Free Pattern for Crochet Unicorn: Magical Plush
A magical white unicorn plush with a layered rainbow mane, gold spiral horn, and blushing cheeks: two sizes, one cozy evening.
Amigurumi · Crochet
- Finished size
- 7 or 10 in tall
- Making time
- About 4 to 6 hours
- Hook
- 4.0 or 4.5 mm, worsted
- Sizes
- Small and large
- Skill
- Advanced Beginner
In this post
If you have been looking for a free pattern for a crochet unicorn, this magical plush is the one to start with. It is worked in soft white yarn with a layered rainbow mane and tail, a gold spiral horn, and a sweet embroidered face with blushing cheeks. The pattern comes in two sizes, small and large: a pocket-sized unicorn for a gift bag, or a cuddly large one for the nursery.
- Why you will love this free crochet unicorn pattern
- Materials you will need
- Size, gauge and skill level
- Abbreviations: US terms
- The pattern (US terms)
- Finishing touches
- Magical variations to try next
- Troubleshooting tips
- Frequently asked questions
- More free patterns to try
Why you will love this free crochet unicorn pattern
Most unicorn amigurumi patterns fall into one of two traps: a mane that takes longer than the body, or a unicorn that is just a white ball with a party hat glued on. This pattern dodges both. The mane and tail are made from strands of yarn attached with lark's head knots, exactly like fringe on a scarf, so they are fast, forgiving, and you can make them as full or as wispy as you like.
The construction is simple: only a few pieces to attach, and the shaping is basic amigurumi you already know. The gold spiral horn is the cleverest little piece in the pattern: it is worked in back loop rounds so it twists into a spiral all by itself, no wire, no fuss.
It is also a gift-giving superstar. A small white unicorn with a rainbow mane uses less than 150 yards of yarn and one evening of your time. Tuck one into a birthday gift box or set one on a nursery shelf. If you like sweet amigurumi makes, our free crochet bunny pattern is the natural next project.
Materials you will need
| Supply | What to get |
|---|---|
| Yarn (white) | Worsted-weight (#4) yarn in white or cream, about 120 yds / 110 m (small) or 200 yds / 183 m (large) |
| Yarn (rainbow) | Worsted-weight (#4) yarn in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, small amounts of each, about 10 yds / 9 m per color for the mane and tail |
| Yarn (gold) | Worsted-weight (#4) or DK yarn in metallic gold or mustard yellow, about 15 yds / 14 m for the horn |
| Yarn (pink) | A small amount of pink or peach yarn for the muzzle and blush cheeks |
| Crochet hook | 4.0 mm (G) for the small size, 4.5 mm (7) for the large size |
| Stuffing | Polyester toy stuffing, a generous handful |
| Safety eyes | Two 12 mm black safety eyes (or black yarn to embroider the eyes) |
| Tapestry needle | For weaving in ends, sewing pieces, and embroidering the face |
| Notions | Scissors, stitch markers, a small piece of pink felt for the inner ears (optional) |
A smooth worsted-weight acrylic is the best pick for the body: it holds the shape, washes well, and survives being loved hard by small children. Avoid fuzzy or novelty yarn for the body: it hides the shaping and makes the face details hard to see. For the mane and tail, ordinary acrylic strands are perfect, and you can mix shades freely.
Yarn amounts by size (approximate): Small (7 in): 150 yds total. Large (10 in): 260 yds total. The rainbow strands use very little yarn, so leftovers from other projects are ideal.
A note on the eyes: if this unicorn is for a child under three, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead. Safety eyes are small parts.
Size, gauge and skill level
The unicorn is worked in continuous (spiral) rounds. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round, and move it up as you go.
| Size | Finished height | Hook | Body rounds | Head rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 7 in / 18 cm | 4.0 mm | 24 | 20 |
| Large | 10 in / 25 cm | 4.5 mm | 26 | 22 |
- Finished size (small): about 7 in (18 cm) tall from horn tip to hoof, sitting. Finished size (large): about 10 in (25 cm) tall, a cuddle size.
- Gauge: 16 sc and 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) with the 4.5 mm hook. Gauge matters because loose stitches let the stuffing peek through white yarn. If you can see stuffing through the fabric, go down half a hook size.
- Skill level: advanced beginner. You should know how to chain, single crochet, increase, decrease, and work a magic ring. Everything else is counting and attaching strands.
If magic rings are new to you, our mini amigurumi patterns are a quick warm-up with even smaller pieces.
Abbreviations: US terms
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | increase: 2 sc in the same stitch |
| dec | decrease: sc 2 together (invisible decrease recommended) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| BLO | back loop only |
| FLO | front loop only |
| RS | right side |
| FO | fasten off |
| [ ] | total stitch count at the end of the round |
The pattern (US terms)
Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Stuff firmly as you go, a little at a time, so the shapes stay smooth. Instructions are for the small size, with large in brackets: small (large). Where only one number appears, it applies to both sizes.
Body
With white yarn, start at the bottom.
- Round 1: magic ring, 6 sc in ring. [6]
- Round 2: inc in each st around. [12]
- Round 3: *sc, inc; rep from * around. [18]
- Round 4: *2 sc, inc; rep from * around. [24]
- Round 5: *3 sc, inc; rep from * around. [30 (36)]
- Round 6: *4 sc, inc; rep from * around. [36 (42)]
- Rounds 7-13 (7-15): sc in each st around. [36 (42)]
- Round 14 (16): *4 sc, dec; rep from * around. [30 (36)]
- Round 15 (17): *3 sc, dec; rep from * around. [24 (30)]
- Rounds 16-18 (18-20): sc in each st around. [24 (30)]
Stuff the body firmly now, shaping it into a soft rounded tummy with a slightly flattened base so it sits nicely.
- Round 19 (21): *2 sc, dec; rep from * around. [18 (24)]
- Round 20 (22): *sc, dec; rep from * around. [12 (16)]
- Round 21 (23): dec around. [6 (8)]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Close the opening by weaving the tail through the front loops of the last round and pulling tight.
Legs (make 4): with white yarn, work in continuous rounds.
- Round 1: magic ring, 6 sc in ring. [6]
- Round 2: inc in each st around. [12]
- Rounds 3-6 (3-7): sc in each st around. [12]
- Round 7 (8): *sc, dec; rep from * around. [8]
Stuff each leg lightly, keeping it soft. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the legs to the underside of the body: two at the front, two at the back, with small stitches all the way around each leg so the unicorn stands steady.
Head
With white yarn, work in continuous rounds, starting at the top of the head.
- Round 1: magic ring, 6 sc in ring. [6]
- Round 2: inc in each st around. [12]
- Round 3: *sc, inc; rep from * around. [18]
- Round 4: *2 sc, inc; rep from * around. [24]
- Round 5: *3 sc, inc; rep from * around. [30]
- Round 6: *4 sc, inc; rep from * around. [36 (42)]
- Rounds 7-12 (7-14): sc in each st around. [36 (42)]
If you are using safety eyes, attach them now between Rounds 10 and 11 (10 and 12 for the large), about 8 stitches apart, centered above where the muzzle will go.
- Round 13 (15): *4 sc, dec; rep from * around. [30 (36)]
- Round 14 (16): *3 sc, dec; rep from * around. [24 (30)]
- Round 15 (17): *2 sc, dec; rep from * around. [18 (24)]
- Round 16 (18): *sc, dec; rep from * around. [12 (16)]
Stuff the head firmly into a smooth round ball. Do not stuff it rock hard: a slightly soft head sews to the body more neatly.
- Round 17 (19): dec around. [6 (8)]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Close the opening the same way as the body.
Muzzle: with pink or peach yarn, work in continuous rounds.
- Round 1: magic ring, 6 sc in ring. [6]
- Round 2: inc in each st around. [12]
- Round 3: *sc, inc; rep from * around. [18]
- Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around. [18]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the muzzle lightly and sew it to the lower front of the head, just below the eyes, like a little snout.
Ears (make 2): with white yarn, work in continuous rounds.
- Round 1: magic ring, 4 sc in ring. [4]
- Round 2: *sc, inc; rep from * around. [6]
- Round 3: *2 sc, inc; rep from * around. [8]
- Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around. [8]
- Round 6: flatten the ear and sc through both layers to close: 4 sc across. [4]
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. If you like, glue two tiny pink felt triangles inside each ear for a sweet inner-ear detail. Sew the ears to the top of the head, one on each side of where the horn will sit, angled slightly outward.
Gold spiral horn
With gold yarn, work in continuous rounds, in back loop only unless stated. The back-loop rounds make the horn twist into a natural spiral.
- Round 1: magic ring, 4 sc in ring, worked in both loops. [4]
- Round 2: BLO: *sc, inc; rep from * around. [6]
- Round 3: BLO: sc in each st around. [6]
- Round 4: BLO: *2 sc, inc; rep from * around. [8]
- Round 5: BLO: sc in each st around. [8]
- Round 6: BLO: *3 sc, inc; rep from * around. [10]
- Round 7: BLO: sc in each st around. [10]
- Round 8: BLO: *4 sc, inc; rep from * around. [12]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff it very lightly, or leave it unstuffed, and sew it firmly to the top of the head between the ears, tilted slightly forward.
Rainbow mane and tail
Cut strands of yarn in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, about 6 in (15 cm) long for the small unicorn and 8 in (20 cm) for the large. Cut about 8 strands per color for the mane and 6 per color for the tail. You can trim later, so cut a little longer than you think you need.
Mane: starting at the top of the head between the ears, attach strands in rows down the back of the neck with a lark's head knot: fold a strand in half, pull the folded loop through a stitch with your hook, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten. Work 5 rows (6 for the large), one per rainbow color in order: red at the top, then orange, yellow, green, blue, purple at the bottom.
Tail: attach the remaining strands the same way in 3 rows at the back of the body, just above where the body curves under. Fluff the strands with your fingers.
Trim the mane and tail to the length you like: even for a neat look, or slightly layered for a wild, natural look.
Face and assembly
With black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider the eyes if you are not using safety eyes: two small curved lines for sleepy eyes (about 3 stitches each), or two French knots for open eyes. Our hero unicorn wears sleepy curved eyes, the easiest option.
Embroider two tiny nostrils on the muzzle with black yarn: two short straight stitches, one on each side of the center. Then the blush: with pink yarn, work 3 tiny stitches fanned out on each cheek, or rub a little pink blush from a makeup palette onto the cheeks with a cotton swab. The blush is what turns a cute unicorn into an irresistible one.
Sew the head to the top front of the body with small, tight stitches, working two full circles for strength: this is the joint that takes the most love. Hold the head in place and check from the front and side that it sits straight before sewing.
Finishing touches
Take five minutes here: it is the difference between homemade and handmade.
Neaten the mane. Run your fingers through the rainbow strands to separate them, then trim the ends into a gentle layered shape. Snip one strand at a time: you can always cut more. Check from the front that the mane looks even on both sides.
Check the horn. The gold horn should stand straight between the ears. If it leans, work one tiny stitch through its base into the head to straighten it.
Hide every end. Weave each yarn tail into the body or head for at least 2 in, then trim flush: the end will disappear inside the stuffing.
Magical variations to try next
Once you have made one unicorn, try these three magical twists:
- Pastel dream unicorn. Work the mane and tail in pastel shades only: baby pink, mint, lavender, and sky blue, with a silver grey horn for a moonlit look. This version is the sweetest nursery gift.
- Galaxy unicorn. Work the body in deep navy, the mane in jewel tones (teal, magenta, gold), and embroider tiny white star stitches across the body. If you like mythical makes, our crochet dragon pattern is the perfect companion piece.
- Mini keychain unicorn. Work the small size with a 3.0 mm hook and fine yarn for a pocket unicorn about 4 in tall. Embroider the face, attach a keychain ring to the top of the head, and you have the cutest bag charm.
Troubleshooting tips
- The head wobbles on the body. Add more stuffing where the head meets the body and work a second full circle of stitches around the join.
- The stuffing shows through the white yarn. Go down half a hook size and pull each stitch snug. White yarn shows everything, so keep the fabric dense.
- The horn will not stand up straight. Add a tiny pinch of stuffing to firm it up and sew it down with a full circle of stitches at the base.
- The mane looks thin. Add another row of strands between the existing rows, working the knots into the gaps.
- The unicorn tips forward. Move the front legs back slightly and keep the head stuffing firm but not heavy: balance comes from the base.
- The horn spiral is barely visible. You worked both loops instead of back loop only. Frog back and redo those rounds in BLO for a crisp twist.
Frequently asked questions
Is this free pattern for a crochet unicorn really free?
Yes: the complete pattern above is free, no email signup required. You get both sizes, the rainbow mane method, and the gold spiral horn.
What skill level is this unicorn pattern?
Advanced beginner. If you can chain, single crochet, increase, decrease, and work a magic ring, you have every skill this pattern needs. The mane and tail are just tied-on yarn strands.
How long does it take to make the unicorn?
About 4 hours for the small: 90 minutes for the body and legs, an hour for the head, 45 minutes for the horn, ears, and face, and 45 minutes for the mane and tail. The large takes about 6 hours.
How much yarn do I need?
About 150 yds for the small and 260 yds for the large, mostly white worsted yarn. The mane and tail need only about 10 yds of each rainbow color.
Can I use safety eyes for a baby or toddler?
No: safety eyes are small parts, not safe for children under three. For babies and toddlers, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead. The sleepy curved eyes in this pattern are easy to embroider and look adorable.
Can I wash the finished unicorn?
Yes, but gently. Spot clean with a damp cloth, or hand wash in cool water with a little gentle soap and lay flat to dry, reshaping the mane with your fingers. Do not machine wash: the rainbow strands will tangle.
Can I sell finished unicorns made from this pattern?
Yes! Sell finished unicorns in small batches (craft fairs, markets, gifts), crediting Little Loop Finds as the pattern designer with a link back to this page.
More free patterns to try
If this unicorn was fun, keep the hook moving. The free crochet bunny pattern is the next evening make with its floppy ears, the crochet highland cow plush is a shaggy cuddle favorite, and the free crochet hippo pattern is round and simple.
