13 Fantastic, Adorably Exotic Animal Knitting Patterns

For all those who love the more unusual members of the animal kingdom, this pattern collection is for you!

Not everyone loves dogs.

(That horrified gasp you just heard came from my daughter. Whom I know you heard, no matter where in the world you live.)

But it’s true, right? For that matter, not everyone loves dogs or cats.

Not everyone loves dogs, cats, or birds.

Or fish.

Or farm animals.

Or any other type of animal you might normally see stuffed and given to children as a gift.

Some kids (and adults) out there? They like turtles. Snakes. Spiders. … scorpions. (Yeah, sorry. I have a phobia. It’s weirdly hard for me to even type it.)

In other words, the weirder and less-cuddly, the better.

In honor of the delightful weirdo kids and adults out there who really don’t want another dog- or cat-themed knitted thing… let’s take a look at what I call “exotic animals.”

What, Exactly, Qualifies as “Exotic”?

It feels easier to define what isn’t an exotic animal than what is.

For instance, any animal that is often kept as a pet is not exotic. (I recognize this is dicey because I would consider spiders and snakes “exotic,” yet I know some folks really do like to keep them as pets.) That means that dogs, cats, pet fish and pet birds aren’t exotic.

I also don’t consider any animal typically kept on a farm as “exotic.” That leaves out horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, and so on.

Speaking of chickens… while I know there are some birds out there that many would call “exotic,” I don’t count them in this list either. As far as I’m concerned, if you’re a bird, you’re not exotic.

Finally, let’s address the bear in the room. Bears aren’t exotic, thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. Er, thanks to the folks who made teddy bears popular. You can’t call an animal “exotic” if it’s literally the basis for the world’s most popular stuffed animal!

So, to sum up: any wild animal that’s not normally domesticated in some way and that doesn’t form the basis for the world’s most popular stuffed animal 😆is “exotic.”

That’s where I started with this collection.

As I set out rounding up patterns, I looked for animals that were fun, clever, fresh, and unusual. If the patterns created realistic-looking critters, that was a bonus!

I tried not to let my own personal bias when it comes to certain animals come into play. This was not easy. As I’ve admitted, I will never want to cuddle up to a knitted scorpion. But I realize that someone, somewhere, just might, so I’m swallowing my phobia and offering it, along with a few other less-than-cuddly creatures.

So without further ado, enjoy these free exotic animal knitting patterns! I’m dividing these into two groups: mammals and non-mammals.

Exotic Mammals to Cherish

Elefante

• What you’ll need to make it: Small amounts of various colors of worsted weight yarn; US Size 4 circular needles and/or DPNs depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stuffing; US Size E crochet hook; small amount of black yarn or floss for eyes; embroidery needle; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Susan B. Anderson excels at creating the most darling, adorable stuffed animal patterns, and this oh so charming elephant is no exception.

William the Hedgehog

• What you’ll need to make it: 50 to 200 yards super bulky weight yarn; 50 yards feathery bulky weight yarn; US Size 11 needles; stuffing; small bits of felt for feet; sewing needle and thread; brown and blue embroidery floss and needle

• Why you’ll want to: Hedgehogs, in my opinion, are among the cutest creatures in all creation. Want your very own? Why not whip this one up?

Sock Giraffe

• What you’ll need to make it: 150 yards DK weight yarn (in different colors); US Size 2 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; black embroidery floss and needle; stuffing; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: I find giraffes completely lovable. If you agree, or you know someone else who does, I know you’ll love this pattern.

Zackie Zebra

• What you’ll need to make it: 60 yards black and white sport weight yarn; US Size 1.5 needles; stuffing; safety eyes; small amount of black felt; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This little cutie looks like he would be a joy to knit as well as to give to a zebra-lover.

Don the Dillo

• What you’ll need to make it: 100 yards of worsted weight yarn; 60 yards bulky weight yarn; small amount of black yarn; US Size 2.5 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stuffing; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Armadillos are some of the funniest looking creatures around, aren’t they? But they sure do look cute knit up.

Little Lion Sock Critter

• What you’ll need to make it: 210 yards of worsted weight yarn; US Size 5 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stuffing; split ring stitch markers; stuffing; small pieces of felt; sewing needle and thread; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: I think everyone needs a little King of the Forest in their lives. (Including Lion Brand, who designed this little guy. I think they should make him their mascot!)

Hipponymous

• What you’ll need to make it: 200 yards bulky weight yarn; US Size 7 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stuffing; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: As you might guess, this is a hippopotamus knitting pattern. A cuter and more cuddly-looking hippo you are not likely to find!

Insects and Arachnids and Reptiles, Oh My…

Egg to Turtle

• What you’ll need to make it: 30 to 40 yards of worsted weight yarn; US Size 3 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; split ring stitch markers; stuffing; black embroidery floss and needle; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Let’s begin with one of the more clever designs I’ve ever seen. It’s a turtle… it’s an egg… it’s both an egg and a turtle! Yes, it’s a “knitsformer” project, with the end result being an egg that can be turned inside out to reveal a turtle. How fun!

Bendy Snakes

• What you’ll need to make it: About 20 yards of DK weight yarn; US Size 3 needles; 6 inch pipe cleaner; google eyes

• Why you’ll want to: Knitting doesn’t get much easier than these snakes. While I’m not much of a snake girl, I have to admit these are pretty cute.

Cuddly Scorpion

• What you’ll need to make it: 45 to 55 yards of worsted weight yarn; US Size 5 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round (though you will need at least 2 DPNs); stuffing; stitch markers; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Sigh. I don’t honestly think there’s anything at all cuddly about this scorpion. But don’t let my phobia detract you. If scorpions are your thing, or someone else’s, this is definitely the best pattern you’ll find. In fact, knit two or three. The world could probably use more knitted scorpions and fewer of the real thing!

Spiders Away

• What you’ll need to make it: About 70 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stuffing; gardening wire or pipe cleaners; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Not the biggest fan of spiders either. But if you feel like knitting up your own Halloween decorations, between this and the scorpion and the snakes, you could put together one heck of a spooky menagerie.

Dragonflies

• What you’ll need to make it: 65 yards of yarn (most weights work); circular needles and/or DPNs 2 sizes smaller than recommended for your yarn; 2 black beads; straw or pipe cleaner; stuffing; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: You may be surprised to hear that unlike the other creepy-crawlies on this list, I love dragonflies. And I really love this adorable design. I think the designer’s suggestion to hot glue a magnet underneath is genius!

Kim Harrison’s Knitted Dragon

• What you’ll need to make it: 275 yards of DK weight yarn (it should be a yarn that doesn’t stretch much); US Size 1 needles; extra DPNs (to use as stitch holders); 3 mm pipe cleaners; stuffing; stitch markers; tapestry needle with a very large eye

• Why you’ll want to: Let’s end this collection with an animal that technically doesn’t exist, but don’t we wish they did? (As long as they don’t breathe fire on our houses, thanks.) If we had adorable dragons like this in our world, I certainly wouldn’t object.

I hope you found this collection of exotic animal knitting patterns enchanting — and ready to cast on!