Secure the yarn and cut.

Sew the mouth between the 4th and 5th rows of the head.

Head – start crocheting with white yarn:

1 row: 7 ch, in the second from the hook, 3 sc in one stitch, 4 sc, 3 sc in one stitch, 4 sc (14)
2 row: 3 inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc (20)
3 row: (1 sc, inc) x 3, 4 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 3, 4 sc (26)
4-5 row: 26 sc (2 rows)
6 row: 3 sc, 3 dec, 7 sc, 3 dec, 4 sc (20)
Change color
7 row: 7 sc, 4 inc, 8 sc (24)
8 row: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
9 row: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
10 row: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
11 row: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
12-16 row: 48 sc (5 rows)

Install the eyes between the 9th and 10th rows, 5-6 stitches apart. Attach the head to the body between the 12th and 13th rows.

17 row: (6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
18 row: (5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
19 row: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
20 row: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
21 row: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
22 row: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
23 row: 6 dec

Tighten the yarn, secure, and cut.

Ears:

Start with white yarn, turning rows:

1 row: 6 sc in KA, turn
2 row: 6 inc (12)

Secure the yarn and cut.

Crochet a second piece with brown yarn, do not cut the yarn, join the two pieces together and crochet 12 sc. Secure the yarn and leave a tail for sewing.

Mane:

You can finish it in any way convenient for you, I made loop stitches, capturing loops on the head. Also finish the lower part of the tail. Approximately 7 rows. Finish the face, embroidering the nose with mustard and black yarn.

Your crocheted plush lion cub is ready!

Author: @lapochkatoys

Enjoy!