Yorkie Crochet Pattern For Beginners (Free & Complete Guide)
The Yorkshire Terrier dazzles with its silky two-tone coat of steel blue and rich golden tan. Those perky V-shaped erect ears and dark button eyes make this breed instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying to crochet.
Yorkies rank among the most beloved companion dogs worldwide, known for fierce loyalty and larger-than-life personalities packed into a tiny frame. A handmade crocheted Yorkie makes a deeply meaningful keepsake or gift for any Yorkie parent.
This pattern is 100% free with no sign-up required. It includes complete instructions, materials list, full assembly guide, and color and marking guidance — let’s get started.
Pattern at a Glance
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Finished Size | Approx. 5.5 inches tall (assembled, sitting) |
| Yarn Weight | Worsted (Category 4) |
| Hook Size | US H/8 (5.0mm) |
| Stitch(es) Used | MR, ch, sl st, sc, inc, dec, BLO |
| Techniques Used | Amigurumi in the round, color change, embroidery |
| Time to Complete | 6–10 hours |
| Stuffing Needed | Polyester fiberfill |
| Safety Eyes | Two 9mm black safety eyes |
| Number of Pieces | 9 (Head, Muzzle, Body, 2 Outer Ears, 2 Inner Ears, 2 Front Legs, 2 Back Legs, Tail) |
| Yarn Colors Needed | Steel Blue / Dark Gray, Tan / Gold, Black (optional embroidery) |
| Best Occasion / Use | Yorkie parent gift, pet portrait keepsake, shelf décor, pet memorial |
Materials You Will Need
Gather all supplies before starting so your build flows without interruption.
Yarn
- Steel Blue / Dark Gray (main body and head top): approx. 80 yards — Lion Brand Pound of Love in “Oxford Gray” — covers the head crown, back, body, and ear backs to match the Yorkie’s signature adult slate-blue coat.
- Tan / Gold (face, legs, and chest): approx. 60 yards — Red Heart Super Saver in “Gold” — used for the muzzle, face surround, all four legs, inner ears, and chest to replicate the warm tan markings of a classic Yorkie.
- Black (optional accent): approx. 5 yards — Lion Brand Pound of Love in “Black” — used only for embroidering the nose triangle and eyebrow dots if you prefer fully embroidered facial details.
SEE THIS PRODUCT: Lion Brand Pound of Love Yarn
Tools & Notions
- US H/8 (5.0mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Two 9mm black safety eyes (or black embroidery floss for the child-safe version)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Small stiff-bristle toothbrush (optional, for fluffing yarn coat texture on finished piece)
SEE THIS PRODUCT: 9mm Black Safety Eyes for Amigurumi
SEE THIS PRODUCT: Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
🛒 Yarn Tip: The steel blue and tan contrast is the visual heart of a realistic Yorkie — choose yarns with clearly distinct undertones rather than two shades that both read as warm or both as cool.
Abbreviations & Stitch Guide
All abbreviations below follow standard US crochet terminology throughout this pattern.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase — work 2 sc in the same stitch |
| dec | Invisible decrease — insert hook through front loops of next 2 sts together |
| BLO | Back loop only |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rnd | Round |
| rep | Repeat |
| () x# | Repeat the instructions inside parentheses the stated number of times |
| [ ] | Total stitch count at end of round |
| FO | Fasten off |
💡 Invisible Decrease Tip: Insert your hook through the front loops only of the next two stitches simultaneously, then yarn over and pull through both — this closes the decrease without leaving the gap a standard dec creates. It matters most on the Yorkie’s small muzzle and the lower head where the tan meets the blue.
Gauge
Gauge: 4 stitches x 4 rows = 1 inch in single crochet using US H/8 (5.0mm) and worsted weight yarn.
For amigurumi, tight and consistent tension matters more than matching exact gauge — loose tension allows the fiberfill stuffing to show through the stitches.
Free Yorkie Crochet Pattern — Complete Instructions
All pieces are made separately and assembled at the end; most parts are worked in continuous rounds with no slip stitch joins — use a stitch marker at the start of each round and count stitches at the end of every round without exception.
Head
The Yorkie’s head is gently rounded and slightly domed, worked in steel blue across the crown with a color change to tan around the face surround to capture the breed’s defining two-tone facial coloring.
Work in Steel Blue yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x6. [18]
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) x6. [24]
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) x6. [30]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [30]
Switch to Tan / Gold yarn at the start of Rnd 8.
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [30]
Place 9mm safety eyes between Rnds 7–8, spaced exactly 6 stitches apart, centered on the front face panel — insert and lock washers firmly before continuing.
Rnd 10: (Sc 3, dec) x6. [24]
Rnd 11: (Sc 2, dec) x6. [18]
Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill now before the opening becomes too small.
Rnd 12: (Sc 1, dec) x6. [12]
Rnd 13: Dec x6. [6]
FO, pull the yarn tail through the remaining 6 stitches to close, leave a 10-inch tail for sewing to body.
💡 Head Tip: Always switch to tan on the last yarn-over of the final steel blue stitch in Rnd 7 — this places the color join cleanly at the back of the head where it disappears into the assembly seam.
Muzzle
The Yorkie muzzle is small, compact, and slightly flat-fronted, worked entirely in tan/gold to replicate the breed’s warm, distinctly colored facial area that sits below the nose and frames the chin.
Work in Tan / Gold yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x6. [18]
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. [18]
FO, lightly stuff before closing, leave a 10-inch tail for sewing onto the face.
Ears (Make 2)
The Yorkie’s distinctive V-shaped ears stand firmly upright and are carried erect — each outer ear is crocheted in steel blue to match the dark outer coat, with a separate tan inner ear panel sewn on afterward.
Work in Steel Blue yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc into ring. [4]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x4. [12]
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [12]
FO, do not stuff, pinch the base of the ear flat to form the natural V-fold, leave a 12-inch tail for sewing to head.
💡 Ear Tip: Pinch and finger-press the base flat before you sew — working the first few anchor stitches through the pinched fold locks the V-shape so the ears stand upright without any internal wiring.
Inner Ears (Make 2)
The inner ear is a smaller flat piece in tan/gold sewn onto the front face of each outer ear before the ears are attached to the head, giving the Yorkie its characteristic and instantly recognizable bi-color ear detail.
Work in Tan / Gold yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc into ring. [4]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [8]
FO flat (do not stuff), leave an 8-inch tail — sew this piece centered onto the front face of each outer ear before attaching ears to head.
Body
The Yorkie body is compact and slightly barrel-shaped, worked from the base upward entirely in steel blue to represent the breed’s characteristic blue saddle that covers the back and sides.
Work in Steel Blue yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x6. [18]
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) x6. [24]
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) x6. [30]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 10: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 11: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 12: Sc in each st around. [30]
Rnd 13: (Sc 3, dec) x6. [24]
Rnd 14: (Sc 2, dec) x6. [18]
Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill now.
Rnd 15: (Sc 1, dec) x6. [12]
Rnd 16: Dec x6. [6]
FO, close hole completely, leave a 10-inch tail.
💡 Body Tip: Pack the body more firmly than feels natural — a well-stuffed body gives the finished Yorkie its characteristic upright, confident posture and prevents the limbs from pulling the torso out of shape after assembly.
Front Legs (Make 2)
The Yorkie’s front legs are slim and straight, worked in tan/gold to match the breed’s warm-colored lower extremities that extend from the chest to the paws.
Work in Tan / Gold yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 4: (Sc 1, dec) x4. [8]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [8]
Lightly stuff the lower paw area only — leave the upper leg flat for a cleaner, flatter attachment to the body.
FO, leave a 12-inch tail for sewing.
Back Legs (Make 2)
The back legs are worked in matching tan/gold and are two rounds longer than the front legs, giving the assembled Yorkie its balanced, stable sitting silhouette when placed on a flat surface.
Work in Tan / Gold yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring. [6]
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [12]
Rnd 4: (Sc 1, dec) x4. [8]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [8]
Rnd 10: Sc in each st around. [8]
Lightly stuff the paw end only.
FO, leave a 12-inch tail for sewing.
Tail
The Yorkie tail is short and carried upright — many Yorkies are traditionally docked, so this small piece is just four stitches wide and five rounds long, worked in steel blue to blend naturally with the body’s top coat.
Work in Steel Blue yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc into ring. [4]
Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. [4]
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. [4]
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. [4]
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. [4]
FO, do not stuff, leave a 10-inch tail for sewing to the body rump.
Assembly
Pin all pieces before sewing and check placement from multiple angles before committing any stitch.
- Using black embroidery floss, embroider a small inverted triangle nose directly above the top edge of the muzzle, centered between the two placement points where the safety eyes sit.
- Pin the tan muzzle piece centered on the lower front face of the head with its top edge just below eye level, then sew securely all the way around using the long yarn tail.
- Sew the tan inner ear panel flat onto the front face of each outer ear, then set aside until both inner ears are fully secured.
- Attach both finished ears to either side of the head top, angling them very slightly forward in the Yorkie’s characteristic alert and curious position — pin and check symmetry before sewing.
- Sew the head onto the body with the face pointing directly forward, positioning the neck join slightly toward the front of the body opening to create a natural upright posture.
- Sew the front legs to the lower front sides of the body, angling them slightly downward and forward so the Yorkie sits squarely on a flat surface.
- Sew the back legs to the rear lower sides of the body, positioning them bent at the hip so the haunches cradle the body from underneath for stable freestanding balance.
- Sew the tail to the center back rump of the body, angling it upward at roughly 45 degrees to match the Yorkie’s characteristic high-carried tail posture.
- Using tan yarn, add two to three short straight stitches arching just above each safety eye to create the signature Yorkie eyebrow markings that define the breed’s expression.
- Weave in all remaining ends with at least two direction changes per tail, then tug firmly on every sewn seam to confirm full security before the project is complete.
📸 Photo Tip: The Yorkie’s two-tone face is the most Pinterest-worthy angle — photograph it straight-on against a plain white or cream backdrop so both the steel blue ear backs and the tan face surround read clearly in the image.
Face Details & Expression Options
These four expression options let you give your crocheted Yorkie its own distinct personality before final assembly.
- Classic expression: Place two 9mm safety eyes between Rnds 7–8, spaced exactly 6 stitches apart, for the bright, forward-looking expression most associated with a well-groomed show Yorkie.
- Breed signature expression: Add two short tan crescent stitches arching above each eye after assembly to replicate the Yorkie’s distinctive eyebrow markings that give the breed its famously expressive and slightly imperious face.
- Alert and curious variant: Position safety eyes one round higher at Rnds 6–7 and add a single white yarn highlight stitch at the 10 o’clock position of each eye for an extra wide-awake, bright-eyed appearance.
- Child-safe fully embroidered version: Omit safety eyes entirely and use black embroidery floss to stitch two small solid oval eyes approximately 3 stitches wide, finishing each with one tiny white cross-stitch highlight for dimension.
Color Guide
Use this table to match your yarn to any recognized Yorkie coat color or popular variation.
| Color Variety or Marking | Yarn Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Classic Blue and Tan (adult) | Lion Brand Pound of Love “Oxford Gray” + Red Heart Super Saver “Gold” |
| Black and Tan (puppy coat) | Lion Brand Pound of Love “Black” + Red Heart Super Saver “Warm Brown” |
| Chocolate and Tan | Red Heart Super Saver “Coffee” + Red Heart Super Saver “Gold” |
| Parti Yorkie (with white patch) | Lion Brand Pound of Love “Oxford Gray” + Red Heart Super Saver “Gold” + Caron Simply Soft “White” |
| All-Gold / Blonde Coat | Red Heart Super Saver “Gold” used throughout all pieces |
| Biewer Terrier variation | Lion Brand Pound of Love “Oxford Gray” + Caron Simply Soft “White” + Red Heart Super Saver “Gold” |
| Most Popular on Pinterest | Classic Blue and Tan (adult) |
Beginner Tips
These five tips are specific to the Yorkie build and will save you significant time on your first attempt.
- Most important shaping technique: Execute the steel blue to tan color change cleanly by swapping on the final yarn-over of the last Rnd 7 stitch — this places the join at the head back where it disappears completely into the assembly seam.
- Most common beginner mistake: Crocheting the outer ears too loosely causes them to flop sideways instead of standing erect — keep your ear rounds deliberately tighter than the rest of the project.
- Tension advice: Maintain firm, even tension especially through the small muzzle rounds — any looseness in those 4 rounds allows the fiberfill to show through and blurs the face detail.
- Best assembly tip: Pin both ears symmetrically and step several feet back to check alignment from a distance before sewing — the ear position is what makes or breaks the breed accuracy of your finished Yorkie.
- Most rewarding finishing detail: The two tan eyebrow stitches above each safety eye take under two minutes to add but deliver the instant, unmistakable Yorkie expression that makes every viewer smile.
Making It Bigger or Smaller
- Mini keychain: Use fingering weight yarn with a US B/1 (2.25mm) hook for an approximately 2-inch finished Yorkie, then attach a split key ring through the top of the head after weaving all ends.
- Standard size: Follow this pattern exactly as written using worsted weight yarn and a US H/8 (5.0mm) hook for an approximately 5.5-inch assembled Yorkie.
- Large cuddly version: Use bulky (Category 5) yarn with a US K/10.5 (6.5mm) hook for an approximately 9–10 inch finished Yorkie that works well as a children’s stuffed toy.
Safety Notice
- Safety eyes are a choking hazard for children under 3 — always embroider eyes for baby and toddler gifts.
- Weave in every yarn end with at least 2 direction changes to prevent unraveling during play or handling.
- Check all sewn joins are fully secure before giving the finished piece to a child.
Free Printable Pattern Download
This pattern is free for personal use and for selling finished handmade items in small quantities — the pattern text itself must not be reproduced or sold; please link back to this page instead. At a standard 12pt font size, this pattern prints to approximately 4–5 pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this Yorkie crochet pattern take to complete?
Most beginners finish this Yorkie in 6–10 hours spread across two or three sessions. Prior experience with amigurumi construction is the single biggest factor in total time.
Can I use DK weight yarn instead of worsted?
Yes — switch to a US E/4 (3.5mm) hook and your finished Yorkie will measure approximately 4 inches tall. Adjust stitch count if you want to maintain the original 5.5-inch size.
The Yorkie’s ears won’t stand upright — how do I fix it?
Pinch and flatten the ear base firmly before sewing, locking the V-fold with extra anchor stitches through the pinch. A trimmed pipe cleaner inserted inside before closing also works well.
Can I substitute the magic ring?
Yes — chain 2 and work 6 sc into the second chain from hook as a simple alternative. Pull the starting tail snugly to close the slightly larger opening before continuing.
How can I customize this pattern to match a specific real-life Yorkie?
Match the yarn to the dog’s exact coat shade and adjust the tan coverage on the head to reflect that individual dog’s specific facial markings. Custom Yorkie portrait commissions typically sell for $35–$75 depending on size and detail.
Final Thoughts
The Yorkie is uniquely rewarding to crochet because the two-tone color change on the head carries nearly all the breed recognition on its own.
That steel-blue and tan contrast makes your finished plush instantly identifiable as a Yorkie even before the ears go on.
The inner ear detail demands the most patience, but placing those small tan panels correctly before attaching the ears makes a dramatic difference in the realism of your finished piece. The extra care is absolutely worth it.
If you make this Yorkie, share your finished photo on Pinterest or tag your project across social media — your color choices and personal touches are the best part of the crochet community. Happy crocheting!
