This is a set of patterns for you to crochet a variety of tiny woodland animals, along with a playmat that you can also use to carry them around. I’m British, so these are a selection of animals that are found in and around British woodlands, and which have featured in stories and folklore throughout the years.

There are nine animal patterns in this PDF - Fox, Badger, Squirrel, Rabbit, Hedgehog, Mole, Otter, and Owl (sitting and flying versions), ranging in size from 4 cm to 10 cm (1.5” to 4”) long - and the details to make a playmat with a tree stump and a hollow log. The animals have been designed to be made with minimal sewing together, and the small size means that legs, ears and tails can be made as you crochet the body (only the wings of the owl, and the tails of the rabbit and squirrel are made separately).

This set is perfect for animal-loving children to play with (due to the size of the animals they wouldn’t be suitable for any children under three years) but you could also make them for anyone who loves any of these animals - they’re easy to turn into key-chains or decorations, and a group of flying owls would make a great mobile.

The patterns are fairly straightforward and suitable for beginner/intermediate crocheters. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow if you know the basic stitches and techniques used to make amigurumi. They are written in English using US crochet terms, and the list of abbreviations includes the UK alternatives. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have as you are making them.

To make them you will need:
Small amounts of yarn for each animal, 5g or less of each colour. I used double knitting weight (DK) yarn (equivalent to 3: light yarn in the US), but other thicknesses of yarn will work, just change hook size as necessary.
Approx. 50g green yarn, double knitting weight, for grass play mat.
Approx. 5g light beige yarn, double knitting weight, for tree stump.
Approx. 10g brown yarn, double knitting weight, for tree stump.
Approx. 10g each of two different brown yarns, double knitting weight, for hollow log.
Small amount of stuffing for each creature.
A small piece of thick cardboard for tree stump.
Tapestry needle.