Step into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli with this Amigurumi Catbus crochet pattern! Inspired by the magical, mischievous creature from My Neighbor Totoro, this delightful design captures the charm of the iconic feline-shaped bus with its expressive eyes, cozy windows, and playful paws. With carefully crafted details that bring its fantastical personality to life, this crochet Catbus is perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia and adventure to your handmade collection. Whether you’re crafting for Ghibli fans, creating a unique display piece, or simply enjoy making character-inspired amigurumi designs, this pattern lets you stitch up a miniature Catbus bursting with charm! 🐱🚌✨
Designed for customization, this pattern allows you to experiment with different shades of brown, embroidered details, or even tiny accessories like a miniature Totoro passenger or glowing eyes for extra flair. Craft a classic Catbus with its signature earthy hues, create a whimsical version with bold tones, or even stitch up a full set of Ghibli-inspired amigurumi for a magical display! Whether gifted as a cherished keepsake, displayed as a nostalgic accent, or made simply for the joy of crafting, this Amigurumi Catbus is a fun and creative project—perfect for bringing a touch of handmade fantasy to every stitch! 🧶💖🌟
🐾 Amigurumi Catbus Crochet Pattern
This whimsical Catbus amigurumi brings cozy magic into yarn form. With its plump oval body, signature grin, round windows, chunky paws, and two tiny mouse passengers perched on top, this design captures the playful charm of a fantasy bus creature while remaining soft and cuddly.
Perfect as a display piece, nursery décor, or collectible amigurumi, this Catbus is a joyful project for crocheters who enjoy detailed character builds.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate to Advanced
(Body shaping, appliqués, embroidery, and multi-part assembly)
📏 Finished Size
Approximately 23–25 cm (9–10 inches) tall using DK or worsted yarn and a 3.0–3.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
Yarn (DK or Worsted weight):
- Light brown – main body
- Dark brown – feet, nose, accents
- Beige – belly patch, ears, sign base
- Cream – window frames
- Black – windows, mouth embroidery, sign letters
- Yellow – eye rings
- White – mouth patch
- Light gray & beige – mice
- Small scraps – flowers (optional)
Tools & Notions:
- 3.0–3.5 mm crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional safety eyes (or embroidery)
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – magic ring
sc – single crochet
inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec – decrease (sc2tog)
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
FO – fasten off
🐈 Catbus Body (Light Brown)
Worked in continuous rounds.
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)
R9–22: sc around (48)
R23: (6 sc, dec) ×6 (42)
R24: (5 sc, dec) ×6 (36)
R25: (4 sc, dec) ×6 (30)
R26: (3 sc, dec) ×6 (24)
R27: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
Stuff firmly, shaping into a rounded oval bus shape.
R28: (sc, dec) ×6 (12)
R29: dec ×6 (6)
FO and close.
🍞 Belly Patch (Beige – Large Oval)
R1: MR, 6 sc
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)
FO. Flatten and sew centered on front lower body.
🦶 Feet (Make 4 – Dark Brown)
Each foot is round and chunky.
R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
R2: inc ×6 (12)
R3–6: sc around (12)
Stuff firmly and flatten slightly.
FO and leave long tail for sewing.
Attach two feet on each side at the base of the body.
👂 Ears (Make 2)
Outer (Light Brown):
R1: MR, 6 sc
R2: inc ×6 (12)
R3: sc around (12)
FO
Inner (Beige):
R1: MR, 6 sc
R2: inc ×6 (12)
FO
Place inner on outer, stitch together.
Sew on top front of body.
👁 Eyes (Make 2)
Yellow ring:
R1: MR, 6 sc
R2: (sc, inc) ×3 (9)
FO
Center pupil: embroider black circle or sew small black felt circle.
Attach symmetrically to face.
👃 Nose (Dark Brown)
R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
R2: inc ×6 (12)
R3: sc around (12)
FO, lightly stuff.
Sew centered between eyes above mouth.
😼 Mouth Patch (White)
Ch 11
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (10)
Row 2–4: ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
FO.
Sew below nose.
Embroider vertical black lines for teeth.
🪟 Windows (Make 6–8)
Frame (Cream):
Ch 9
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (8)
Rows 2–9: ch 1, turn, sc across (8)
Sc evenly around rectangle, placing 3 sc in corners.
FO.
Insert (Black):
Ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (6)
Rows 2–7: sc across
FO and sew inside frame.
Attach in a row along each side of body.
🪧 Destination Sign
With beige:
Ch 11
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (10)
Rows 2–5: ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
FO.
Embroider TOTORO in black.
Sew on top center.
🐭 Mice Passengers (Make 2)
Body (one piece):
R1: MR, 6 sc
R2: inc ×6 (12)
R3: (sc, inc) ×6 (18)
R4–6: sc around (18)
R7: (sc, dec) ×6 (12)
R8–9: sc around (12)
R10: (2 sc, dec) ×3 (9)
FO.
Ears (Make 2):
MR, 6 sc, sl st, FO.
Embroider face and whiskers.
Add small flower near ear (optional).
Sew mice sitting beside the sign.
🧵 Assembly Order
- Sew belly patch
- Attach feet
- Sew ears
- Add eyes, nose, mouth
- Attach windows
- Sew destination sign
- Attach mice
- Finish embroidery
✨ Finishing Touches
- Shape mouth into a gentle curve
- Ensure feet sit flat
- Center the belly patch
- Lightly brush fibers for softness
🌙 Final Thoughts
This Catbus amigurumi is a joyful blend of fantasy and craftsmanship. With its round belly, cheerful grin, tiny windows, and adorable mouse passengers, it makes a perfect decorative piece or collector’s plush for lovers of whimsical crochet creations.
Every stitch adds personality, and the finished Catbus will bring warmth and magic to any handmade collection. 🧶🚍✨
Awesome!!