Crochet Jellycat Onigiri Rice Ball Amigurumi Pattern

If you love my Jellycat-inspired crochet collection, I have a new little cutie to add to the family! Meet this Jellycat-inspired onigiri amigurumi!

While there isn't actually a Jellycat onigiri (at least not at ht etime of writing this blog post), I couldn't resist turning one of my favorite Japanese snacks into a squishy little amigurumi with the signature tiny feet and sweet smile that make this collection so adorable!

This crochet onigiri is a beginner-friendly crochet pattern and a quick project for anyone who loves cute food amigurumi. Grab your yarn and crochet hook, and follow the free pattern below to make your very own amigurumi onigiri!

Table of Contents

What You Need / Materials

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• DK, light worsted (weight #3) chenille yarn, shown in Scheepjes' Little Darling (100% polyester; 98 yards / 90 m per 1.76 oz / 50 g skein) in the following colors:
• White (I used Ice Bear #401)
• Brown (I used Teddy Bear #404)
• Black (I used Panda #410)
• 3.25 mm crochet hook
• 5 mm safety eyes
• Polyester stuffing of your choice
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Finished Size

• Finished amigurumi measures approximately 7 cm (2.76 inches) tall.
• Consider using a different yarn weight or category, along with 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, 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

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.
• Use the ultimate finish to neatly close up your amigurumi pieces.
• 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 12, sc in the second ch from the hook, 9 sc, 3 sc in the last ch, starting on the other side of the foundation ch, 9 sc, sc inc in the last st (24 sts)
Round 2: Sc inc, 9 sc, 3 sc inc, 9 sc, 2 sc inc (30 sts)
Round 3: Sc, sc-inc, 9 sc, [sc, sc-inc] x 3 times, 9 sc, [sc, sc-inc] x 2 times (36 sts)
Round 4-5: Sc in each st around (36 sts x 2 rounds)

Round 6: 17 sc, sc-dec, 15 sc, sc-dec (34 sts)
Round 7: 16 sc, sc-dec, 14 sc, sc-dec (32 sts)
Round 8: 15 sc, sc-dec, 13 sc, sc-dec (30 sts)
Round 9: 14 sc, sc-dec, 12 sc, sc-dec (28 sts)

Round 10: Sc-dec, 12 sc, sc-dec, 12 sc (26 sts)
Round 11: Sc-dec, 11 sc, sc-dec, 11 sc (24 sts)
Round 12: Sc-dec, 10 sc, sc-dec, 10 sc (22 sts)

Insert your eyes between rounds 8 and 9, about 5 sts apart. Stuff the amigurumi rice ball with polyester stuffing as you decrease.

Round 13: Sc-dec, 8 sc, sc-dec, 8 sc (20 sts)
Round 14: Sc-dec in each st around (10 sts)
Cut and fasten off using the ultimate finish.

Feet (make 2)

Using a 3.25 mm crochet hook and brown yarn...
Round 1: Ch 4, from 2nd ch from hook, sc-inc, sc, 3 sc in the last ch, turn to the other side of the chain, 2 sc (8 sts)
Round 2: Sc in each st around (8 sts)
Round 3: 2 sc, 2 sc-dec, 2 sc (6 sts)
Round 4: Sc, 2 sc-dec, sc (4 sts)
Cut and fasten off.

Nori Seaweed

Using a 3.25 mm crochet hook and black yarn...
Row 1: Ch 10, from the 2nd ch from hook, 9 sc (9 sts)
Row 1-4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (9 sts x 11 rows)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc, 2 sc into the first foot and the last row to attach (make sure the foot is facing the correct direction), 3 sc, 2 sc into the second foot and the last row to attach, sc (9 sts)

Row 6-12: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (9 sts x 11 rows)
Cut and fasten off with a long tail to sew onto the onigiri rice ball.

Insert hook from the back to the front of the foot.

Then insert hook into the nori to attach the foot.

Feet should point upwards when attached.

Completed nori will wrap from front to back.

Assembly

Wrap the nori with feet to the bottom of the nori.

Wrap the nori all the way to the back and sew it to the rice ball.

From the side

Optional: Embroider a small mouth between the eyes.

The Story Behind the Stitches

I’ve probably been to Japan more than a dozen times, but somehow I still haven’t taken my kids! Right now, the biggest thing standing between us and a family trip is the price of flights. One thing that has been a highlight of every single trip to Japan, though, is the food.

And while there are so many amazing things to eat, I have a particular soft spot for onigiri. You can find them at pretty much any konbini (convenience store), and they’re such an easy, affordable snack when you’re out exploring Japan.

When we were in Hawaii, I was excited to discover that their 7-Eleven locations also sold sushi rolls and onigiri, in addition to the musubi they’re famous for. The kids actually really enjoyed them, and it inspired us to start making onigiri at home too!

I’ve also seen Jellycat make sushi-inspired mini plushies, but I haven't seen an onigiri Jellycat. So naturally, I had to make my own! With the little feet and sweet smile to match the rest of my Jellycat-inspired crochet collection, this is my version of an onigiri plushie. I called it first!

Creative Uses and Ideas

• Crochet Onigiri Bag Charm: Add a keychain or lobster clasp to turn this tiny crochet onigiri into an adorable bag charm or backpack buddy.
• Onigiri Amigurumi Keychain: Make a cute crochet onigiri keychain to take your favorite Japanese snack wherever you go.
• Mini Crochet Food Collection: Make several Japanese food amigurumi to create your own collection of tiny crochet foods, including sushi, musubi, ramen, takoyaki, and taiyaki.
• Crochet Bento Box: Pair your 7 cm onigiri with other miniature crochet foods to create an adorable amigurumi bento box.
• Jellycat-Inspired Plushie Collection: Add your crochet onigiri to a collection of Jellycat-inspired crochet plushies with the same tiny feet and smiling face.
• Tiny Desk Buddy: Keep your little crochet onigiri beside your computer, on your desk, or next to your crochet supplies for a tiny dose of cuteness.
• Japanese-Themed Gift: A handmade crochet onigiri makes a fun little gift for anyone who loves Japan, Japanese food, kawaii crafts, or amigurumi.
• Mini Onigiri Family: Make several onigiri in different colors and sizes to create your own tiny onigiri family.

More to Love...

• Jellycat Macaron Crochet Pattern: Keep building your Jellycat-inspired collection with this adorable no-sew crochet macaron pattern.
• Crochet Swedish Meatballs: Add another cute international food to your collection with these squishy Swedish meatball amigurumi.
• Hanami Dango Amigurumi: Make your own adorable Japanese dango with this colorful crochet food pattern.

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 created by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet pattern as your own. If you would like to share this pattern, please link to this blog post rather than reposting it on your own website. You may save or keep a copy for personal use only. Selling, redistributing, or sharing this crochet pattern, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Disclaimer: This crochet pattern is an unofficial fan-created design and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the respective copyright and trademark holders. All character names, images, and related intellectual property belong to their respective owners. This crochet pattern does not grant permission to reproduce, sell, or distribute copyrighted characters or related designs.