Looking for a quick, cute Halloween amigurumi? This free crochet ghost pattern is the perfect first amigurumi project: it’s small, worked in simple rounds, and has a sweet scalloped “sheet” edge that looks adorable on a shelf or tied to a gift. You can make a whole family of little ghosts in one weekend!
In this tutorial you’ll get the complete pattern in US terms, a materials list, tips for neat amigurumi and easy variations like a pumpkin-holding ghost and a keychain version.
Pattern Overview
- Skill level: Easy / beginner amigurumi
- Finished size: about 3.5 in / 9 cm tall with worsted yarn
- Time: about 1–1.5 hours
- Worked: in continuous spiral rounds (don’t join at the end of rounds)
Materials
- White worsted weight #4 yarn (about 35 yards) — cotton or acrylic
- 3.5 mm (E-4) or 3.75 mm (F-5) hook — a smaller hook than the label suggests keeps stuffing from showing
- Two 9 mm safety eyes, or black yarn/embroidery floss to embroider eyes
- Pink yarn or floss for cheeks (optional)
- Polyester fiberfill, stitch marker, yarn needle and scissors
Safety tip: if the ghost is for a baby or small child, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – magic ring (see our magic ring tutorial)
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (invisible decrease: insert hook in front loops of the next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through both, then finish as a normal sc)
- sl st – slip stitch
- hdc – half double crochet
- FLO / BLO – front loop only / back loop only
- ( ) x6 – repeat the instructions in brackets 6 times
Free Crochet Ghost Pattern
Head and Body
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc x6. (12)
Round 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
Rounds 6–15: sc in each st around. (30) — 10 rounds
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 9 and 10, about 5 stitches apart. Embroider small pink cheeks just below and to the outside of each eye if you like.

Scalloped “Sheet” Edge
Round 16 (FLO): working in front loops only, (sl st in next st, 5 hdc in next st, sl st in next st, sl st in next 2 sts) x6. (6 scallops)
The front loops make the ruffled edge of the ghost’s sheet. The unused back loops of Round 15 are where you’ll work the bottom.
Bottom
Fold the scallops forward out of the way. Work into the back loops of Round 15:
Round 17 (BLO): (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
Round 18: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Stuff the ghost firmly, shaping the head round as you go.
Round 19: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
Round 20: dec x6. (6)
Add a little more stuffing if needed. Fasten off, thread the tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches, pull tight to close and weave in the end.
Arms (make 2)
Round 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
Rounds 2–4: sc around. (5)
Fasten off with a long tail. Don’t stuff. Flatten the open end and sew the arms to each side of the body, around Round 11, angled slightly forward.
Tips for Neat Amigurumi
- Use the invisible decrease. It keeps the bottom smooth with no gaps.
- Yarn under vs. yarn over: yarn under (grabbing the yarn from below) makes tighter “X”-shaped stitches that look extra neat on amigurumi.
- Stuff in small pieces. Many small tufts give a smoother shape than one big lump.
- Check eye placement before closing — safety eyes can’t be removed once the washer is on.
- Count every round for the first few ghosts, then you’ll know the pattern by heart.
Fun Variations
- Ghost holding a pumpkin: make a mini pumpkin (see our free crochet pumpkin pattern) and sew it between the arms.
- Keychain ghost: stop the body at Round 12 for a smaller ghost and attach a key ring to the top of the head.
- Glow ghost: use glow-in-the-dark yarn for a fun bedtime buddy.
- Color twist: pastel pink, mint or lavender ghosts look super cute for “pastel Halloween” decor.
- Little witch: add a tiny black cone hat: MR 4 sc, then increase by 2 sts every other round until it fits the head.
Found a mistake or stuck on a step? We check every stitch count carefully, but crochet is personal and tension varies. If something doesn’t work out for you, tell us here — we read every message and update our patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good first amigurumi?
Yes! It uses only basic stitches, the shape is forgiving, and it’s small enough to finish in an evening. New to toys? Read our amigurumi for beginners guide first.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
Absolutely. A chunky chenille or velvet yarn with a 5 mm hook makes a big, squishy ghost; lighter DK yarn makes a tiny one. Just go down a hook size from the yarn label so the fabric stays tight.
Why does stuffing show through my stitches?
Your hook is probably too big for the yarn. Try a hook 0.5–1 mm smaller, or try the yarn-under technique.
Can I sell ghosts made from this pattern?
Yes, you’re welcome to sell the finished ghosts you make. Please don’t republish or sell the written pattern itself — a link back to Crochet Talks is always appreciated.
Final Thoughts
This easy crochet ghost amigurumi is fast, adorable and perfect for Halloween gifts, party favors or craft fair tables. Make a whole spooky-cute family, pair them with a crochet spider web and some pumpkins, and your fall decor is done. Happy hooking!





Leave a Reply