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Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern

Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern
4.8★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern

This delightful koala pillow pattern brings Australian charm right into your home with its sweet expression and functional design. Measuring approximately 29x46 centimeters, this plush creation features adorable details like rounded ears with white inner accents, a distinctive gray nose, embroidered smile, and button eyes that give it personality. The hidden secret pocket on the back adds a practical element, making it perfect for storing small items or surprises.

Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Made with soft plush yarn like Himalaya Dolphin Baby, this pillow is incredibly huggable and comfortable. The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating all components including the pillow body, ears with inner details, nose, arms, legs, and the clever back pocket with button closure.

Why You'll Love This Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this koala pillow pattern because it combines functionality with irresistible cuteness in one project. The use of plush yarn creates an incredibly soft texture that everyone wants to snuggle, while the secret pocket adds an element of surprise and practicality. I find the construction method brilliant – working in rounds for the main pillow body creates a seamless look, and the separately attached features allow for perfect positioning. The satisfaction of seeing this adorable koala face come to life as you add each detail is truly rewarding, and knowing it will bring joy to someone special makes every stitch worthwhile.

Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this koala pillow pattern can be with just a few creative modifications. You could easily transform this cutie into different animals by changing colors and adjusting features – imagine a brown bear with a smaller nose, a gray elephant with a trunk instead of the nose, or even a pink pig version. The secret pocket opens up endless possibilities too: add a zipper instead of a button for a more polished look, or create multiple smaller pockets for organizing little treasures.

I also enjoy experimenting with yarn weights to create a whole family of koalas in different sizes. Using sport or DK weight yarn with a smaller hook creates an adorable mini version perfect for little hands, while super bulky yarn makes an oversized floor cushion that's perfect for lounging. The facial features can be customized endlessly – try embroidering closed, sleepy eyes for a dreamy version, or add rosy cheeks with pink yarn for extra sweetness.

For holiday versions, I've incorporated festive colors: a red and white candy cane koala for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. You could even add accessories like a tiny crocheted scarf, a flower crown, or a little bow tie to give your koala personality. The possibilities truly are endless, and that's what makes this pattern so special!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not using stitch markers to track rounds, especially during color changes, which can lead to misaligned features and uneven shaping throughout the pillow construction ✗ Insufficient stuffing in the nose and corner areas of the pillow, resulting in a flat appearance instead of the desired plump, cuddly structure ✗ Placing the ears incorrectly on the pillow corners, which throws off the entire koala expression and symmetry of the finished design ✗ Forgetting to leave long thread tails when finishing each piece, making assembly difficult and causing visible knots or weak attachment points ✗ Sewing the secret pocket without testing button placement first, leading to a closure that doesn't align properly or function smoothly

Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern

Create this adorable and ultra-soft koala pillow that doubles as both a cuddly companion and functional home decor piece. This charming pattern features a lovable koala face with fluffy ears, an oversized nose, and a secret pocket on the back for storing small treasures. Perfect for nursery decor, cozy reading nooks, or as a thoughtful handmade gift that children and adults will treasure for years to come.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Koala Pillow Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Himalaya Dolphin Baby plush yarn (120m/100g) in light green - 3 skeins
  • 02
    Himalaya Dolphin Baby plush yarn in gray - less than 1 skein
  • 03
    Himalaya Dolphin Baby plush yarn in white - less than 1 skein
  • 04
    Small amount of black yarn for smile and embroidered details
  • 05
    Alternative: YarnArt Dolce or any other plush yarn

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5-4mm (size 3.5mm used in pattern)
  • 02
    Black beads or buttons for eyes (22mm)
  • 03
    Needle for sewing
  • 04
    Stuffing (hollofayber or polyester fiberfill)
  • 05
    Stitch markers or pins
  • 06
    Button for secret pocket closure
  • 07
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Pillow :

Round 1 :

90 ch, connect with the first loop

Round 2-39 :

90 sc

Info :

Leave a long thread and sew the top of the pillow. Fasten the thread and hide inside the pillow. Fill tightly and evenly, filling the angles of the pillow well. Sew and fasten the thread, hide inside the pillow.

— Ear (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring {6}

Round 2 :

(inc) repeat 6 times {12}

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {18}

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {24}

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {30}

Round 6 :

(4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {36}

Round 7 :

(5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {42}

Round 8 :

(6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {48}

Round 9 :

(7 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {54}

Round 10-14 :

54 sc (5 rounds)

Round 15 :

(7 sc, dec) repeat 6 times {48}

Round 16 :

(6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times {42}

Round 17 :

42 sc, leave a long thread for sewing

— White Ear Insert (Make 2) :

Row 1 :

5 sc in magic ring, turn

Row 2 :

(inc) repeat 5 times, turn {10}

Row 3 :

10 sc, turn

Row 4 :

(2 sc, inc) repeat 3 times, sc, turn {13}

Row 5 :

(3 sc, inc) repeat 3 times, sc, turn {16}

Row 6 :

16 sc, crochet along the bottom of the ear: inc, 10 sc, leave a long thread for sewing

— Nose :

Round 1 :

Make 11 ch

Round 2 :

Begin from the second loop from the hook: 9 sc, 3 sc in 1 loop, 8 sc, inc {22}

Round 3 :

inc, inc, 9 sc, 3 sc in 1 loop, 11 sc {27}

Round 4 :

inc, inc, inc, 11 sc, inc, inc, inc, 10 {33}

Round 5 :

inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 12 sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 11 sc {39}

Round 6 :

2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 12 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 11 sc {45}

Round 7 :

45 sc, leave a long thread for sewing

— Leg (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring {6}

Round 2 :

(inc) repeat 6 times {12}

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times {18}

Round 4 :

18 sc, leave a long thread for sewing

— Arm (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring {6}

Round 2 :

(inc) repeat 6 times {12}

Round 3 :

12 sc, leave a long thread for sewing

— Secret Pocket :

Row 1 :

Make 35 ch

Row 2-31 :

Begin from the second loop from the hook: 34 sc, turn (30 rows)

Row 32 :

Begin from the second loop from the hook: 16 sc, make 4 ch, skip 2 loops of the previous row and crochet 16 sc (adjust chain length based on button size)

Assembly Instructions

  • Position ears on the corner angles of the pillow, sew first to the pillow edge, then sew around the ear in a circle for secure attachment
  • Sew the white inner ear details onto each green ear piece before final assembly
  • Attach and stuff the nose firmly between rounds 12 and 27 of the pillow front, ensuring even filling for dimensional shape
  • Sew arms to the sides of the pillow and legs to the bottom front, stuffing lightly if desired for added dimension
  • Attach black bead or button eyes between rounds 22 and 23, spacing them appropriately for the koala expression
  • Embroider eyelids using black yarn by inserting needle between rounds 17-18, creating a curved line above each eye
  • Create the smile by using the remaining black thread from the eyelids, stitching between rounds 11-13 to form a gentle curve
  • Sew the secret pocket to the back of the pillow and attach a button aligned with the buttonhole for secure closure

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to track the beginning of each round, especially important when working with plush yarn where stitches can be difficult to see
  • 💡Fill the pillow tightly and evenly, paying special attention to the corners to maintain the square shape
  • 💡Leave long thread tails (at least 12 inches) when finishing each piece to make assembly easier and more secure
  • 💡When embroidering facial features with black yarn, pull stitches firmly but not too tight to avoid distorting the pillow shape
  • 💡Test the secret pocket button placement before final sewing to ensure proper alignment and function
  • 💡Hide all thread ends inside the pillow or pieces to maintain a clean, professional finish

This enchanting Koala Pillow pattern combines the warmth of handmade craftsmanship with practical functionality to create a treasured piece for any home. The soft plush yarn creates an irresistibly cuddly texture, while the charming koala features bring personality and joy to every room. The clever addition of a secret back pocket makes this more than just a decorative pillow – it becomes an interactive piece that children especially will adore. Whether displayed in a nursery, bedroom, or living space, this koala companion will bring smiles and comfort for years to come. 🐨✨

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of yarn instead of plush yarn?

Yes, you can use any yarn type, but plush yarn like Himalaya Dolphin Baby or YarnArt Dolce creates the signature soft, cuddly texture. If using regular yarn, your pillow will be smaller and have a different texture. Adjust your hook size accordingly and expect different final dimensions.

How do I adjust the size of the pillow?

To make a larger pillow, increase the initial chain count (currently 90 ch) in multiples of your desired increase, and add more rounds to the height. For a smaller version, decrease the chain and rounds proportionally. Remember to adjust the size of the facial features accordingly.

What should I do if my nose doesn't look oval-shaped?

The nose is worked in an oval by increasing at specific points. Ensure you're following the increase pattern precisely, especially the '3 sc in 1 loop' instructions which create the curved ends. Blocking the piece gently with steam can also help shape it before attaching.

Is the secret pocket necessary, or can I skip it?

The secret pocket is optional! If you prefer a simpler project or the pillow is purely decorative, you can skip it entirely. The pillow will still be adorable and functional without it. However, it's a fun feature that children especially enjoy.

How do I prevent the ears from flopping forward?

The ears are sewn at the corners which naturally helps them stand upright. Make sure to sew them securely both to the pillow edge and around in a circle as instructed. You can also add a few hidden stitches at the back of each ear to tack them slightly to the pillow for extra support.

Can I use safety eyes instead of beads or buttons?

Absolutely! Safety eyes are a great choice, especially for children's items. Install them between rounds 22-23 before stuffing and closing the pillow. Make sure they're secured properly as it will be difficult to access them once the pillow is fully assembled.