An Introduction from Patricia to Your Leo the Lovable Lion Cub
Hello, my dearest crocheter, it’s Patricia! There’s a special place in my heart for projects that radiate pure sweetness, and this little lion cub does just that. From the moment I saw his gentle, trusting eyes and magnificent scalloped mane, I knew I had to capture that charm in a pattern for you. There's a quiet pride in his posture and a huggable quality that I know will bring so much joy, both to your hook and to whoever is lucky enough to receive him.
I am absolutely delighted to share this Leo the Lovable Lion Cub pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, simply by visiting, sharing, and creating alongside me, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these little friends. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Materials You'll Need for Leo
To bring Leo to life, you’ll want to gather a few key supplies. The right materials will ensure his features pop and he’s perfectly cuddly!
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn.
- Main Color (MC): Soft Beige or Cream for the head, body, and limbs (Approx. 80 yards).
- Mane Color (C1): Vibrant Orange for that glorious mane (Approx. 30 yards).
- Snout/Ear Color (C2): Off-White or Ecru for the snout and inner ears (Approx. 10 yards).
- Embroidery: A small length of Black or Dark Brown embroidery floss for the facial details.
- Crochet Hook: 2.75mm (C/2) or a size that creates a tight, no-hole fabric with your chosen yarn.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 8mm or 9mm black safety eyes.
- Notions:
- Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
- Darning/Tapestry Needle
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- For the Yarn: I recommend a smooth, tightly-plied cotton or cotton-blend yarn. It provides fantastic stitch definition, which is exactly what you want for making Leo’s shell-stitch mane look crisp and his single crochet stitches perfectly uniform.
- For the Blush: A touch of pink cosmetic blush or a fabric-safe pastel chalk applied with a Q-tip or small brush creates that gentle, healthy glow on his cheeks. It’s a tiny step that adds immense personality!
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Leo
This pattern is wonderful for a confident beginner ready to build their skills! We primarily use single crochet, but the real star is the shell stitch that gives Leo his signature look.
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible Decrease (insert hook into front loops of the next two stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops)
- dc: Double Crochet
- MR: Magic Ring (or Magic Circle)
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- [...]: Repeat instructions within the brackets as directed.
- (...): The number in parentheses at the end of a round indicates the total stitch count.
Special Technique: The Shell Stitch
The shell stitch is what creates the beautiful, full petals of Leo's mane. For this pattern, a shell is made by working multiple double crochet stitches into the same space. It's a surprisingly simple technique that produces a stunning, decorative effect. We'll use it in a specific sequence to make the mane frame his face perfectly.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Leo
Every handmade creation is a reflection of its maker! Please remember that your tension, yarn, and personal touches will make your Leo the Lion Cub uniquely yours. His final expression will be a little piece of your own artistic heart, and that's what makes amigurumi so magical.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Leo the Lovable Lion Cub to life! The full pattern is right ahead.
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The Leo the Lovable Lion Cub Amigurumi Pattern
Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
Head
(Use Main Color - Beige)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sts, inc] 6 times.
Rnd 7: [sc in next 5 sts, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8 - 15: (8 rounds) sc in each st around. (42)
Rnd 16: [sc in next 5 sts, dec] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 17: [sc in next 4 sts, dec] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 18: [sc in next 3 sts, dec] 6 times. (24)
Insert 8mm safety eyes between Rnds 13 and 14, about 7-8 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 19: [sc in next 2 sts, dec] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 20: [sc in next st, dec] 6 times. (12)
Rnd 21: dec 6 times. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Hide the yarn tail inside the head.
Snout
(Use Snout/Ear Color - Ecru)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 3 times. (15)
Rnd 4: sc in each st around. (15)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Ears (Make 2)
Make one Inner Ear and one Outer Ear for each complete ear.
Inner Ear (Make 2 in Ecru) Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times. (12) Fasten off.
Outer Ear (Make 2 in Beige) Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times. (12) Do not fasten off the second Outer Ear piece.
Joining the Ear Halves: Place the Inner Ear piece against the Outer Ear piece, with wrong sides facing each other. Using the hook still attached to the Outer Ear, ch 1, and sc through the stitches of both layers to join them together. Work 12 sc around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Arms (Make 2)
(Use Main Color - Beige)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [sc in next st, inc] 3 times. (9)
Rnd 3 - 8: (6 rounds) sc in each st around. (9)
Stuff the hand part lightly, leaving the top third unstuffed to make it easier to sew flat against the body. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Body (Started with Legs)
(Use Main Color - Beige)
Leg 1: Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4 - 6: (3 rounds) sc in each st around. (18) Fasten off and cut the yarn. Set aside.
Leg 2 & Body: Rnd 1 - 6: Repeat instructions for Leg 1, but do not fasten off.
Rnd 7 (Joining Round): Ch 3. Join with a sl st to the last stitch of Leg 1. Now, crochet around Leg 1, into the chain, and around Leg 2.
- sc in each of the 18 sts of Leg 1.
- sc in each of the 3 chains.
- sc in each of the 18 sts of Leg 2.
- sc in the other side of the 3 chains. (42) Place your stitch marker in the first sc of the round. Rnd 8 - 14: (7 rounds) sc in each st around. (42) Rnd 15: [sc in next 5 sts, dec] 6 times. (36) Rnd 16 - 17: (2 rounds) sc in each st around. (36) Rnd 18: [sc in next 4 sts, dec] 6 times. (30) Rnd 19 - 20: (2 rounds) sc in each st around. (30) Rnd 21: [sc in next 3 sts, dec] 6 times. (24) Rnd 22: sc in each st around. (24)
Stuff the legs and body firmly. Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing the head to the body.
Mane
(Use Mane Color - Orange)
Rnd 1: Ch 32. Being careful not to twist the chain, sl st to the first chain to form a ring. Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each chain around. sl st to the first sc to join. (32) Rnd 3 (Shell Round): [Sl st in the next st, skip 1 st, work 6 dc in the next st, skip 1 st]. Repeat this sequence from * to * a total of 8 times around the ring. Sl st to the very first sl st of the round to finish. (You will have 8 large petals/shells).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave in the starting tail.
Assembly Instructions for Your Leo
A little patience here makes all the difference! I recommend pinning pieces in place before sewing to ensure perfect placement.
- Face: Center the Snout below the eyes, with the top edge of the snout sitting just below Rnd 14 of the head. Stuff it lightly before you sew the last few stitches. Using your black embroidery floss, stitch a "Y" shape for the nose and mouth line onto the snout. Embroider two curved eyebrows above the eyes.
- Body to Head: Use the long tail from the body to sew the head onto the body opening. Add more stuffing to the neck area as you sew to ensure the head is firm and doesn't wobble.
- Mane: Slide the mane over the head so it rests at the base of the head/top of the neck, like a collar. Use the orange tail to tack it securely in place all the way around.
- Ears: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, positioning them from Rnd 7 to Rnd 12. They should nestle nicely just above the mane.
- Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the mane, at approximately Rnd 20.
- Finishing Touch: Using a small brush or Q-tip, gently apply a small circle of pink blush to the cheeks, just under the outer corners of the eyes.
Tips & Tricks for Your Leo
Troubleshooting Your Lion
- Wobbly Head? The most common amigurumi ailment! The key is to stuff the neck area very firmly just before you close the seam between the head and body.
- Mane Curling? If your shell stitches are curling forward too much, you can gently block them. Pin the mane flat on a foam mat, spritz lightly with water, and let it dry completely.
- Gaps in Stitches? If you see stuffing, your tension might be a bit loose. Try going down a hook size on your next project to create a denser fabric.
Customization Corner
- Add a Tail! Crochet a simple chain of about 15-20 stitches in Beige. In Orange, create a small tassel and attach it to the end. Sew the other end to Leo's back.
- Change the Colors: Imagine a pastel rainbow mane, or even a white lion with a golden mane! Feel free to play with the color palette.
- Express Yourself: Try different eyebrow shapes to give your Leo a happy, sleepy, or surprised expression!
Gifting Your Leo
- This lion cub makes a perfect gift for a new baby (ensure all parts are securely sewn and consider embroidering eyes instead of using safety eyes for children under 3) or a dear friend who needs a little courage and comfort.
- Pair the finished amigurumi with a classic children's book about lions for a truly memorable and thoughtful gift set.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Leo
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Q: How do I get the cheek blush to look so natural?
- Patricia's Answer: The secret is "less is more"! Use a very small amount of cosmetic blush on a dry Q-tip. Tap off any excess, then apply it in a gentle, circular motion. It's easier to add a little more than to take any away.
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Q: My shell stitches in the mane don't look as full as the picture. Why?
- Patricia's Answer: This can happen for two reasons: tension or yarn type. If your tension is very tight, the double crochets might not "fluff out" as much. Also, a fluffier acrylic or wool yarn will create a fuller shell than a sleek cotton. Don't worry, though; a slightly different mane texture just gives your Leo his own unique style!
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Q: Can I use a different yarn weight for this project?
- Patricia's Answer: Absolutely! Just remember to adjust your hook size accordingly. A thicker yarn will create a larger lion, and a thinner yarn will create a miniature one. It’s a wonderful way to play with scale!
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Leo
You did it! Your very own Leo the Lovable Lion Cub is complete, and I hope you are as proud of him as I am. Seeing your finished creations is the greatest reward for me as a designer. Every stitch you’ve made has woven a little bit of personality and life into this sweet friend. Thank you so much for your trust and for spending your valuable creative time with me.
Your engagement and love for these projects are what make it possible for me to continue offering detailed, free patterns. Take good care of your new lion; he's ready for a lifetime of cuddles.
Happy stitching, my dear!