crochet duck pattern free ideas and tutorials to enjoy
If you’ve been looking for a gentle and satisfying project, a little crocheted duck might be just the thing. There’s something rather comforting about making a small creature, feeling it take shape in your hands, round by round. Today I’ve gathered some of my favourite duck crochet pattern ideas, all with free pattern options and downloadable PDFs for easy reference. I’ve also included one or two of my favourite duck crochet patterns to buy.
Whether you’re an experienced maker or just starting out, these patterns will guide you through simple stitches such as the single crochet, small shaping details, and assembly techniques that make each duck come to life. Most use straightforward materials and methods — a long tail for sewing, a video tutorial if you prefer to watch rather than read, and a stitch marker to keep your rounds in order.
Some of the links below include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. It doesn’t cost you any extra and helps support the work of sharing these patterns. All recommendations are chosen carefully and for personal use only.
Getting started with crochet ducks
Many amigurumi patterns begin with a magic circle — sometimes called a magic ring — which allows you to pull the starting stitches closed neatly. You’ll often see rounds joined with a sl st (short for slip stitch) or worked continuously in spirals. Following each first st with a marker is helpful so you don’t lose track as you go.
Pay attention to whether a round is worked in the front loop or the back loop only, as this can subtly change the shape of your cute duck. A tapestry needle will be essential for weaving in ends, attaching wings and beak, and securing your finishing stitches neatly.
Most patterns include a clear skill level guide, so you can decide whether to start simple or try something a little more detailed.
Materials and basic tools
For most crochet duck patterns, you’ll need:
- DK or worsted yellow yarn for the body
- Small amounts of orange yarn for the beak and feet
- A suitable mm crochet hook (often 3.0–4.0 mm for smaller ducks, or 6.0 mm if using chunky bernat blanket yarn)
- Pair of 6-8 mm safety eyes
- A little stuffing
- Tapestry or yarn needle for assembly
If you’re following along with Repeat Crafter Me, you’ll find her approachable style and clear instructions ideal for beginners. Her duck patterns often use bright different colours for beaks and wings, and include gentle reminders about where to place your next stitch or how to manage a colour change.
Recommended free crochet duck pattern ideas
1. 20-Minute Duck – StringyDingDing
A small, rounded duck worked in continuous spirals and ideal for quick makes. The free crochet pattern is written clearly, with photos and a video tutorial (available to subscribers info here). You’ll find guidance on sc inc (single crochet increase) and easy shaping for wings and feet. The pattern is free to follow online here. There’s also an option to buy a printable PDF of the pattern here.
→ View pattern on StringyDingDing
2. Daphne the Duck – Nicole Chase
A more detailed amigurumi duck pattern with an ad-free PDF option for a small fee on Etsy here. There’s also a complete video tutorial here:
so it’s perfect if you like to watch techniques in motion. The design includes optional variations using different colour yarn for a mallard-style effect and a smooth invisible decrease technique.
→ Find it on The Nicole Chase
3. Cute Duck Amigurumi – Mariska Vos-Bolman
A delicate, slightly more elongated duck shape that can be made in flat rows for a 2-D look or in the round for a plumper feel. It’s a cute crochet duck design suitable for confident beginners. The pattern designer includes notes about the number of stitches per round and tips for assembly. There’s a video tutorial here:
4. Dizzy the Duck – Carol Hladik Designs
Worked as separate pieces and then sewn together, this pattern is lovely if you enjoy gentle hand-finishing with a long yarn tail and tapestry needle. It produces a slightly larger, adorably huggable duck.The free pattern is available online here. If you’d prefer to buy a printable PDF version, you can get that on Etsy here
→ Free pattern here
5. Little Duck – Wonder Crochet
A minimal pattern made with lily sugar cotton and small hook, giving a neat, cute little duckling ideal for Easter decorations or baby shower gifts. The shaping of the top of the head and top of the beak is achieved using gentle sc sts ( and inv dec (invisible decreasing).
→ Pattern on Wonder Crochet
6 Good Luck Duck – Sweet Softies
A tiny and cute no-sew amigurumi crochet duck pattern suitable for beginners upwards. Buy the printable PDF version, without the ads on Etsy here
Get the video tutorial here:
7 Rubber Duck crochet pattern
So this cute Rubber Duck pattern by Hugurumi Toys is either available for free on Instagram here, or to buy as a printable PDF on Etsy here.
8 Crochet Duck by Follow the Yarn
A simple, sweet little duck pattern by Follow the Yarn, available for free on Love Crafts here.
9 Duck baby crochet toy by Bernat
A simple little duck perfect for baby hands to cuddle… It’s available for free on Love Crafts here.
10 Alfie the Duckling by Paintbox Yarns
Last of the free patterns is this fab design by Paintbox Yarns. It’s available for free from Love Crafts here.
Favourite patterns to buy
Dallas the Duckling by Loops with Lauren.
This is a super cuddly duck crochet pattern, available to buy on Etsy here.
Della duck crochet pattern by ShopModThreads
This is the sweetest little duck pattern and includes the adorable headband. It’s available to buy on Etsy here.
Snuggly duck pattern by OddDolli
This is another cutie I had to include. Its by OddDolli on Etsy and made using super chunky blanket yarn.
Mallard duck crochet pattern by Faina Cute Toys
This flying mallard duck crochet pattern is a bit different – it’s by Faina Cute Toys on Etsy.
Dottie the Duck by Jenny Deng
This little duck pattern is by Jenny Deng on Etsy and suitable for advanced beginners upwards. Buy on Etsy here.
A closer look at technique
Most of these designs begin with a magic circle and use single crochet throughout. You’ll usually work increases (sc inc) to form a rounded base, then taper with decreases towards the neck or tail. Keeping your stitch count accurate is key to maintaining the intended shape.
If a pattern instructs you to repeat rounds in continuous spirals, mark the first sc carefully to know where each end of round begins. Some designs call for a double crochet (dc) in the wings or tail to add texture.
The next stitch often defines placement for shaping features such as the side of the body or top of wing, so check this detail closely before continuing.
When joining parts, a slip stitch seam gives a clean finish. Others prefer to sew with a yarn needle, especially where the top of the beak or wings need to sit firmly.
Yarn and colour ideas
Although classic yellow and orange combinations are timeless, there’s fun to be had in exploring different colours. A soft light brown duckling, or a pale cream body with contrasting beak, makes a lovely great addition to Easter baskets or nursery shelves.
Try a main colour of warm ivory with tiny accents of peach or beige. Using yarn scraps can also create pleasing variations. For example, if you crochet the wings and feet in a different colour yarn, it can give a pleasing, handmade effect.
If you’d like a plush version, using bernat blanket yarn produces a larger, adorably huggable duck with minimal effort — just remember to adjust your hook size accordingly.
Finishing details
The most expressive part of a crocheted duck is often the face. 6-10 mm safety eyes are a popular choice and give a classic look, but small embroidered eyes using black yarn can be safer for very young children. Position them before fully stuffing the head so you can make adjustments easily.
Work a secure colour change before the beak, and fasten off with a long yarn tail for sewing. When assembling the body section and body panel, ensure seams are even and firm but not pulled too tight.
If your duck has flat or single piece wings, attach them slightly below the top of the head and along the side of the body so they rest naturally. A well-placed wing can transform an ordinary duck into an adorable amigurumi character with personality.
For beginners
If you’re completely new to amigurumi, choose an easy pattern such as the 20-minute duck above, which limits the number of parts and techniques. Once you’re comfortable with forming a magic ring, counting stitches, and working small increases and decreases, you can move on to designs using flat rows or more complex shaping.
The cookie pal pattern series by Repeat Crafter Me, for example, includes animal forms built from simple base shapes. Adapting one to create a pocket duck could be a wonderful project for practising assembly and proportion. Find the Cookie Pals pattern ebook for sale on Ravelry here https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/cookie-pals-ebook
Selling and sharing your makes
Most designers allow you to sell your finished product as long as you credit them as the pattern designer and don’t distribute the pattern itself. Always review each pattern’s terms of use carefully though before assuming.
If you choose to share photos of your work on social media, a kind tag or mention is always appreciated by the designer.
For readers who prefer to print and work offline, many blogs offer an ad-free PDF download for a small extra cost. It’s a lovely way to support creative work and avoid pop-ups while you crochet.
Some makers offer free shipping on yarn bundles or starter kits linked to their duck designs, which can be a great addition if you’re restocking supplies.
Troubleshooting and finishing touches
If your duck appears lopsided, check that you’re inserting your hook consistently under both loops unless otherwise directed. Missing a 2nd chain at the start of a round or skipping the last st can cause uneven shaping.
Try counting your number of stitches aloud every few rounds until you can recognise the structure by sight. If your duck feels too loose or floppy, drop to a smaller mm hook.
To secure parts, use a long yarn tail left from the final round and stitch invisibly through adjacent loops. This helps maintain a smooth join, especially around the neck or wings.
Inspiration and display ideas
Crocheted ducks make a great decoration on a bookshelf or windowsill, and their perfect size makes them ideal tokens for baby shower favours or Easter gifts. Group several together in different colours for a cheerful little family of little ducklings.
For a charming spring gift basket, try perching one on a nest of shredded paper or moss inside Easter baskets. A neutral palette of ivory, oatmeal, and pale gold yarns can give a more natural, understated feel if bright yellow isn’t your preference.
Final thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering my favourite crochet duck pattern free ideas and tutorials. Creating a small crocheted duck is a gentle reminder of what we love about hand making — the slow rhythm of stitches, the way something gradually becomes more than yarn in your hands. Even the simplest free pattern can lead to a small flock of unique characters, each slightly different and full of personality.
Whether you’re making one as a gift, a keepsake, or simply for your own personal use, I hope these patterns inspire you to pick up your hook and begin.
For more ideas, you can explore related blog posts and pattern round-ups, or sign up for updates when a new pattern becomes available. There’s always another wonderful project waiting just around the corner — and perhaps another cute little duck or two to join your collection.
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