If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed a wave of little square-shaped amigurumi popping up everywhere , and honestly, it’s easy to see why. There’s something irresistibly charming about a tiny, boxy critter with a round little face and perky ears. The best part? This pattern skips sewing entirely, so you go from yarn to finished plushie without ever picking up a sewing needle.
Whether you want a cube cat or a cube pup, this pattern gives you the flexibility to make either — same base shape, different ear placement and color choices. It’s a quick weekend project and a fantastic stash-buster if you’ve got small amounts of cotton or acrylic yarn lying around.
Let’s get our hooks moving!
What You’ll Need
- Cotton, acrylic, or sport-weight yarn (5ply), about 25g — any color you like
- A 2.5mm or 3mm crochet hook
- Polyester stuffing
- A darning needle and a pair of scissors
- Black embroidery thread (for the face)
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Ch – Chain
- MR – Magic ring
- St – Stitch
- R – Round/row
- Sc – Single crochet
- Inc – Increase
- Dec – Decrease
- Hdc – Half double crochet
- Dc – Double crochet
- BLO – Back loop only
- FLO – Front loop only
- Bob st – Bobble stitch
- Slst – Slip stitch
- * – Repeat instructions
- [ ] – Total stitch count at the end of the round
Let’s Crochet the Body
R1: 10 sc [10]
R2: Ch1, turn, 10 sc [10]
R3–R7: Ch1, turn, 10 sc (repeat for 5 rounds) [10]
At this point you’ll have a small rectangle — this becomes the base you crochet around to build the box shape.
R8: Working around the rectangle: 7 sc on the first side, 10 sc on the second side, 7 sc on the third side, 10 sc on the fourth side, then join with a slip stitch to the first stitch [34]
From here on, every round ends with a slip stitch, and every new round starts with a Ch1 (neither the slst nor the Ch1 count toward the stitch total).
R9: Ch1, 34 sc, slst [34]
R10: Ch1, 34 sc, slst [34]
R11: Ch1, 8 sc, 1 Bob st, 6 sc, 1 Bob st, 18 sc, slst [34]
R12: Ch1, 34 sc, slst [34]
This is a great point to switch colors if you’re making a two-toned pup — just carry on in a single color if you prefer a solid critter.
R13–R16: Ch1, 34 sc, slst (repeat for 4 rounds) [34]
R17: BLO — Ch1, 6 sc, dec, 8 sc, dec, 5 sc, dec, 7 sc, dec, slst [30]
R18: Ch1, (3 sc, dec) x6, slst [24]
Start adding your stuffing now, a little at a time as you close up the shape.
R19: Ch1, (2 sc, dec) x6, slst [18]
R20: Ch1, (1 sc, dec) x6, slst [12]
R21: Ch1, dec x6, slst [6]
Fasten off and close the body.
Adding the Ears
Work the ears into the front loops left over from Round 17.
- For a cat, angle the ears slightly so they stand upright.
- For a dog, keep them horizontal so they flop forward naturally.
Insert your hook into the 7th front loop of R17 for the first ear, then work: Ch4, sc, hdc, dc, skip 2 stitches, slst into the third.
Fasten off and weave in the ends. Make the second ear four stitches over, using the same steps.
Finishing Touches
Once both ears are attached, use your black embroidery thread to stitch on a simple face — two dot eyes and a little nose go a long way toward giving your cube critter personality. Give the stuffing one last check, tuck in any loose ends, and you’re done!
These little cube pets make adorable shelf decor, desk buddies, or handmade gifts. Try making a whole litter in different colorways — they’re quick enough to whip up several in an afternoon.