Project introduction
This pattern overview introduces a whimsical crochet unicorn applique, and it is not a full tutorial with row by row instructions. The design comes from NJ, and the free written pattern lives on the Passionate Crafter site. For the complete instructions, follow Original designer’s pattern and instructions. The applique is meant as a small decorative piece that can brighten blankets, bags, and other handmade projects with a playful touch.
NJ describes appliques and amigurumi toys as the most comfortable kinds of designs to create, while her sister leans toward wearables, throws, and afghans. The source also notes that the Lavender baby blanket reflects a mix of work by TJ and NJ, and that the unicorn itself is credited to NJ.
Free unicorn applique Pattern Overview
Finished applique size is 6.5 inches / 16cm, and the applique hook size is 4 mm. The skill level is listed as Beginner/ Advanced, since the pattern uses basic stitches with a few stitches that may feel intermediate. If a stitch is unfamiliar, the source suggests looking up helpful videos on YouTube.
Materials needed
Gather these listed supplies before you start. The list covers the applique yarn, colors, hooks, and finishing tools from the source. You can substitute another worsted/Aran weight yarn from your stash while keeping the same general weight and color plan.
- Paintbox Simply Aran (100% acrylic,100gr/3.5 Oz,184m/201 yards), or another worsted/Aran weight yarn from your stash
- White for the main body, with purple, light blue, and turquoise accents, plus yellow for the stars and horns
- 4 mm crochet hook for the appliques
- 5 mm crochet hook for the dream catcher’s base
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Shank buttons or amigurumi safety eyes 12mm for the eyes
Special stitches
DC5TOG is a cluster that works 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch, leaving the last loop of each stitch unworked until 6 loops rest on the hook, then drawing yarn through all 6 loops at once. Work it tightly so the bobble pops forward after the next single crochet. A picot is a tiny bump made by chaining 2 and slip stitching into the 2nd chain from the hook.
Pattern notes
The source notes that an opening CH 2 does not count as a stitch in a row or round, unless the pattern says otherwise. For attachment, the designer describes using a hot glue gun to fix appliques to blankets or projects, while noting that stitching is also an option. If a stitch feels unclear, the source suggests searching YouTube or Google for helpful videos. For a visual guide to attaching an applique, see Video tutorial.
Stitch Abbreviation
The pattern uses standard US crochet abbreviations. Keep this key nearby while you work. A repeat marker shows where a set of stitches should be worked again, and the finishing abbreviation tells you when to secure the yarn and end a piece.
- SC: single crochet
- HDC: half double crochet
- DC: double crochet
- SS: slip stitch
- CH: chain
- Rep: repeat
- **: repeat the stitches between the markers for the indicated times
- FO: fasten off
Unicorn applique Pattern Overview
The unicorn is built from separate small pieces that are later joined. The head begins with a magic ring, the muzzle begins with a magic ring, the nostrils begin with a magic ring, and the calf begins with a magic ring, and each is worked in rounds. The body begins with a chain and is worked around both sides of that foundation. The face stripe grows from the muzzle in rows, so the muzzle and stripe read as one connected feature.
The mane starts with a chain and includes 3 pieces in different colors. The ears start with a chain and include 2 pieces that combine purple and white. The horn starts with a chain and forms a tapered yellow piece. The legs start with a chain, with 3 legs that begin in purple and change to white. The tail starts with a chain and forms a narrow piece. See the full designer instructions for order, shaping, and joining.
STAR APPLIQUE Pattern Overview
The star appliques add a bright accent beside the unicorn. Make 3 stars in yellow, with each star beginning with a magic ring and worked in rounds. The round 2 shapes 5 points by combining single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and picot stitches. Use the full designer instructions for the exact stitch order and finishing.
How to assemble the crochet unicorn applique
The source section for assembly gives a heading and a visual reference without a written step by step assembly sequence in the supplied text. Lay out the finished pieces and check placement against the photo on the designer page referenced above. Join the parts with your preferred attachment method from the pattern notes, working slowly so the face, mane, ears, and stars sit evenly.
Crochet Cardinal Applique or Pocket Pal Amigurumi: Pattern Overview
