Get ready to bring a little folklore magic to life with this Amigurumi Oni crochet pattern! Inspired by the legendary Japanese ogres, this mischievous yet lovable creature is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your handmade collection. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just dipping your hook into the world of amigurumi, this free pattern makes it easy to craft your very own tiny guardianβor trickster! With its signature horns and expressive features, your Oni is sure to be a standout piece, ideal for gifting or displaying proudly.
This pattern is designed with fun in mind, giving you the flexibility to customize colors and details to make your Oni uniquely yours. Whether you lean toward traditional fiery reds or opt for a softer, pastel twist, the possibilities are endless! So, gather your yarn, grab your hook, and let’s dive into this playful, cultural-inspired crochet adventure. By the time you finish, you’ll have a little Oni that might look fierceβbut is really full of charm! π§Άβ¨
πΉ Amigurumi Oni β Free Crochet Pattern
This adorable but mighty Oni amigurumi combines traditional folklore aesthetics with plush cuteness! Featuring powerful horns, an expressive face, hand-wrapped headband, and detailed claws, this mythical warrior is perfect for display, gifting, or a themed collection.
β¨ Skill Level
Advanced β Includes shaping, color changes, layered elements, claws, and decorative details.
π Finished Size
Approx. 8β10 inches (20β25 cm) tall using worsted weight yarn and a 2.5β3.5 mm hook.
π§Ά Materials
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Yarn (Worsted weight or DK):
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Deep Red (main body)
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Mustard Yellow (belly, face, limbs, horns)
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White (headband & claws)
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Black or Safety Eyes (12β14 mm)
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Other Supplies:
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Crochet hook: 2.5β3.5 mm
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Polyfill stuffing
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Stitch marker
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Tapestry needle
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Optional: craft wire for claw shaping
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π§΅ Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR β Magic Ring
sc β Single Crochet
inc β Increase
dec β Decrease
sl st β Slip Stitch
ch β Chain
BLO β Back Loop Only
FLO β Front Loop Only
FO β Fasten Off
π² Head & Body (worked continuously)
Start with Red:
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
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(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
7β14. sc around (36)
Switch to Yellow for belly (optional)
15β18. sc around (36) β use Yellow for front 18 sts only if changing colors
19. (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
20. (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
21. (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
22. (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
Stuff firmly.
23. dec x6 (6)
FO and close.
π Eyes & Face Details
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Use 12 mm safety eyes or black domed eyes between rounds 8β9, approx. 6β8 sts apart.
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Embroider yellow eye markings above/below eyes with small curved “v” shapes using surface crochet or embroidery.
Cheeks (Make 2, Yellow):
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MR, 6 sc
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sl st to close, FO and sew under eyes
πͺ Arms (Make 2)
Start with Red:
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
3β7. sc around (12)
Switch to Yellow (claw base):
8β10. sc around (12)
Stuff lightly and FO.
β Claws (Make 3 per arm β 6 total)
Use White yarn:
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MR, 4 sc
2β3. sc around (4)
FO, leave tail
Sew spaced evenly on yellow end of arms. Slightly curl for fierce effect.
𦡠Legs (Make 2)
Start with Yellow:
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
3β4. sc around (12)
Switch to Red:
5β10. sc around (12)
Stuff firmly, FO, and sew legs under body for seated pose.
π¦Ά Foot Claws (Make 3 per foot β 6 total)
Same as hand claws above.
Sew evenly across the top of each foot in a curved arc.
π¦ Horns (Make 2)
Start with Mustard Yellow:
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MR, 4 sc
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(1 sc, inc) x2 (6)
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(2 sc, inc) x2 (8)
4β6. sc around (8)
Switch to Red tip (optional):
7β8. sc around (8)
Stuff lightly, FO and sew to head sides at slight outward tilt.
π§£ Headband (Wrap-Around Style)
Use White yarn:
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ch 61
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sl st in 2nd ch and across
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FO and wrap around head. Tie loose or stitch in place with side knot
Optional: Ch 10 strands and knot them at the sides to look like headband tails hanging down
βοΈ Assembly Instructions
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Attach horns firmly at top sides of head
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Wrap and tie white headband behind horns
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Sew cheeks under safety eyes
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Position arms on sides with claws slightly forward
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Attach legs to base of body
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Add all claws securely with tight whip stitches
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Embroider any tribal or forehead markings
π‘ Customization Ideas
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Use black yarn to add small flame shapes or eyebrow accents
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Add miniature club/staff accessory
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Use variegated yarn for magical Oni effect
This fearsome little Oni is equal parts fierce and fluffy! Whether seated on a meditation stone or guarding your desk, he brings protective spirit and handmade charm. π₯π§Ά