If your child’s been begging you for an axolotl plushie, you might be wondering exactly what these little creatures really are! An axolotl is an amphibian that’s somewhat like a salamander. The unique nature of axolotls is that they don’t go through metamorphosis like most amphibians, which means they keep their gills and stay in the water, even as adults!
In the wild, axolotls are only found in only two freshwater lakes, both in Mexico: Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. Axolotls are labeled as “critically endangered”.
Recently, the game Minecraft has brought these amazing creatures popularity among kids everywhere! And while you can’t exactly go out and buy a real axolotl for a pet, crochet axolotls make a customizable and cuddly alternative!
Crochet Axolotl Patterns
In this list, you’ll find a variety of different types of crochet axolotl patterns that you can make, even if you’re a beginner! Some of the easy crochet axolotl pattern types from this list include:
- Keychain axolotls
- Large plushies
- No-sew axolotls
- Mom and baby axolotl set
- Axolotl dolls
- Donut axolotl
- Pocket/mini axolotls
- Valentine axolotl
- Axolotl bookmark
19 Crochet Axolotl Patterns
Rainbow Axolotl
This little guy is made with a solid body and rainbow gills and a tail. It’s worked in the round and makes an excellent stash buster! This pattern includes pictures along with written instructions to guide you as you go.
Designer: Commonplace Crafts
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Kiki Axolotl
This cute creature - named Kiki - involves minimal sewing and can be made in just a couple of hours. It would be great for gifting to a child or selling at your next craft show! This pattern also includes a video tutorial.
Designer: Anvi’s Granny Handicrafts
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Just Chenille
Cute Axolotl Crochet Ami Doll
This clever pattern is a doll version of an axolotl - complete with a hat and sweater - and it’s certainly adorable! This pattern is fun to customize by using whatever color you want for the clothing. It measures 3” x 6” and is ideal for the confident beginner.
Designer: Briana K Designs
Yarn weight: Worsted + Fingering
Suggested yarn: WeCrochet Wool of the Andes Worsted and WeCrochet Twill Fingering
Super Easy Amigurumi Axolotl
This super easy axolotl is perfect for beginners and very quick to make! It’s worked using half double crochets. You can either embroider the mouth or simply use fabric paint or felt.
Designer: Emma Gallimore-Martin
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
Pocket Axolotl (2 sizes)
This pattern includes two sizes, so you can choose one or make a mom and baby axolotl set. Each pattern is worked in just one piece with no sewing needed. This pocket pet would also be great for a keychain!
Designer: Sweet Softies
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Honey Bunny
Easy Crochet Donut Axolotl Amigurumi
Here’s a beginner-level pattern that allows you to make your axolotl in a donut shape - how fun! This pattern includes a step-by-step tutorial and no sewing. It’s quick to make and perfect for stash-busting or for a last-minute gift!
Designer: Anvi’s Granny Handicrafts
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
No-Sew Crochet Valentine Axolotl Amigurumi
This Valentine-themed axolotl is full of love and doesn’t require any sewing! This crochet axolotl pattern is ideal for beginners. This adorable creature would be perfect for giving to someone you love on Valentine’s Day or any time of the year!
Designer: Anvi’s Granny Handicrafts
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Aquatic Friend Axolotl Amigurumi
This aquatic amigurumi is so cheerful and lovely! Customize the flowers on its head to fit your favorite color scheme - it’s a great stash buster! This pattern is given as a video tutorial, with an optional PDF available for just a few dollars.
Designer: Ami Saigon
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Mini Axolotl
Make a whole collection of these irresistibly mini axolotls! These charming little creatures each measure approximately 13cm. They’re ideal for the advanced beginner.
Designer: Skein Spider
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: 4 Seasons Marvel 8 ply
Axolotl Amigurumi
The tail, body, and head of this axolotl are worked in one piece from the bottom up. After that, you’ll add on the legs, gills, and tail fins. It measures approximately 5.5” and looks cute in nearly any color combination!
Designer: Loops and Love Crochet
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: KnitPicks Brava Worsted
Puffy Stuffy Axolotl
Looking for something that’s soft, squeezable, and ideal for cuddling? This puffy axolotl is crocheted with sparkly, super bulky yarn and would be an adorable gift for a child to squeeze. You can also substitute the super bulky yarn for double stranding Red Heart Super Saver, Retro Stripes.
Designer: Ekayg
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket Sparkle
Minecraft Axolotl
This axolotl is easy to make, and the pattern walks you through the whole process with a step-by-step video tutorial. This clever pattern is best for advanced beginners. And of course, it makes a perfect gift for Minecraft fans!
Designer: Skein Spider
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: 4 Seasons Marvel 8 ply
Axolotl
This sweet and soft little creature would make an adorable gift! It’s crocheted in parts and then seamed together. To make this pattern, you’ll need to be comfortable with making a magic ring, slip stitches, single crochets, increasing and decreasing, and seaming.
Designer: Sara Bagnetti
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Axolotl Plushie
Here’s a smiley axolotl that measures 8” x 6.25”. It includes step-by-step written instructions and helpful pictures to walk you through the steps of crocheting the pieces and assembling. It’s made with single crochets, half double crochets, and double crochets.
Designer: Damn It Janet, Let’s Crochet!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
NoSew Baby Axolotl
This no-sew pattern is great for beginners! It’s made with chains, slip stitches, single crochets, half double crochets, and bobbles. Made with super bulky chenille yarn, this project works up quickly and is so soft!
Designer: LorettasLoops
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket
Big Axolotl
This pattern is best for intermediates and makes a squishy, large axolotl that kids will love. It measures approximately 17” tall by 6” wide. It’s made with single crochets, half double crochets, double crochets, and treble crochets.
Designer: Pebbles Crochet Shop
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Forever Fleece
Free Axolotl Crochet Pattern
This pattern only requires minimal sewing. The head and body are worked in one piece, so all you need to sew are the gills and the arms. It’s made with mostly single crochets and includes lots of pictures with the written pattern.
Designer: The Caffeinated Snail
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Amigurumi Axolotl Crochet Pattern
This sweet little creature measures 9.5” x 2.25”. It’s great for beginner crocheters and would make an excellent gift! There’s also a row-by-row video tutorial included with this pattern.
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Soft Fun
Amigurumi Axolotl Crochet Pattern
With big eyes and a bold smile, this axolotl sits right down to keep you company on your desk or on a windowsill or shelf. The tail on the back gives it sturdiness, so you can set this little guy almost anywhere without worrying about him toppling. It’s worked with chains and single crochets in rows and rounds and makes a great pattern for beginners.
Designer: Supergurumi
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Necessary Supplies
What do you need to make an axolotl? These cute creatures only take a few basic supplies – they’re essentially just yarn and stuffing!
- Yarn. The most popular yarns for amigurumi are durable and show stitch definition well. Look for cottons and acrylics that are DK or worsted weight. Chenille can also be a good choice for amigurumi. It’s soft and plushie and is often either bulky or super bulky weight. It works up quickly but can be trickier to work with since the stitch definition is harder to see. Some of our favorite yarns for amigurumi include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, and Bernat Blanket Yarn. In this list, we’ve included a suggested yarn for each pattern to help you get on with your project more quickly!
- Crochet hook(s). With amigurumi, it’s important to make tight stitches that will keep the stuffing safely inside. Consider choosing a hook that’s one size smaller than what your yarn label recommends.
- Additional tools: Scissors, stitch markers, a yarn needle (for weaving in ends and attaching body parts), and stuffing material.
- Safety eyes (optional). Keep in mind that safety eyes, despite their name, can actually be a choking hazard for younger children and babies. If you’re making your axolotl for a child under 3, consider embroidered eyes or fabric paint instead.
- Embroidery thread (optional), for eyes and other facial features.
Techniques to Know
Many of these axolotls use basic techniques and stitches, so you don’t have to be an expert (or even an intermediate) crocheter to make an axolotl!
Since the skill level of these patterns does range a bit, it’s a good idea to read through your pattern thoroughly before getting started to make sure you understand each step and stitch.
Common techniques you’ll find in crochet axolotl patterns include:
- Reading a crochet pattern
- Magic ring: A common starting method for amigurumi projects.
- Basic stitches: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and treble crochet (tr)
- Bobble stitch
- Shaping techniques: Increasing and decreasing
- Working in rows and rounds
- Color changes
- Simple sewing, to attach body parts and facial features.
- Basic embroidery, for other facial features
- Color changes
Tips and Tricks
Stuffing your axolotl
When stuffing your project, start with a little bit at a time to avoid overfilling. If you add too much, you’ll end up with a stiff project that’s less than cuddly! And under stuffing can lead to a creature that’s too floppy.
It’s a good idea to stuff your creature as you work instead of waiting until it’s finished. If you get to the end of your project, it can sometimes be tricky to push the stuffing all the way to the other side. You can also use a pen or pencil to help you push it into smaller limbs.
Poly-fil is a popular and high-quality stuffing that you can get almost anywhere!
Safety eyes
As we mentioned in the supplies section above, safety eyes can cause a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Since amigurumi makes a wonderful gift for children, thankfully, there are other options! For kids under age 3, consider switching out your safety eyes for embroidered eyes or even fabric marker eyes instead.
Customization
Make your project your own! When you crochet your own axolotl, you can choose your favorite color combinations, adjust the size (by changing your hook and/or yarn size), and create your own facial features.
Axolotls can also be a fun stash-busting project!
What’s Next?
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