Today, I’m bringing this iconic island snack to your crochet hook with this free amigurumi musubi crochet pattern. Whether you’re a foodie or looking to make something to hype you up for your next Hawaii vacation, this play food crochet project is quick, easy, and incredibly cute.

To get that authentic look, I’ve designed the "spam" slice and the "rice" ball with a rounded rectangular shape to mimic a traditional musubi press. The best part? This is a low-sew amigurumi pattern. I’ve broken the design down into three separate pieces: the rice, the spam, and the nori (seaweed) band.
Table of Contents
What You Need / Materials
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- Light worsted (weight #3) cotton yarn, shown in Hobbii's Friends Cotton 8/8 and Hobbii's Rainbow Cotton 8/8 (100% cotton; 75 m / 82 yds per 50 g / 1.75 oz skein) in the following colors:
- White (I used White #01)
- Pink (I used Pink Berry Smoothie #54)
- Black (I used Black #124)
- 3.25 mm crochet hook
- 5 mm safety eyes
- Polyester stuffing of your choice
- Paper or plastic straw
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Finished Size
- Finished amigurumi measures approximately 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) in length.
- Consider using a different yarn weight/category and the appropriate hook size to make this project larger or smaller.
Level of Difficulty
- ★★☆☆☆ Beginner / Easy
- Requires familiarity with stitches used (below), attaching plastic safety eyes, changing yarn colors, and basic sewing and embroidery skills.
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
- sc3tog - single crochet 3 together
- hdc - half double crochet
- BLO - back loops only

Pattern Notes
- This pattern is written using US crochet terms.
- Complete the pieces in the specified order to ensure proper assembly later.
- Use the yarn under single crochet technique to achieve tighter, more aligned stitches.
- 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.
- Optional: Use the invisible decrease to enhance the appearance of your amigurumi.
Free Crochet Pattern
Rice Ball
Using a 3.25 mm crochet hook and white yarn...
Round 1: Ch 8, from the 2nd ch from the hook, sc-inc, 5 sc, 4 sc in the last ch. Turn and work along the other side of the foundation ch, 5 sc, sc-inc (18 sts)
Round 2: Sc, [3 sc in one st], 5 sc, [3 sc in one st], 2 sc, [3 sc in one st], 5 sc, [3 sc in one st], sc (26 sts)
Round 3: 2 sc, [3 sc in one st], 7 sc, [3 sc in one st], 4 sc, [3 sc in one st], 7 sc, [3 sc in one st], 2 sc (34 sts)
Round 4: 3 sc, [3 sc in one st], 9 sc, [3 sc in one st], 6 sc, [3 sc in one st], 9 sc, [3 sc in one st], 3 sc (42 sts)
Round 5-9: Sc in each st around (42 sts)
Insert safety eyes between rounds 7 and 8, about 4 stitches apart. Stuff the crochet rice ball with polyester stuffing as you decrease.
Round 10: 3 sc, sc3tog, 9 sc, sc3tog, 6 sc, sc3tog, 9 sc, sc3tog, 3 sc (34 sts)
Round 11: 2 sc, sc3tog, 7 sc, sc3tog, 4 sc, sc3tog, 7 sc, sc3tog, 2 sc (26 sts)
Round 12: Sc, sc3tog, 5 sc, sc3tog, 2 sc, sc3tog, 5 sc, sc3tog, sc (18 sts)
Cut with a long strand to sew the opening closed.
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Spam
Using a 3.25 mm crochet hook and pink yarn...
Round 1: Ch 8, from the 2nd ch from the hook, sc-inc, 5 sc, 4 sc in the last ch. Turn and work along the other side of the foundation ch, 5 sc, sc-inc (18 sts)
Round 2: Sc, [3 sc in one st], 5 sc, [3 sc in one st], 2 sc, [3 sc in one st], 5 sc, [3 sc in one st], sc (26 sts)
Round 3: 2 sc, [3 sc in one st], 7 sc, [3 sc in one st], 4 sc, [3 sc in one st], 7 sc, [3 sc in one st], 2 sc (34 sts)
Round 4: 3 sc, [3 sc in one st], 9 sc, [3 sc in one st], 6 sc, [3 sc in one st], 9 sc, [3 sc in one st], 3 sc (42 sts)
Round 5: Working in the BLO, sc in each st around (42 sts)
Round 6: Working in the BLO, 3 sc, skip 2, 10 sc, skip 2, 7 sc, skip 2, 10 sc, skip 2, 4 sc (36 sts)
Round 7: 2 sc, skip 2, 8 sc, skip 2, 5 sc, skip 2, 8 sc, skip 2, 3 sc (26 sts)
Round 8: 1 sc, skip 2, 6 sc, skip 2, 3 sc, skip 2, 6 sc, skip 2, 2 sc (18 sts)
Cut with a long strand and sew the opening to close.

Nori / Seaweed
Using a 3.25 mm crochet hook and black yarn...
Row 1: Ch 8, from 2nd ch from hook, sc in each st across (7 sts)
Round 2-31: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (7 sts)

Make the Nori longer if you need to wrap around the musubi spam and rice ball. Bring the short ends of the rectangle together (Row 1 and Row 31), making sure the piece is not twisted. Slst or sew across to form a ring. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Assembly
Embroider a small smile between the eyes (optional).
For a no-sew amigurumi option, position the crochet Spam piece on top of the rice ball and slide the nori band over both. Adjust the band so it sits centered across.
You can also sew the Spam slice directly to the rice for a permanent plushie.
The Story Behind the Stitches
When most people travel, they have a list of places they want to go and see. When I travel, I have a list of things I want to eat! Food is such a huge part of the cultural experience for me, but as any parent knows, traveling with kids changes the menu. I can't be quite as adventurous as I used to be now that I'm catering to picky eaters, so I'm always on the lookout for "safe food" choices that are both local and kid-approved.

While doing my research for our upcoming trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, I spent hours watching travel vlogs on YouTube and gathering budget-friendly Honolulu recommendations from friends. Every time a video showed a Spam Musubi, I knew I had found the winner. It's a Hawaiian staple that's simple, portable, and delicious! The perfect introduction to island flavors for my girls.

I'm the type of maker who gets "pre-vacation jitters," so I usually start crocheting themed projects a few weeks before we leave to get hyped up for the trip. Designing this amigurumi musubi was my fun way to get the kids excited about our flight and the local food we're going to try once we land.

Because I wanted this to be a beginner-friendly crochet pattern, I used basic stitches to create that iconic rounded rectangular shape you get when the Spam comes right out of the can. Whether you're prepping for a tropical vacation like I am or you just want to add some handmade play food to a child's kitchen set, this little crochet musubi is a quick and satisfying project.
Creative Uses and Ideas
- Pretend Play Food: Great for kids' play kitchens or imaginative play setups
- Bento Box Set: Pair it with other crochet foods to create a bull bento-inspired collection
- Keychain or Bag Charm: Make a mini musubi amigurumi and clip it onto your keys, purse, or backpack for a cute everyday accessory
- Car Charm: Hang it from your rearview mirror for a cozy handmade touch on the go
- Teacher or Coworker Gift: A fun, quirky handmade gift that's sure to stand out
- Stocking Stuffer: The perfect small handmade surprise for the holidays
- Market Display: A cute addition to your craft fair table to catch attention
- Travel Countdown Mascot: Use it as a fun visual aid to get the family hyped for a tropical vacation or a trip to Hawaii
More to Love...
- Crochet Plumeria Lei: Crochet your own tropical-inspired lei, perfect for summer makes, gifts, or adding a little island vibe to your space
- Free Things to Do in Honolulu: Planning a trip or just dreaming of one? Check out this list of budget-friendly activities and must-see spots in Honolulu
- Free and Easy Summer Crochet Patterns: A curated collection of beginner-friendly patterns that are perfect for warm-weather crocheting
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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