Free panda crochet pattern lovers, meet your next cuddly project. This soft and chubby amigurumi panda features a big round head, classic black-and-white coloring, tiny blush cheeks, and adorable pink paw pads.
Designed with beginners in mind, this panda amigurumi pattern is worked in separate pieces and assembled step by step. The simple shapes make it approachable for newer crocheters while the facial details and oversized paws give the finished panda plenty of character.
When made with plush or chenille yarn and a 4 mm crochet hook, the finished panda is approximately 16 cm (6.3 in) tall when sitting. Your final size may vary depending on your yarn, hook, stuffing, and crochet tension.
Free Panda Crochet Pattern Overview
Before starting your panda crochet project, here is a quick overview of the materials, construction, and skills used in this pattern.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Panda Crochet Pattern
This easy panda crochet pattern uses simple amigurumi shapes, making it a fun first animal project if you already know basic single crochet, increases, and decreases.
- Beginner-friendly construction.
- Simple round shapes with clear stitch counts.
- Soft plush-yarn texture.
- Large paws that help the panda sit nicely.
- Cute embroidered pink paw details.
- Separate parts make positioning easier before sewing.
- Easy to customize with different yarn colors.
The classic panda colors look adorable, but you can also turn this free panda crochet pattern into a pastel panda, brown panda, or any color combination you like.
Panda Crochet Pattern Materials
- White plush or chenille yarn — approximately 60–80 g
- Black plush or chenille yarn — approximately 40–60 g
- Small amount of soft pink yarn
- 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Two 12 mm safety eyes
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Pins for assembly
Safety note: Safety eyes can be a choking hazard. If you are making this panda for a baby or a child under three, consider embroidering the eyes instead.
Crochet Abbreviations
This panda amigurumi pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic Ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| inc | Increase — 2 sc in the same stitch |
| dec | Invisible Decrease |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| st / sts | Stitch / Stitches |
| FO | Fasten Off |
If you are new to crochet abbreviations, the Craft Yarn Council crochet abbreviation guide is a useful reference.
Panda Amigurumi Pattern Notes
- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless the pattern says otherwise.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Stuff gradually as you crochet rather than waiting until the end.
- Keep your tension fairly tight so the stuffing does not show through.
- Do not overstuff small pieces such as the ears and tail.
- Pin all pieces into position before sewing them permanently.
Construction: The head, body, ears, eye patches, muzzle, arms, legs, and tail are crocheted separately. This lets you adjust the placement before sewing and helps create the cute seated pose shown in the finished panda.
Panda Crochet Tutorial: Head
Crochet the head using white yarn. The head is intentionally larger than the body to create the cute, chubby amigurumi proportions.
Begin stuffing the head gradually, adding small amounts of fiberfill and shaping the head as you work. Leave enough room inside to reach the safety-eye posts and washers.
Pause before closing the head: Do not work R18–R19 yet and do not fully stuff the head. Continue to the Eye Patches and Muzzle sections below, then install and secure the safety eyes while the opening at the bottom of the head is still large enough to reach the washers from inside.
Panda Eye Patches — Make 2
Use black yarn. The slightly oval eye patches help create the recognizable panda expression.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Crochet Panda Muzzle
Use white yarn.
Fasten off with a long sewing tail.
Position the Panda Face
Position the eye patches first. Insert each safety eye through the center of its black eye patch and then through the head approximately between rounds 10 and 11. Start with about seven stitches between the eye posts and adjust slightly until the face looks balanced. Once you are happy with the placement, reach through the open bottom of the head and secure both safety-eye washers firmly from the inside.
Pin the muzzle in the center of the face and add a very small amount of stuffing underneath before sewing it down.
Embroider a small black nose in the center of the muzzle. Add a short vertical line beneath the nose followed by two curved stitches to create the smile.
Finish the Panda Head
Once the safety eyes are securely installed, finish stuffing the head. Add small amounts of fiberfill at a time and shape the head evenly as you work.
Fasten off, close the remaining opening, and weave in the yarn end.
Panda Ears — Make 2
Use black yarn.
Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten each ear slightly before attaching it to the head.
Panda Amigurumi Body
Begin with white yarn.
Change to black yarn.
Stuff firmly while keeping the lower body slightly flat so the finished panda can sit more easily. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing the head.
Panda Arms — Make 2
Use black yarn.
Stuff only the lower half lightly. Flatten the opening and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Panda Legs & Feet — Make 2
Use black yarn. The oversized feet are one of the defining details of this easy panda crochet pattern.
Stuff the front of each foot firmly and use less stuffing near the attachment end. Fasten off with a long sewing tail.
Pink Panda Paw Pads
Use a small amount of pink yarn to embroider the paw pads onto the bottom of each black foot.
Make one larger oval pad in the center of the foot and three smaller toe pads above it.
Tip: Embroidered paw pads are easier to control with thick chenille yarn than tiny separately crocheted pieces, making this detail more beginner friendly.
Panda Tail
Use black yarn.
Stuff lightly and fasten off with a long tail for sewing.
How to Assemble Your Crochet Panda
Take your time during assembly. Small changes in the position of the ears, arms, feet, or facial pieces can noticeably change the panda’s expression.
Finishing Your Panda Amigurumi
Once all parts are securely attached, gently shape the stuffing with your hands. Check that the panda sits evenly and that both feet face forward at a similar angle.
Weave in all remaining yarn ends and trim any excess yarn.
Finished Panda Size
Using the recommended plush yarn and 4 mm hook, the finished panda is designed to measure approximately 16 cm (6.3 in) tall while sitting.
Remember that amigurumi size can change depending on yarn thickness, hook size, stuffing, and individual crochet tension.
Tips for the Best Panda Crochet Result
- Keep your stitches tight enough that stuffing does not show.
- Add stuffing slowly and evenly to prevent lumps.
- Check the face from a distance before sewing the pieces permanently.
- Pin both feet in place at the same time to keep the sitting pose balanced.
- Avoid overstuffing the arms, ears, and tail.
- If your panda leans backward, move the feet slightly farther forward.
Panda Crochet Pattern FAQ
Is this free panda crochet pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes. The pattern mainly uses single crochet, increases, invisible decreases, and basic sewing. It is best suited to beginners who already understand working in continuous rounds.
Can I make the panda with regular worsted yarn?
Yes. You can substitute another yarn weight, but the finished panda will be a different size. Choose a hook appropriate for your yarn and keep your stitches tight enough for amigurumi.
Can I make the panda without safety eyes?
Absolutely. Embroidered eyes are a good alternative, especially when making the panda for young children.
Why is my panda head a different size?
Yarn thickness, hook size, crochet tension, and stuffing all affect the finished dimensions. A small difference in size is normal.
Can I use different colors for this panda amigurumi pattern?
Yes. The black-and-white combination creates the classic panda look, but you can use brown, gray, pastel, or other colors to create your own version.
Want something smaller? Try our Mini Panda Crochet Pattern Free for a tiny pocket-sized amigurumi made with DK or sport-weight yarn.
