Top 5 Plushie Projects for Beginners (with Easy Crochet Patterns)
If you're new to crochet and dreaming of making your first plushie, you’re in the right place. Plushies (also called amigurumi) are soft, squishy, and surprisingly easy once you get started — especially with the right pattern.
At Hooklet, we design beginner-friendly patterns that are cute, quick, and confidence-boosting. All of them are digital downloads, so you can start stitching today.
In this post, we’re sharing our top 5 plushie projects for beginners, with step-by-step PDF patterns and free resources included.
Let’s get you hooked 👇
🐝 1. Bee Amigurumi Keychain (Free Pattern)
Skill level: Beginner
Time: ~45 minutes
Download: Get the free bee pattern here →
This is the ultimate starter plushie — small, fast, and adorable. The Hooklet Bee has a simple round body, tiny wings, and a soft textured look using velvet or cotton yarn. It’s perfect as a:
- Keychain
- Gift tag
- First-ever crochet project
Why it’s great for beginners:
- One-piece body
- Minimal shaping
- Instant results
🐸 2. Frog Plushie Pattern
Skill level: Beginner
Time: ~60–90 minutes
Download: Frog Plushie Pattern →
If you're into round, squishy, and slightly goofy plushies, the Hooklet Frog is a fan favorite. It features classic amigurumi construction:
- Magic ring base
- Spherical body
- Simple arms/legs you sew on
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Repeats simple stitches (SC, INC, DEC)
- Easy shaping and stuffing
- Great intro to assembling parts
🐥 3. Chick Amigurumi Plushie
Skill level: Beginner
Time: ~60 minutes
Download: Mini Chick Plushie Pattern →
This spring-themed chick is tiny, fluffy, and quick to finish. With just a few rounds, you’ll create a palm-sized plush that’s great for:
- Easter baskets
- Baby gifts
- Table decor
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Fast, small, no complex shaping
- No fancy stitches — just SC, INC, DEC
- Minimal sewing (feet + beak)
🐱 4. Kawaii Cat Plushie Keychain
Skill level: Confident Beginner
Time: ~90 minutes
Download: Cat Amigurumi Pattern →
This mini cat plushie has big eyes, tiny ears, and a sleepy expression. The version we feature works great with leftover yarn and finishes in under 2 hours.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Simple rounds with a connected body/head
- Ears are small but doable
- Stitching on stripes/face teaches detail work
🦊 5. Axl the Fox Plushie
Skill level: Confident Beginner
Time: ~2 hours
Download: Fox Crochet Pattern →
Looking for something seasonal and giftable? Axl the Fox is your forest friend. This pattern walks you through the basics of:
- Creating a body
- Adding a snout + nose
- Crafting ears and a signature striped tail
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Clear round-by-round guidance
- Modular: build parts then assemble
- Works in cotton or chenille
🎁 Want All 4 Plushies? Bundle & Save
If you’re planning to make more than one plushie, grab our Starter Plushie Bundle — it includes 4 patterns (Frog, Chick, Cat, Fox) for 20% off.
💡 Final Tips for First-Time Plushie Makers
- Use cotton yarn for more structure
- Use chenille yarn for fluffy, squishy results
- Stitch markers help keep your rounds clean
- Don’t overstuff — just enough to hold the shape
- Take breaks — you’re building a skill, not rushing a race
🧶 Ready to Make Your First Plushie?
Whether you start with our Free Bee, dive into the Starter Bundle, or test your skills with the Market Bag — we’re here to make sure crochet feels cozy, clear, and confidence-boosting.
👉 Browse All Hooklet Patterns →
And don’t forget to tag @hooklet on Instagram so we can see (and share) your first plushie!