Easy Crochet Ghost Pattern: Free Halloween Amigurumi Tutorial

This crochet ghost is a quick little amigurumi with a scalloped skirt and a sweet embroidered face. It is worked in a continuous spiral from the top down with just single crochet and one fancy edging round. Make one for a spooky shelf, or a row of them for a Halloween garland.

At a glance: Beginner level · US crochet terms · white cotton yarn · 3 mm (US C/2 to D/3) hook · about 8 cm (3 in) tall.

Materials

• About 30 m (33 yd) of white DK or light worsted cotton yarn per ghost.
• 3 mm hook, which is smaller than the yarn label suggests so the stuffing does not show through.
• Polyester fiberfill, black yarn or embroidery thread, tapestry needle, stitch marker, and scissors.
• Optional: pink yarn for cheeks, or 6 mm safety eyes. Use embroidered eyes if the ghost is for a child under three.

US crochet abbreviations

ch = chain; sc = single crochet; inc = 2 sc in the same stitch; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch; sk = skip; st(s) = stitch(es). Work Rounds 1 to 18 in a continuous spiral without joining, and mark the first stitch of each round.

Step 1: Crochet the head

• Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts)
• Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in the next st, inc in the next st*; repeat around. (18 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat around. (24 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat around. (30 sts)

Step 2: Work the body

Rounds 6 to 18: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts) That is 13 plain rounds.

Add the face at this point, because it is much easier before the skirt is worked. Using black yarn, embroider two eyes on Round 9, about 5 stitches apart, and a small oval mouth between them on Round 11. Add pink French knots or small stitches at the sides for cheeks if you like.

Leave the body unstuffed until the skirt and separate base below are ready.

Step 3: Make the scalloped skirt

Round 19: Working in the front loops only of Round 18, *sk 1 st, work 5 dc in the next st, sl st in the next st*; repeat 10 times. This uses all 30 stitches and leaves 30 back loops free behind the skirt. Fasten off.

Make and close the base: Using the same yarn and hook, make a separate circle by repeating head Rounds 1–5 (6, 12, 18, 24, then 30 sc). Fasten off with a long sewing tail. Stuff the ghost gently. Sew each of the circle’s 30 stitches to one of the 30 unused back loops behind the skirt. Add a little stuffing before closing the last gap. Weave in the tail securely and check that the base is completely closed. Standing balance depends on your tension and stuffing.

Step 4: Add a hanging loop

Join yarn at the top of the head, ch 12, and sl st into the same spot. Weave in the ends. The loop lets you hang the ghost on a branch, a doorknob, or a window.

Make a Halloween ghost garland

Make five or more ghosts, then crochet a long chain of about 150 chains, or the length you need. Tie each ghost’s loop to the chain with a knot every 15 cm (6 in). Use different yarn colors for sleepy pastel ghosts or a glow-in-the-dark effect.

For more spooky ideas, browse these 15 small Halloween crochet decoration patterns. Follow Crochet Pattern Nest on Pinterest for more free crochet ideas.