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Kira the Christmas Koala
This Christmas Koala’s free crochet pattern is a modification of my original Kira the Koala amigurumi design. When Hobbii Yarn gifted me some yarn of my choice to help promote their 2022 Black Friday sale and giveaway (it’s over now), I knew exactly what I wanted to make!
I’ve been so curious to see what my wee Koala amigurumi design looked like in chunky chenille yarn, and thought that making her pattern seasonal would be a super cute addition. So here it is – Kira the Christmas Koala’s free crochet pattern.
If you have any questions at all while crocheting Kira, please feel free to get in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, or by email.
I hope you enjoy this new pattern, and don’t forget to share your completed makes with me on social media by tagging @cillacrochets and using the hashtag #CrochetKiraTheChristmasKoala. I hope you have fun!
Crochet Pattern Information
Materials needed to crochet Kira the Christmas Koala
Here’s what you’ll need to crochet Kira the Christmas Koala and her accessories:
- Yarn: Super Bulky Chenille yarn in four colours (A – D) and one Bulky Polyester yarn with a furry effect for colour E. I used Hobbii Yarn Honey Bunny (A – D) & Hobbii Peacock (E), in the following colours. Amounts needed are in brackets.
- A – Blue (70 grams = 84 m/ 92 yds)
- B – White (2 grams = 2.4 m/ 2.7 yds)
- C – Black (5 grams = 6 m/ 6.6 yds)
- D – Red (50 grams = 60 m / 66 yds)
- E – Furry White (10 grams = 6.5 m / 7.1 yds)
- Crochet hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Additional materials:
- Stuffing
- Needle
- Scissors
- Pins
- Safety eyes 10 mm (Option 1)
- Black embroidery thread (Option 2 if you’d like to embroider the eyes)
Gauge
Gauge is not required for this pattern, however keep tension consistent throughout. For reference my gauge for the koala was as follows:
6 sc stitches on 5 cm / 1.96 “
7 rows on 5 cm / 1.96 “
Christmas Koala Amigurumi Size
Using the yarn and crochet hook outlined above, Kira the Christmas Koala turned out to be approximately 25cm/10 inches tall and 17 cm/6.7” wide from hand to hand across the body. Please note the size of your make will vary depending on your hook size, the yarn you use, and your tension/gauge.
Crochet Pattern Abbreviations
This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
R# – Row/round number
st – Stitch
ch – Chain
sl st – Slip stitch
mc – Magic circle
sc – Single crochet
dc – Double crochet
inc – Increase
dec – Decrease
FLO – Front loop only
BLO – Back loop only
sk – Skip
[…] x … – Repeat the sequence of stitches in brackets x-times
(…) – Total number of stitches at the end of each row/round
Additional Crochet Pattern Notes & Top Tips
- Yarn: The yarn choice is completely up to you, and you can change the yarn weight, material, and colours based on your own personal preference. Just be aware that the weight of your yarn may impact the hook size you need to use and also the size of your final make.
- Hook size: I recommend using a smaller hook size than recommended on the yarn label. This will stop the stuffing appearing through your stitches.
- Eyes: Please note that safety eyes are a choking hazard and are not suitable for children under 3 years of age. Instead of using safety eyes, you can embroider or crochet the eyes.
- Working in rounds: All parts within this pattern are worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated.
- Stitch marker: Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round/row to keep track of the number of stitches.
- Stuffing: Unless otherwise stated, stuff all amigurumi parts firmly as you crochet.
- Decreases: I recommend using invisible decreases for all amigurumi pieces throughout. For pieces that are worked back in forth in rows, use a standard decrease.
- Changing colour: To ensure straight lines, add the new colour in the last yarn over of the sc before the new colour is needed.
- Koala Ears: Each ear is made up of two crochet pieces that are then joined together by crocheting. The 1st section (Section A) is worked back and forth in rows where turning chs are not counted in the total st count. The 2nd section (Section B) is worked in continuous rounds, where chs are counted in the total st count, but sl sts are not counted.
- Copyright notice: You cannot copy, sell or redistribute this written pattern. The pattern has been designed for personal use only, however you’re more than welcome to sell the creations you’ve made using this pattern giving credit to the pattern designer. Please see the full copyright notice at the bottom of this pattern for more information.
Kira the Christmas Koala’s Crochet Pattern
Ears (Make 2)
Before starting the ears, read Koala Ears note in the additional pattern notes above.
SECTION A: CROCHETING TWO PIECES
Using Colour B Yarn (White).
Do not stuff.
Start: Ch 3, turn
R1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, turn (2)
R2: [Inc] x 2, ch 1, turn (4)
R3: Inc, 2 sc, Inc, ch 1, turn (6)
R4: sc across, ch 1, turn (6)
R5: sc across (6)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Sew in all yarn tails to hide.
Using Colour A Yarn (Blue) repeat from Start to R5 but do not cut yarn or fasten off. Instead, ch 1 and turn.
SECTION B: JOINING TWO PIECES TOGETHER
Hold the two crocheted pieces together so each side is aligned. Now you will join these two pieces together by crocheting around the sides. To do this, insert your hook into an sc of both crochet pieces (two scs on your hook). Then complete the sc as per normal.
R6: 3 sc in first corner st, 4 sc along the edge, 3 sc in next corner st, 3 sc along next side of ear, 3 sc in top st of shortest side, 3 sc in next top stitch (shortest side), 3 sc along other side of ear, sl st to 1st st in round to join (22) – sl st isn’t counted in total st count
R7: ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (22) – ch and sl st isn’t count in total st count
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing and fasten off. Repeat Section A & Section B steps to make a second ear.
Head
Using Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
R3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36)
R7: [5 sc, inc] x 6 (42)
R8 – R16: sc around (42) – 9 rounds
If using safety eyes, insert them now between R10 & R11 of the head with 9 sts in between the eyes.
R17: [5 sc, dec] x 6 (36)
R18: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30)
R19: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24)
R20: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18)
R21: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)
R22: [dec] x 6 (6)
Cut yarn. Fasten off. Using needle, weave yarn tail through FLO of 6 sc & pull tight to close. Sew yarn tail into head to hide.
Nose
Using Colour C Yarn (Black).
Do not stuff.
Start: Ch 6
R1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook sc in next 4 sts, 3 sc in last st, working on other side of ch sc in next 3 sts, inc in last st, sl st to 1st sc in round to join, ch 1 (12) – Sl st & ch is not counted in total st count
R2: 5 sc, inc, 6 sc, inc, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (15)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off.
Sew in short yarn tail from starting chain to hide. The end yarn tail will be used for assembly.
Body
Start with Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 8 sc (8)
R2: [inc] x 8 (16)
R3: [sc, inc] x 8 (24)
R4: [2 sc, inc] x 8 (32)
R5: [7 sc, inc] x 4 (36)
R6 – 10: sc around (36) – 5 rounds
Change to Colour D Yarn (Red). See colour changing note on page 3.
R11: BLO sc around (36)
R12 – R16: sc around (36) – 5 rounds
R17: [7 sc, dec] x 4 (32)
R18: [2 sc, dec] x 8 (24)
R19: sc around (24)
R20: [sc, dec] x 8 (16)
R21: sc around (16)
Cut yarn leaving a longer yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off.
Legs (Make 2)
Using Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [inc] x 6 (12)
R3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
R4 – R6: sc around (18) – 3 rounds
R7: [sc, dec] x 6 (12)
Stuff foot firmly.
R8 – R13: sc around (12) – 6 rounds
Stuff leg firmly.
R14: Hold sides together and work 5 sc into both sides to join, leaving one unworked st on each end (5)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off.
Repeat steps to make a second leg.
Arms (Make 2)
Start with Colour A Yarn (Blue).
Stuff this piece firmly throughout.
R1: mc with 6 sc (6)
R2: [sc, inc] x 3 (9)
R3: [2 sc, inc] x 3 (12)
R4 – R5: sc around (12) – 2 rounds
R6: [2 sc, dec] x 3 (9)
Stuff hand firmly.
Change to Colour D Yarn (Red).
R7: sc around (9)
R8: BLO sc around (9)
R9 – R14: sc around (9) – 6 rounds
Finish stuffing arm firmly.
R15: Hold sides together and work 4 sc into both sides to join, leaving one unworked st on one side (4)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. Fasten off.
Repeat steps to make second arm.
Bow
Using Colour D Yarn (Red).
This section is crocheted back and forth in rows. Turning chains are not counted in the total st count.
Start: ch 7
R1: starting in second ch from hook 6 sc across, ch 1, turn (6)
R2: 2 sc, dec, 2 sc, ch 1, turn (5)
R3: dec, sc, dec, ch 1, turn (3)
R4: 3 sc, ch 1, turn (3)
R5: 3 sc, ch 1, turn (3)
R6: inc, sc, inc, ch 1, turn (5)
R7: 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, ch 1, turn (6)
R8: 6 sc (6)
Cut yarn leaving a long yarn tail (approximately 40 cm/16 “) for sewing. Weave in starting yarn tail.
Sew the long yarn tail that’s been left for sewing into the centre of the bow, so you have a long yarn tail hanging from the centre of the bow. Leave this as we’ll come back to it shortly.
Attach Yarn Colour E (Furry White) to 1st st of R8.
R9: 6 sc (6)
Cut yarn & fasten off. Weave in yarn ends.
Attach Yarn Colour E (Furry White) to 1st st of starting ch.
R10: 6 sc (6)
Cut yarn & fasten off. Weave in yarn ends.
Returning to the Yarn Colour D (Red) yarn tail in the centre of the bow, use your needle to weave this through the top and bottom st height wise several times, to create the middle of the bow to pucker. The remaining yarn tail will be used to sew the bow to Kira the Christmas Koala’s head.
Assemble Kira the Christmas Koala
Now we’ll assemble the main parts of Kira the Christmas Koala, before finishing off some final Christmassy touches.
Step 1:
Pin ears into place on the head. The top of the ears sit between R5 & R6 of the head with 10 sts between the top of the ears at the front. The bottom of the ears sit between R11 & R12 of the head with 4 sts between each ear and the outside of safety eye.
Step 2:
Sew nose to head. The nose should sit in the centre of the head between the eyes (or ears if you’re embroidering the eyes). The top of the nose should sit between R9 & R10 of the head. The bottom of the nose should sit between R17 & R18 of the head.
Step 3:
Using yarn tail from body, sew body to R20 of the head.
Step 4:
Pin arms in place on body. Each arm sits between R19 & R20 of the body with 6 sts in between the front of the arms on the body. Use yarn tail from each arm to sew the arms into place.
Step 5:
Pin legs in place on body. Each leg sits between R4 & R5 of the body with 1 st on the body in between the legs. Use yarn tail from each leg to sew the legs into place.
Step 6:
Using yarn tail from the middle of the bow, sew bow to head. The bow sits between R2 & 4 of the head approximately 1 st above from the top of the left ear.
Skirt
Attach Colour D Yarn (Red) to any R10 FLO st of Kira’s body. Ensure your crochet hook is pointing towards Kira’s feet. Once yarn is attached continue crocheting R1.
R1: [5 sc, inc] x 6, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (42)
R2 – 3: 3 ch, 42 dc, sl st to 1st dc in round to join (42) – 2 rounds
R4: ch, [6 sc, inc] x 6, sl st to 1st sc in round to join (48)
R5: ch 1, 48 sc, sl st to first sc in round to join (48)
Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in yarn tail to skirt to hide.
Attach Colour E Yarn (White Fluffy) to any st in R5.
R6: 48 sc, sl st to first sc in round to join (48)
Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in yarn tail to skirt trim to hide.
Sleeve Trim (Make 2)
Attach Yarn Colour E (White Furry) to any FLO R7 st of Kira’s arm.
R1: 9 sc, sc in the same FLO st where you started, sl st to first sc in round to join (10)
Cut yarn & fasten off. Weave yarn tail into sleeve trim to hide.
Repeat steps above for second arm.
Eye Embroidery (If Applicable)
If you have chosen to embroidery Kira the Christmas Koala’s eyes, use black embroidery thread to embroider Kira’s eyes 3 sts away on either side of the nose between R9 & R11 of the head as shown in the image here.
Congratulations, you have finished crocheting Kira the Christmas Koala!
Don’t forget you can share your makes with the community by using the hashtag #CrochetKiraTheChristmasKoala & by tagging me on social media @cillacrochets.
I hope you had fun!
If you enjoyed this pattern, you may like to try some of my other free crochet patterns. You can check these out here.
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
© 2022 Cilla Crochets. Cilla Richards – All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only.
The pattern (or parts of it) may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared, or posted (for sale or for free) over the internet or offline.
You can sell items made from this pattern if they are handmade by yourself in a limited number and you give credit to the designer. Please add the following text to your item description for any item designed by Cilla Crochets/Cilla Richards that you are selling:
“This product is handmade by [your name] from a design and pattern by Cilla Richards at Cilla Crochets. See www.cillacrochets.com for more information.”
