If you’ve ever wanted to design your own crochet doll but dread the sewing involved in amigurumi, this chibi no-sew amigurumi doll base is the perfect starting point! With a simplified, stylized shape and popcorn stitches for arms and legs, this doll base measures approximately 6 cm (2.4 inches) tall and is quick to work up and completely customizable.
Whether you’re creating a cute original character or designing your favourite fandom icons, this pattern provides a solid foundation without the hassle of sewing separate parts together.
What You Need / Materials
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- Worsted (weight #4) yarn in the following colors:
- Skin Color (I used Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8 in Cream #04)
- Color A (I used Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8)
- Color B (I used Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8)
- 3.25 mm Crochet Hook
- 5.0 mm Safety Eyes (Optional)
- Black Embroidery Thread (if not using safety eyes)
- Polyester Stuffing of your choice
- Yarn/Tapestry Needle
- Stitch Markers
- Scissors
Finished Size
- Finished amigurumi measures approximately 6 cm (2.4 inches) in height.
- Consider using a different yarn weight/category and appropriate hook size for this project to make it bigger/smaller.
Level of Difficulty
- ★★☆☆☆ Beginner / Easy
- Requires familiarity with stitches used (below), attaching plastic safety eyes (optional), changing yarn colors, and basic embroidery.
Stitches & Abbreviations
- st/sts - stitch/stitches
- ch - chain
- slst - slip stitch
- sc - single crochet
- sc inc - single crochet increase, 2 single crochets in one stitch
- sc dec - single crochet decrease, single crochet 2 stitches together
- FLO - front loops only
- pop - popcorn stitch
- Make 5 double crochet into the same stitch. Then remove the hook and reinsert it into the first double crochet in the cluster from front to back. Pick up the active loop from the last double crochet and pull the loop through the first double crochet.
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is written using US crochet terms.
- This no-sew amigurumi doll is worked from the bottom up.
- Use the yarn under single crochet technique to achieve tighter, more aligned stitches.
- Learn how to change colors in crochet to create seamless color transitions.
- Crochet in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join at the end of each round unless otherwise stated.
- Use a running stitch marker to keep your place when crocheting in rounds.
- Use the ultimate finish to neatly close up your amigurumi pieces.
- Optional: Use invisible decreases to enhance the appearance of your amigurumi.
- Optional: Use the half-color change technique for clean color transitions between rounds
Chibi No-Sew Amigurumi Doll Base Pattern
Using a 3.5 mm crochet hook and Color A yarn...
Round 1: Magic ring with a base of 6 sc (6 sts)
Round 2: Sc-inc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 3: [Sc, sc-inc] x 6 times (18 sts)
Round 4: 6 sc, 1 pop, 4 sc, 1 pop, 6 sc (18 sts)
Round 5: Sc in each st around (18 sts)
Change to Color B...
Round 6: Sc in each st around (18 sts)
Round 7: 6 sc, [1 pop in Skin Color], 4 sc, [1 pop in Skin Color], 6 sc (18 sts)
Round 8: [Sc, sc-dec] x 6 times (12 sts)
Change to Skin Color...
Round 9: Working in FLO, sc-inc in each st around (24 sts)
Round 10: [3 sc, sc-inc] x 6 times (30 sts)
Round 11-15: Sc in each st around (30 sts x 5 rounds)
If using safety eyes, insert them between Rounds 13 and 14, approximately 5 stitches apart. If embroidering eyes, sew them on Round 13, approximately 5 stitches apart.
Stuff the head with stuffing before the opening gets too small.
Round 16: [3 sc, sc-dec] x 6 times (24 sts)
Round 17: [Sc, sc-dec, sc] x 6 times (18 sts)
Round 18: [Sc, sc-dec] x 6 times (12 sts)
Watch the Crochet Pattern Tutorial
Inspiration Behind the Crochet Design
I've always loved making amigurumi dolls. They're some of my favorite crochet projects. But as much as I enjoy designing them, I tend to get caught up in the little details. That perfectionism often slows me down, and if I don't finish a design quickly, I lose steam and get distracted by other projects (IYKYK).
That's actually what happened when I thought about creating all five members of the Saja Boys (from KPop Demon Hunters). The idea of making five fully detailed dolls felt so overwhelming that I couldn't bring myself to start. I knew I needed a faster, simpler way to bring my idea to life, so I designed this chibi-sized no-sew amigurumi doll base!
Because these mini amigurumi dolls work up so quickly, I can actually finish them without getting stuck in the planning stage. Once the base is done, I get to focus on my favorite part: designing the hair. At the end of the day, it's their unique hairstyles and clothes that give each doll its personality, and that's where the fun really begins!
Creative Uses and Ideas
- Custom Characters: Turn the base into fan art of your favorite anime, game, or pop culture characters with just a few color changes and accessories.
- Mini Superheroes or Princesses: Create a whole lineup of tiny heroes or royalty to display or gift.
- Keychains or Bag Charms: Add a keyring to make adorable, lightweight keychains for backpacks, purses, or zipper pulls.
- Gacha-Inspired Toys: Make a collection of surprise dolls in different outfits and hairstyles for kids to "unbox".
- Wedding or Event Favors: Customize to match wedding outfits, school uniforms, or themed parties.
- Ornaments: Add a loop and hang them as unique holiday decorations (think Halloween, Christmas, or Lunar New Year).
- Mini Mascots: Personalize the doll as a team mascot or desk buddy for yourself or a friend.
- Learning Projects: A great base for experimenting with embroidery, facial expressions, or clothing design on a small scale.
- Mini Me Dolls: Match skintone, hairstyle, and outfit to make a "tiny you" (or your kids!) for fun keepsakes.
You Might Also Like...
- Skin Tone Yarn for Amigurumi Dolls: A helpful guide for finding the perfect skin tone shades for your crochet doll.
- Amigurumi Hair with Side Braid: Learn how to crochet a cute and simple side braid for your amigurumi dolls.
Share Your Creation with Me!
Did you make this project? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.
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This is an original crochet pattern written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet pattern as your own. If you wish to share this crochet pattern, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the crochet pattern.
You may sell products made from this crochet pattern, but please credit the design to Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio, and provide a link to my blog www.OnceUponaCheerio.com. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you for understanding!
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