Hey there! 🧶 Have you ever found yourself captivated by the world of amigurumi? I know I have! There’s something wonderfully whimsical about transforming a simple ball of yarn into a charming little creature or character, and the process itself is nothing short of magical. Among the many delightful figures you can create, crafting an amigurumi of someone like Yao Ming is particularly exciting! Imagine capturing his towering presence and warm smile in a cute, pocket-sized form. Not only is it a fun challenge, but it’s also a fantastic way to pay tribute to a sports icon in a unique and personal way.
Creating an amigurumi Yao Ming involves a series of fun and engaging steps. First, I gather all the essentials—soft yarn in the perfect shades, crochet hooks, stuffing, and needle for finishing touches. The process starts with crafting the basic shapes—typically starting with the head and then working on the body, arms, and legs. The real joy comes in adding those little details, like his signature basketball jersey or a playful facial expression. Each stitch is a labor of love, and by the time I’ve finished, I’ve not only created an adorable keepsake but also honed my skills and enjoyed every moment of the journey! 🏀
🏀 Amigurumi Yao Ming Crochet Pattern
Celebrate basketball greatness with this amigurumi doll inspired by the legendary Yao Ming! Dressed in a blue jersey and ready to take on the court, this doll makes the perfect gift for sports fans and collectors alike.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Includes color changes, facial embroidery, and outfit detailing.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) tall using DK or worsted yarn and a 2.5–3.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
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Yarn (DK or worsted weight):
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Skin tone (head, arms, hands)
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Black (hair, shoes, eyebrows)
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Blue (jersey, shorts)
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White (jersey trim and name)
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Embroidery thread or yarn for “YAO MING” text and facial details
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Crochet hook: 2.5–3.5 mm
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8–10 mm safety eyes
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Polyfill stuffing
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Tapestry needle
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Stitch marker
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase
dec – Decrease
ch – Chain
sl st – Slip Stitch
FO – Fasten Off
🧠 Head (Skin Tone Yarn)
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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)
7–13. sc (36)
– Insert safety eyes between R8–9, 6–7 sts apart -
(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
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(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Stuff firmly -
(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
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dec x6 (6), FO and close
🧑 Hair Cap (Black Yarn)
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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)
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sc (36), FO
– Sew on top of the head
💪 Arms (Make 2 – Skin Tone)
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MR, 6 sc
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(1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
3–10. sc (9)
– FO, stuff lightly, and sew to body later
🏀 Body (Blue Yarn → Shorts Transition)
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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)
6–10. sc (30) -
(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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Switch to white: sc (24)
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Switch to skin tone: (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Stuff firmly -
(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
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dec x6 (6), FO and close
🩳 Legs (Make 2 – Blue → Black)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
3–4. sc (12) -
Switch to black: sc (12)
6–8. sc (12)
– FO, stuff, and sew under body
✍️ Jersey Details
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Use white embroidery thread or yarn to write “YAO MING” on the chest
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Add a small white line for the collar and arm holes using surface crochet or stitching
👁 Facial Features
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Use black yarn to embroider thick eyebrows
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Embroider lines below eyebrows for detail
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Stitch a simple straight mouth
🧵 Assembly
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Attach head to body
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Sew arms to sides of body
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Sew legs under the body, slightly angled
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Embroider facial details and jersey text
💡 Optional Add-ons
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Add a mini crocheted basketball
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Create a felt or yarn number patch on the back of the jersey
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Add white wristbands or shoestring details
This amigurumi Yao Ming doll brings a slam dunk of personality and is perfect for gifting to basketball fans or displaying in a sporty handmade collection! 🏀💙
