Cinnamoroll Amigurumi Free Knitting Pattern: Your Complete Guide to Knitting the Cutest Sanrio Character

If you have ever fallen in love with Cinnamoroll’s big blue eyes, floppy ears, and cloud-like softness, you already know why this little Sanrio puppy has captured the hearts of crafters everywhere. Knitting your own Cinnamoroll amigurumi is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on, whether you are a seasoned knitter or just starting to explore the world of toy making. In this post, you will find a complete, free knitting pattern for a Cinnamoroll amigurumi, along with tips, techniques, and everything you need to bring this beloved character to life using just yarn and needles.

Who Is Cinnamoroll?

Before diving into the pattern, let’s take a moment to appreciate the character you are about to create. Cinnamoroll is a white puppy with big blue eyes, a plump round body, a pink tail that looks like a cinnamon roll, and oversized floppy ears that he uses to fly. He was designed by Miyuki Okumura and introduced by Sanrio in 2001, quickly becoming one of the most popular characters in the Sanrio family alongside Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Pompompurin.

His aesthetic is soft, round, and dreamy, which makes him absolutely perfect for amigurumi. The goal of this pattern is to capture that same roundness and sweetness in knitted form.

Materials You Will Need

To knit your Cinnamoroll amigurumi, gather the following supplies before you begin. Having everything ready will make your crafting session much smoother and more enjoyable.

Yarn: You will need a small amount of white DK weight yarn for the body, head, ears, and limbs. You will also need a tiny bit of light pink yarn for the inner ears, cheeks, and cinnamon roll tail. Some crafters prefer to use chunky yarn for a larger, more huggable version, and this pattern can be scaled up easily by adjusting needle size.

Knitting Needles: A set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size US 2 (2.75 mm) works well with DK weight yarn. If you prefer to knit in the round using the magic loop method, a circular needle with a long cable in the same size will do the job beautifully.

Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill is the standard for amigurumi. Use just enough to give each piece a firm, round shape without stretching the knitted fabric so much that the stuffing shows through.

Safety Eyes: Two 9 mm black safety eyes are ideal for achieving that signature wide-eyed Cinnamoroll look. If you are making this toy for a young child under three years old, embroider the eyes instead using black yarn for safety reasons.

Tapestry Needle: You will use this to seam pieces together, weave in ends, and add embroidered details.

Stitch Markers: These are helpful for marking the beginning of each round, especially when knitting in the round on DPNs.

Scissors and Pins: A sharp pair of scissors and a few pins for holding pieces in place before seaming will make finishing much easier.

Abbreviations and Techniques Used

This pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations. Here is a quick reference list:

CO — Cast on. k — Knit. p — Purl. k2tog — Knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease). ssk — Slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease). kfb — Knit into the front and back of a stitch (an increase). m1 — Make one stitch (a lifted increase). pm — Place marker. sm — Slip marker. rnd — Round. rep — Repeat. sts — Stitches. BO — Bind off.

This pattern is worked primarily in the round using the knit stitch throughout, creating a stockinette fabric that curls inward slightly, which actually helps give amigurumi pieces a rounder, fuller appearance. All pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together at the end.

Gauge

Gauge matters more in amigurumi than you might think, because it affects the density of your fabric. A tighter gauge means smaller holes and less stuffing showing through. For this pattern, aim for approximately 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 2 needles with DK weight yarn. If your gauge is looser, try going down a needle size.

The Free Cinnamoroll Amigurumi Knitting Pattern

Head

The head is the most important piece, since it sets the tone for the whole figure. Cinnamoroll’s head is disproportionately large compared to his body, which is exactly what gives him his signature adorable look.

Using white yarn and DPNs, CO 6 sts and divide evenly across three needles (2 sts per needle). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: kfb in each st — 12 sts.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep to end — 18 sts.
Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) rep to end — 24 sts.
Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) rep to end — 30 sts.
Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) rep to end — 36 sts.
Rnd 6: (k5, kfb) rep to end — 42 sts.
Rnd 7: (k6, kfb) rep to end — 48 sts.
Rnds 8–20: Knit all sts — 48 sts.

Now is the time to attach your safety eyes. Place them approximately 3 rounds above the midpoint of the head, spaced about 8 stitches apart. The exact placement is a matter of personal preference, but keeping them low on the face helps achieve that baby-faced sweetness Cinnamoroll is known for.

Rnd 21: (k6, k2tog) rep to end — 42 sts.
Rnd 22: (k5, k2tog) rep to end — 36 sts.
Rnd 23: (k4, k2tog) rep to end — 30 sts.
Rnd 24: (k3, k2tog) rep to end — 24 sts.

Begin stuffing the head firmly with fiberfill. Continue stuffing as you work the remaining decrease rounds.

Rnd 25: (k2, k2tog) rep to end — 18 sts.
Rnd 26: (k1, k2tog) rep to end — 12 sts.
Rnd 27: k2tog rep to end — 6 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Body

The body is smaller and rounder than the head. Cinnamoroll’s body is compact and egg-shaped, slightly narrower at the bottom.

Using white yarn, CO 6 sts and divide across DPNs.

Rnd 1: kfb in each st — 12 sts.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep to end — 18 sts.
Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) rep to end — 24 sts.
Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) rep to end — 30 sts.
Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) rep to end — 36 sts.
Rnds 6–14: Knit all sts — 36 sts.
Rnd 15: (k4, k2tog) rep to end — 30 sts.
Rnd 16: Knit all sts.
Rnd 17: (k3, k2tog) rep to end — 24 sts.
Rnd 18: Knit all sts.

Begin stuffing. Continue stuffing as you close.

Rnd 19: (k2, k2tog) rep to end — 18 sts.
Rnd 20: (k1, k2tog) rep to end — 12 sts.
Rnd 21: k2tog rep to end — 6 sts.

Close and fasten off as with the head.

Ears (Make Two)

Cinnamoroll’s ears are one of his most iconic features. They are long, floppy, and almost as big as his head. You will knit an outer ear in white and an inner ear in pink, then seam them together.

Outer Ear (White):

CO 6 sts. Work flat in stockinette (knit RS rows, purl WS rows).

Row 1 (RS): kfb, k4, kfb — 8 sts.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb — 10 sts.
Rows 4–18: Work in stockinette without increasing.
Row 19: ssk, k6, k2tog — 8 sts.
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: ssk, k4, k2tog — 6 sts.
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: ssk, k2, k2tog — 4 sts.
BO remaining sts.

Inner Ear (Pink):

Work the exact same pattern using pink yarn. Place the pink piece on top of the white piece with wrong sides together and whipstitch around the edges using white yarn, leaving the cast-on edge open. Stuff lightly before closing.

Arms (Make Two)

The arms are small and stubby, just long enough to suggest little paws.

Using white yarn, CO 6 sts on DPNs.

Rnd 1: kfb in each st — 12 sts.
Rnds 2–8: Knit all sts.
Rnd 9: (k1, k2tog) rep to end — 8 sts.
Rnd 10: Knit.
Rnd 11: k2tog rep to end — 4 sts.

Stuff lightly. Close and fasten off, leaving a tail for seaming.

Legs (Make Two)

The legs are slightly larger than the arms and have a rounded bottom to suggest little feet.

Using white yarn, CO 6 sts on DPNs.

Rnd 1: kfb in each st — 12 sts.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep to end — 18 sts.
Rnds 3–4: Knit all sts.
Rnd 5: (k1, k2tog) rep to end — 12 sts.
Rnds 6–10: Knit all sts.
Rnd 11: k2tog rep to end — 6 sts.

Stuff. Close and fasten off, leaving a tail for seaming.

Tail (Cinnamon Roll)

This little spiral tail is what makes Cinnamoroll truly himself. Knit a small spiral in pink yarn to mimic a cinnamon roll shape.

Using pink yarn, CO 20 sts on a single DPN or straight needle.

Row 1: kfb in each st — 40 sts.
BO all sts loosely.

The resulting strip will naturally spiral when you curl it from one end. Use a few stitches to secure the spiral shape, then sew it onto the back of the body.

Assembly

Assembly is where Cinnamoroll comes to life, and taking your time here will make a huge difference in the final result.

Start by attaching the head to the body. Position the head so it sits slightly forward on the body rather than directly on top, which gives a more natural, character-accurate posture. Pin it in place and use the tapestry needle and a length of white yarn to whipstitch all the way around, securing firmly.

Next, attach the ears. Position them on either side of the top of the head, roughly 4 to 6 stitches apart, angled slightly outward so they droop downward. Cinnamoroll’s ears hang down rather than standing up, so let them fall naturally as you pin them in place. Sew each ear securely through several stitches at the base.

Attach the arms to either side of the upper body, roughly level with where the head meets the body. Position them so they point slightly downward and forward, as if Cinnamoroll is reaching out for a hug.

Attach the legs at the lower front of the body, spaced evenly on either side. They should sit below the midpoint of the body and angle slightly outward.

Finally, sew the cinnamon roll tail onto the back of the body near the base.

Adding the Face Details

The face is the heart of any amigurumi, and getting it right is the most satisfying part of the whole project.

If you used safety eyes, they are already in place. Now use a thin strand of black yarn or embroidery floss to add Cinnamoroll’s signature rosy cheeks. Make two small circles or ovals of satin stitch in light pink yarn on either side of the face, just below and to the outside of each eye. These little blushes give Cinnamoroll his characteristic shy sweetness.

For the nose, embroider a tiny oval in the lightest pink, just between and below the eyes. Keep it small — almost invisible — as Cinnamoroll’s nose is barely there in the official artwork.

Some crafters also like to add a subtle smile with a tiny curved stitch of pale pink embroidery floss. This is entirely optional but adds a lot of warmth to the finished piece.

Tips for a Better Finished Cinnamoroll

A few extra tips can make the difference between a good amigurumi and a truly lovely one.

Go down a needle size if you find your stitches are too loose. Visible gaps are the most common problem in knitted amigurumi, and a tighter fabric always looks cleaner and more polished.

Use the same dye lot for all your white yarn pieces. Even a slight variation in white yarn can be noticeable when pieces are seamed together, especially under different lighting conditions.

Stuff firmly but not overly so. You want each piece to hold its shape without the stuffing distorting the knitted fabric or making the seams strain. Cinnamoroll’s body and head should feel pleasantly plump rather than rock hard.

Take your time with eye placement before locking in your safety eyes. Try pinning them or holding them in place with a small piece of tape while you consider the look from different angles. Eyes set even one row off can dramatically change the character’s expression.

Block your ear pieces lightly before assembling if they feel stiff or uneven. A gentle steam or wet blocking will relax the fibers and make seaming much easier.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about making your own amigurumi is the freedom to put your own spin on it. Here are some ideas for personalizing your Cinnamoroll.

Try knitting a tiny version of one of his outfits. Cinnamoroll is frequently depicted wearing a small blue bow, a tiny hat, or seasonal costumes. A simple I-cord tied in a bow and attached to the top of his head between his ears is an easy and adorable detail.

Experiment with yarn weight to change his size. Using bulky or super bulky yarn with appropriately larger needles will give you an oversized, pillow-like Cinnamoroll that is wonderfully huggable.

Try a gradient or speckled white yarn for a subtle cloud-like texture that leans into his dreamy, floaty aesthetic.

Make a whole set of Sanrio friends using the same basic amigurumi construction techniques adjusted for each character’s features. Cinnamoroll looks especially charming displayed alongside My Melody, Pompompurin, and Little Twin Stars.

Caring for Your Knitted Cinnamoroll

Once your amigurumi is complete, you will want to keep it looking its best. Most acrylic and wool blend DK yarns can be gently hand-washed in cool water with a small amount of mild soap. Reshape while damp and allow to air dry flat. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can dist