How to Crochet Plush Chickens: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide: Crochet chickens are charming, rustic, and wonderfully squishy. Whether you want farmhouse décor, playful gifts, or craft fair bestsellers, these soft hens are fun to make and easy to customize with different yarn colors.
This guide walks you through materials, stitches, shaping techniques, and assembly so you can confidently create your own flock.
Skill Level
Advanced beginner to intermediate
You should know how to:
- Crochet in the round
- Increase and decrease stitches
- Sew pieces together
- Work basic stitches like single crochet
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn
- Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn for the body
- Small amounts of red (comb & wattle)
- Yellow or gold (beak)
- Black, blue, or safety eyes
Hook
- 4.0–5.0 mm crochet hook (adjust based on yarn)
Other Supplies
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
Optional:
- Weighted pellets for bottom stability
- Embroidery thread for facial details
Stitches & Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic Ring |
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (single crochet 2 together) |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| ch | Chain |
PART 1: Crocheting the Body
The body is made as one large rounded shape, worked from bottom to top.
Round 1
Make a Magic Ring
6 sc into ring (6)
Round 2
Inc in each stitch around (12)
Round 3
(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
Round 4
(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
Round 5
(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
Round 6
(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
Round 7
(5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
Rounds 8–16
Sc in each stitch around (42)
This builds the rounded belly of the chicken.
💡 Tip: Add color changes here if you want striped or variegated hens.
Shaping the Back & Neck
We now start decreasing to form the sloped back.
Round 17
(5 sc, dec) x6 (36)
Round 18
(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
Start stuffing firmly now.
Round 19
(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
Round 20
(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
Round 21
(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
Add more stuffing, shaping into a plump teardrop.
Round 22
Dec x6 (6)
Fasten off, weave through remaining stitches, and pull closed.
PART 2: Making the Tail Feathers
The tail gives the chicken personality!
Attach yarn to the back top of the body.
Row 1:
Ch 1, sc in same stitch, sc in next 5 stitches.
Row 2 (turning):
Ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in each stitch to create feather scallops.
Fasten off and shape with your fingers.
PART 3: Crocheting the Comb (Top of Head)
Using red yarn:
Row 1
Ch 7
Row 2
Starting in 2nd chain from hook:
Sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Sew along the top center of the chicken’s head.
PART 4: Making the Beak
Using yellow yarn:
Round 1
MR, 4 sc (4)
Round 2
Sc around (4)
Fasten off leaving a tail. Flatten slightly and sew to front center of face.
PART 5: The Wattle (Dangly Chin Piece)
Using red yarn:
Ch 5
Sc in 2nd chain from hook and across (4 sc)
Fasten off and sew under the beak.
PART 6: Eyes
You have two options:
Safety Eyes
Insert between Rounds 14–15, about 6 stitches apart.
Embroidered Eyes
Use black yarn to stitch small ovals.
Add a white highlight stitch for extra cuteness
PART 7: Shaping & Finishing
This is where your chicken comes to life!
Tips for a Professional Finish
✔ Shape the body with your hands while stuffing
✔ Add extra stuffing at the chest for a proud hen posture
✔ Slightly flatten the bottom so it sits upright
✔ Use steam (carefully) to relax stitches if needed
Customization Ideas
Make a whole flock with personality!
| Style | How to Change It |
|---|---|
| Farmhouse Hen | Neutral yarns like cream, tan, brown |
| Rainbow Chicken | Use variegated yarn |
| Holiday Hen | Red + green for Christmas |
| Country Rooster | Add longer tail feathers |
| Baby Chick | Use fluffy yellow yarn |
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Chicken looks lumpy?
→ Add stuffing in small amounts and shape evenly.
Body leaning?
→ Flatten base more and add weight pellets.
Tail floppy?
→ Use tighter stitches or add a second layer.
Final Thoughts
Crochet chickens are joyful, beginner-friendly projects that allow endless creativity. Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make a whole coop in different colors and sizes.
They’re perfect for:
- Kitchen décor
- Easter baskets
- Gifts for farm lovers
- Craft fairs
Take your time, enjoy the stitching, and don’t worry about perfection — handmade charm is what makes each chicken special
