Crochet appliques are a wonderful way to add personality and charm to your handmade projects. Whether you're looking to embellish a cozy baby blanket, a winter hat, a soft scarf, or a favorite cardigan, appliques open up endless creative possibilities. These small, decorative pieces can transform a simple project into something truly special and uniquely yours.
The best part? Appliques are incredibly versatile. You can sew them securely onto your finished pieces using a yarn needle and matching thread, or if you prefer a quicker method, fabric glue works beautifully too. This flexibility means you can experiment with placement, mix and match designs, and even remove and reposition appliques if you change your mind.
From adorable animals like this koala to flowers, hearts, and geometric shapes, crochet appliques let you customize your projects in ways that store-bought embellishments simply can't match. They're perfect for adding a handmade touch to gifts, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for your home, or bringing joy to the special people in your life.
By Torreya Treasures
Skill Level: Easy
What You'll Need
Yarn: Medium weight (size 4) worsted acrylic yarn
- Color A: Dusty Gray
- Color B: White
- Color C: Black
Hook: Size G/4.25mm
Other supplies: Yarn needle for sewing pieces together
Finished Size
Your koala applique will measure approximately 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide using a size G/4.25mm hook. Want a bigger koala? Simply use a larger hook size.
Crochet Abbreviations
- Ch = chain
- St = stitch
- Slst = slip stitch
- Sc = single crochet
- Hdc = half double crochet
- Dc = double crochet
- Pm = place marker
Making the Head
Work the head in the round without turning. Keep stitching in the same direction throughout.
Step 1: Using color A (dusty gray), create a magic circle. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), then work 11 more double crochets into the circle. Slip stitch to the top of your chain 3 to join. You now have 12 double crochets total.
Step 2: Chain 3 and double crochet in the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets in each of the next 3 stitches. Then work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch, followed by 2 single crochets. Place a marker here—this marks where the mouth will go. Continue with 2 more single crochets, then 2 half double crochets. Finish by working 2 double crochets in each of the next 4 stitches. Slip stitch to the top of your chain 3 to join. Fasten off.
Making the Mouth
Using color B (white), create a magic circle. Chain 2, then work 7 half double crochets into the circle. Slip stitch to the top of your chain 2 to join. Fasten off. Sew the mouth onto the head at the marker you placed in Step 2.
Making the Nose
Using color C (black), create a magic circle. Chain 1, then work the following stitches in order: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet, single crochet. Slip stitch to the top of your first single crochet to join. Fasten off. Sew the nose onto the head just above the mouth.
Making the Ears
Step 1: Using color B (white), create a magic circle. Chain 2, then work 7 half double crochets into the circle. Slip stitch to the top of your chain 2 to join. Fasten off.
Step 2: Join color A (dusty gray) in any half double crochet stitch. Chain 2 and single crochet in the same stitch. Work 2 single crochets in each of the next 7 stitches. Slip stitch to the top of your chain 2 to join. Fasten off.
Sew the ears to the back of the head so that only half of each ear shows from the front.
Adding the Eyes
Using color C (black) and your yarn needle, embroider two small slits or V-shaped marks for the eyes. Position them above either side of the nose.
Making the Body
The body starts in the round, then you'll turn your work partway through.
Round 1: Using color B (white), create a magic circle. Chain 3 and work 11 double crochets into the circle. Slip stitch to the top of your chain 3 to join.
Round 2: Switch to color A (dusty gray). Chain 3 and double crochet in the same stitch. Work 2 double crochets in each of the next 9 stitches.
Round 3: Chain 3 and turn your work. Work 4 double crochets in the same stitch (this creates the bottom leg). Continue around by working 1 double crochet in the next stitch, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern 8 more times. Work 4 double crochets in the top of your chain 3 from Round 2 (this creates the top leg). Chain 3 and slip stitch into the same stitch. Fasten off.
Making the Tail
Join color A (dusty gray) in the 12th double crochet stitch from the beginning of the bottom leg. Chain 2 and work 5 half double crochets in the same stitch. Chain 2 and slip stitch into the same stitch. Fasten off.
Finishing Your Koala
Sew the head onto the top of the body. Your adorable koala applique is now complete and ready to attach to a blanket, pillow, or any project you choose!
Ready to explore more applique designs? Browse our full collection of crochet applique patterns in our shop. You'll find patterns for every skill level and style. And here's a special invitation: subscribe to our email list to receive an exclusive discount on your next purchase. Plus, you'll get early access to new patterns, tips, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.