Poppy the Unicorn
Tips & Tricks
- Using pins to hold your pieces in place ensures more accurate placement while sewing!
- Add a bit of extra stuffing to the neck area so that your amigurumi head doesn’t wobble. Read more about preventing amigurumi head wobble.
- When working in continuous rounds, use a stitch marker so that you don’t lose count!
- Check out this post on amigurumi tips and tricks for more ideas.
Alterations
- Add more hair and tail curls to your free unicorn crochet pattern for a fuller mane.
- Make a rainbow unicorn by changing colors in each strand of your curls.
- Make the horn with yarn that includes a glitter strand to add some magic to your unicorn!
More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
If you enjoyed this free unicorn crochet pattern, I know you’ll want to check out my other amigurumi designs, such as my free dinosaur crochet patterns and free farm animal crochet patterns.
I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.
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I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!
Nicole
PATTERN COPYRIGHT © 2024 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN.
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PHOTOS MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN.
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Hi! I made this unicorn once and it turned out so so good. I am in the middle of making it a second time and I feel like something has changed in the week it took me to get to the legs/arms for the second time. The legs/hoofs are way too big? Before it seemed like the max stitches in the row was 24 and now it is 36? Did this unicorn grow in the last week? I have one regular size leg and then one massive one. Thanks for posting, though. It really was easy the first time around, but now I feel like I’m loosing my mind. Lol
Hello! It sounds like you may have previously been working on MINI Poppy the Unicorn. 🙂 The mini version can be found here:
https://www.thenicolechase.com/patterns/mini-poppy-the-unicorn
Thank you! I really was loosing my mind.
My hair curls dosen’t curl like your’s..what am i doing wrong? I followed the pattern correctly…what should i do? :/
Hello! If you have a very loose tension, the curls could stay more straight. However, sometimes they just come a bit untwisted as you’re working them, and then need some help to find their intended shape; so you can just twist them and they’ll stay curled. If you’re still having trouble after that, you can instead work 2 HDC in each st, instead of alternating 2 and 1. Hope that helps!
Thank’s ! I did 2hdc in each stitch instead
Just finished making this unicorn and she is precious! This pattern is super easy to follow and very enjoyable! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing!
What a great pattern! Very clear instructions, easy to follow. I really enjoyed making this unicorn! Thank you!
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it, thank you!
Love love love this pattern. One of my favourites to date. Have you ever made the full size Poppy with a plush yarn? Such as loops and threads sweet snuggles lite? I’ve made the full size poppy and the mini in acrylic and the full size in plush yarn is calling me. But I’m curious how large it would turn out.
So glad you’re enjoying it! I personally haven’t, but I have seen others do it. If you take a look at the projects on this pattern on Ravelry, or search the #poppytheunicorn hashtag on Instagram, you should be able to find a couple examples!
I just finished this using Bernat Blanket and Big Twist Plush. She’s just over 2′ tall when sitting up. It’s hilariously large and my 6yr old is in love!
I’m so glad to hear that!
I am new to making animals and have a question about row 17 on the head. I added the extra marker and the pattern said there are 28 stitches between the two markers, so the front is the second part of that row? The flatter part seems to be the first part the 32 stitches. Thanks
Hello! The front part of the head (that would be facing out like a nose) is at the very beginning – like R1 is the very front of the face. The first part of the row that is marked will be the top of the head and will be facing up, and the bottom part with the 28 will be down. Hope that helps! Please feel free to email me if you need further help. Thanks!
Thanks for your help. I’ve started working on her again.
THIS PATTERN IS AMAZING!! I pulled a secret Santa for my step family that i don’t really know and I got a 2 year old girl but I fixed this little guy up! I decided to use different colors for everything such as the hair is rainbow, horn is pink, body is blue, arms and legs are a green and yellow thing,, I hope she loves it! THANK YOU!!!!!
I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed it. That sounds awesome! Merry Christmas!
I really enjoyed this pattern! I did do a couple of minor tweaks as I made 2, 1 for each of my granddaughters (sisters). I made wings for 1 and left off the horn, Pegasus 🙂 For the unicorn horn, as well as the wings, I did use a glitter yarn, let the magic flow! Thank you so much
I’m so glad you liked it!
Stitch counts are off for rows 15 and 16 of the head
The counts are correct. 🙂 The repeat is to be done once, and then an ADDITIONAL 5 times, for a total of 6 times, and then the 24 SC. Hope that helps!
Love the pattern and find it very easy to follow especially as a beginner! But the ads keep moving the screen and I lose my place or skip a row crocheting and have to undo and go back not sure if that is a glitch you can fix on your website or just the price I pay for a free pattern. Either way thank you and I appreciate your hard work in creating & sharing this!
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the pattern! Sorry to hear you were having trouble. Would you mind letting me know what device/browser you were viewing from so I can try to identify how to improve that. Thanks!
This was by far one of the easiest patterns to follow. I can’t wait to make more of your patterns. Thank you for having a wonderful collection of free crochet patterns.
I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi, thank you for this wonderful pattern. I made it as a special birthday present for my 5 yr old daughter. And it turned out better than I expected. I used chunky yarn. Did not expect the size though…lol.
I’m so glad to hear that and I hope that she loved it!
I’m planning to do the same. I’m afraid to ask but how big did it turn out?