15 Adorable Knitted Hippo Toys To Make As Gifts

If you want to make something unique for a friend or a little one, this list of 15 Adorable Knitted Hippo toys to make as gifts is a great place to start.

These patterns offer a wide range of styles that turn simple yarn into a friendly animal with lots of personality.

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A collage of eight different knitted hippo toys in various colors and styles, including a large grey hippo, a purple hippo wearing a pink dress, and a small light blue hippo sitting in a hand. In the center, a dark blue circle contains the text "15 Adorable Knitted Hippo Toys To Make As Gifts, Curated by TheKnitCrew.com". This is part of a crochet roundup from https://www.theknitcrew.com/.

Pin these patterns for later. Please like and share. Follow me on Pinterest for more crochet inspiration.

A vertical collage showcasing six different knitted hippo toys, including a pink and white hippo, a pair of flat blue and pink hippos, a standing purple hippo wearing a peach dress, and a fluffy purple hippo. In the center, text reads "15 Adorable Knitted Hippo Toys To Make As Gifts" with "TheKnitCrew.com" at the bottom. This is part of a crochet roundup from https://www.theknitcrew.com/.

How and why I curated this Hippo collection

I have spent many years working as a designer in the yarn industry, so I know what makes a pattern worth your time.

When I put these roundups together, I look closely at the photos to see the finished result. I search for originality and check who the designer is to ensure I am sharing quality work from the community.

These specific choices were picked to cover every part of the topic, from tiny toys to larger plushies. I made sure to include a variety of looks so there is something for everyone.

These are perfect for the kawaii lovers out there who want a cute aesthetic in their finished projects!

What makes these Hippo patterns special

Diverse Skill Levels: Options range from basic shapes for beginners to complex 3D shaping for experts.
Various Sizes: Includes everything from 3.5-inch pocket pals to 15-inch teddy styles.
Clear Instructions: Each featured designer provides a written pattern, and many offer PDF downloads.
Fun Details: You will find hippos with rotating paws, removable clothes, and different textures.

If you found this post helpful, please like and share. Follow me on Pinterest for more knitting inspiration.

Check out my selection of hippo toys below

I have split the list below to make it simple for you to navigate. You will find small amigurumi-style hippos, larger cuddly animals, and hippos that come with their own clothes. Take your time looking through them.

Each knit hippo pattern has its own style, so read the details to see which one matches the yarn you have and the skills you want to practice.

A split image showing two knitted hippo toys. The top half features a pink hippo with a white snout and paws sitting on a white, soft surface. The bottom half shows a close-up of a hippo's head featuring a pastel rainbow striped pattern and white ears on a grey tiled floor. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: Bobbi Padgett". This is part of a crochet roundup from https://www.theknitcrew.com/.

Sock Hippo

A soft, plush hippopotamus designed to be knit in the round, often using sock yarn to achieve a dense, durable finish for play.

Designer: Bobbi Padgett

Size: Approximately 25cm (10 in) long
Materials: Sock yarn (4-ply), 3mm double-pointed needles, toy stuffing, embroidery thread.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

Knitted Hippo Toy

A detailed pattern for a charming sitting hippo with distinct snout features and floppy ears.

Designer: Midaami292

Size: 20cm (8 in) tall when sitting
Materials: DK yarn, 3.25mm needles, polyester toy stuffing, 9mm safety eyes.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A small, flat pink knitted hippo toy with purple and white striped legs and tiny purple ears, resting on a grey textured knitted blanket. A partial view of a similar blue hippo is visible in the background. Text reads "pattern & photos by: Ellen Kapusniak". This is part of a crochet roundup from https://www.theknitcrew.com/.

Hippocritter

A sturdy, chunky hippo with tactile side panels and striped legs that can be set straight up or spread out.

Designer: Ellen Kapusniak

Size: 13cm (5 in) long
Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 3.5mm double-pointed needles, stuffing, beads for eyes.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A grey knitted hippo toy sitting upright against a plain white background. It features pink inner ears, pink stitched blush spots on its cheeks, and black stitched eyes. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: Knitateddy". This is part of a crochet roundup from https://www.theknitcrew.com/.

Knit a Teddy Hippo

A classic stuffed toy pattern featuring movable limbs and a robust body structure.

Designer: Knitateddy

Size: 36-38cm (14-15 in)
Materials: Worsted or Aran yarn, 3.5mm needles, safety eyes, fiberfill.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

Blue Hippo With Skirt

A stylized design inspired by historical Egyptian ‘William’ figurines, typically worked in fingering
weight.

Designer: Morgunova Olga

Size: 20cm (8 in) long
Materials: Fingering weight yarn, 2.25mm needles, stuffing.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A close-up of a grey knitted hippo toy with small ears, black stitched eyes, and black stitched nostrils, set against a solid blue background. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: Jellybum". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Hippo Toy Knitting Pattern

A straightforward and approachable pattern for a classic standing hippopotamus toy.

Designer: Jellybum

Size: 18cm (7 in) long
Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 3.75mm needles, safety eyes, fiberfill.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A dark grey knitted hippo toy standing upright, wearing a frilly light pink knitted dress and matching pink ballet-style shoes with dark straps. It is posed against a dark background. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: Painted Cricket". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

How to Knit a Hippo (Tutorial)

A complete video walkthrough demonstrating the construction of a small knitted hippo from start to finish.

Designer: Painted Cricket

Size: Small / Handheld
Materials: Medium weight yarn, size 7 US needles, tapestry needle, stuffing.
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: NO
Video: YES

GO TO VIDEO TUTORIAL

A split image showing a large, realistic-looking grey knitted hippo toy. The top half shows the hippo lying down with its mouth open (showing pink inside) amidst green artificial leaves. The bottom half shows the hippo from a front-facing angle, partially hidden behind leaves. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: ToysWereUsPatterns". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Vintage Hippo Pattern

A digital reproduction of a 1970s vintage pattern for a large, huggable hippo.

Designer: ToysWereUsPatterns

Size: 45cm (18 in) long
Materials: Aran or Bulky wool, 4mm and 5mm needles, toy filling.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A split image featuring small, pill-shaped knitted hippo toys. The top half shows two hippos—one light purple and one dark purple—resting on a white windowsill. The bottom half shows a similar small grey hippo sitting on a light wooden surface. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: Aine Marriott". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Mini Hippo

A tiny, portable hippo project ideal for keychains or using up small amounts of scrap yarn.

Designer: Aine Marriott

Size: 5-7cm (2-3 in)
Materials: Scrap yarn (fingering or sport), 2.75mm needles, polyfill.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A white knitted hippo toy standing upright with one arm raised in a wave, wearing green knitted overalls with a single orange button. Beside it stands a tiny white knitted lamb toy. In the blurred background, there is a small orange knitted bird in a basket and warm fairy lights. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: CuteKnitToy". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

White and Gray Hippo

A modern and clean knitting pattern for a bi-colored hippo with a soft appearance.

Designer: CuteKnitToy

Size: 25cm (10 in)
Materials: Cotton or Acrylic DK yarn, 2.5mm needles, stuffing.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

Hipponymous

A character-filled hippo with a sturdy base designed to sit upright independently.

Designer: Malissa Ackerman Lightfoot

Size: 15cm (6 in) tall
Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 3.5mm needles, stuffing, safety eyes.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PATTERN

A close-up of a small, light blue knitted hippo toy resting in the palm of a hand. The hippo features black stitched eyes and purple stitched nostrils. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: MumpitzDesign". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Beginner Friendly Hippo

A pattern focused on simplicity, using basic stitches to create an adorable hippo shape.

Designer: MumpitzDesign

Size: 22cm (9 in)
Materials: DK yarn, 3mm needles, stuffing.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A split image showing a bright purple knitted hippo toy made from fluffy, textured yarn, resting against a bright green fabric background. The top shows a full-body angle, while the bottom focuses on the head. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: Nyss Parkes". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Fuzzy Hippo

Uses brushed yarn or mohair to create a lifelike, soft texture for a unique finish.

Designer: Nyss Parkes

Size: 12cm (5 in)
Materials: Mohair blend yarn, 2.75mm needles, stuffing.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A purple knitted hippo toy standing upright on a wooden stump outdoors. It is wearing a peach-colored knitted dress with ruffled sleeves and has a small flower accessory on its ear. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: VknitB". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Hippo in a Lacy Dress

A decorative hippo toy that includes instructions for a removable knitted lacy outfit.

Designer: VknitB

Size: 28cm (11 in)
Materials: DK yarn, 3mm needles, lace weight yarn, buttons.
PDF: YES
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

A split image showing two angles of a pale lavender knitted hippo toy with short legs, a small tail, and black bead eyes, resting on a light-colored surface. Text at the bottom reads "pattern & photos by: knittedtoybox". This is part of a knitting roundup from The Yarn Crew.

Little Hippo

A free blog-based pattern for a quick and simple hippo project, perfect for beginners.

Designer: knitted toy box

Size: 10cm (4 in)
Materials: DK yarn, 3mm needles, stuffing.
PDF: NO
Written Pattern: YES
Video: NO

GO TO PDF DOWNLOAD

Final Thoughts

Thank you for visiting and looking through these hippo designs with me. I hope you found the perfect knitted hippo toy to start working on today. Happy Knitting!

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About the Author: Ariana Wimsett is an expert curator and author with a deep background in fiber arts. She uses her professional eye to discover and recommend high-quality knitting patterns for makers of all levels.