Free Crochet Ghost Amigurumi Pattern – Cute Halloween Ghost

Halloween is one of those magical times of year when crafters everywhere pull out their hooks and yarn to make something spooky, sweet, and just a little bit whimsical. If you’ve been searching for the perfect Halloween project, look no further. This free crochet ghost amigurumi pattern is everything you want: beginner-friendly, completely adorable, and quick enough to make a whole haunted crew before October 31st arrives.

Whether you’re new to amigurumi or you’ve been crocheting stuffed toys for years, this pattern is designed to be approachable and fun. The finished ghost stands about 5 to 6 inches tall depending on your yarn weight and tension, making it the perfect size to display on a shelf, hang from a tree branch, stuff into a candy bowl, or give as a handmade Halloween gift.

Let’s get into everything you need to know — materials, stitches, pattern notes, and the full step-by-step instructions.

Why You’ll Love This Ghost Amigurumi

Amigurumi ghosts have become one of the most popular Halloween crochet projects for good reason. They work up quickly, require very little yarn, and the round, chubby shape that amigurumi is known for makes a ghost look irresistibly cute instead of scary. You can make these in classic white or ivory for a traditional ghost look, or branch out into pastels, neons, or even black for something unexpected.

This pattern uses mostly basic stitches — single crochet, magic ring, increases, and decreases — so it’s a wonderful project if you’re just getting comfortable with amigurumi construction. Even if you’ve never made a stuffed animal before, the instructions below walk you through each round carefully.

Once you finish your first one, you won’t be able to stop. These ghosts are fast to make, and they look absolutely charming displayed in groups.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following supplies. You likely have most of these already in your craft stash.

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (size 4) in white or off-white for the body. You’ll also need a small amount of black for the eyes and mouth, or you can use safety eyes and embroidery floss instead. If you want to make pastel or colorful ghosts, any solid worsted weight color will work beautifully.

Hook: 3.5mm or 4.0mm crochet hook. A slightly smaller hook than recommended for the yarn weight will give you a tighter fabric so the stuffing doesn’t show through.

Safety Eyes: Two 9mm or 12mm black safety eyes. These are optional but give the ghost a polished, professional look. If you’re making this for a child under three, skip the safety eyes and embroider the eyes with black yarn instead.

Polyfill Stuffing: A small amount of polyester fiberfill to stuff the ghost firmly.

Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing on any embellishments.

Scissors: A sharp pair for cutting yarn cleanly.

Stitch Marker: One stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.

Optional Embellishments: You can add a small ribbon bow, a tiny crocheted bow tie, mini buttons, or a little witch hat if you want to customize your ghost’s personality.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

MR — Magic Ring (also called a magic circle)
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
inc — increase (two single crochets in the same stitch)
dec — decrease (invisible decrease: insert hook into front loop of next stitch, then front loop of following stitch, yarn over and pull through both, yarn over and pull through two loops)
st — stitch
sts — stitches
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
( ) — repeat the instructions inside parentheses the number of times indicated
[ ] — total stitch count at the end of the round

Pattern Notes

Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Do not join at the end of each round — place your stitch marker in the first stitch of the new round to help you keep track.

The “ruffled hem” at the bottom of the ghost is created by working into the front loops only of a specific round, which gives that classic floating, wispy ghost silhouette. This technique sounds trickier than it is — once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to achieve that draped effect.

Stuff the ghost firmly as you work. It’s easier to add stuffing as you go rather than trying to push it in at the end through a small opening. Add stuffing when the body is about halfway finished and add more before closing up.

If you want your ghost to have a flat bottom so it can sit on its own, you can add a small circle of cardboard or plastic canvas to the base before closing.

Free Crochet Ghost Amigurumi Pattern

Head and Body (worked in one piece, top to bottom)

The head and body of this amigurumi ghost are worked together in one continuous piece from the top of the head down to the base. This creates a seamless, smooth shape.

Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. [6]

Round 2: Inc in each st around. [12]

Round 3: (sc 1, inc) repeat around. [18]

Round 4: (sc 2, inc) repeat around. [24]

Round 5: (sc 3, inc) repeat around. [30]

Round 6: (sc 4, inc) repeat around. [36]

Round 7: (sc 5, inc) repeat around. [42]

Rounds 8–10: sc in each st around. [42] — Work these three rounds without any increases or decreases. This gives the head some height.

Round 11: (sc 5, dec) repeat around. [36]

Round 12: (sc 4, dec) repeat around. [30]

Round 13: (sc 3, dec) repeat around. [24]

Round 14: sc in each st around. [24] — This is the neck transition point. Place your safety eyes between rounds 9 and 10, about 6 to 8 stitches apart, before this round if you haven’t already.

Round 15: (sc 3, inc) repeat around. [30]

Round 16: (sc 4, inc) repeat around. [36]

Round 17: (sc 5, inc) repeat around. [42]

Round 18: (sc 6, inc) repeat around. [48]

Rounds 19–22: sc in each st around. [48] — Four rounds of even single crochet to build the body.

Round 23: (sc 6, dec) repeat around. [42]

Round 24: sc in each st around. [42]

Now stuff the ghost firmly through the opening before you continue. Add polyfill until the head and body feel full and the shape holds nicely.

Round 25: (sc 5, dec) repeat around. [36]

Round 26: sc in each st around (this is your marker round — place a locking stitch marker in the front loop of every stitch in this round, or simply note that this is the round where the hem will attach). [36]

Round 27: Working in BLO only: (sc 4, dec) repeat around. [30]

Round 28: (sc 3, dec) repeat around. [24]

Round 29: (sc 2, dec) repeat around. [18]

Round 30: (sc 1, dec) repeat around. [12]

Add a final pinch of stuffing if needed to fill out the base.

Round 31: dec around. [6]

Fasten off, leaving a short tail. Use your yarn needle to weave through the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end.

Ruffled Ghost Hem

This is the part that transforms your round amigurumi ball into a recognizable ghost shape. The wavy hem creates the illusion of the ghost floating and drifting.

With your ghost body facing you, locate round 26 — the round you marked earlier. You’ll be working into the unused front loops of that round.

Join yarn in any front loop of round 26.

Round A: ch 1, sc in same st, (ch 3, sc in next st) repeat around. Join with a sl st to first sc.

This creates a scalloped ruffle that fans outward from the bottom of the ghost body. If you want more dramatic ruffles, you can substitute each “ch 3” with “ch 4” or even “ch 5” for a longer drape. You can also work an additional row:

Round B (optional): Sl st into first ch-3 space, ch 1, work 4 sc into each ch-3 space around. Join with sl st.

Fasten off and weave in the end. The ruffle should fan outward and downward, giving your ghost that classic floating, wispy silhouette.

Facial Features

Safety Eyes: If you’re using safety eyes, these should already be inserted and secured before you close the body. Position them between rounds 9 and 10, roughly 6 to 8 stitches apart at the center front of the face.

Embroidered Eyes: If you prefer to embroider the eyes (recommended for baby-safe versions), thread a yarn needle with black yarn and create two small oval or round shapes by working several satin stitches close together. Each eye should be about 3 to 4 stitches wide.

Mouth: Using black yarn or black embroidery floss, embroider a simple curved line or a small open oval shape beneath the eyes to give your ghost an “ooooo” expression. A small O shape looks especially cute and ghostly.

Rosy Cheeks (optional): Use a small amount of pink or blush yarn or a pink fabric marker to add two small circular blush marks beneath the eyes. This detail makes the ghost look extra sweet and whimsical.

Arms (make two)

The arms are small, simple tubes that attach to the sides of the body. They give the ghost a friendly, reaching pose.

Round 1: MR, work 5 sc into ring. [5]

Round 2: inc in each st around. [10]

Rounds 3–6: sc in each st around. [10]

Do not stuff the arms. Flatten the opening and sew closed, leaving a long tail for attaching to the body.

Sew one arm to each side of the body at approximately round 20 to 21, angling them slightly forward so the ghost looks like it’s reaching out.

Color Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the most fun things about this pattern is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.

Classic White Ghost: The most traditional version, this one looks stunning with black safety eyes and a simple embroidered mouth. A little black ribbon bow at the neck makes it look elegant on a shelf.

Pastel Halloween Ghost: Use soft lavender, blush pink, baby blue, or mint green yarn for a pastel Halloween aesthetic. These are huge right now and make gorgeous decorations for people who love spooky season but prefer a softer color palette.

Black Ghost: A black ghost with white embroidered eyes is unexpectedly cool and modern. This version photographs beautifully and has a slightly more sophisticated look than the classic white.

Glitter Ghost: Add metallic or sparkle yarn as a second strand when working the ruffle rounds for a shimmery, magical effect.

Witch Ghost: Add a tiny crocheted witch hat (worked as a simple cone) and secure it to the top of the head with a few stitches. You can also drape a tiny black yarn shawl around the arms.

Pumpkin Ghost: Pair your ghost with a tiny crocheted pumpkin. Work a small orange sphere the same way you started the ghost head (through round 6 or 7), add a tiny green stem, and tie them together with a little piece of twine.

Keychain Ghost: Use fingering or sock weight yarn with a 2.5mm hook to make a miniature version. Attach a keychain ring through the top of the head before closing up. These make wonderful Halloween party favors or bag charms.

Tips for Amigurumi Beginners

If this is your first amigurumi project, here are a few things that will make the process much smoother.

The magic ring can feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice. The key is to keep the tail end pulled snug before working your first round. If the magic ring is giving you trouble, you can start with ch 2 and work 6 sc into the second chain from the hook as an alternative.

Always use a stitch marker. It’s easy to lose track of where your rounds begin and end when you’re working in continuous rounds, and a stitch marker removes all the guesswork.

Invisible decreases make a huge difference in the finished appearance of amigurumi. Traditional sc decreases leave a small visible hole, but the invisible decrease (worked through the front loops only of two consecutive stitches) creates a smooth, seamless line. It’s worth learning if you haven’t already.

Stuff firmly but not so hard that you distort the shape or see the fiberfill through the stitches. You want the finished piece to feel solid and hold its shape without looking stretched.

When weaving in ends, weave through several stitches in different directions to secure them properly. Amigurumi gets handled more than other crochet projects, so taking extra care with your ends will help the finished piece last.

How to Display Your Crochet Ghost

Once you’ve finished your ghost (or your whole haunted crew), there are so many fun ways to use them as Halloween décor.

Arrange several ghosts of different sizes on a mantle or bookshelf, tucked among fall foliage, candles, and pumpkins. Group them in odd numbers — three or five look especially natural and visually balanced.

Hang them from a bare branch or a piece of driftwood using thin white thread or monofilament for a floating effect. This works beautifully as a centerpiece or window display.

Drop one or two into a glass bowl or lantern with some Spanish moss or crinkled orange tissue paper for an instant Halloween vignette.

Tuck a ghost into a gift basket or Halloween treat bag as a handmade addition. People absolutely love receiving handmade gifts, and a crocheted ghost is the kind of thing someone will keep and bring out year after year.

Pin them to a wreath using floral pins or small safety pins for a quick and easy Halloween wreath update.

Sharing Your Finished Ghost

If you make this pattern, I would absolutely love to see your finished ghost! Tag your photos on Instagram or Pinterest so others in the crochet community can find this project and be inspired. There’s something so wonderful about seeing all the different color and personality variations that crafters bring to the same basic pattern — no two handmade ghosts ever look quite the same.

Feel free to sell finished items made from this pattern at craft fairs, markets, or online shops. Please do not sell or distribute the pattern itself, but finished items are always welcome.

Happy crocheting, and happy haunting! Whether you’re making one ghost or twenty, I hope this pattern brings a little extra magic to your Halloween season. These little spooky friends are quick to make, impossible not to love, and the kind of handmade decoration that turns an ordinary mantle into something truly special.