Easy Amigurumi Bat Crochet Pattern: Free Step-by-Step
This small bat fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, featuring soft, rounded ears and wide, felt-like wings that create a friendly silhouette. Making this toy is a quiet, rhythmic way to spend an afternoon, especially if you have a bit of black yarn leftover from another project. Beginners will find the repeated use of single crochet stitches soothing, while the assembly process provides a satisfying lesson in shaping dimensional pieces. You will learn how to create seamless appendages and join them securely, resulting in a durable little companion that feels soft and squishy to the touch.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
The Classic Crochet Granny Square is the quintessential building block for fiber artists because it balances simplicity with endless versatility. This pattern relies on a repeating sequence of double crochet clusters and chain spaces, making it a meditative project that is easy to pick up and put down. Since it uses standard worsted weight yarn, you can quickly clear through your stash by alternating colors every round for a vibrant patchwork aesthetic. It is also an ideal portable project, as each square takes less than 20 minutes to complete, allowing you to build a blanket or bag at your own pace without needing complex equipment.
I finally learned to read a pattern with this guide, and the way the rounds build on each other makes the math feel completely intuitive even for a beginner.
— Sarah, hobbyist crafter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 15–20 minutes per square
- Construction: Worked in rounds from the center outward
- Finished Dimensions: 5 inches by 5 inches using recommended gauge
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% cotton or acrylic blend, approximately 15 yards per square.
- Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors, and optional stitch markers.
- Safe Yarn Substitutions: You may use DK weight yarn for a smaller, more delicate square, though you will need to add an extra round to match these dimensions. Using a bulky yarn will create a larger, thicker square but will require a 6.0 mm hook.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- dc cluster = 3 double crochet stitches worked into the same space
- sp = space
- MR = magic ring
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Granny Square Body
- Rnd 1: Start with a MR. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2 3 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
- Rnd 2: Sl st into the next 2 sts and into the first ch-2 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in the same sp. Ch 1, in the next ch-2 sp work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) 3 times. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces, 4 ch-1 spaces)
- Rnd 3: Sl st into the next 2 sts and into the ch-2 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1. In the corner ch-2 sp work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1 3 times. Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces, 8 ch-1 spaces)
- Rnd 4: Continue the pattern of working (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner and 3 dc in every ch-1 side space, separated by ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (48 dc)
Finishing
Once you reach the desired size, fasten off your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the final loop to secure it. Use a tapestry needle to weave the tail through the back of the dc stitches in a zig-zag pattern to prevent unraveling. If making multiple squares, block them by pinning them to a foam mat and lightly steaming to ensure the corners remain sharp and consistent.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve the structure of the stitches.
- Lay the square flat on a clean towel and reshape it while damp, avoiding direct sunlight which can fade yarn colors.
- Do not wring or twist the square, as this can stretch the yarn and distort the shape of the dc clusters.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension by ensuring your yarn flow is smooth; if your stitches feel too tight, move up a half-hook size. Use a stitch marker in the top of your starting ch-3 to easily identify the join point at the end of every round. Weave your ends in as you go to avoid a mountain of finishing work when your project is complete. If you choose to resize the square, remember that adding rounds will significantly increase your total yardage requirement, so ensure you have enough matching yarn for the final border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this pattern to make a blanket?
Yes, you can join these squares using a mattress stitch or a simple sc seam to create a blanket of any size. Simply increase the number of squares you make to reach your desired dimensions.
Is it okay to use different yarn weights in one square?
Mixing yarn weights is generally discouraged because it creates uneven tension and causes the square to warp or cup. Stick to one yarn weight for a flat, professional finish.
How do I keep my starting chain from twisting?
If you are working a foundation ch instead of a magic ring, place a stitch marker in the first chain to track it. When working the first round into the ring, count your stitches twice to ensure the corner spacing remains accurate.
Can I sell items made from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. We appreciate it if you link back to this page as the original source for the instructions.
Your finished bat looks wonderful hanging from a shelf or sitting among your books. You might try using a velvet yarn for a larger, plush version or stick to cotton for a more defined shape that shows off every stitch. Post a photo of your creation on social media to show your color choices and unique wing angles. Check out our archive for more free patterns to fill your collection, including other woodland animals that match the scale of this winged friend.
