Free crochet Axolotl applique Pattern

This Free Crochet Axolotl Applique Pattern is the best way to create a cute flat axolotl that’s perfect for embellishing any baby or kids’ projects.

The small axolotl is quick and easy to crochet, with a low sew design. Learning how to crochet an axolotl is simple with this free step-by-step tutorial.

Crochet axolotl applique

How cute is this free crochet axolotl applique?! The easy pattern will help you crochet a small axolotl in just two pieces and has an almost no sew design!

In fact, you’ll only need to sew together the axolotl’s head and body to complete this tutorial.

The mini axolotl has textured gills, legs and tail. And of course, he has his signature wide smile. My favorite part of this flat axolotl motif is that his little arms can move so he can give you a wave!

What to do with a crochet axolotl applique?

If you like the axolotl applique and can’t decide what to do with it, fear not, like all crochet appliques, the possibilities and ideas are endless!

You can sew your flat crochet axolotl to a baby blanket, a kids hat, a pillow, a bag, a children’s sweater, and so on.

In a nutshell, you can sew this cute mini animal to any project you want to give axolotl theme to.

How to crochet an axolotl applique?

Learning how to crochet an axolotl applique is easy this this free crochet axolotl pattern and step by step instructions. You can even upgrade to the premium crochet pattern for extra photos to help you throughout the tutorial.

The best part… the small axolotl is crocheting in just two pieces and has very minimal sewing involved! As well as knowing all your basic crochet stitches, you’ll need to know how to work into a magic ring, and you’ll need to crochet the popcorn stitch.

The mini axolotl is made from worsted or aran weight yarn, I used pink but you can get creative with your axolotls, why not try making a super rare blue axolotl to make your child’s day.

Why you’ll love the Axolotl Applique Crochet Pattern

• Minimal sew design, you only need to sew the head and body together
• Made in just two pieces! No small fiddly bits to keep track of
• Movable arms make this an interactive applique
• Make any project have a unique axolotl theme
• Easy to intermediate skill level
• Uses just 2 colors of worsted or aran weight yarn
• Quick project that can be made in under one hour!
• Great for using up leftover scrap yarn
• Free crochet pattern with the option to upgrade

---

Crochet pattern information

Supplies

• Worsted / Aran yarn / #4 yarn
• 4mm Crochet hook
• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• 8mm Safety eyes

Hook Size

• 4mm Crochet Hook

Yarn

• Weight – Aran / Worsted / #4
• Brand – Stylecraft special aran
• A – Pink
• B – Fuchsia
• Total: 29 yards

Gauge & Size

• Gauge: 2” x 2” = 5 rows of 9 dc
• Width: 14cm
• Height: 11cm

Abbreviations

USA Terminology (UK Translation)

• ch – Chain
• dc – Double crochet
• 2dc – 2 dc in 1 space (increase)
• 3dc – 3 dc in 1 space (increase)
• 6dc – 6 dc in 1 space (increase)
• hdc – Half double crochet
• MR – Magic ring
• PC – Popcorn stitch
• R – Row/Round
• sc – Single crochet
• 2sc – 2 sc in 1 space (increase)
• sc2tog – sc 2 together (decrease)
• sl st – Slip stitch
• st/sts – Stitch/Stitches

Skill Level

Easy to Intermediate

Pattern Notes

• Chains and slip stitches are not included in stitch count.
• Stitches separated with a comma are to be made in separate spaces. For example, 2sc, sc x 2 would mean 2sc in first space, sc in next space, sc in next stitch

Important Information

By using Hookfully’s website you are agreeing to its terms & conditions, copyright agreement and safety disclaimer. Read more…

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my links.

Free crochet axolotl pattern

VIP members can download the premium pattern from the top of this page to get more progress photos and zero ads. Not a member? Sign up here.

Axolotl Head

---

Round 1

• Use pink (A) yarn
• ch x 6 then start in 3rd ch from the hook
• 3dc, dc x 2, 6dc
• In chains on opposite side: dc x 2, 3dc
• sl st to first st & ch x 2
• (16 sts) *Premium pattern has image here*

Round 2

• Start in the same st as previous sl st
• 2dc x 3, dc x 2, 2dc x 6, dc x 2, 2dc x 3
• sl st to first st
• (28 sts)

Round 3

Gill 1

• ch x 6 then start in second ch from the hook
• In chains: sc x 2, hdc x 1, sc x 2
• In R2: sl st x 2

Gill 2

• ch x 6 then start in second ch from the hook
• In chains: sc x 2, hdc x 1, sc x 2
• In R2: sl st x 9

Gill 3

• ch x 6 then start in second ch from the hook
• In chains: sc x 2, hdc x 1, sc x 2
• In R2: sl st x 2

Gill 4

• ch x 6 then start in second ch from the hook
• In chains: sc x 2, hdc x 1, sc x 2
• In R2: sl st x 2

Gill 5

• ch x 6 then start in second ch from the hook
• In chains: sc x 2, hdc x 1, sc x 2
• In R2: sl st x 11

Gill 6

• ch x 6 then start in second ch from the hook
• In chains: sc x 2, hdc x 1, sc x 2
• In R2: sl st x 2
• Fasten off & weave in ends
• (30 sts) *Premium pattern has image here*

Row 4

• Use fuchsia (B) yarn
• Attach yarn to first ch on 6th gill
• In gill 6 chains: (ch x 2, sl st) 5 times
• In gill 6 sts: (ch x 2, sl st) 5 times
• In gill 1 chains: (ch x 2, sl st) 5 times
• In gill 1 sts: (ch x 2, sl st) 5 times
• In gill 2 chains: (ch x 2, sl st) 5 times
• In gill 2 sts: (ch x 2, sl st) 5 times
• Fasten off & weave in ends
• *Premium pattern has image here*

Row 5

• Repeat R4 on the unworked gills on the opposite side. Start in 3rd gill chains.
• *Premium pattern has image here*

Axolotl Face

• The top of the head has 9 sl sts, the bottom of the head has 11 sl sts
• Use fuchsia (B) yarn to sew a smile between R1 & R2
• Attach safety eyes between R1 & R2
• *Premium pattern has image here*

Axolotl Body

---

Round 1

• Use pink (A) yarn
• In a MR: ch x 2, dc x 12
• sl st to first st & ch x 2
• (12 sts)

Round 2

• 2dc x 12
• sl st to first st & ch x 1
• (24 sts)

Round 3

• In R2: 2sc, sc, PC, (2sc, sc) 2 times, PC, (2sc, sc) 3 times
• ch x 6 then starting in third ch from the hook: PC, sc x 3
• In R2: (2sc, sc) 3 times
• ch x 6 then starting in third ch from the hook: PC, sc x 3
• In R2: (2sc, sc) 2 times
• sl st to first st & ch x 1
• (32 sts) *Premium pattern has image here*

Row 4

• Start in same st as previous sl st
• (2sc, sc) 2 times
• ch x 1 & turn
• (6 sts) *Premium pattern has image here*

Row 5

• sc2tog, sc x 2, sc2tog
• ch x 1 & turn
• (4 sts)

Row 6

• sc2tog x 2
• ch x 1 & turn
• (2 sts)

Row 7

• sc2tog
• ch x 1, fasten off & weave in ends
• (1 st) *Premium pattern has image here*

Row 8

• Use fuchsia (B) yarn
• Attach yarn to R4 raw edge & work around the tail
• (ch x 2, sl st) 9 times
• Fasten off & weave in ends
• Sew the head slightly over the body to complete the axolotl applique
• *Premium pattern has image here*

Published: September 25, 2023 | Last Updated: June 10, 2026