The Slumbering Sloth Amigurumi Free Pattern – A Crocheted Cloud-Soft Hanging Sleepyhead
The Slumbering Sloth Amigurumi Free Pattern – A Crocheted Cloud-Soft Hanging Sleepyhead
Imagine a plush, dreamy sloth that hangs peacefully from a doorknob, a nursery mobile, or a branch in your living room. With its serene sleeping face, extra-long floppy arms, and cloud-soft texture, this amigurumi sloth is the perfect handmade companion for babies, toddlers, and anyone who loves cozy woodland decor. This free pattern uses simple crochet stitches and a fluffy worsted-weight yarn to create a modern, minimalist piece that feels both whimsical and calming. Whether you're a beginner looking for a rewarding project or an experienced maker seeking a quick gift, this sloth is sure to steal hearts.
In this guide, I'll walk you through every step—from gathering materials to the final assembly—so you can craft your very own hanging sleepyhead with confidence. Let's dive in!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at craft stores or online.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic blend in three colors:
- Warm taupe (main body color)
- Cream (face mask)
- Deep cocoa brown (accents, optional)
- Small amount of black yarn for embroidery (eyes and nose)
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle for sewing, stitch markers, scissors
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or any soft stuffing of your choice
- Optional: Small amount of green yarn for a decorative leaf
Gauge: Not critical for amigurumi, but aim for a tight fabric (approximately 5 sc x 6 rows = 1 inch) to prevent stuffing from showing through. Adjust your hook size if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions carefully. Each part is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.
Head
Using taupe yarn:
- Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Increase (inc) in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: (Sc in next stitch, inc) around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: (Sc in next 2 stitches, inc) around. (24 stitches)
- Round 5: (Sc in next 3 stitches, inc) around. (30 stitches)
- Rounds 6-10: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches)
- Round 11: (Sc in next 3 stitches, decrease (dec)) around. (24 stitches)
- Round 12: (Sc in next 2 stitches, dec) around. (18 stitches)
Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Face Mask
Using cream yarn:
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Inc in each stitch. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: (Sc, inc) around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: (Sc in next 2, inc) around. (24 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the face mask onto the front of the head, centered. Using black yarn, embroider two gentle curved lines for closed, sleepy eyes and a small stitched nose in the center of the mask.
Body
Using taupe yarn:
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Inc in each stitch. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: (Sc, inc) around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: (Sc in next 2, inc) around. (24 stitches)
- Rounds 5-8: Sc in each stitch. (24 stitches)
- Round 9: (Sc in next 2, dec) around. (18 stitches)
- Round 10: (Sc, dec) around. (12 stitches)
Stuff the body firmly. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the body to the bottom of the head, ensuring it's centered and secure.
Arms (Make 2)
Using taupe yarn:
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc. (6 stitches)
- Rounds 2-20: Sc in each stitch. (6 stitches)
Important: Do not stuff the arms. They should be long, floppy, and flexible. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioning them so they hang downward naturally.
Legs (Make 2)
Using taupe yarn:
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc. (6 stitches)
- Rounds 2-8: Sc in each stitch. (6 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the legs to the bottom front of the body, slightly apart for stability.
Hanging Loop
Using taupe yarn:
- Chain (ch) 30.
- Slip stitch into the first chain to form a loop.
- Attach the loop to the top of the head with a few secure stitches.
Assembly and Finishing Touches
- Sew all parts securely, weaving in all ends with a yarn needle.
- Double-check that the arms are attached firmly but remain floppy.
- Optional: Create a small leaf by chaining 5, then working 1 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook, 1 sc in the next 2 chains, and 1 half double crochet (hdc) in the last chain. Sew this leaf to one hand for a playful woodland touch.
Your Slumbering Sloth is now complete! Hang it from a branch, a doorknob, or a crib mobile, and enjoy the serene, cozy vibe it brings to any space. This pattern is perfect for gifting—whether for a baby shower, a child's birthday, or a friend who loves handmade treasures. Happy crocheting!