Playing with dolls is an important part of children’s play. Not only does it teach them empathy, it also lets them practice self-expression, fosters their imagination, and nurtures their emotional intelligence.
Crochet dolls are a great way of encouraging imaginative play. You can create a crochet doll that is specifically tailored for each child. You can personalize your amigurumi dolls – from their skin color to their expressions, hair color, hairstyle, clothes, and more.
Crochet dolls are not only great toys for little kids, they make cute gifts for adults, too. You can make a crochet doll of their favorite TV or movie character, or create a mini-me version of them in their favorite outfit.
Is it easy to crochet a doll? Yes! Anyone, even beginners can make a crochet doll. There are a lot of free crochet doll patterns below that are beginner-friendly.
Why is Amigurumi So Popular?
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed creatures made from yarn. The word “Amigurumi” comes from the Japanese words ami (編) meaning “crocheted or knitted,” and nuigurumi (ぬいぐるみ) meaning “a small, stuffed doll.” Amigurumi is an essential part of the Japanese kawaii (adorable or cute) culture.
Amigurumi became popular because of the kawaii culture, which is basically about all things cute. There is no restriction as to what amigurumi should look like. You can make amigurumi food, animals, plants, and a variety of amigurumi dolls.
What is the Difference Between Regular Crochet and Amigurumi?
Standard crochet involves a wide range of stitches and techniques. With regular crochet, you can create a variety of different stitch patterns using basic crochet stitches as well as more advanced techniques. You also typically crochet in rows or rounds to make flat pieces.
Amigurumi is the process of making crocheted 3D toys. When doing amigurumi, you will typically use the single crochet stitch and crochet in the round to make different parts of the body. You will create spheres, tubes, and other shapes to make limbs and other body parts especially when making crochet dolls.
Stitches and Techniques for Amgurumi
Can a beginner make amigurumi? Yes, of course!
If you want to start making amigurumi dolls, you should know how to make the most basic stitch: the single crochet stitch (sc). Single crochet stitches produce a dense fabric with almost no holes, which makes them perfect for making sure your stuffing does not come out of your crochet doll.
Crocheting using the yarn under technique is also recommended when making amigurumi dolls. This creates the “x” finish vs the “v” finish that you get with a regular yarn over. Planet June has an overview of both techniques if you need a refresher.
Most amigurumi patterns will ask you to crochet in continuous rounds. This gives your crochet doll a seamless look compared to working joined rounds.
Most amigurumi crochet patterns start with a magic circle or magic ring. Alternatively, you can create 2 chain stitches (ch) and make your first round stitches into the first chain.
You should also know how to make a single crochet increase and invisible decrease to make amigurumi dolls. This will allow you to create different shapes that will form the body parts of your crochet doll.
Materials Needed for Making Amigurumi Dolls
To make an amigurumi doll, you will need your basic crochet supplies. These include yarn, a crochet hook, stitch markers, a pair of scissors, and a tapestry needle. You will also need some polyester stuffing, safety eyes, embroidery thread, and some sewing pins to help hold your pieces together while sewing them together.
Is Amigurumi Yarn Different from Regular Yarn?
You can use any yarn that you have available to make amigurumi dolls!
Cotton yarn or a cotton-acrylic blend will hold its shape well and give great stitch definition, which is why most amigurumi crocheters prefer using this type of yarn to make amigurumi dolls. Cotton yarn is perfect for crochet dolls that are meant for babies and little kids.
Here are some examples of cotton or cotton blend yarns that are perfect for making crochet dolls:
- Schachenmayr Catania
- YarnArt Jeans
- Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
- Patons Grace
- YarnArt Begonia
- Alize Cotton Gold
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Acrylic yarn is also a great choice for making amigurumi dolls. It is easily available and comes in a variety of colors. It holds up well in the wash, which makes for easy cleaning when needed. Acrylic yarn is available in different yarn weights, but the most popular ones are worsted weight, which makes a perfectly sized crochet doll.
Here are some examples of acrylic yarn that you can use to make your next crochet doll:
- Lion Brand Basic Stitch
- Red Heart Super Saver
- Bernat Super Value, Caron Simply Sof
- Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
- Knit Picks Brava Sport
While you can easily substitute any yarn to make your crochet doll, keep in mind that using a bigger or smaller yarn weight that what is suggested will result in a doll that is bigger or smaller than what is described in the pattern you are using.
Tips for Making an Amigurumi Doll
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while making your amigurumi doll.
Always consult your pattern for the recommended yarn weight. As mentioned above, you can easily substitute any yarn to make an amigurumi doll. However, if you use a different yarn weight than what is recommended, you are likely to come up with a crochet doll that is a different size than what is in the pattern.
Stitch markers are your BFFs. Because amigurumi is crocheted in continuous rounds, it is easy to lose track of your stitch count. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch of your round to help you keep track of where you are in your pattern.
Use a crochet hook that is at least one size smaller than what is recommended for the yarn you are using. This will help you create tighter stitches without having to tighten your tension too much.
Do not overstuff your crochet doll. If you put too much stuffing into your doll, the stuffing will start to show through your stitches.
Take stretching breaks! Crocheting amigurumi dolls can take its toll on your hands and wrists. Make sure you get up and stretch every now and then to prevent hand and wrist pain.
Have fun! Crochet dolls are a fun crochet project for crocheters of any skill level. It might take some getting used to, but if you enjoy the process, you will soon be making crochet dolls for everyone you know!
And if you need help with any of the skills involved in making amigurumi, check out our Amigurumi Workshop. It’s full of tips, tutorials, and skill-building patterns that will empower you to make amigurumi dolls and toys of all kinds.
Free Crochet Doll Patterns
Are you ready to learn how to crochet a doll step-by-step? Browse through this collection of free crochet doll patterns to find the perfect crochet doll for you.
Crochet Doll Base Patterns
These free amigurumi doll patterns are great for making custom toys for kids. These crochet doll base patterns can be dressed in different doll outfits, and can be made into any character you want.
One Piece Crochet Doll Base
Designer: Supergurumi
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Make a cute little doll with this crochet doll body base. This crochet doll is made from the top down, with the limbs crocheted on to the body. You can use this crochet doll base to create your own mini characters.
Baby Bean Doll
Designer: Sweet Softies
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This cute little doll is quick and easy to crochet, and requires only minimal sewing! Crochet different tiny doll outfits to dress up this adorable crochet doll. Detailed instructions on how to join the legs and crochet the arms are found in a video tutorial within the pattern.
Mini Mimi Doll
Designer: Once Upon a Cheerio
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
Make a mini-me doll using this free crochet pattern. Create different doll outfits in all the colors – perfect for using up your yarn scraps! This free pattern is divided into different parts because it was originally a crochetalong (scroll to the bottom of the page to see all the parts).
Weebee Standard Size Baby Doll
Designer: Laura Tegg, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Skein Tones
Make the perfect gift for little kids using this free crochet doll pattern. This pattern contains detailed instructions so even beginner crocheters can make it. You will also find a lot of free doll outfits and accessories that you can make for this adorable crochet doll.
Chibi Basic Body Crochet Pattern
Designer: Crochethea
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Create your own little amigurumi doll characters using this crochet doll pattern. Change up the colors, add hair and accessories, and create different doll outfits for your crochet doll. Its large head and little body give it the perfect chibi look.
Mori Girl
Designer: Sweet Softies
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This crochet doll is perfect for little kids who love playing dress up. This pattern includes three different doll outfits and seven accessories to mix and match. Play around with colors to create more outfits for this cute little doll.
Basic Crochet Dolls
Amigurumi crochet allows you to create dolls with different characteristics and outfits. But if you aren’t ready to create your own crochet doll outfits from scratch, here are some great free patterns for amigurumi dolls that include clothes and accessories made to fit.
Maddie Doll
Designer: Love Life Yarn
Yarn weight: (3) DK for the doll and clothes and (4) Worsted for the hair
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo (doll), Lion Brand Mandala (clothes), and Lion Brand Heartland (hair)
This crochet witch doll is designed to be a Halloween doll, but you can choose not to make the hat to make an amigurumi doll for all seasons. Make her a dress in your favorite colors, and add snaps or buttons so you can easily change doll outfits.
Primrose Crochet Dolls
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread Size 3
Making this cute little doll is a great way to use up other craft materials besides just yarn. The long hair, fabric dress, and flower crowns add lovely detail to these dainty crochet dolls. Instructions on how to create all the accessories are provided in the pattern.
Zoya Crochet Doll in Overalls
Designer: Chai Coffee Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
A cute little doll with simple details, this amigurumi doll is quick and easy to make. The overalls are built into the body, and you can make them in any color you prefer. You can also easily change up the hair from buns to braids, depending on your preference.
Zayd Crochet Boy Doll
Designer: Chai Coffee Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
Dolls can be toys for boys too! Make this adorable amigurumi doll for little kids to play with. You can easily swap out the colors to customize the clothes. This crochet doll comes out at around 12 inches tall when made with the suggested yarn weight – the perfect size for a huggable playmate.
Chloe Doll
Designer: Leticia Delgado, via La Crocheteria
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: DMC Natura Just Cotton
This free crochet doll pattern is easy to crochet, and will make the perfect gift for little girls. Dainty little flowers adorn her hair buns, which you can place on top or at the bottom to give her a different look. The pattern is available to download in eight different languages.
Supermom
Designer: Amour Frou
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Show your love and appreciation for moms with this adorable amigurumi doll. This cute little doll is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or a mom in your life’s birthday. Make it in her favorite colors, and add a note from little ones to make it even more special.
Violet the School Girl
Designer: Julia Chang of Craftings of Joules for the Loopy Lamb
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
With her little bag, this cute crochet doll is ready for school. This easy-to-make crochet doll will make the perfect playmate for little ones. The detailed instructions are easy to follow and very helpful, especially for beginner crocheters.
Wanda the Crochet Unicorn
Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
This cute little doll is perfect for kids who want to be a unicorn. Dressed in a unicorn costume, this little doll is easy to make – the legs, body and head are made in one piece! You can also find a free pattern for a unicorn to go with this amigurumi doll.
Amy the Amigurumi Doll
Designer: Grace and Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Create the perfect crochet doll for your little one with this free crochet doll pattern. You can easily swap out the colors to match it to their favorite outfit. This free crochet pattern is divided into three parts, all of which include detailed instructions to guide you in making this crochet doll.
Crissy Crochet Doll
Designer: Amigurumi Today
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
This crochet doll pattern includes instructions to make a skirt, coat and beret to complete your crochet doll’s outfit. This free pattern is classified as advanced because of all the details, but the instructions are clear enough for those with less experience to give it a try, too.
Mermaid Crochet Doll
Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
This amigurumi doll is perfect for little girls who love swimming and dream of being a mermaid. You can easily customize the fins and bikini top to make it in their favorite colors. Detailed instructions on how to make hair are also available so you can easily change up the hairstyle to fit their preference.
Sisters Ada and Kat
Designer: Galencaixe, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Begonia
These little dolls are ready to party. You can pick any color for their dresses and hair to make a unique crochet doll. You can also find a Halloween and Christmas version of these adorable amigurumi dolls if you want to make them different outfits for the whole year.
Princess Sophie
Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Make the perfect doll for your little princess with this free crochet doll pattern. This doll’s outfits are removable so you can create dresses in different colors for her to wear. You’ll also find a free pattern to make a removable mermaid tail for her underwater adventures.
Amigurumi Doll in Wolf Outfit
Designer: Amigurumi Today
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
This crochet doll is easy to make because the wolf outfit is crocheted as part of the body. The hat is made separately and attached to the head. Make the amigurumi doll in sheep costume to give him a friend to play with.
The Friendly Superhero
Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Make the perfect doll for any superhero lover. This amigurumi doll has a classic design that is super easy to customize to create your favorite superhero, or to make your own. This is perfect for little kids who want to become a superhero; just use their favorite colors and embroider their initials to make it their special crochet doll hero.
Emma Doll
Designer: Linh Thao, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona for the body and Schachenmayr Catania for the outfit
This adorable crochet doll will make a great gift for little kids who love crochet dolls. You can create different outfits for this crochet doll by changing up the colors of her dress, apron and flower accessory.
Zoya Mermaid Doll
Designer: Chai Coffee Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
This amigurumi doll works up quickly because there are no legs to make. It includes a side braid and bangs, but you can change up the hairstyle. Use the fin on this pattern with the Zayd pattern above to make a merman, too!
Bella Ballerina Doll
Designer: Jenny and Teddy
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
This doll is perfect to make for little ballerinas. Match the dress color to their tutus to make a mini-me crochet doll, and use your yarn scraps to make the hair as long (or short!) as you want.
Lylah Doll Rosie
Designer: Swecraftcorner
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
The perfect doll to play dress up with, this crochet doll will surely be your little one’s favorite playmate. Create different outfits for this amigurumi doll in all the colors you can think of. Isn’t it adorable in its little gift box that doubles as a bed?
The Forest Friends
Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
In this pattern you will find links to all the different animals, which the designer says remind her of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan. There’s a bear, fox, racoon, and bunny, so you can make the whole set or stitch up one for a kiddo who loves that particular animal.
Crochet Character Dolls
Another fun reason to start making amigurumi dolls is making crochet dolls of your favorite movie or TV characters. Here are some free crochet doll patterns you can start with.
Wednesday Addams
Designer: ToyGurumi
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Dressed in her iconic black dress, this crochet doll will make a perfect present for anyone who can relate to this character. The video tutorial shows you how to make the crochet doll step-by-step. Of course, you can also make her friend Enid to complete their adorable duo.
Dwight Schrute
Designer: Once Upon a Cheerio
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar N’ Cream, Loops and Threads Impeccable, Knit Picks Brava Worsted
This cute crochet doll of Assistant Manager Dwight K. Schrute will make a great gift for any fan of the TV show The Office. The free pattern is easy to follow, although the wire glasses might be a bit of a challenge if you’re not used to working with wire.
Queen Elsa
Designer: Chia Crafts, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
Let it go and show everyone your love for Disney princesses with this cute little doll. This amigurumi doll will surely become a favorite for little kids. If they’re not a fan of Queen Elsa, you can find the pattern for almost every other Disney princess here.
Harry Potter Ragdoll
Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Even Muggles will love this adorable crochet doll. Made in a ragdoll style, this cute crochet doll of The Boy Who Lived will be a fan favorite. You can easily modify the pattern to make a wizard or witch from any Hogwarts House.
Spiderman
Designer: 53 Stitches
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Patons Astra
Swing those crochet hooks into action to make this superhero amigurumi doll. This free crochet pattern includes detailed instructions on how to put it all together. This will make a great gift for little kids who love your friendly neighborhood Spiderman.
Trio Wizards
Designer: Odinka Wisanindhi
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
Make amigurumi dolls of your favorite wizard trio. This free video pattern is great even for beginners, it comes in three parts to show you exactly how to make these cute crochet dolls. Even muggles will surely fall in love with these adorable crochet dolls.
Bach Musical Composer Amigurumi Doll
Designer: Stringydingding
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
Turn up the music as you make this cute crochet doll pattern. While it is labeled as “advanced,” there are very detailed instructions that guide you as you make this crochet doll so those with less experience can also make it. You can also use the body of this crochet doll to create other characters.
Coraline Jones Amigurumi Doll
Designer: Calypso Boutique, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
An amigurumi favorite, this crochet doll has been made in different styles and versions. This free crochet pattern has an accompanying video to show you how to make the crochet doll. You can opt to use a worsted weight yarn to make a bigger amigurumi doll.
Mad Hatter Crochet Amigurumi
Designer: Little Crochet Farm
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Patons Grace
Go completely bonkers over this little crochet doll. If you are a beginner, there is a video tutorial to help you make this little doll. You will also find patterns for the other characters to complete your Alice collection on their website.
Darth Vader
Designer: ToyGurumi
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Come over to the dark side and make a crochet doll of this iconic character. The video tutorial gives detailed instructions, and the designer has patterns for other characters from the franchise so you can make a whole collection.
Kiki the Witch
Designer: Crochethea
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Anime lovers will be familiar with this adorable movie character from the movie Kiki’s Delivery Service. At just about 9 cm (3.5 inches), this cute little doll is quick and easy to make. Even if you have not watched the movie, you can make this adorable amigurumi doll as part of your collection or as a gift for any Ghibli-lover.
Crochet Doll Patterns with Video Tutorials
Perfect for beginner crocheters, these video tutorials will walk you through the whole process step-by-step as you make your amigurumi doll.
Crochet Basic Doll
Designer: Crimson & Wool
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron One Pound
Learn how to make a basic crochet doll that you can use to create your own mini crochet characters. This tutorial has detailed instructions showing you how to create a little doll that you can dress up in different outfits.
Amigurumi Princess Body Base
Designer: Greta Wings
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Once you learn this crochet doll base, you’ll be able to make the perfect amigurumi doll. This free crochet doll pattern is used for making all the Disney princesses for both little kids and adults alike mentioned above. You can also use this crochet doll base to create your own amigurumi doll characters.
No Sew Gracie Doll
Designer: A Crafty Concept
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Perfect for absolute amigurumi beginners, this free crochet doll pattern is made in a ragdoll style. While the parts are made separately, there is no sewing needed as they are crocheted into the body once completed. Detailed instructions are given in the tutorial so you can easily make this cute crochet doll.
Amigurumi Doll
Designer: Anchor Crafts
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
This super cute amigurumi pig doll is quick and easy to make. It is perfect for using up scrap yarn, and you can change up the colors to create a different character or animal. Use worsted weight yarn to create a bigger version of this adorable amigurumi doll.
Lady Peacock
Designer: Studio İkikucuksevgi
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
This lovely crochet doll will make the perfect gift for little kids who love to play with fancy dolls. Play around with colors to create a unique dress and headpiece for your crochet doll. English instructions are displayed on screen so you can easily follow along with the video tutorial.
Do You Want to Learn More About Making Amigurumi?
Anyone can learn how to make amigurumi crochet toys. If you think it is too difficult, or you have struggled with it before, know that you are not alone. Join our Amigurumi Course, where you will learn and master the fundamental amigurumi skills. You will get access to video tutorials and practice projects that will help you improve on your amigurumi techniques.
Learn how to make cute crochet toys from any pattern! With the right guidance, you can start creating crochet dolls that will make perfect gifts or giveaways for any occasion.
Need Help with Other Crochet Basics?
If you’re new to crochet and aren’t sure how to do some of the techniques needed to make your projects look just like the ones in the photos, you’ve come to the right place.
Our Crochet Fundamentals workshop is full of videos that are quick to watch and easy to digest that will help you build your skills so you can crochet any project with confidence.
