Cute Free Crochet Unicorn Pillow Pattern Every Maker Will Love

Finished Size

The finished unicorn will measure approximately 18 cm x 12 cm (7 in x 5 in) when using the materials listed below and following the specified gauge.

Materials Needed

• Yarn:
  • Main body: Pink and White (3–4 mm thick yarn).
  • Mane: Assorted colors (e.g., green, lilac, blue, pink).
  • Nose stitching: Black.
  • Hearts: Pink, blue, purple.
• Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook.
• Tapestry (yarn) Needle: For sewing pieces and details and hiding loose ends.
• Buttons (Eyes): Two small black buttons.
• Stuffing Material: Synthetic or fiberfill.
• Scissors.

Gauge

Gauge is not crucial for this project. However, using the specified materials and hook size will create a tightly woven fabric to keep the filling in place.

Special Techniques

• Slip Knot: Used to begin.
• Chain Stitch (ch): Yarn over, pull through the loop on the hook.
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert the hook in the stitch, pull up a loop (three loops now on the hook), yarn over, and pull through all three loops.
• Increase (hdc inc): Crochet 2 hdc stitches in the same stitch.
• Decrease (Hdc 2 Tog): Yarn over, insert the hook in the first stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, pull up another loop (4 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops.
• Slip Stitch: Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, and the loop on the hook.

Tips & Customization Ideas

• Use pastel or metallic threads for a sparkly effect.
• Embroider extra stars, swirls, or clouds onto the body for decorative flair.
• Add a bell or crinkle paper inside for the rattle version.
• The project is great for beginners, as the techniques used are basic, repetitive, and easy to master.

Pattern Instructions

Step 1: Face and Tummy Pieces (Make Two)

1. Start with the Face Piece:
   • Begin with pink yarn.
   • Make a slip knot and chain 5 (4 + 1 for turning).
   • Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, make 4 hdc stitches. Turn.
     Save
   • Row 2 - 5: At the start of each row, chain 1, turn your work, increase (hdc inc) in the first and last stitches of every row and crochet 1 hdc in between. This increases the piece's width. (You will have 8 hdc at the end of Row 5.)
2. Switch to White Yarn:
   • Pull the white yarn through the final loop of the pink yarn to change the color. Pull the pink end gently to secure.
   • Crochet 9 rows of just hdc stitches (1 stitch per hole).
3. Repeat the steps above for the Tummy Piece, but work with all white yarn throughout.
   Save
4. Finishing:
   • Cut and secure yarn for the face piece. Don't cut the thread for the tummy piece, as it will be used to join the two pieces.

Step 2: Sewing the Face

• Using your tapestry needle, sew two buttons for eyes on the face piece.
• Create the nose with black thread.
  • Create two slanted, V-shaped stitches for the nostrils with black yarn in the pink section.
    Save

Step 3: Joining Face and Tummy Pieces

1. Align both pieces (face and tummy), wrong sides together.
2. Using white yarn and working through both layers, make hdc stitches around the perimeter to join the pieces.
3. Important: Leave an opening big enough to stuff the unicorn, then fill the body with synthetic stuffing.
4. Once stuffed, close the opening with hdc stitches.
   Save

Step 4: Arms and Legs (Make Four)

1. Start with Feet (Make 2):
   • Start with pink yarn.
   • Make a slip knot and chain 3 (2 + 1 for turning).
   • Make 2 hdc stitches in the next chain. Increase by making hdc inc at the end. Turn.
   • Continue until you have a slightly curved triangle shape. Repeat the process for white yarn at the top, and combine the two pieces with hdc stitches, remembering to stuff lightly.
2. Arms (Make 2): Same process as above, but slightly shorter.

Step 5: Horn

1. Using yellow or white yarn, create a small triangle with a slip knot and increase by hdc at the start of rows until a horn shape is achieved.
2. Stuff the horn lightly, then sew to the top center of the unicorn’s head.

Step 6: Ears (Make Two)

1. Start with white yarn.
2. Chain 3 and create a triangle shape similar to the horn.
3. Combine two identical pieces by crocheting around their edges and sew to the sides of the head.

Step 7: Hair (Mane)

1. Cut multiple strands of colored yarn (about 30 cm/12 in long). Use two strands per knot for a fuller look. Fold the yarn in half and loop it onto the head of the unicorn.
   • To attach, pull the folded half through a stitch, pull the tail ends through the loop, and tighten.
     Save

Step 8: Decorations

• Crochet three small hearts for extra decoration.
• Sew them onto the front and back of the unicorn in contrasting colors.

Conclusion and Important Remarks

Congratulations on completing your mini unicorn crochet project! This unicorn is cuddly, vibrant, and perfect for gift-giving. Add embellishments like bows, tiny stars, or personalize it with initials to elevate the charm. If you enjoyed this project, leave comments about what you'd like to see next or experiment further with thread color and designs.