Ghost Amigurumi Crochet Pattern PDF – Easy Tutorial for New Crocheters

If you’ve been wanting to try amigurumi but haven’t known where to start, a ghost is honestly one of the best first projects you could choose. It’s small, it’s forgiving, it’s adorable, and once you finish your first one, you’ll want to make a dozen more in every color imaginable. This ghost amigurumi crochet pattern is designed with absolute beginners in mind, walking you through every step from the slip knot all the way to the finished little spirit floating on your shelf.

Whether you’re crocheting for Halloween, making gifts for friends, decorating a nursery, or just falling in love with the world of amigurumi, this pattern has everything you need. And the best part? You can save it as a PDF to reference any time, even without an internet connection.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Amigurumi?

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. The word itself comes from the Japanese words ami (knitted or crocheted) and nuigurumi (stuffed doll). The style originated in Japan in the 1980s and has since grown into a worldwide crafting phenomenon, celebrated for its cute, rounded aesthetic and the satisfying process of creating something three-dimensional with just a hook and some yarn.

Most amigurumi pieces are worked in continuous rounds rather than rows, which is what gives them their seamless, spherical shape. This method, often called working “in the round,” is easier than it sounds, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

Ghosts are a classic amigurumi design because their shape is so simple. A round head, a slightly tapered body, two little arms, and a sweet embroidered face — that’s really all there is to it.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you cast on (or rather, make your magic ring), gather the following supplies. You likely have most of these at home already, or they’re easy and inexpensive to find at any craft store.

Yarn: You’ll need a small amount of worsted weight yarn in white or any color you love. Pastel ghosts are especially charming — think lavender, baby blue, pale pink, or mint green. You’ll also want a small amount of black yarn or embroidery floss for the face.

Crochet Hook: A 3.5mm or 4.0mm hook works well with worsted weight yarn for amigurumi. Using a hook that’s slightly smaller than the yarn label recommends creates a tighter stitch, which keeps your stuffing from showing through the gaps.

Polyester Fiberfill: This is the stuffing that gives your ghost its plump, huggable shape. A small bag goes a long way and is available at most craft stores.

Safety Eyes: A pair of 9mm or 12mm safety eyes will give your ghost a sweet, finished look. If you’re making this for a child under three, skip the safety eyes and embroider the eyes instead, since safety eyes can be a choking hazard.

Stitch Marker: This is used to mark the beginning of each round so you don’t lose your place. A small piece of yarn in a contrasting color works perfectly if you don’t have a physical stitch marker.

Yarn Needle: Also called a tapestry needle or darning needle, this is used for sewing pieces together and weaving in your ends.

Scissors

Understanding Crochet Abbreviations

If you’re brand new to crochet, the abbreviations in patterns can look like a foreign language. Here’s a quick reference guide for everything used in this pattern.

MR – Magic Ring (also called a magic circle). This is how most amigurumi pieces begin. It allows you to close the center of your work completely so there’s no hole in the middle.

ch – Chain stitch

sl st – Slip stitch

sc – Single crochet. This is the primary stitch used throughout the pattern.

inc – Increase. Work two single crochets into the same stitch, adding one stitch to your total count.

dec – Decrease (also called invisible decrease). Insert your hook through the front loops of the next two stitches and work them together as one. This reduces your stitch count by one.

BLO – Back loop only. Work your stitch through the back loop of the stitch below instead of both loops. This creates a visible ridge, which is used to define the wavy hem at the bottom of your ghost.

st – Stitch

rnd – Round

The number after a stitch abbreviation tells you how many times to work that stitch. For example, “sc 4” means single crochet four times in a row.

Gauge and Size

Gauge isn’t critical for amigurumi the way it is for garments, but as a general guide, you should aim for about 4 stitches per inch using a 4.0mm hook and worsted weight yarn. Your finished ghost will be approximately 4 to 5 inches tall, which makes it a perfect little desk or shelf decoration.

The Pattern: Ghost Amigurumi

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Do not join at the end of each round; simply continue into the next round. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

Head and Body (worked as one piece)

The ghost’s head and body are crocheted in a single continuous piece, which makes assembly much simpler.

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, then sc 6 into the ring. Pull the ring closed. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: Sc 1, inc repeat around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: Sc 2, inc repeat around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: Sc 3, inc repeat around. (30 stitches)

Round 6: Sc 4, inc repeat around. (36 stitches)

Rounds 7–12: Sc in each st around. (36 stitches, 6 rounds)

This is a good point to attach your safety eyes. Place them between rounds 9 and 10, with about 8 stitches between them. Once you’re happy with the placement, snap them in securely — once they’re in, they can’t be repositioned.

Round 13: Sc 4, dec repeat around. (30 stitches)

Round 14: Sc 3, dec repeat around. (24 stitches)

Round 15: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (18 stitches)

Now stuff your ghost firmly with polyester fiberfill. Keep adding stuffing as you work the next few rounds, because it becomes harder to reach inside as the opening closes.

Round 16: Sc in each st around. (18 stitches)

Round 17: Sc 2, inc repeat around. (24 stitches)

Round 18: Sc 3, inc repeat around. (30 stitches)

Round 19: Sc in each st around. (30 stitches)

Round 20: Sc in each st around. (30 stitches)

Round 21: Sc 3, dec repeat around. (24 stitches)

Round 22: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (18 stitches)

Add more stuffing if needed.

Round 23 (BLO): Sc in each st around through the back loop only. (18 stitches)

This round creates the ridge that defines where the wavy hem of your ghost begins.

Round 24: Sc in each st around. (18 stitches)

Round 25: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (14 stitches… approximately — adjust if needed to close neatly)

Round 26: Dec around until the opening is fully closed, then sl st to finish. Leave a tail and use your yarn needle to weave it through the remaining stitches and pull closed.

The Wavy Hem (optional but adorable)

The wavy hem gives your ghost that classic, floating-in-the-air look. After completing round 23’s BLO ridge, you’ll work into the front loops of round 23 to create the wiggly edge.

Join your yarn in any front loop of round 23. Work the following sequence into consecutive front loops: sl st 1, ch 3, sl st in same st, sl st 1, ch 4, sl st in same st repeat around until you’ve worked all the front loops. Fasten off and weave in the end.

You’ll end up with a little ruffled, uneven hem that makes the ghost look like it’s hovering. It takes about five minutes but completely transforms the look of the finished piece.

Arms (make two)

Round 1: MR, sc 4 into the ring. (4 stitches)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (8 stitches)

Rounds 3–6: Sc in each st around. (8 stitches, 4 rounds)

Stuff lightly, or leave unstuffed if you prefer floppy little arms. Flatten the opening and sc across to close it. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Sew the arms to the sides of the body at approximately round 17–18, with the flat edge against the body. Use a few stitches in a cross pattern to secure them, then weave in the end.

Face Embroidery

If you used safety eyes, all that’s left for the face is a little smile. Using black embroidery floss or a length of black yarn threaded onto your yarn needle, embroider a small curved line below the eyes. You can make it a subtle smile or a wider, more expressive grin — both look charming.

Some crocheters also add small oval “blush” marks on the cheeks using pink embroidery floss or the tip of a pink blush brush dabbed lightly onto the yarn. It’s optional, but it gives the ghost a sweet, rosy look.

If you’re embroidering the eyes instead of using safety eyes, work small oval or circular shapes with black floss. You can also add tiny white highlight stitches to make the eyes look bright and alive.

Tips for Getting Great Results

Use a tighter tension for amigurumi. When crocheting stuffed toys, you want your stitches tight enough that the fiberfill doesn’t peek through. If you can see white stuffing through your stitches, try going down half a hook size.

Don’t skip the magic ring. The magic ring is what prevents a hole from forming at the top of your ghost’s head. It might feel awkward the first time, but after a few attempts it becomes completely intuitive. There are excellent video tutorials online if you’re struggling with the technique.

Stuff as you go. It’s tempting to wait until the end to add stuffing, but once your opening is small it becomes very difficult to get enough fiberfill inside to achieve that round, plump shape. Add stuffing gradually as you close the body.

Use stitch markers religiously. It’s easy to lose count in continuous rounds, especially when you’re new to the technique. Move your stitch marker at the beginning of each round without fail.

Count your stitches after every round. A single accidental increase or decrease will throw off every round that follows. Getting in the habit of counting takes an extra few seconds but saves a lot of frustration.

Don’t rush the sewing. The assembly — attaching the arms, closing the base — can make or break the finished look of your amigurumi. Take your time, use enough stitches to make each piece secure, and weave in your ends thoroughly.

Color Ideas and Variations

One of the most delightful things about this pattern is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few variations to try once you’ve completed your first ghost.

Halloween Ghost: Stick with classic white yarn and pair it with orange or purple accents in the decor around it.

Pastel Rainbow Set: Make a matching set in pale yellow, lavender, mint, and blush pink. They look gorgeous displayed together.

Galaxy Ghost: Use a variegated yarn in deep purples, blues, and blacks for a cosmic, ethereal look.

Tiny Ghosts: Use fingering weight yarn and a 2.0mm hook to make miniature versions. These make perfect ornaments, bag charms, or gift toppers.

Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost: Some specialty yarns are made with glow-in-the-dark fibers. This is particularly magical for Halloween displays.

Seasonal Themes: Dress your ghost up with a tiny crocheted hat for Christmas, a flower crown for spring, or a miniature pumpkin accessory for autumn.

How to Save This Pattern as a PDF

Once you’ve read through the full pattern and are ready to have it at your fingertips without needing to scroll through a blog post, saving it as a PDF makes life much easier. On most browsers, you can go to File, then Print, and select “Save as PDF” from the printer options. This saves the entire page including all the pattern instructions directly to your device.

Alternatively, free pattern management apps like Ravelry allow you to organize your saved patterns in one place, and many crocheters use a tablet or e-reader propped up next to their work for easy reference.

Printing it out and keeping it in a small binder or folder is another great option, especially if you like to annotate your patterns with notes about hook size changes, yarn substitutions, or personal modifications.

Gifting and Display Ideas

Finished ghost amigurumi make wonderful gifts for people of all ages. They’re small enough to tuck into a birthday card envelope (with bubble wrap, obviously), festive enough for seasonal gift baskets, and charming enough to sit on a bookshelf year-round.

Some ideas for displaying or gifting your finished ghost:

Place it on a stack of books for a cozy, whimsical shelfie. Attach a small loop of ribbon to the top to hang it as an ornament. Tuck it into a Halloween treat bag as a handmade extra. Arrange a group of different-colored ghosts in a glass cloche or jar for a centerpiece. Gift a set of three with a handwritten tag for a thoughtful, personal present.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a ghost amigurumi? Most beginners complete their first ghost in three to five hours, spread across a couple of casual crafting sessions. As you get more comfortable with the stitches, you can easily finish one in an evening.

Can I use a different yarn weight? Absolutely. If you use bulky yarn with a larger hook, your ghost will be bigger and fluffier. If you use fingering weight, it’ll be tiny and delicate. Just keep in mind that the stitch count stays the same — only the finished size changes.

What if I don’t know how to do a magic ring? You can substitute a foundation chain instead. Chain 2, then work your 6 single crochets into the second chain from the hook. It leaves a slightly larger hole at the top, but it works perfectly well and is easier for complete beginners.

Is this pattern suitable for children to make? Older children and teenagers who are already comfortable with basic crochet can absolutely follow this pattern. Younger beginners might need adult help with the magic ring and invisible decrease, but those skills come quickly with practice.

Can I sell finished items made from this pattern? Policies vary by pattern designer. If this is a pattern you’ve purchased or downloaded, check the licensing terms. Many indie designers are happy for makers to sell finished items as long as they don’t resell the pattern itself.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about turning a skein of yarn into a tiny, three-dimensional creature that has a face and a personality. Ghost amigurumi are one of the simplest introductions to that magic, and they never stop being satisfying to make, no matter how experienced you become.

If this is your first amigurumi, give yourself permission to be imperfect. Your first ghost might have slightly uneven tension, a smile that sits a little crooked, or arms that aren’t perfectly symmetrical — and that’s completely okay. Each small imperfection is evidence of real learning happening in real time. By your third ghost, you’ll be surprised at how much your work has improved.

Save or print this pattern, gather your materials, and find a comfortable spot to sit. Your first little ghost is waiting to come to life.

Happy crocheting.