Creating an amigurumi Elmo from Sesame Street is such a delightful adventure! 😍 As a long-time fan of both crocheting and the endearing characters of Sesame Street, combining these two interests into crafting an adorable Elmo feels like a celebration of creativity and nostalgia. The vibrant red yarn captures Elmo’s iconic hue, while his big, innocent eyes and the infectious smile bring to life the character’s joyful and curious nature. The process can be both meditative and challenging, as every stitch is a tiny step towards bringing this beloved character to life. It’s amazing how a simple hook and yarn can transform into a recognizable, huggable version of a childhood favorite.
The creative process behind designing an amigurumi Elmo pattern is truly special. 🧶 It starts with observing Elmo’s unique features and translating them into crochet stitches that reflect his lovable personality. Choosing the right materials is crucial; the texture and color of the yarn must embody Elmo’s fuzzy and cheerful essence. I love experimenting with different crochet techniques to achieve the perfect roundness of his head and the expressive curve of his mouth. Each detail, from his nose to his bubbly feet, requires attention to achieve the correct proportions. This journey is not just about crafting a toy; it’s about weaving joy, creativity, and a sprinkle of nostalgia into every piece.
🧡 Crochet Elmo-Inspired Doll – Free Pattern
Bring your favorite fuzzy red friend to life with this cheerful, huggable Elmo-inspired amigurumi! With his soft rounded hands, long arms, wide smile, and bright orange nose, he’s full of personality and nostalgic charm.
✨ Skill Level
Easy to Intermediate – includes shaping, facial placement, and continuous-hand construction.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 11–12 in (28–30 cm) tall using worsted-weight yarn and a 3.5–4 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
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Red – main body, head, arms, legs
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Orange – nose
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White – eyes
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Black – pupils & mouth
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Crochet hook 3.5 mm
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Poly-fill stuffing
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8–10 mm safety eyes or black felt circles
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Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker
🧵 Yarn Amounts
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Red ≈ 80 g
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Orange ≈ 5 g
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White ≈ 5 g
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Black ≈ 5 g
🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – magic ring
sc – single crochet
inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
dec – decrease (sc 2 tog)
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
FO – fasten off
👤 Head (Red)
MR 6 sc (6)
R2 inc × 6 (12)
R3 (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
R4 (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
R5 (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
R6 (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
R7-13 sc around (36)
👉 Insert safety eyes between R8-9, about 7 sts apart.
R14 (4 sc, dec) × 6 (30)
R15 (3 sc, dec) × 6 (24)
R16 (2 sc, dec) × 6 (18) — stuff firmly.
R17 (1 sc, dec) × 6 (12)
R18 dec × 6 (6) → FO and close.
🧍 Body (Red)
MR 6 sc (6)
R2 inc × 6 (12)
R3 (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
R4 (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
R5 (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
R6 (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
R7-18 sc around (36) — this extra height gives Elmo his round tummy.
R19 (4 sc, dec) × 6 (30)
R20 (3 sc, dec) × 6 (24) — stuff very firmly.
R21 (2 sc, dec) × 6 (18)
R22 (1 sc, dec) × 6 (12)
R23 dec × 6 (6) → FO and close.
💡 Proportion Note:
The body should be roughly 1.5× the width of the head when viewed from the front.
💪 Arms with Built-In Hands (Make 2)
MR 6 sc (6)
R2 (1 sc, inc) × 3 (9)
R3-14 sc around (9) — slender arm.
R15 (1 sc, inc) × 4, sc (13) – flare for hand.
R16-17 sc around (13)
R18 (1 sc, dec) × 4, sc (9)
R19 dec × 4, sc (5) → FO and close.
Stuff lightly up to R15, leaving hand tip soft for natural droop.
Attachment: Sew to body at R18-20 (mid-torso), just below shoulder line.
🦵 Legs and Flared Feet (Make 2)
MR 6 sc (6)
R2 inc × 6 (12)
R3 (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18) – foot base.
R4-6 sc around (18) – forms bell-bottom foot.
R7 (2 sc, dec) × 6 (12) – ankle taper.
R8-20 sc around (12) – long leg tube.
FO and stuff.
Attachment: Angle legs 15–20° forward so Elmo stands naturally.
👂 Ears (Make 2)
MR 6 sc (6)
R2 inc × 6 (12)
R3 sc around (12)
R4 (1 sc, dec) × 4 (8) → FO.
Flatten slightly and sew at R7-9 of head, mid-height just behind eyes.
👃 Nose (Orange)
MR 6 sc (6)
R2 (1 sc, inc) × 3 (9)
R3 (2 sc, inc) × 3 (12)
R4-6 sc around (12) – gives a 1.5-in sphere.
R7 (1 sc, dec) × 4 (8) → FO, stuff firmly, and sew centered between eyes.
👀 Eyes (Make 2 White + Black Pupil)
White: MR 6 sc → inc × 6 (12) → FO.
Black Pupil: MR 4 sc → sl st → FO.
Sew pupil onto white circle then attach both eyes side-by-side on front of head (just above nose level).
😃 Mouth (Black)
Ch 18
R1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (17)
R2 dec, sc × 13, dec (15)
R3 sc × 15 → FO.
Shape into a wide curve and stitch under nose.
💡 For a smile like the photo, curve corners up slightly before sewing.
🧷 Assembly Order
1️⃣ Sew head to body (no neck gap).
2️⃣ Attach arms at R18-20 of body.
3️⃣ Attach legs angled forward for balance.
4️⃣ Add ears to head at R7-9.
5️⃣ Sew nose, eyes, then mouth.
⚖️ Stuffing Guide
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Feet: very firmly (for stability)
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Legs: moderately
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Body: firmly to maintain round shape
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Arms: lightly (for poseability)
💡 Finishing Touches
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Lightly brush red yarn with a soft toothbrush for a fuzzy texture.
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Optional white felt belly oval for contrast.
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Stitch tiny nostrils if desired.
🚫 Common Troubleshooting
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Arms stiff? Reduce stuffing in hands.
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Head wobbles? Add more fiberfill at neck join.
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Feet collapse? Add flat felt circles inside bottom rounds.
🌟 Finishing Display
Pose your Elmo on a shelf or child’s bedroom corner with a big smile and outstretched hands ready for a hug!
🧡 Elmo is complete – soft, friendly, and perfect for cuddles or nostalgic decor!
