15 Elephant knitting pattern ideas to knit: 10 free
Hello lovely knitters — it’s so nice to have you here! If you adore crafting soft, charming toys with plenty of handmade heart, I think you might be in for a bit of a treat. I’ve gathered free patterns for ten delightful elephants that are just perfect to knit for yourself or as thoughtful gifts. Knit one, gift one, or simply keep one on your shelf to remind you of your own craft magic.
These patterns draw on a variety of yarns and techniques: there are ideas that use classic lion brand yarn, light worsted yarn as well as encouragement to mix things up too by embracing customisation to create your own new design. Whatever it is you’re after, hopefully there’s something here for you. Here’s a thought: why not join in the random acts of knitting kindness (or crochet kindness) trend and make a knitted elephant to leave for someone to pick up… and love?
Elephant knitting patterns
What is it about elephant baby knitting patterns that pulls on the heart strings so much? From a big floppy-eared friend to a tiny mini version, each pattern invites you to pick a yarn company to order from or to use stash yarn you already have and get going. I’m also including a fifth generation idea.
Purljam for instance, allows knitters and crocheters to design and download custom patterns by entering a key word to the AI tool that will then generate a pattern which you get instant access to on-screen or can ask for it to be emailed to you (though not as pdf downloads). They do advise exercising some caution however and encourage users to review the generated patterns and adjust them as needed. After all, every crafting project is a unique blend of inspiration and personal touches.
Get a printable PDF of the free pattern
I opted to share the pattern publicly that was generated for me from text prompt ‘toy elephant knitting pattern’ and I thought I’d share it here as a printable PDF printed leaflet too. I’d love to know how this little elephant turns out if you decide to make it – there’s no photo but it seems to include easy to do knitting techniques and is suitable for beginners upwards. The downside to Purljam is that there are no photos to let you know ahead of casting on what you’re likely to end up with. Do send photos of your finished creations – I’d love to see how it works out. I’m going to have a go at making this myself – after I’ve finished a cabled grey wool sweater I’ve been stuck on for months now.
At least if I ever do finish it, I’ll have some soft grey wool left in just the right shade to make a baby elephant’s body and trunk. I might make the legs and ears in another colour. It’s a free knitting pattern and you can use any brand of double knitting yarn you choose. The pattern suggests US 6 UK 8 mm needles for the main body of the elephant with suggested options for ears/trunk to make them firmer. I would like big floppy ears for mine, so I’m hoping that’s how it will turn out. I guess the beauty of a pattern like this is that you can just adapt it to suit. Get your free printable pattern here.
Love local
At the other end of the spectrum from high-tech online options are local independent shops where knitters gather to share ideas and knit together. There’s something lovely about the idea of choosing the perfect shade and texture of yarn for a project, your favourite brand of needles, casting on and settling back with a cup of tea (minding everyone’s knitting from spillages though!). I have two local knitting shops that offer this kind of creative gathering – which as well as being a source of pleasure and connection for the knitters themselves, is also a great way to support your local community over big craft chains.
Don’t get me wrong I’m as big a fan as the next person of the bargains you can pick up from discount chains, but I’d always much rather support a local maybe even family-owned business. It keeps the heart of our towns and villages alive. I don’t think this is an exclusive thing to the UK – I know from the messages you send me that knitters across the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond love to gather in just the same way. What I love about knitters is how similar we are, regardless of where we happen to live.
Back to the elephants
Anyway, back to elephants and the patterns I’ve gathered to share with you. I found one amazing pattern that is made from a single piece of garter stitch and perfect for young children (you could adapt to st st if you prefer but I like the texture given by g st), another with an adorable curved trunk and more.
Some patterns call for short rows to shape cute trunks, legs or ears — it’s a little challenge, but totally doable. These are great gifts for nursery corners or childhood bedrooms. And if you love experimenting, try alternative weights of yarn or different needle size for a larger or smaller result. If you need help with this, there are loads of free guides available on youtube or on knitting yarn websites.
Talking to other knitters (whether that’s at your local shop, at a craft fair or via online communities), you can get consensus wisdom on all manner of things such as getting toy heads just right, perfectly stuffed trunks, and mastering the short row technique that gives such lovely curves. A stitch marker? Brilliant idea for marking ear stitches or leg joins. And using bright colours? Absolutely encouraged.
10 free elephant knitting patterns
1 Melly the elephant by Amanda Berry
This is a super cute pattern and easy to make. It’s available for free on Love Crafts here
2 Elefred by Cilla Webb
Cilla’s first knitted toy pattern, Elefred is super cute don’t you think? Love his tracksuit and that he’s stripey. It’s free to download on Love Crafts here.
3 Mr Ruesselo the Elephant by Svitlana Kondratova
This cuddly elephant is a bit different – and suitable for advanced beginner upwards. It’s free to download on Ravelry here.
4 Bodil the Elephant by Tricia Wood
This is another great pattern and it’s suitable for Beginner to intermediate skill level. It’s free to download on Ravelry here.
5 Flat knit plush elephant by Gina Michele
Worked flat, this cuddly elephant is a great little pattern (this one worked in Lion Brand Feels Like Butta yarn). The pattern is free to download on Ravelry here.
6 Dotty Elephants by Sirdar
How cute are these dotty little elephants by Sirdar? They’re part of a Noah’s Ark collection and available to download for free on Love Crafts here.
7 Baby Elephant amigurumi pattern
The sweetest little teeny elephant, this pattern is available for free on Love Crafts here.
8 Elephant by Sarah Keen
This super sized cuddly elephant with tusks is by Sarah Keen and free to download on Ravelry here.
9 Elefante by Susan B Anderson
What’s not to love about this stripey little elephant by Susan B Anderson? It’s free to download on Ravelry here.
10 Babar by Sarah Elizabeth Kellner
And last, but very much not least, how about this fantastic pattern by Sarah Elizabeth Kellner? It’s free to download on Ravelry here.
Final thoughts
I’d urge you to be flexible with whatever pattern you choose, however: try alternate yarns or substitute a thicker yarn to make a larger elephant — the finished elephant will look grand and snuggly.
You might even design your elephant to sit on a chair arm, or keep it in your knitting bag, ready as an on-the-go project. With a little extra support in the shaping you can craft a lovely top of trunk and bottom of the trunk, define those legs and ears, and bring in softer yarns like acrylic yarn for easy care. Maintaining a consistent yarn type throughout the project helps everything knit up beautifully.
Using your own knitting supplies, you can emphasise the curves of the elephant, pick a colour palette that sings, and bring in little personal touches, like fun embroidered details which will give individual character.
It’s probably a good idea to keep some worsted weight yarn on hand for making impromptu toys for little ones or to sell at craft fairs if that’s your thing.
Elephant knitting patterns to buy
Cute elephant knitting pattern
One word: cute. And cuddly. Two words, I know. Buy the pattern on Etsy here.
Baby elephant by Claire Garland
Or how about this sweet little baby elephant pattern by Claire Garland? Buy the pattern on Etsy here.
Baby elephant by Claire Fairall Designs
This knitted baby elephant pattern by Claire Fairall, with a curved trunk and big floppy ears, is available to buy on Etsy as an instant download pattern and described as ‘perfect for nursery cuddles’. Baby elephant’s body, head and trunk is knitted as a single piece of garter stitch (knit every row) and assembled with very few seams and some interesting, but not complicated folding. There are photos to help you make up your elephant baby. Garter stitch is very stretchy, and it is this property which makes this Elephant pattern work!
All the curves of the elephant will emerge as you sew and stuff your toy.
Some short rows are used for the head and trunk shaping- every row is written in full and the short row technique is very simple- a beginner knitter would be able to successfully tackle this project. This baby elephant can be successfully knitted in alternative weights of yarn. For alternate yarns use the manufacturers recommended needle size. Thicker yarn will give a bigger baby, thinner yarn will give a smaller Baby! Buy the pattern on Etsy here.
Elephant in a sweater by Little Cotton Rabbits
How sweet is this little guy in his smart sweater? It’s by Little Cotton Rabbits and available to buy on Etsy here.
Elephant in a dress by Mary Jane’s Tearoom
Always worth a look when searching for knitted toy pattern loveliness, Mary Jane’s Tearoom has this lovable elephant in a dress pattern. Buy it on Etsy here.
Printed patterns by post
If you like a printed leaflet that arrives via Royal Mail, check out Knitting by post. I find the names of the patterns can tell you a lot… This Emma the elephant pattern is a beauty. There’s free delivery on leaflet orders over £13 on the website. With more than 10 elephant patterns to choose from alone, I doubt it would be difficult to get over the line…
Post patterns are not for the impatient, however – if you need to get knitting straight away, instant digital pdf download patterns that ping straight to your mobile device are probably more what you’re looking for. Etsy for instance will send you a secure download link and because it’s online, you can buy your knitting pattern anytime, not just when the shops are open. In my roundup I’ve shared a bit of everything – various pattern formats from pdf knitting pattern to physical leaflet.
Make your elephant your own
There’s always room for special adaptations: if you’d rather knit with thinner yarn for a daintier elephant or a little finger-friend, you’ll find this kind of elephant pattern work perfect. Even if you’re a beginner knitter, you’ll find joy in following these patterns taking you step by step every stitch of the way. If you don’t know your rep rows from your st st, there are plenty of guides to help on youtube, and also by independents such as Mrs Moon and In the Loop.
Just imagine that moment when your finished elephant is ready to spread a little handmade love.
So here we are — 15 pattern ideas – ten for free – that you can begin with, each one bringing its own twist and charm. Whether your end goal is a smaller baby elephant for a pocket, or a grand version for the nursery shelf, I hope you feel inspired. Knit with joy, share with love, and enjoy every loop, every purl, every little bend and curve of your new elephant friend.
Happy knitting! x
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