Homemade Tangram Animals: Crochet Pattern Collection

Quick Snapshot

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Time: 4 hours for full set
• Yarn: Cotton worsted weight in 7 colors

Once you’ve crocheted the 7 tangram pieces, the real fun begins—arranging them into animal shapes. This guide includes stitch markers for key positions so kids can recreate each animal.

Materials

• Your completed 7-piece crochet tangram set (see our Homemade Tangrams pattern)
• Felt play mat or crochet grid board (12x12 inches)
• Stitch markers or safety pins (20+)
• Printed animal silhouette cards

Step-by-Step: 5 Tangram Animals

1. The Cat

• Large triangle (body)
• Medium triangle (head)
• Square (hind leg)
• Small triangle (ear)
• Small triangle (tail)
• Parallelogram (front legs)

Arrange with the large triangle as the main body pointing right, medium triangle perched above as the head.

2. The Bird

• Large triangle (wing)
• Medium triangle (body)
• Square (tail)
• Small triangle (beak)
• Small triangle (head)
• Parallelogram (legs)

The large triangle becomes an outstretched wing—rotate it 45 degrees from the body.

3. The Fish

• Large triangle (body)
• Large triangle (tail)
• Medium triangle (dorsal fin)
• Square (head block)
• Small triangle (pectoral fin)
• Small triangle (ventral fin)
• Parallelogram (tail connector)

4. The Rabbit

• Two large triangles form the ears when placed tip-to-tip
• Medium triangle for the head
• Square and parallelogram for the body
• Small triangles for paws

5. The Swan

• Large triangle (body/neck curve)
• Medium triangle (wing)
• Square and small triangles for tail feathers
• Parallelogram as reflection in water

The Activity Mat

Crochet a 12x12-inch base in light blue. Surface stitch a 4x4 grid to help kids place tangram pieces. Sew small snap buttons at grid intersections so tangram pieces (with matching snaps on the back) stay in place during play.

Include printed cards showing each animal silhouette for independent play.

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