Get ready to crochet a tiny champion with this FREE Amigurumi Karate Kid pattern! Inspired by the iconic underdog story, this adorable project brings Daniel LaRusso’s determined spirit to life in plush form. Whether you’re a fan of the classic film or just love crafting pop culture characters, this pattern is perfect for creating a pocket-sized black belt buddy. With simple stitches and beginner-friendly instructions, you’ll have your own mini karate master ready to strike a pose in no time!
From his signature headband to his fierce (but cute!) crane kick stance, this amigurumi captures all the heart and grit of the original Karate Kid. Make it as a gift for fellow fans, a fun desk companion, or a playful addition to your crochet collection. Wax on, wax off—and let’s get stitching! 🥋✨
🥋 Amigurumi The Karate Kid – FREE Crochet Pattern
This fierce and focused little fighter is ready to kick into action! Featuring a white karate gi with a tied belt, determined embroidered brows, and confident stance, this amigurumi Karate Kid is perfect for martial arts fans or action-loving kids.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Includes shaped limbs, poseable stance, and simple clothing assembly.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 9–10 inches (23–25 cm) tall using DK yarn and a 2.5–3.0 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
- DK or Worsted weight yarn in:
- Skin Tone (Color A)
- Brown (Color B) – Hair & Eyebrows
- White (Color C) – Gi (uniform)
- Dark Brown (Color D) – Belt
- Black embroidery thread (for eyes and brows)
- 2.5–3 mm crochet hook
- 8–10 mm safety eyes (or embroidery)
- Stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec – Decrease (sc 2 together)
sl st – Slip Stitch
ch – Chain
st – Stitch
FO – Fasten Off
🧑 Head (Color A – Skin)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
8–15. sc around (42)
📌 Place safety eyes between Rounds 10–11, spaced 7 sts apart - (5 sc, dec) x6 (36)
- (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
- (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
Stuff firmly - (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
- dec x6 (6), FO and close
💇 Hair Cap (Color B)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
8–12. sc around (42)
FO, sew to top of head
📌 Optional: embroider or surface-crochet spiked hairline and brows
👕 Body (Color A for neck, then Color C for gi)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
4–5. sc around
Switch to Color C - inc in front 6 sts (for collar shaping), rest sc around (24)
7–14. sc around (24)
Stuff lightly, FO and leave long tail
💪 Arms (Make 2 – Color A > Color C)
- MR, 6 sc
- (1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
3–4. sc around (9)
Switch to Color C
5–10. sc around (9)
Stuff lightly, FO and sew to sides of body
🦵 Legs (Make 2 – Color A > Color C)
- MR, 6 sc
- (1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
3–4. sc around (9)
Switch to Color C
5–10. sc around (9)
Stuff, FO
Sew legs in slight spread stance for action pose
🧣 Belt (Color D)
Ch 30, sl st across
Wrap around waist and tie in knot
Optional: Add short chains to simulate tied ends
🧵 Gi Collar & Details
- Surface crochet (or stitch) “lapels” from the neckline to waist diagonally
- Embroider sleeve cuffs with short horizontal lines if desired
- Add vertical slit in pants with sl sts for realism
😠 Face Details
- Embroider thick, slanted eyebrows with Color B or black thread
- Optional: stitch mouth for confident smirk or fighting face
💡 Customization Ideas
- Swap belt color for different ranks (white, yellow, black, etc.)
- Add dojo patch or country flag to gi
- Pose arms differently for high block or punch
This determined Karate Kid is ready to kick high and aim higher — a spirited companion for martial arts fans of all ages! 🥋💥🧶
