Beagles are one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds in the world, and it’s easy to see why crocheting one is so rewarding. Their signature tricolor coat — rich brown saddle, crisp white chest, and black markings — gives the finished amigurumi an instantly satisfying color-work payoff. Add their long, velvety floppy ears and that compact, sturdy body, and you have a crochet project that truly captures every detail that makes this breed so endearing.
This pattern is completely free — no email sign-up, no download required. Everything needed to make a gorgeous Beagle amigurumi is right here: full round-by-round instructions, a detailed materials list, a step-by-step assembly guide, and a color customization section covering every major Beagle variety. Let’s get started.
Pattern At A Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Finished Size | Approx. 7 inches tall (sitting) |
| Yarn Weight | Worsted Weight (4) |
| Hook Size | US G/6 (4.0mm) |
| Techniques Used | Magic ring, single crochet, increase, invisible decrease, BLO, surface embroidery |
| Time to Complete | 8–12 hours |
| Stuffing Needed | Yes — polyester fiberfill |
| Safety Eyes | 12mm black safety eyes |
| Number of Pieces | 10 (head, muzzle, body, 2 ears, 2 front legs, 2 back legs, tail) |
| Yarn Colors Needed | White, Brown (saddle), Black, Tan/Cream |
Materials You Will Need
Gather everything before starting — having all colors and notions ready makes color changes much smoother for this breed’s tricolor coat.
- White yarn (main color): Approx. 60 yds. Red Heart Super Saver in “White” (E300). Provides the clean base for muzzle, chest, and paws.
- Brown yarn (saddle): Approx. 50 yds. Lion Brand Pound of Love in “Honey” or Red Heart Super Saver in “Warm Brown.” Use a medium brown to capture the classic Beagle saddle.
- Black yarn (markings): Approx. 30 yds. Lion Brand Pound of Love in “Black.” Used for the back, top of head, and ear tips.
- Tan/Cream yarn (face): Approx. 20 yds. Red Heart Super Saver in “Buff” or Caron Simply Soft in “Linen.” Used for the face surround and inner ear.
- Hook: US G/6 (4.0mm)
- Polyester fiberfill: Approx. 1 oz. for a 7-inch doll.
- Safety eyes: Two 12mm black safety eyes.
- Yarn needle for assembly and weaving in ends.
- Stitch markers (at least 2).
- Scissors.
- Straight pins for positioning pieces before sewing.
- Black embroidery floss for the nose and mouth detail.
🛒 Yarn Tip: For the most accurate Beagle tricolor, grab Red Heart Super Saver “Warm Brown” and “Buff” together in one trip to Michaels or Joann — comparing them side-by-side on the shelf helps nail the exact contrast between the saddle and the face markings.
Abbreviations & Stitch Guide
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Invisible decrease |
| BLO | Back loop only |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rnd | Round |
| ( ) x# | Repeat instructions in parentheses the stated number of times |
| [ ] | Stitch count at end of round |
| FO | Fasten off |
| CC | Color change |
💡 Invisible Decrease: Always use an invisible decrease (dec) for amigurumi — it keeps the fabric tight and gap-free. To work it: (1) Insert hook under the FRONT loop only of the next stitch. (2) Without completing the stitch, insert hook under the FRONT loop only of the following stitch. (3) Yarn over and pull through both front loops. (4) Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on hook. The result is virtually invisible on the outside of the work.
Gauge
Gauge: 4 stitches x 4 rows = 1 inch in single crochet using US G/6 (4.0mm) and worsted weight yarn.
For amigurumi, firm, tight fabric matters far more than matching gauge exactly. The stitches should be dense enough that no stuffing shows through. To test: crochet a small swatch, hold it up to a light source, and check if stuffing would be visible through the gaps. If it is, go down a hook size.
Free Beagle Crochet Pattern — Complete Instructions
All pieces are made separately and assembled at the end. Work in continuous rounds — do not join with a slip stitch at the end of each round. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as work progresses. Count stitches at the end of every round without exception.
Head
The Beagle’s head is rounded and slightly domed, with a broad, flat skull and a gentle stop. The face is worked in Tan/Cream, with Black covering the top of the head.
Color: Start with Tan/Cream.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x6. [18]
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) x6. [24]
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) x6. [30]
Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) x6. [36]
Rnd 7: (Sc 5, inc) x6. [42]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [42]
Color change to Black for top of head:
Rnd 9: Sc 14 in Black, sc 14 in Tan, sc 14 in Black. [42]
Rnd 10: Sc 14 in Black, sc 14 in Tan, sc 14 in Black. [42]
Rnd 11: Sc 14 in Black, sc 14 in Tan, sc 14 in Black. [42]
Attach safety eyes between rounds 9–10, approx. 10 stitches apart. Stuff the head firmly.
Rnd 12: (Sc 5, dec) x6. [36]
Rnd 13: (Sc 4, dec) x6. [30]
Rnd 14: (Sc 3, dec) x6. [24]
Rnd 15: (Sc 2, dec) x6. [18]
Rnd 16: (Sc 1, dec) x6. [12]
Rnd 17: Dec x6. [6]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the remaining gap with the yarn needle.
💡 Head Tip: When working the black-and-tan color sections in rounds 9–11, keep unused yarn loosely carried inside the piece rather than cutting and rejoining — it reduces ends and keeps the fabric even on the inside.
Muzzle
The Beagle muzzle is broad and slightly square at the tip, worked in White to create a clean contrast against the tan face.
Color: White.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x6. [18]
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. [18]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [18]
Do not stuff. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the head.
Body
The Beagle body is compact and solid — deep-chested at the front, tapering slightly toward the hindquarters. The chest and belly are White; the back and sides are Brown.
Color: Start with White.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x6. [18]
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) x6. [24]
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) x6. [30]
Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) x6. [36]
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [36]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [36]
Color change — join Brown on back half (approx. 18 sts in Brown, 18 in White):
Rnd 9: Sc 18 in Brown, sc 18 in White. [36]
Rnd 10: Sc 18 in Brown, sc 18 in White. [36]
Rnd 11: Sc 18 in Brown, sc 18 in White. [36]
Rnd 12: (Sc 4, dec) x6. [30]
Stuff the body firmly at this point.
Rnd 13: (Sc 3, dec) x6. [24]
Rnd 14: (Sc 2, dec) x6. [18]
Rnd 15: (Sc 1, dec) x6. [12]
Rnd 16: Dec x6. [6]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Close the gap.
💡 Body Tip: Stuff the body very firmly before closing — the Beagle’s compact, sturdy silhouette relies on a well-stuffed torso. A lightly stuffed body looks deflated and loses the breed’s characteristic stockiness.
Ears (Make 2)
The Beagle’s long, drooping ears are one of the breed’s most defining features — they should look wide at the top and slightly rounded at the tip. Work in rows for natural drape.
Outer Ear (Black) — make 2:
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. [6]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc 4, inc. [8]
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. [8]
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. [8]
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 4, dec. [6]
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 2, dec. [4]
Fasten off. Repeat for second ear.
Inner Ear Panel (Tan) — make 2:
Row 1: Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. [4]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc 2, inc. [6]
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. [6]
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 2, dec. [4]
Fasten off. Whipstitch the tan inner panel to the center of the black outer ear. Leave a long tail for sewing to head.
💡 Ear Tip: Beagle ears hang forward and low, set well back on the skull. After pinning, check the ear placement from the front — they should frame the face, not sit on top of the head. The front edge of each ear should begin roughly in line with the outer edge of the eye.
Front Legs (Make 2)
Beagle front legs are straight and sturdy, worked in White on the lower half with Brown on the upper portion to match the saddle coloring.
Color: Start with White.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: BLO, sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 4: (Sc 1, dec) x4. [8]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [8]
Color change to Brown:
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 10: Sc in each st around. [8]
Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Back Legs (Make 2)
Back legs are slightly larger and angled to give the Beagle a natural sitting posture — rounder at the haunch and wider at the top.
Color: Start with White.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: BLO, sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, dec) x3. [9]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [9]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [9]
Color change to Brown:
Rnd 7: (Sc 2, inc) x3. [12]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 10: (Sc 2, dec) x3. [9]
Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Tail
The classic Beagle tail is medium length, held upright and slightly curved — like a little white-tipped flag. The tip is White, the base is Brown.
Color: Start with White.
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc into ring. [4]
Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. [4]
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [4]
Color change to Brown:
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. [4]
Rnd 5: (Sc 1, inc) x2. [6]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [6]
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [6]
Do not stuff. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly — Putting Your Beagle Together
Pin all pieces in place before sewing a single stitch. Step back and check the layout from the front, side, and back to make sure everything looks balanced. Adjust pins until the posture looks natural.
- Embroider the face: Using black embroidery floss, stitch a wide oval or rounded triangle for the nose at the center top of the muzzle. Below it, embroider a simple inverted V for the mouth. Add two small curved lines for the jowl creases on either side. Do this before attaching the muzzle — it is far easier to work on a flat piece.
- Attach the muzzle: Pin the muzzle to the lower-center of the face, between rounds 12–14. The top edge of the muzzle should sit just below the eyes. Whipstitch around the entire edge, leaving a small gap to add a tiny pinch of stuffing before closing.
- Attach the ears: Pin both ears at the side of the head, level with rounds 8–10, set back from the eye line. The ears should drape forward naturally, following the curve of the cheek. Secure with whipstitch along the top edge only so the ears hang freely.
- Attach head to body: Position the head with a very slight forward tilt — Beagles carry their head up with a confident, alert posture. Pin, check, then whipstitch around the full neck opening, going around the seam twice for extra security.
- Front leg attachment: Pin front legs to the sides of the body at rounds 4–5 from the base, pointing straight down. Stitch securely through both layers.
- Back leg attachment: For a sitting Beagle, angle the back legs outward and slightly forward at rounds 2–3 from the base. Check the doll can balance before finalizing.
- Attach the tail: Sew the tail at the upper-back center of the body, angled upright at approx. 30–45 degrees. This upright tail position is the Beagle’s trademark look.
- Weave in all ends: Thread each tail through the yarn needle and weave in at least two direction changes before trimming. Tug gently to confirm all joins are secure.
📸 Photo Tip: The Beagle’s most Pinterest-worthy feature is that alert, curious expression — position the finished doll facing slightly to one side so both the floppy ear drape AND the embroidered face are visible in the same shot. Shoot on a white or light wood surface to make the tricolor coat pop.
Beagle Color Guide
Beagles come in a beautiful range of officially recognized color combinations. The color variety changes the entire personality of the finished piece — even a subtle shift in brown tone makes a noticeable difference.
| Color Variety | Yarn Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Classic Tricolor (Black, White, Tan) ⭐ Most popular on Pinterest | Red Heart Super Saver: Black + White + Buff |
| Lemon & White | Lion Brand Pound of Love: Buttercup + White |
| Red & White | Red Heart Super Saver: Cherry Red + White |
| Chocolate Tricolor | Lion Brand Pound of Love: Chocolate + White + Tan |
| Blue Tricolor (rare) | Caron Simply Soft: Soft Grey + White + Linen |
| Black & White (bicolor) | Red Heart Super Saver: Black + White |
| Brown & White | Lion Brand Pound of Love: Warm Brown + White |
Beginner Tips for the Best Results
These tips are specific to Beagle construction — follow them and the finished doll will nail the breed’s most distinctive features.
- Master the three-color carry technique: The Beagle’s tricolor coat means managing at least two yarn colors simultaneously on the body and head. Carry unused yarn loosely inside the piece rather than cutting at every switch — it saves time and reduces bulk from too many woven ends.
- Keep tension tight throughout: The Beagle’s clean color boundaries — especially where black meets tan on the head — only stay crisp with firm, even tension. Loose tension lets colors bleed into each other visually and creates gaps in the fabric.
- Avoid uneven ears: The most common beginner mistake is attaching both ears at different heights or angles, making the doll look lopsided. Always pin both ears simultaneously before sewing either one, and check the doll head-on from at least 3 feet away.
- Embroider the nose with care: The Beagle’s broad, slightly squared-off nose is what gives the face its expressive quality. Use 4–6 strands of black embroidery floss and work a series of tight horizontal satin stitches packed closely together for a polished, raised nose.
- The most rewarding moment: Attaching the signature floppy ears is the single most satisfying step in this pattern — the moment those ears drape into place, the doll transforms from a generic dog shape into an unmistakable Beagle.
Safety Notice
Safety eyes contain small parts and pose a choking hazard for children under 3 years of age. For any toy intended for a baby or toddler, always substitute embroidered eyes using black yarn or embroidery floss instead. When weaving in all yarn ends, pass the needle through the stuffing in at least two different directions before trimming — this locks the end securely and prevents unraveling. Before giving any handmade toy to a child, tug firmly on all sewn joins, eyes, and attached pieces to confirm nothing can be pulled loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this Beagle take to crochet?
Most crocheters working at a relaxed pace complete this Beagle in 8–12 hours across 2–3 sessions. The multi-color body and detailed face work are the most time-intensive parts.
Can I use DK weight yarn instead of worsted?
Yes — drop down to a US E/4 (3.5mm) hook and the finished Beagle will be approximately 5–6 inches tall. All stitch counts stay the same. The DK version works beautifully as a keychain or bag charm.
My Beagle’s color sections are bleeding into each other — how do I fix it?
This usually means the carried yarn is too loose inside the piece. When carrying a non-working color, snug it gently against the back of the fabric before each stitch — just enough tension to keep it from looping, but not so tight it puckers the stitches. A crochet tension ring can also help.
Can I substitute the magic ring?
Absolutely. Chain 2, then work the starting stitch count into the 2nd chain from hook, and sl st to join into a ring. The magic ring does give a slightly tighter, less visible center hole — but the chain method works just as well for beginners.
Is it okay to sell finished Beagles made from this pattern?
Yes — finished amigurumi made from this free pattern may be sold at craft fairs, Etsy, and local markets. Please credit the pattern in any online listing. The written pattern itself may not be reproduced, resold, or distributed.
Final Thoughts
What makes the Beagle so uniquely satisfying to recreate in crochet is the way each individual feature builds toward that unmistakable silhouette. The tricolor coat alone makes this one of the most visually striking amigurumi in any pet-themed collection — every row of color change adds up to something genuinely recognizable.
The three-color body sections and ear placement require a little extra patience, but both are completely manageable once each step is taken one at a time. The ears, the nose embroidery, the upright tail — each detail clicks into place and makes the finished doll more and more Beagle with every piece added. The end result is absolutely worth the effort. Happy crocheting! 🐾
