Lion brooch - a free mini crochet pattern

Lion brooch crochet pattern


Meet Lionel, the cute little lion brooch! This little lion brooch is super fun and easy to make. It can be done in a few hours, it's a true beginner-friendly amigurumi project. This little lion brooch is done with the help of some basic crocheted circles, the mane is added after the head is ready. It's also a great way to use up some scrap yarn. Let's see the pattern!


Lionel the Lion Brooch - Free Crochet Pattern


Yarn & needles

I used DROPS Safran yarn for the brooch, but I think any kind of similar 5ply / sport weight yarn will do.


  • Some lightweight, 3-4 mm yarn (sport weight, 5-ply):
    • Yellow
    • Brown
  • 3 mm hook (US D)
  • Toy stuffing or some scrap yarn ends
  • Stitch marker
  • Embroidery needle
  • Embroidery floss:
    • Black or dark grey
    • Pink
    • White


Final Size

The final crocheted lion brooch will be approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) tall. 


Crochet Abbreviations, US terms

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

dc – double crochet

inc – single crochet increase

dec – single crochet decrease

rnd(s) – round(s)

st(s) – stitch(es)

[ ] – repeat steps between brackets for the specified number of times

( ) – the number of stitches you should have at the end of each round

{} – stitches between these brackets are made in the same stitch


Crochet brooch pattern
Crochet lion brooch free pattern


Pattern notes

All sections are worked in a continuous round unless otherwise specified. Always mark the beginning of each round with a stitch marker. Chain stitches don’t count towards stitch count. This little lion brooch is done with the help of some basic crocheted circles, the mane is crocheted onto the side of the brooch after the head is ready.


The head


rnd 1: In body yellow, start with a magic ring, sc 6 into the ring (6 sts)

rnd 2: Inc 6 (12 sts)

rnd 3: [sc 1, inc 1] 6 times (18 sts)

rnd 4: [sc 2, inc 1] 6 times (24 sts)

rnds 5-6: Sc around (24 sts for 2 rnds)

rnd 7: Sc around trough back loop only (24 sts)

rnd 8: Sc around (24 sts)

rnd 9: [sc 2, dec 1] 6 times (18 sts)

☝️Don’t forget to stuff the lion now!

rnd 10: [sc 1, dec 1] 6 times (12 sts)

rnd 11:  [dec 1] 6 times (6 sts)

Break yarn, pull through remaining stitches.


The Mane


Attach the brown yarn with a slipknot to one of the front loops of the 7th row of the body. We will work all the stitches into these front loops: 24 sts in total.

One cluster: {hdc 2, dc 1, hdc 2} in one stitch

rnd 1: {ch 2, hdc 2} in the first stitch, sl st, [create a cluster, sl st] 11 times, {hdc 2} in the first stitch, to close your first cluster. (12 clusters in total at the end)


Finishing up the lion brooch


Now embroider the lion's face and the little hairs onto its head. I used multiple strands for the eyes, nose, cheeks, and mouth. For the little hairs, I used only one strand of yarn. Try to position the nose between the eyes, so it will look even cuter! Last but not least, don't forget to sew a safety pin or a brooch pin to the back of the lion!


Hope you liked this super cute, fast lion brooch crochet pattern! If you have any questions or remarks about this crochet pattern,  please send an email or leave a comment below. I’d love to see your little lions and how you wear them! Tag me on Instagram @spinachandstitch, or use the #spinachpattern, if you share your work!


Get more of my patterns in my Ravelry Store. Last but not least, be sure to sign up for my crochet newsletter to keep up to date with new patterns, tutorials, and giveaways as they are released.


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