Are you ready to get all dolled up? In this comprehensive guide, I share adorable free crochet doll patterns and ideas on how to pick the best project for your skillset.
Plus, learn pro tips to customize your amigurumi dolls with clothes and accessories.
Styles of Dolls to Crochet
Whether you’re looking for a baby shower gift or a personalized playmate, there are crochet dolls for any occasion. After all, amigurumi dolls aren't just for kids; these adorable plushies are fun for adults too.
Jump to:
- Styles of Dolls to Crochet
- Intro to Amigurumi Dolls
- Learn Amigurumi Basics
- What Do You Need To Make A Crochet Doll?
- What Is The Best Yarn For Amigurumi Dolls?
- Free Crochet Doll Patterns
- What Size Yarn To Use For Amigurumi Dolls?
- How To Make An Amigurumi Doll
- Tips for Enhancing the Charm of Your Doll
- Crochet Doll Beginner FAQs
- Invitation to our Facebook group
Intro to Amigurumi Dolls
Here's what you’ll learn about how to make amigurumi dolls:
- How to choose the right supplies
- Tips for making your doll extra charming
- Picking a pattern that is right for your skill level
- Pointers for making doll clothes and accessories
Learn Amigurumi Basics
If you're new to crocheting stuffies, check out our beginner guide to amigurumi for all the basic skills needed to get started.
What Do You Need To Make A Crochet Doll?
Most materials for dolls are similar to other crochet patterns: yarn, a crochet hook, a tapestry needle, stitch markers, or pins.
Fabric markers can be helpful when making dolls because you can use them to determine the placement of limbs and facial features before sewing them on.
Pro tip: Since dolls are typically crocheted in continuous spiral rounds, stitch markers are vital for keeping track of the beginning of the round. Also, using stitch markers as pins to hold pieces together lets you plan where your limbs will attach before seaming.
Unusual Supplies
Dolls are diverse, and so are the supplies they need. Here are some unique things your crochet doll pattern might call for.
- Wire - used inside the body to give limbs structure
- Makeup and a paintbrush - to add blush and details
- Fabric - for sewing clothes or accessories
- Hairbrush or comb - for brushing out your doll's yarn hair to give it a realistic texture
What Is The Best Yarn For Amigurumi Dolls?
Picking the right yarn can make a big difference in how your doll turns out. From color variety to durability, here are some things to consider when choosing best yarn for your stuffie.
Common Fiber Types for Amigurumi
Here are some of the most commonly used yarns for crocheting dolls.
| Fiber Type | Benefits | Suggested Doll Yarn |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Durable, holds its shape well and is easy to use | 24/7 Cottton |
| Cotton Blends | Tends to be softer than 100% cotton | Coboo |
| Acrylic | Easy to work with and available in wide variety of skin tones | Vanna's Choice |
| Baby yarn | Soft and good for small projects | A Star is Born: Oh Baby |
| Fluffy/fur yarn | Wool and other fuzzy yarns can be used for specific details, like making brushed-out hair | Go for Faux |
Skin Tone
Skin tone is one of the main color considerations when choosing yarn for an amigurumi doll. I like the range of flesh-colored yarns that the Basic Stitch Anti Pilling “Skein Tones” line offers. The warm neutrals range from deep browns to pale beige and, in my experience, are the best yarn option for creating realistic skin colors.
Basic Stitch yarn really does resist pilling, which is a big perk for well-loved toys that will be washed often.
More Free Amigurumi Patterns
Whether you need more amigurumi patterns for beginners or want to find creative toys to crochet, we have plenty more inspiration for you.
Free Crochet Doll Patterns
From superheroes to mermaids and rag dolls, I’m sure you’ll find your next project in this crochet amigurumi doll patterns list.
Easy Dolls For Beginners
Get started with these beginner crochet doll patterns. These easy patterns will introduce you to the magic of amigurumi dolls with photo and video tutorials.
Birthday Girl Doll
Related: How to Crochet a Birthday Cupcake
Nurse Pixie Doll
Huggable Amigurumi Boy Plushie
Mini Ballerina Doll
Smiling Baby Plushie
Holiday Dolls
No matter the time of year, spread cheer with these adorable dolls. Whether you want to make a gift or holiday decorations, these dolls add exceptional homemade charm.
Small Holiday Elf
Amigurumi Gingerbread Stuffie
Christmas Elf Ornament
Easy Chinese New Year Figurine
Spooky DIY Patch Plushie
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Unique Dolls
From a mermaid to tree sprouts to aliens, the magic of these free crochet amigurumi doll patterns makes them extra special handmade gift ideas.
Adorable Crochet Fruit Girls
Crochet Fox Stuffed Toy
Free Mermaid Crochet Pattern
Superhero Doll Pattern
Tropical Hawaiian Crochet Stuffie
Amigurumi Mexican Doll
Beginner-Friendly Tree Sprout
Cute Watermelon Toy
Tiny Alien Charm
Kokeshi Japanese Doll
Cute Dolls
Kawaii-syle and otherwise cute dolls make the perfect gift for little kids. But people of all ages can appreciate the charm of these easy dolls. Don't forget to add a bow or crochet dress to finish off your stuffy.
Primrose Crochet Dolls
Adorable Summer Buddy
Nurse Amigurumi Crochet Doll Pattern
Little Bee Girl Doll
Cat Girl Doll Amigurumi
Free Mini Angel Doll
Simple Amigurumi Little Girl
Small Classic Crochet Doll
Obsessed with finding the best free crochet patterns?
Check out these collections of handpicked patterns to find your next project.
What Size Yarn To Use For Amigurumi Dolls?
The yarn size you use makes a big difference in the final size of your plushy.
Worsted weight yarn (4) is very popular for crochet dolls. Not only is it easy to work with and widely available, but its medium thickness means projects come together faster.
Sport weight (2) or DK yarns are also good options that result in smaller toys, possibly with more detail.
Consider Hook Size:
When starting with amigurumi patterns, following the instructions as written can result in a greater chance of success. For beginner crocheters, the best hook for dolls is the hook size your pattern calls for.
Too much space between your stitches will allow the stuffing to escape. If you begin working on your project and find that the gaps between stitches are too large, try a smaller hook.
How To Make An Amigurumi Doll
There are many ways to construct amigurumi dolls, so refer to your pattern for detailed instructions. Still, it is helpful to know the basic process.
1. Pick a pattern:
When choosing a pattern, read it all the way through to make sure you know all the stitches and techniques it involves.
If you are a beginner crocheter, try to find a free crochet pattern with a video tutorial. That way, you can follow the detailed instructions with step-by-step guidance.
2. Gather your supplies:
Before you begin, gather all your supplies. Ensure you have the safety eyes, stuffing, and other unique materials your doll pattern might require.
3. Make the first round:
The first round is typically a magic circle with many single crochet (sc) stitches worked into it.
Pro Tip: If your tension is inconsistent, don't be afraid to pull your stitches out and start over. With amigurumi, uneven tension can result in lumpy body parts that are unlikely to smooth out.
4. Crochet all the pieces:
While you can find seamless patterns, almost all amigurumi dolls are made of different pieces. Typically patterns will start with the doll's head or body, then the limbs.
If you are new to amigurumi, doll limbs and body parts can seem intimidating. But they are almost all basic shapes.
Heads are spheres, and arms are usually tubes. But don’t worry, even if you aren't good at geometry, you can master amigurumi.
Pro Tip: It can be tempting to attach the pieces as you go, but unless your pattern specifically calls for it, wait until you have made and stuffed all of them. It will be easier to get the spacing right.
5. Stuff the limbs:
Once the limbs are done, it's time to give them life.
I like stuffing all my limbs at once because it helps me get them a similar firmness.
Pro Tip: Decide how you want your doll to look before you stuff it. If you want their joints to be flexible, put less stuffing in those areas. In general, add more stuffing than you think you need in the areas you want to be firm. Stuffing deflates over time.
6. Attach the pieces:
It's time to bring it all together. Use your stitch markers and fabric pen to mark the ideal placement of each limb and body part.
Ideally, count the stitches to make sure they are evenly spaced. Sometimes your pattern will even give you guidance on this. This is not a step to rush through. It’s a pain to take your doll apart after seaming if you’re unhappy with the placement.
7. Weave in your ends:
Double-check that all the yarn tails are woven in securely.
This is especially important with toys and stuffed animals since they often receive a lot of wear and tear.
Tips for Enhancing the Charm of Your Doll
There are many ways to make your beginner amigurumi project extra cute, even if you select a simple, basic doll pattern.
Doll Clothes
You can use color changes within the crochet doll body to make it looks like it’s wearing clothing, but creating interchangeable outfits is especially fun.
Even if you know what clothes you want your doll to have, wait until the plush is finished to make them. Then take finished measurements and tailor the crochet doll clothes to suit your toy.
Accessories
Sometimes, you may get to the end of a project and realize it needs something extra. Adding accessories can make even the easiest crochet doll pattern a special gift for little girls and boys. Here are some simple ideas that can add a lot of charm:
- Bows
- Glasses
- Scarves
- Headbands
- Mustaches
- Hats
- Bags
Don't Forget The Details!
You can use embroidery floss to add details to your doll, especially their face. Stitching on some simple eyelashes can add a lot of personality.
Pro Tip: Look through patterns on Pinterest or Ravelry and note what details and designs you like. You can often incorporate those into any crochet doll pattern to suit your preferences.
Makeup Makes A Difference
Blush is often used to add definition to the doll's cheeks. Still, all kinds of makeup can be used when making amigurumi, so don't be afraid to try different techniques.
Worried about screwing up your beautiful new crochet project? Try using scrap fabric to mock up makeup looks. This way, you can create as many “rough drafts” as necessary before you commit.
Alternative Stuffing Ideas
You can use different stuffing, like beans, to make your doll sit or do other poses. This is especially useful when you are making dolls for decorations.
I like using stuffing left over from old pillows or ruined toys. You can use almost anything, even old fabric or yarn scraps.
When in doubt, use Polyfill, the most common stuffing for amigurumi.
Modifying Yarn Hair
Brushing or combing out doll hair made from yarn can give it a more realistic texture and appearance. This approach can also be used on crochet stuffed animals to achieve a “furry” look.
Check out this video tutorial about how to make doll hair out of yarn for more inspiration. The Friendly Red also shares helpful tips for attaching hair to amigurumi dolls here.
Crochet Doll Beginner FAQs
The word amigurumi is Japanese for knitted or crocheted stuffed toy. While the term originally only referred to kawaii-style plushies, it has expanded to almost any crocheted or knitted toy. Because of that, many plushies you make can be considered an amigurumi doll.
The most common filling for amigurumi is polyester fiberfill or polyfil. You can stuff your amigurumi doll with anything from yarn scraps to cotton batting.
You can make an amigurumi doll in a single afternoon as long as you know all the techniques and stitches you need. If you are just learning to crochet, small amigurumi projects still come together quickly and might only take a few days.
Amigurumi can be beginner friendly when you choose the right easy crochet pattern. It also only requires a few stitches: magic loops, single stitches, double crochets, and slip stitches.
More Free Toy Patterns
Try these free patterns next if you can't get enough cute crochet plushies.
Learn a New Skill
When you're ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.
- How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners - with video tutorials to get you started
- How to Crochet a Beginner Hat - make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
- Easy Crochet Sweaters - the ultimate guide to making your own sweaters and cardigans
- How to Tunisian Crochet - learn with this video and a standard hook
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting doll amigurumi patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Join us!
More Amigurumi Patterns You Might Like
Once you've learned the basics of crocheting amigurumi, you're ready to tackle this fun and creative plushie patterns.
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