🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern

Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.3K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern shows you how to crochet Bepo, a little hippo with a striped body, tiny hooves and a mini hat. It uses simple amigurumi construction with rounds, shaping, and clear photo guidance. You will learn to assemble all parts neatly and add embroidered features for personality.

Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for crafters who enjoy small toys and decorative figures. The instructions use US terminology and include helpful notes for sizing and finishing.

Why You'll Love This Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings a playful character to life with simple stitches and charming details. I enjoyed designing the tiny hat and striped body — they add so much personality at a small scale. I also love that the pattern is modular so you can personalize colors easily. Working through the shaping rounds feels very satisfying, and the finished hippo makes a wonderful gift or keepsake.

Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize Bepo — try different color combinations for a fresh look, such as pastel shades or bold brights for the stripes.

If you want a larger hippo, switch to a heavier yarn and a larger hook; a smaller hook and finer yarn will give you a tiny keychain-sized hippo.

I often change eye sizes and placements to alter the expression; safer, larger eyes make the hippo look more cartoonish, while embroidered eyes create a gentle look.

For a more tactile toy, use a soft acrylic or plush yarn for the body while keeping the sweater stripes in cotton for contrast.

Try adding tiny crocheted accessories — scarves, a bow, or a little backpack — to personalize each hippo you make.

Embroider different eyebrow shapes or mouth lines to create distinct personalities: surprised, sleepy, or smiling.

To make it poseable, insert a short piece of florist wire into the arms and legs before stuffing for gentle movability.

I also like to vary stuffing levels: slightly less stuffing at the head base creates a more relaxed neck curve, while firmer stuffing makes the toy hold shape better.

Experiment with spots or contrasting hooves by crocheting small surface details or sewing on tiny felt pads for texture.

If giving as a baby toy, skip safety eyes and embroider the eyes instead for added safety and durability.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Placing safety eyes too early or too close to edges can distort shaping; follow the eye placement instructions and mark placement before securing. ✗ Skipping stitch counts during increases and decreases leads to uneven shaping; count after each round to ensure the correct stitch total. ✗ Overstuffing the head or body makes seams hard to close and distorts the shape; stuff gradually, checking shape as you add fiberfill. ✗ Not aligning inner and outer ear pieces carefully can make ears lopsided; pin or hold pieces back-to-back before slip stitching through both layers.

Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern

Make a sweet, huggable hippo named Bepo with this full crochet pattern. You will enjoy creating the soft shapes, striped sweater body, and tiny hat using clear step-by-step rounds and photos. The pattern includes materials, abbreviations, and assembly directions so you can finish a charming amigurumi to gift or keep.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Bepo the little hippo Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Katia Panama 100% cotton yarn, 50g / 180 m (used for sample) in grey, light blue, blue and cream
  • 02
    Grey yarn: approximately 100g for main body, head and limbs (estimate)
  • 03
    Cream yarn: approximately 30-40g for inner ears and stripes
  • 04
    Light blue yarn: approximately 10-20g for stripes
  • 05
    Blue yarn: small amount (10-15g) for hat and stripe accents

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.0 mm (the PDF lists 2 mm hook)
  • 02
    Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
  • 03
    Black embroidery thread for eyebrows and detailing
  • 04
    6 mm safety eyes (2 pieces)
  • 05
    Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 06
    Stitch marker
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— NOSTRILS (make 2) :

Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Rnd 2 :

sc in all 6 st (6)

Info :

Finish with a slip st in the next st and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

— HEAD :

Rnd 1 :

make a chain of 12

Rnd 2 :

start crocheting in the second loop from the hook . 10 sc, 3 sc in the last loop of the chain. Turn your work round so that you can now crochet on the other side of the chain, 9 sc and increase in the last chain (24)

Rnd 3 :

inc, 9 sc, (inc) x 3, 9 sc, (inc) x 2 (30)

Rnd 4 :

(1 sc, inc) x 2, 9 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 3, 10 sc, inc (36)

Rnd 5 :

(2 sc, inc) x 2, 9 sc, (2 sc, inc) x 3, 11 sc, inc (42)

Rnd 6 :

(3 sc, inc) x 2, 9 sc, (3 sc, inc) x 3, 12 sc, inc (48)

Rnd 7 :

(4 sc, inc) x 2, 9 sc, (4 sc, inc) x 3, 13 sc, inc (54)

Rnd 8-14 :

sc in all 54 st (54)

Rnd 15 :

(7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)

Rnd 16 :

(3 sc, inc) x 6, 24 sc (54)

Rnd 17 :

(4 sc, inc) x 6, 24 sc (60)

Rnd 18-24 :

sc in all 60 st (60)

Rnd 25 :

(8 sc, dec) x 6 (54)

Rnd 26 :

sc in all 54 st (54)

Info :

Place the safety eyes between rounds 15-16 with 9 stitches between them.

Info :

Start stuffing the head and continue stuffing as you work.

Rnd 27 :

(7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)

Rnd 28 :

sc in all 48 st (48)

Rnd 29 :

(6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)

Rnd 30 :

(5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)

Rnd 31 :

(4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)

Rnd 32 :

(3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)

Rnd 33 :

(2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Rnd 34 :

(1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 35 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Fasten off. With your yarn needle, weave the yarn tail through the front loop of each remaining stitch and pull tight to close. Don´t cut the yarn, leave a long tail, we will use it later.

Info :

Sew the eyebrows with black embroidery thread 3 rounds above each eye.

Info :

Sew the nostrils between rounds 6-8 with 12 stitches between them.

Info :

To make the eyes slightly closer take the leftover yarn tail of the head and insert the needle near the eye. Go back and forth between the two eyes several times and pull lightly.

— EARS (make 2) :

Inner ear Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Inner ear Rnd 2 :

inc in all 6 st (12)

Inner ear Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Inner ear Rnd 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Info :

Make a slip stitch in the next stitch, fasten off and weave in the yarn end. (inner ear in cream yarn)

Outer ear Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Outer ear Rnd 2 :

inc in all 6 st (12)

Outer ear Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Outer ear Rnd 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Info :

After completing the first grey outer ear, do not fasten off, instead, place the wrong side of the grey outer ear to the wrong side of the cream inner ear so they are back to back and the 'right' sides are facing outwards and complete Rnd 5: sc in all 24 st through both parts (24).

Info :

Make a slip stitch in the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold the ear slightly and sew a few stitches of the ear together.

— BODY :

Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Rnd 2 :

inc in all 6 st (12)

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rnd 5 :

(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)

Rnd 6 :

(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)

Rnd 7 :

(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)

Rnd 8 :

(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)

Rnd 9 :

(7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)

Rnd 10-13 :

sc in all 54 st (54)

With cream yarn Rnd 14 :

sc in all 54 st (54)

Rnd 15 :

BLO sc in all 54 st (54)

Rnd 16 :

(7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)

Rnd 17 :

sc in all 48 st (48)

With blue yarn Rnd 18 :

sc in all 48 st (48)

Rnd 19 :

(6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)

With cream yarn Rnd 20-22 :

sc in all 42 st (42)

Rnd 23 :

(5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)

With blue yarn Rnd 24-25 :

sc in all 36 st (36)

With cream yarn Rnd 26 :

sc in all 36 st (36)

Rnd 27 :

(4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)

Rnd 28-29 :

sc in all 30 st (30)

With blue yarn Rnd 30 :

sc in all 30 st (30)

Rnd 31 :

(3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)

With cream yarn Rnd 32-35 :

sc in all 24 st (24)

Info :

Make a slip stitch in the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff it.

Info :

Turn the body upside down and reattach cream yarn to round 15 where you completed stitches in the BLO. Insert your hook into the FLO of the first and last stitch of round 15 and chain 1. Continue to sc around and finish with a slip stitch in the first stitch where you started. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

— ARMS (make 2) :

Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Rnd 2 :

inc in all 6 st (12)

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rnd 5 :

BLO sc in all 24 st (24)

Rnd 6 :

(6 sc, dec) x 3 (21)

Rnd 7-8 :

sc in all 21 st (21)

Rnd 9 :

(5 sc, dec) x 3 (18)

Rnd 10 :

sc in all 18 st (18)

With cream yarn Rnd 11 :

sc in all 18 st (18)

Rnd 12 :

BLO sc in all 18 st (18)

Rnd 13-14 :

sc in all 18 st (18)

With blue yarn Rnd 15 :

sc in all 18 st (18)

Rnd 16 :

(4 sc, dec) x 3 (15)

With cream yarn Rnd 17-20 :

sc in all 15 st (15)

With blue yarn Rnd 21 :

sc in all 15 st (15)

Rnd 22 :

(3 sc, dec) x 3 (12)

With cream yarn Rnd 23-26 :

sc in all 12 st (12)

With blue yarn Rnd 27 :

sc in all 12 st (12)

Rnd 28 :

(2 sc, dec) x 3 (9)

With cream yarn Rnd 29 :

sc in all 9 st (9)

Info :

Stuff it.

Rnd 30 :

Flatten the top of the arm and sc through both layers to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Info :

Turn the arm upside down and reattach cream yarn to round 12 where you completed the stitches in Back Loops Only (BLO). Insert your hook into the Front Loops of the first and last stitch of round 12 and chain 1. Continue to sc around and finish with a slip stitch in the first stitch where you started. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Info :

With cream yarn sew 4 hooves on each arm with 2 stitches between them.

— LEGS (make 2) :

Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Rnd 2 :

inc in all 6 st (12)

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rnd 5 :

(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)

Rnd 6 :

(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)

Rnd 7 :

BLO sc in all 36 st (36)

Rnd 8-9 :

sc in all 36 st (36)

Rnd 10 :

(4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)

Rnd 11-13 :

sc in all 30 st (30)

Rnd 14 :

(3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)

Rnd 15-18 :

sc in all 24 st (24)

Rnd 19 :

(2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Rnd 20-23 :

sc in all 18 st (18)

Rnd 24 :

(1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 25-26 :

sc in all 12 st (12)

Info :

Stuff it, leaving the last cm (0.3 inches) unstuffed.

Rnd 27 :

Flatten the top of the leg and sc through both layers to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Info :

With cream yarn sew 4 hooves on each leg with 3 stitches between them.

— TAIL :

Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Rnd 2-5 :

sc in all 6 st (6)

Info :

Make a slip stitch in the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Don´t stuff it.

— HAT :

Rnd 1 :

start 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

Rnd 2 :

inc in all 6 st (12)

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4-8 :

sc in all 18 st (18)

Rnd 9 :

working in Front Loops Only (FLO) inc in all 18 st (36)

Rnd 10 :

sc in all 36 st (36)

Info :

Make a slip stitch in the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the hat lightly and sew it to the head.

— ASSEMBLY :

Info :

Now we will join all parts together to finish the little hippo.

Info :

Sew the ears to the head between rounds 28-29 with 14 stitches between them.

Info :

Sew the body centered under the head on round 8 from the last round.

Info :

Sew the arms to both sides of the body 1 row below the head.

Info :

Sew the legs to the body on round 3 as shown in the photos.

Info :

Sew the tail to the body on round 4.

Info :

Finally, stuff the hat and sew it to the head. Weave in all ends and trim any excess yarn.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the ears to the head between rounds 28-29 with 14 stitches between them to center them symmetrically.
  • Sew the body centered under the head on round 8 from the last round so the neck and body align evenly.
  • Sew the arms to both sides of the body one row below the head, positioning them symmetrically and sewing securely.
  • Sew the legs to the body on round 3 as shown in the photos so they sit evenly and support the hippo.
  • Sew the tail to the body on round 4, sewing through the tail base and body to secure it firmly.
  • Stuff the hat lightly and sew it to the head; finish by weaving in all yarn tails and trimming excess.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is written using US crochet terminology; be sure to use US stitch names.
  • 💡If you use the yarn and hook indicated, the hippo will be about 14.5 cm (5.7 inches) tall sitting.
  • 💡Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless instructed otherwise in the pattern to avoid joins.
  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds, especially during increases and decreases.
  • 💡Stuff gradually and evenly for the best shape; overstuffing can distort the final look.

You did it — Bepo the little hippo is complete and full of charm! 🧶 This cuddly amigurumi brings together shaping, stripes and tiny details for a delightful finished toy. 🐾 Enjoy gifting or displaying your handmade hippo and share the joy of a tiny, handcrafted friend. ✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 14.5 cm (5.7 inches) tall when using the recommended yarn and 2 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can change yarn weight, but the final size will vary; choose an appropriate hook for your yarn and expect proportions to change.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, decreases, and working in BLO/FLO is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, depending on experience and the time spent on assembly and finishing.