Celebrate timeless Japanese craftsmanship with this Amigurumi Kokeshi Doll crochet pattern! Whether you’re crafting for cultural appreciation, elegant decor, or simply love charming character dolls, this free pattern lets you stitch up a beautifully minimalist Kokeshi-inspired figure. With its rounded head, simple cylindrical body, and delicate painted-style details, this amigurumi creation captures the traditional aesthetic of these iconic wooden dolls. Perfect for gifting, decorating a cozy space, or adding a touch of handmade artistry to your collection, this crochet Kokeshi doll is a tribute to grace and simplicity!
Designed for personalization, this pattern allows you to experiment with different kimono designs, embroidered facial expressions, and intricate hair details to make each doll truly unique. Choose soft floral hues for a classic look, craft bold geometric patterns for a modern twist, or even create an entire set with varied styles and colors! Whether displayed as a thoughtful gift, used as a decorative accent, or simply stitched up for the joy of creativity, this Amigurumi Kokeshi Doll is a delightful and elegant project—one stitch at a time! 🎎🧶✨
🎎 Amigurumi Kokeshi Doll Crochet Pattern
Bring a piece of tradition to your craft table with this sweet and charming amigurumi Kokeshi doll. With her embroidered floral kimono, simple features, and classic shape, she makes a perfect gift, collectible, or cultural display.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Includes color changes, embroidery, and shaping.
📏 Finished Size
Approximately 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) tall using sport or DK weight yarn and a 2.5–3.0 mm crochet hook.
🧶 Materials
- Yarn (Sport or DK weight):
- Skin: Light beige or cream
- Hair: Burnt orange or auburn
- Kimono: Yellow
- Base trim: Red
- Embroidery thread: Blue, green, pink, red, black
- Crochet hook: 2.5 mm
- Safety eyes: 6 mm (or embroider eyes)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Scissors
🧵 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
BLO – Back Loop Only
FO – Fasten Off
👧 Head & Body (Worked as One Piece)
Start with skin tone (head):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
6–12. sc around (30) - (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
- (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
Insert safety eyes between Rounds 8–9, approx. 5 stitches apart.
Stuff the head firmly.
Switch to kimono color (yellow):
16. In BLO, (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
17. (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
18. (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
19–28. sc around (30)
29. (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
30. (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
Begin stuffing the body firmly.
31. (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
32. dec x6 (6)
FO, weave yarn through front loops and pull to close.
👗 Base Trim (Optional)
With red yarn:
Attach yarn to front loops left from Round 16, sc around (30)
FO, sl st to join and weave in end.
💇 Hair Cap
With burnt orange yarn:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
6–11. sc around (30)
FO, leave long tail for sewing.
Sew onto head, covering top and sides.
💇 Hair Front Fringe
Chain 18, sl st back in each chain.
Repeat 4–5 times to create flat “looped bangs”.
Sew to top front of head in a parting curve.
👘 Arms (Make 2)
With skin color:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
2–3. sc around (6)
Switch to yellow:
4–8. sc around (6)
Stuff lightly and FO, leaving tail to sew.
Sew to sides of body, angled down.
🌸 Kimono Embroidery
With blue thread, embroider 3–5 simple flowers with lazy daisy stitches.
Use green thread to add small leaf stems.
Optional: Add French knots or tiny stars for accents.
😊 Face Embroidery
- Eyes: Use black thread to stitch upward curve or insert safety eyes
- Blush: Light pink thread, 2 straight stitches under each eye
- Smile: Red thread, embroider simple curve
Optional: Add light stitches for eyebrows above eyes.
💡 Tips
- Use invisible decrease (invdec) for cleaner shaping.
- Embroider flowers before stuffing the body for easier access.
- Change yarn colors cleanly by finishing the last stitch of the round in the new color.
✂️ Finishing Touches
- Double-check that all pieces are securely sewn and ends are neatly woven in.
- Lightly shape the doll by pressing and rolling in your hands to smooth any uneven stuffing.
- Add a light blush effect using pink pastel or embroidery if desired.
- If gifting, you can attach a small ribbon or tag to personalize it.
💖 Final Notes
This adorable Kokeshi doll is a timeless keepsake that carries the charm of tradition with the softness of yarn. Whether made for a gift, decor, or cultural appreciation, she’s sure to bring joy and a gentle smile. Don’t forget to make her a few friends in other kimono colors for a delightful display!
