Axolotl Crochet Patterns

I’m not entirely sure why, but crocheted axolotls have been having a moment for a while now, so hunting down axolotl crochet patterns had been on my mind. My daughter showed me some cool pride axolotls she found online, so I decided I wanted to make an axolotl for her for Valentine’s Day.

I didn’t quite get it done in time — and I didn’t quite follow the pattern, which I’ll explain — but it was a really fun project that I think you’ll enjoy, whether you have an axolotl lover in your household or are just looking for a fun crochet project.

What is a Axolotl?

An axolotl is a type of salamander that is native to Mexico. It is also known as the Mexican walking fish, although it is not actually a fish but an amphibian. Axolotls have a distinctive appearance with feathery external gills, a wide head, and a long tail, which makes them fun to craft.

They are unique in that they can regenerate lost body parts, such as limbs and even parts of their spinal cord. They are also commonly used in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate and their transparent skin, which allows researchers to observe internal organs and processes. Unfortunately, the axolotl is considered critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pollution, as well as being hunted for food and use in traditional medicine.

Why are Axolotl Crochet Patterns so Popular?

Crochet axolotl patterns have become popular because axolotls themselves have gained a large following in recent years due to their unique appearance and interesting biology (and Minecraft, of course!). Many people find axolotls to be cute and endearing, and this has led to a rise in popularity of merchandise featuring axolotl designs, including crochet patterns.

Crocheted axolotls can make cute and quirky decorations or gifts, and the ability to customize colors and styles allows for a lot of creative freedom, as can be seen with the use of different colors to represent different pride flags or causes close to a person’s heart.

Are Axolotls Hard to Crochet?

In general, axolotl crochet patterns are pretty easy to stitch. Like most crochet amigurumi, they are worked in the round using single crochet stitches for the most part. They can be worked all in one piece, or the body and head may be worked as one or two pieces with the gills and tail flouce worked separately.

To follow axolotl crochet patterns you will need to be able to work in the round, work increases and decreases and do basic sewing and finishing work.

My Crochet Axolotl

I knew that I wanted to make a crochet axolotl pattern using Bernat Blanket yarn, because my daughter showed me some of them she had seen and she seemed to really like them. Also, making something that’s quite small in a much larger version makes it extra fun.

I chose the Velvet Axolotl Crochet Pattern from Katie Kitty Craft, but I didn’t realize that the velvet yarn she used was bulky weight, while Bernat Blanket is super bulky.

I figured I could just follow the pattern anyway and get a larger finished axolotl, and that was mostly true. Either because my round gauge was off or because I didn’t follow the pattern well (or maybe both?) my axolotl’s head didn’t come out as round as it should be.

I ended up ripping out the top of the head after I had assembled the head and the body (this pattern has all the pieces worked separately) and I reworked it to make it rounder. I like the finished result and my daughter was happy with it, too.

Realistic Axolotl Crochet Patterns

There are lots of great axolotl crochet patterns out there, from huge ones like mine to tiny versions you can hold in your hand or make into a keychain or backpack charm. (I may yet make a smaller one for this purpose later!) Here are a few of my favorite crochet axolotl patterns.

If you’re looking for a more realistic axolotl pattern, this one from Oombawka Designs is super cute and looks more like the real thing than a lot of patterns out there. This one uses DK weight yarn and is inspired by the Minecraft version. There’s a video tutorial if you need extra help.

Another one that’s a little more realistic in design is this one from AR Serendipity Designs, which uses worsted weight yarn and is maybe a little more challenging than your typical amigurumi pattern because of having to work in small spaces and with small pieces. But it’s definitely worth the effort!

Or try this one from Imagined Yarn, which is similar in size to a real axoltol.

More Axolotl Crochet Patterns

This teensy axolotl pattern from Minigurumi can be stitched up in minutes and would be perfect to make as party favors for a Minecraft themed party or to make a backpack charm for your favorite Minecraft player.

I love the use of furry yarn for the gills on Loxy the Axolotl, a pattern from Ohana Craft Amigurumi. It uses worsted weight yarn.

Loops and Love Crochet has a cute and free axolotl pattern, with the tail, head and body worked in one piece with the legs, gills and fins stitched separately. It uses worsted weight yarn and comes out about 5.5 inches tall.

Rose and Lily Crochet has a good video tutorial for crocheting a chunky axolotl. You can follow along with the videos or buy the written pattern on Etsy.

When I was looking for an axolotl crochet pattern using blanket yarn, I should have chosen this one from Ashtes Crochet. It actually looks pretty similar to what I ended up with (it’s even the same color as mine!).

And if you’re interested in a rainbow axolotl (or use different colors for different pride flags) this one from the Mary Jay is a great option. It has six oversized gills so you can make them rainbow colored or do the three on each side as the colors from a different flag.