Crochet sloth applique pattern

This free crochet sloth applique pattern is a quick, beginner-friendly project made with simple stitches and easy shaping. It’s a fun little applique for hats, bags, blankets, and handmade gifts, and a step-by-step video tutorial is included to help you follow along.

Cute ways to use this crochet sloth applique

This crochet sloth applique is small, versatile, and full of personality, making it easy to use in lots of creative ways:

• Decorate hats, beanies, and baby accessories
• Add a playful accent to bags, totes, and backpacks
• Sew onto blankets, pillows, or granny square projects
• Use for nursery décor or animal-themed rooms
• Embellish handmade gifts, cards, or gift wrap
• Create cute accents for kids’ projects and crafts

Crochet sloth applique pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the skill level, materials, finished size, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Beginner — This crochet sloth applique pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping, making it a great project for confident beginners.

Materials needed

• Crochet hook size H-8 (5 mm) — Gauge is not critical for this pattern.
• Worsted weight yarn (#4) — In brown, tan, black, and scraps of white.
• Yarn needle — For weaving in ends neatly.
• Scissors — To cut your yarn.
• Stitch markers — Use these to help keep track of your stitches.

Finished size

The finished crochet sloth applique measures about 4 inches wide by 4 inches tall (10 x 10 cm).

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this pattern. Small differences in tension will only slightly affect the finished size.

Crochet abbreviations

• dc = double crochet stitches
• hdc = half double crochet stitches
• sc = single crochet stitches
• ch/chs = chain/chains
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• sl st = slip stitch
• rnd/rnds = round/rounds
• rem = remaining

Pattern notes

• Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch.
• Beginning chains do not count as stitches.
• Repeat instructions between asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
• The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Free crochet sloth applique pattern instructions

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make your crochet sloth applique.

Crochet sloth face (base circle)

Start with tan yarn.
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Switch to brown yarn.
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Crochet sloth eye patches

Use brown yarn. Make 2.
Row 1: Ch 6, hdc in 3rd ch from the hook, hdc in 3 rem chs, turn (4 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail and then sew the eye patches to the face.

Crochet sloth eyes

Use black yarn. Make 2.
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 9 hdc, join (9 stitches)

Use small scraps of white yarn to add eye sparkle.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew eyes onto the eye patches.

Crochet sloth nose

Use black yarn.
Round 1: Ch 4, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 4 sc in last ch; working on the back of the chain, sc in next ch, 2 sc in last ch, join (10 stitches)

Fasten off and sew nose to the face, centering carefully.

Embroider the sloth smile

Use black yarn and a yarn needle to stitch a simple smile onto the sloth face.

Finishing the crochet sloth applique

Fasten off and weave in any remaining ends securely.

Frequently asked questions

Is this crochet sloth applique pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! This is a beginner-friendly crochet applique pattern that uses basic stitches and simple shaping. The included video tutorial makes it easy to follow along, even if you’re new to crochet appliques.

How long does it take to crochet the sloth applique?
This is a quick crochet project and usually takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on your crochet speed and experience.

What yarn works best for this crochet sloth applique?
Worsted weight yarn works best, but you can use other yarn weights to change the size. Thinner yarn will create a smaller applique, while thicker yarn will make a larger one.

Can I use scrap yarn for this pattern?
Absolutely. This crochet sloth applique is a great scrap yarn project and only uses small amounts of yarn in each color.

What can I use this sloth applique for?
You can use this crochet sloth applique to decorate hats, bags, blankets, pillows, baby items, nursery décor, gifts, and craft fair projects.

Is there a video tutorial included?
Yes! This free crochet sloth applique pattern includes a step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through the entire project from start to finish.

Can I change the colors or customize the sloth?
Yes. You can easily customize the colors to create different sloth styles or match specific themes while following the same pattern.

Can I sell items made with this crochet sloth applique pattern?
Yes, you may sell finished items made from this pattern. Please do not sell, share, or redistribute the pattern itself.

Video tutorial

Follow along with this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to crochet this sloth applique from start to finish. This visual guide walks you through each round, making it especially helpful for beginners and anyone who prefers learning by watching.

More free crochet applique patterns

Looking for more quick, creative projects? Explore my free crochet applique patterns for hats, bags, blankets, and home décor. These beginner-friendly designs work up fast and are great for stash-busting, gifts, and craft fair items, with plenty of cute shapes and seasonal styles to mix, match, and customize.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

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📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa