Halloween Amigurumi Little Ghost Plushie Free Crochet Pattern

There is something wonderfully spooky and irresistibly cute about a little crocheted ghost. Whether you are decorating your home for Halloween, making gifts for friends and family, or looking for a fun weekend project that does not take weeks to complete, this Halloween Amigurumi Little Ghost Plushie is exactly what you need. This free crochet pattern is beginner-friendly, uses only a small amount of yarn, and produces an adorable finished plushie that you will want to make in every color imaginable.

Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals and characters, has taken the crafting world by storm over the past two decades. The technique relies on working in continuous rounds, crocheting tightly so the stuffing does not show through, and assembling simple shapes into charming figures. Ghosts are one of the most beloved Halloween amigurumi projects because their shape is so naturally suited to the craft. A rounded top, flowing bottom, and a pair of tiny embroidered eyes are truly all you need to create something magical.

Whether you are a seasoned crocheter or someone who has just learned the single crochet stitch, this pattern is written to guide you clearly from the very first magic ring all the way to the finishing knot. Pull out your hook and your yarn, find a cozy spot, and let’s make a little ghost together.

Materials You Will Need

Before you start, gather your supplies. One of the great things about amigurumi projects is that they use very little yarn, which means you can often make several ghost plushies from a single skein. Here is what you will need for one ghost:

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (size 4) in white or any color you prefer. You will need approximately 30 to 50 yards depending on the final size. For a classic ghost, white or off-white is perfect, but do not be afraid to experiment with pastels, glow-in-the-dark yarn, or even variegated colors for a more whimsical feel.

Crochet Hook: A 3.5mm or 4.0mm crochet hook. Going down slightly in hook size from what the yarn label recommends will help you achieve a tighter stitch that keeps the stuffing from peeking through.

Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill, enough to stuff the ghost firmly. A softly stuffed ghost will look floppy and deflated, so do not be shy with the filling.

Safety Eyes: Two 6mm or 9mm black safety eyes. If you are making this ghost for a child under three years old, skip the safety eyes and embroider the eyes with black yarn instead for safety.

Embroidery Floss or Black Yarn: For stitching on a mouth if you want to give your ghost an expression.

Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and assembling pieces.

Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of each round when working in continuous rounds.

Scissors: To cut your yarn.

Abbreviations and Stitch Guide

This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Here are the abbreviations used throughout:

MR — Magic Ring (also called magic circle)
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
inc — increase (two single crochets in the same stitch)
dec — invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next two stitches, yarn over and pull through both loops, yarn over and pull through the two remaining loops)
BLO — back loop only
st — stitch
rnd — round

Working in continuous rounds means you do not join with a slip stitch at the end of each round unless instructed. Instead, place your stitch marker in the first stitch of each new round and move it up as you go. This gives amigurumi its seamless, round appearance.

Pattern Notes

The finished ghost measures approximately 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide when made with worsted weight yarn and a 3.75mm hook. You can easily size up or down by switching yarn weights and corresponding hook sizes. A bulky yarn will give you a larger, huggable ghost, while fingering weight yarn and a tiny hook will produce a miniature ornament version perfect for hanging on a Halloween tree.

The ghost body is worked in one continuous piece from the top of the head down to the wavy hem. There are no separate body pieces to attach, which makes this one of the more seamless amigurumi patterns you will find. The only assembly required is attaching the safety eyes and, optionally, embroidering a mouth.

Read through the entire pattern before beginning. It always helps to have the full picture in mind before you pick up your hook.

The Ghost Body Pattern

Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: *Sc 1, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)

Rnd 4: *Sc 2, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)

Rnd 5: *Sc 3, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)

Rnd 6: *Sc 4, inc* repeat around. (36 sts)

Rnds 7–12: Sc in each st around. (36 sts) — Work 6 rounds even without increasing or decreasing. This creates the rounded head and upper body.

At this point, before you continue decreasing, insert your safety eyes between rounds 9 and 10, spacing them approximately 6 to 8 stitches apart. The exact placement is up to you. Closer together gives a more innocent, wide-eyed look, while placing them slightly wider apart gives the ghost a more surprised expression. Once you click the safety eye washers in place from the inside, they are permanent, so take a moment to look at the placement from several angles before committing.

If you want to add a mouth, mark the spot you have chosen with a strand of yarn or a pin so you remember where it is after you have stuffed the ghost. Embroidering the mouth is easier before the ghost is fully closed up at the bottom.

Rnd 13: *Sc 4, dec* repeat around. (30 sts)

Rnd 14: *Sc 3, dec* repeat around. (24 sts)

Rnd 15: *Sc 2, dec* repeat around. (18 sts)

Now is the time to begin stuffing your ghost. Push the fiberfill up firmly into the head, making sure there are no thin spots where the stuffing looks uneven through the stitches. Continue to add stuffing as you work the next rounds.

Rnd 16: *Sc 1, dec* repeat around. (12 sts)

Rnd 17: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Now comes the fun part — the wavy ghost tail! Instead of simply closing up the bottom, we are going to create the signature wiggly skirt that makes this plushie look like a classic floating ghost.

Creating the Ghost Tail

The wavy hem gives the ghost its character. Work the following round in the back loops only (BLO) first, then we will come back and use the front loops to make the waves.

Rnd 18 (BLO): Sc in each st around through the back loops only. (12 sts)

Rnd 19: *Sc 1, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)

Rnd 20: *Sc 2, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)

Rnd 21: *Sc 3, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)

Now, add a little more stuffing into the lower body so the tail section holds its shape.

Rnd 22: Sc in each st around. (30 sts)

For the wavy edge, you will now work a series of alternating low and tall stitches to create the rippled hem. Work the following into the stitches of round 22:

Rnd 23 (Wavy Hem): *Sc 1, ch 2, sl st in same st, sc 1, inc* repeat around until you reach the end of the round. Finish with a slip stitch into the next stitch to anchor the last wave. Fasten off and leave a tail for weaving in.

The exact appearance of your wavy hem may vary slightly depending on your tension, and that is perfectly fine. Each ghost will have its own slightly unique hem, which only adds to the handmade charm.

If you prefer a simpler finish, you can skip the wavy hem entirely and simply decrease to close the bottom of the ghost after round 17. Some crocheters prefer that cleaner look, especially if they plan to display the ghost sitting upright on a flat surface.

Finishing Your Ghost

Once you have fastened off, use your yarn needle to weave all ends in securely. Pull the starting tail from the magic ring especially tight to make sure there is no hole at the very top of the ghost’s head.

If you have not yet embroidered a mouth, now is a great time. Thread a length of black embroidery floss or thin black yarn onto your needle and stitch a simple curved smile, a small surprised “O,” or even a tiny jagged mouth for a spookier look. Secure the floss on the inside of the body before pulling through so your knot does not show on the surface.

Look over the entire ghost and gently tug any areas where the stitches seem uneven. A light press with your hands can help shape the head and body. You do not need to wet-block amigurumi the way you would a flat crocheted piece, but if your ghost looks a little lumpy, you can lightly mist it with water and reshape it by hand, then allow it to air dry completely.

Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the most enjoyable things about making amigurumi is how endlessly customizable they are. Here are some ideas to inspire your next ghost:

Color Variations: Try making your ghost in lavender, mint green, pale yellow, or soft pink for a pastel Halloween aesthetic. Black yarn with white safety eyes creates a dramatic and elegant ghost. You could also use gradient or ombre yarn to get a ghost that fades from one color to another.

Tiny Accessories: Crochet a tiny witch hat by making a small flat circle for the brim and a magic-ring cone for the hat itself, then attach it to the top of your ghost’s head. A little orange bow or a miniature pumpkin held in a simple crocheted arm can take the plushie to the next level.

Add Arms: To give your ghost little arms, make two small oval or tube shapes in the same yarn. Work about 10 sc into a magic ring, close it up, stuff lightly, and sew onto either side of the body. Simple and sweet.

Glow in the Dark: Some specialty yarn manufacturers produce glow-in-the-dark yarn that looks white or off-white in daylight but glows a soft green under darkness. Using this type of yarn for your ghost adds a genuinely fun Halloween element and absolutely delights kids.

Garland Ghosts: Make several mini ghosts using fingering weight yarn and a 1.5mm or 2.0mm hook, then string them together on a length of black ribbon or twine for a Halloween garland. Hang it across a mantel, bookshelf, or window for a handmade decoration that will have everyone asking where you got it.

Keychains: Before closing the top of the ghost, insert a small metal keychain ring or lobster clasp through the magic ring before pulling it tight. This turns your little ghost into an adorable bag charm or keychain.

Tips for Amigurumi Beginners

If this is one of your first amigurumi projects, here are a few pointers that will make the whole process smoother.

Tension matters more in amigurumi than in many other crochet projects. Because you want a dense fabric that hides the stuffing, crochet a little tighter than you normally would. If you are seeing a lot of the fiberfill through your stitches, try going down half a hook size.

The invisible decrease is your best friend. Many beginner patterns use the standard single crochet decrease, which creates a visible bump on the surface. The invisible decrease keeps your fabric looking smooth and professional. It just takes a tiny bit of practice to get comfortable with it.

Always use a stitch marker. Working in continuous rounds without a marker is a recipe for losing count. A simple piece of contrasting yarn looped through the first stitch of each round works just as well as a store-bought marker.

Do not under-stuff or over-stuff. Under-stuffed amigurumi look deflated and sad. Over-stuffed ones can distort the shape and make the stitches stretch uncomfortably. Aim for a plushie that is firm but still has a little give when you squeeze it.

Practice your magic ring if it is new to you. The magic ring can feel awkward at first, but after two or three tries it becomes second nature. It creates a much tighter, cleaner starting point than a chain-based foundation and is well worth learning.

Displaying and Gifting Your Ghost Plushie

Finished ghosts make incredible Halloween decorations and gifts. A small cluster of three ghosts in different sizes arranged on a shelf, inside a glass cloche, or nestled among autumn leaves and mini pumpkins creates a beautifully spooky vignette that feels warm and handmade rather than mass-produced.

As gifts, these plushies are perfect for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone who loves Halloween but might not expect something so thoughtful. Tuck one into a gift bag with some Halloween candy, tie a ribbon around its little waist, or attach a tag with a Halloween pun — “Boo to You!” or “Have a Fang-tastic Halloween” — for an easy and memorable seasonal present.

If you are a maker who sells your work at craft fairs or online, these ghost plushies are perennial bestsellers during the Halloween season. They are quick enough to make in volume, require minimal materials, and appeal to a wide audience from small children to grown adults who simply love cute spooky things.

A Final Word

There is real magic in making something by hand. Every single crochet stitch in this little ghost is a small act of creativity and care, and when you hold the finished plushie, you will feel that in a way that no store-bought decoration can replicate. This Halloween Amigurumi Little Ghost Plushie pattern is free because the joy of making should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or skill level.

Make one for yourself. Make a dozen as gifts. Post your finished ghosts on your favorite crafting community and inspire someone else to pick up a hook for the first time. Halloween comes every year, but a handmade ghost plushie has a way of becoming a treasured keepsake that gets pulled out of the seasonal decorations box with a smile year after year.

Happy crocheting, and Happy Halloween!

If you make this pattern, I would love to see your finished ghosts. Share your photos and tag your projects so the whole crafting community can celebrate your work. And if you found this pattern helpful, please share it with a fellow crocheter who might enjoy it too.