This lion head is a small, quick amigurumi worked from the top down in continuous rounds, and it is a lovely first project if you already know the single crochet, increase and decrease. Unlike a full-bodied lion, it is just a round, chubby face with a white muzzle, tiny round ears and a ruffled mane made of half double crochets. That makes it perfect for turning into a baby rattle, a toy handle topper, a bag charm, or a decoration for a gift.

The face is worked in one color, with a small patch of white added in the middle of the head to form the muzzle. The mane is added at the end by working three hdc into every stitch around the head, which creates a soft, frilly ruffle in a contrasting color. The photo version shows a bright yellow lion with a chocolate brown mane and a peach lion with a golden mane, but you can pick any pair of colors you like.

You only need a 2.5 mm hook with worsted or DK yarn, a pair of 6 mm safety eyes and a bit of stuffing. Because the head is stuffed, work with a hook size smaller than the yarn label suggests so the fabric is tight and no stuffing shows through.

Finished size

With a 2.5 mm hook and worsted or DK cotton, the head measures about 7 cm (2.75 in) wide and 6.5 cm (2.5 in) tall, not counting the mane. The ruffled mane adds roughly 1 cm around the face. With thinner yarn it will be smaller, and with bulky yarn and a larger hook it can grow to 10 cm or more. The head has 42 stitches at its widest point (R7 to R12).

Yarn substitution

Cotton (DK or worsted) gives the crisp stitch definition seen in the photo and is the best choice for a rattle or a toy for a baby.
Acrylic or milk cotton works well too and is softer, but use a slightly smaller hook so the stuffing does not show.
Mane yarn: choose a yarn of the same weight, or slightly thicker, so the ruffle stands out. A brown or golden-orange tone gives the classic lion look.
If you change the yarn weight, the size changes but the stitch counts stay the same. Keep the eye placement relative to the white muzzle rather than by measurement.

Common mistakes

Gaps in the magic ring: pull the ring tight after R1 so no hole shows at the top of the head.
Muzzle patch drifting: the white section in R13 to R16 must stay centered under the face. Mark the center stitch with a stitch marker and count the white stitches carefully each round.
Carrying the white yarn: change colors by dropping the old yarn and picking up the new one, then switch back in the same stitch so the white sits flat and the back stays neat.
Stuffing too late: the opening is small after R17. Stuff firmly before R21 and add a bit more as you decrease.
Eyes in the wrong place: place the eyes between R12 and R13, six stitches apart, before closing the head. Test the position with the backs not yet fastened.
Uneven mane: make exactly three hdc in each stitch around the head. Skipping stitches makes the ruffle lie flat instead of waving.

FAQ

How firmly should I stuff the head?
Stuff it firmly but not so much that the stitches stretch. The head should hold its round shape and feel solid when squeezed. Add stuffing in small pieces and press it into the cheeks first.

Are safety eyes okay for a baby toy?
Safety eyes lock into place, but they can still be risky for babies under three. For a baby rattle or any toy for young children, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead, working two small straight stitches or French knots between R12 and R13.

How do I change colors for the white muzzle?
In R13 to R16 use white only for the stitches marked (white). Join the white yarn by pulling it through the last loop of the stitch before the white section, then switch back to the main color the same way. Leave tails inside the head to weave in later.

Can I add a handle to make a rattle?
Yes. Crochet a long tube in the same yarn and attach it under the head. You can fill it with stuffing or slide in a small rattle insert before sewing it on. Keep the closure secure.

Can I make the lion bigger or smaller?
Yes. Use a thicker yarn and bigger hook for a larger head, or fingering yarn and a 2 mm hook for a miniature charm. The stitch counts stay the same.

Pattern notes

Tip: Work in a continuous spiral and mark the first stitch of every round with a stitch marker. Move the marker up as you work.

Tip: Stuff as you go in the last rounds, and use the end of your hook to push stuffing into the cheeks.

Head

Start with the main color (yellow or peach).

R1: 8 sc in magic ring [8]
R2: (inc) repeat 8 times [16]
R3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 8 times [24]
R4: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [30]
R5: (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) repeat 6 times [36]
R6: 36 sc [36]
R7: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times [42]
R8-12: 42 sc in each round [42]

Muzzle and face shaping

The next rounds add the white muzzle and shape the cheeks. Keep the white patch centered.

R13: 11 sc, 6 inc, 3 sc, 2 sc (white), 3 sc, 6 inc, 11 sc
R14: 25 sc, 5 sc (white), 24 sc
R15: 24 sc, 6 sc (white), 24 sc
R16: 26 sc, 3 sc (white), 25 sc

Tip: Insert the safety eyes now, between R12 and R13, six stitches apart, before the opening gets too small.

Closing the head

R17: 11 sc, 6 dec, 8 sc, 6 dec, 11 sc
R18: (5 sc, dec) repeat 6 times [36]
R19: (1 sc, dec, 1 sc) repeat 9 times [27]
R20: (1 sc, dec) repeat 9 times [18]

Stuff the head firmly now.

R21: (dec) repeat 9 times [9]
R22 to end: 9 sc for as many rounds as needed if you are attaching a handle or tube. For a plain head, fasten off here.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing, and close the opening with the tail.

Ears (make 2)

9 sc in magic ring [9]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew the ears to the head between R6 and R8, one on each side.

Mane

Join the mane yarn at the edge of the head, then work (3 hdc) in one stitch, around the head, repeating in each stitch of the round to make a ruffled circle. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Finishing touches

Embroider the nose and mouth with black yarn on the white muzzle.
Add blush to the cheeks with pink yarn or soft cosmetic blush.
Weave in all ends and check that the ears and eyes are firmly attached.

Your lion head is finished!

Optional & Creative Ideas

Customize colors: Try a golden lion with an orange mane, a pastel pink lion, or a rainbow mane for a playful twist.
Turn it into a rattle: Add a long crocheted handle and a small rattle insert for a soft baby rattle.
Make a set: Crochet a family of lions in different sizes or colors using different yarn weights.
Use as a charm: Make it with fingering yarn and add a keyring or bag clip.
Add more details: Embroider eyelashes, whiskers or a little forehead tuft with leftover yarn.

Final Thoughts

This lion head is a quick, forgiving make where the ruffled hdc mane does most of the work of giving it personality. Change the yarn colors and it becomes a whole new character.

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Cute Lion Head Amigurumi Crochet Pattern