Ever since I first laid eyes on the adorable, round shape of Totoro from Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro,” I knew I had to bring this whimsical character to life in the form of amigurumi. There’s something undeniably charming about crocheting little creatures, especially when they’re as beloved as Totoro. The process of creating an amigurumi Totoro pattern is a delightful blend of creativity and technical skill, where each stitch contributes to crafting a cuddly companion. It’s like painting a picture, but instead of using a brush, I wield a crochet hook, and my canvas is a ball of soft yarn. 🎨🧶
The journey begins with selecting just the right shade of gray for Totoro’s iconic fur, and perhaps a bit of white and black for his tummy and eyes. As I stitch away, piece by piece, my excitement builds with every round. There’s something almost meditative about counting stitches and watching as Totoro slowly takes shape in my hands. From his tiny ears to his big, expressive eyes, every detail is a step towards recreating the magic of the film in plush form. The best part? Seeing the finished amigurumi Totoro’s cheerful face, ready to spread joy to everyone who meets him. Who could resist such a lovable forest spirit? 🌳✨
🌿 Amigurumi Totoro Crochet Pattern
Bring a gentle forest spirit into your home with this round, cuddly amigurumi Totoro. This pattern creates a soft, bottom-heavy Totoro with a wide cream belly, small upright ears, subtle chest markings, and a calm, friendly expression. The body and head are worked as one continuous piece for a smooth, sculpted finish.
Perfect as a display plush, gift, or collectible for fans of whimsical woodland characters.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – simple single crochet shaping with clean color changes, appliqué details, and careful placement for correct proportions.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 20–23 cm (8–9 in) tall
Wider than tall, with a rounded base (as shown in the photo)
🧶 Materials & Yarn Amounts
Yarn (DK or light worsted recommended):
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Slate blue / blue-grey (main body, ears, arms, chest arches): 70–80 g
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Cream / beige (belly): 25–30 g
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White (eyes): 5 g
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Brown / rust (nose): 2 g
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Black (pupils, whiskers): small scraps
Other Materials:
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
🐾 Body & Head (Worked as One Piece)
Color: Blue-Grey
R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
R2: inc ×6 (12)
R3: (sc, inc) ×6 (18)
R4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
R5: (3 sc, inc) ×6 (30)
R6: (4 sc, inc) ×6 (36)
R7: (5 sc, inc) ×6 (42)
R8: (6 sc, inc) ×6 (48)
R9–R14: sc around (48)
🍃 Belly Section (Integrated Colorwork)
Switch to Cream for front half only
(24 sts cream, 24 sts blue-grey each round)
R15–R25:
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24 sc cream (front)
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24 sc blue-grey (back)
This creates a tall, dominant belly that reaches high on the chest.
🔽 Body Shaping
Continue in Blue-Grey only
R26: (6 sc, dec) ×6 (42)
R27: (5 sc, dec) ×6 (36)
R28: (4 sc, dec) ×6 (30)
R29: (3 sc, dec) ×6 (24)
👉 Begin stuffing firmly, shaping a wide base.
R30: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
R31: (sc, dec) ×6 (12)
R32: dec ×6 (6)
FO, close tightly, weave in ends.
🌿 Belly Chest Markings (Make 7)
Color: Blue-Grey
For each marking:
ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch (2 sts), FO
Placement (important):
👀 Eyes (Make 2)
Color: White
MR, 6 sc
inc ×6 (12)
sl st, FO
Insert 10 mm safety eyes through the centers
(or embroider black pupils after sewing)
Sew eyes slightly above the belly top edge, evenly spaced.
👃 Nose
Color: Brown / Rust
MR, 4 sc
sc around (4)
FO
Sew centered between eyes, slightly lower than eye midpoint.
🐱 Ears (Make 2)
Color: Blue-Grey
MR, 4 sc (4)
R2: (sc, inc) ×2 (6)
R3: (2 sc, inc) ×2 (8)
R4–R6: sc around (8)
FO, stuff lightly at base only.
Placement:
Sew between Rounds 6–8, slightly forward on the head, angled outward.
💪 Arms (Make 2)
Color: Blue-Grey
MR, 6 sc (6)
R2: (sc, inc) ×3 (9)
R3–R7: sc around (9)
R8: (sc, dec) ×3 (6)
FO, stuff lightly, flatten slightly.
Placement:
Sew low on the body between Rounds 18–20, arms hanging downward.
🧵 Whiskers
Cut 3 strands per side of black thread or cord.
Insert through the head, knot securely inside, trim evenly.
✂️ Assembly Order
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Attach belly arches
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Sew eyes and nose
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Add whiskers
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Attach ears
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Sew arms
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Final shaping and stuffing adjustment
✨ Finishing Touches
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Gently massage stuffing to emphasize a wide, rounded base
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Ensure ears are upright and slightly forward
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Arms should rest naturally at the sides
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Totoro should sit flat without legs or feet visible
🍃 Your Totoro Is Complete!
This finished Totoro captures the calm, comforting presence of the forest spirit—round, soft, and perfectly balanced. Whether displayed on a shelf, gifted to a fan, or paired with woodland décor, he’s sure to bring warmth and quiet charm wherever he goes.
Happy crocheting 🌿🧶
