Amigurumi Santa: Free Crochet Doll Pattern

A Seated Santa with Stable Proportions

The body has a broad 36-stitch base and tapers only near the shoulders. Separate legs give the doll a natural seated pose and make stuffing easier to control. The head and body are closed independently, then joined through a full circle of stitches for a firm neck.

Materials You'll Need

• About 360 yd (329 m) DK cotton (suit and hat), 100% cotton, in Deep burgundy.
• About 210 yd (192 m) DK cotton (trim and beard), 100% cotton, in Warm ivory.
• About 90 yd (82 m) DK cotton (face and hands), 100% cotton, in Peach beige.
• About 90 yd (82 m) DK cotton (boots, belt and buckle), 100% cotton, in Dark cocoa and Charcoal and Muted gold.
• About 2 yd (2 m) DK cotton (eyes), 100% cotton, in Black.
• 3.0 mm (US C-2) crochet hook.
• Polyester stuffing, about 9 oz (255 g).
• Optional double-sealed weighting pouch for display only.
• Yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scissors.

Use smooth cotton for clear facial stitches. If the doll is intended for display only, a small fabric pouch of plastic pellets can sit at the base; keep it double sealed and omit it for children.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

• Skill level: Experienced.
• Gauge: 24 sc and 26 rnds = 4 in (10 cm).
• Finished size: About 16 in (41 cm) tall when seated, including the hat.
• Working time: About 9 hours.

Stuffing must not show through the fabric. Make the head first and change hook size before continuing if gaps appear around the increase rounds.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

Instructions use US crochet terms. Count at the end of every numbered row or round before moving on.

• mr: magic ring.
• ch: chain.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• sc: single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• inc: 2 stitches in the same stitch.
• dec: invisible single crochet decrease.
• BLO: back loop only.
• FLO: front loop only.
• sk: skip.
• sp: space.
• st(s): stitch(es).
• rnd(s): round(s).

Loop stitch: Wrap yarn around two fingers, insert the hook in the next stitch, catch the working strand behind the loop and complete 1 sc while holding the loop to the front.

Invisible decrease: Work through the front loops of the next 2 stitches and complete 1 sc.

Pattern Notes

• Work all stuffed pieces in continuous spirals.
• Embroider the eyes; do not use safety eyes for the pictured version.
• Make exactly 2 arms and 2 legs.

Mark the front of the body after Round 10. Belt, coat trim and leg placement all use that mark, which prevents the finished doll from twisting.

How to Crochet an Amigurumi Santa

The head and torso use standard six-stitch increase circles. Arms begin with the hands, and legs begin at the boots. The hat grows by three stitches every other round, producing a long cone that bends to one side.

The loop beard is a flat panel. Make each loop around two fingers, then lock it with a single crochet. Shorter upper rows fit under the nose; the widest loops sit along the jaw.

Assembly Order for a Balanced Doll

1. Sew the closed head to the top of the body through 18 evenly spaced stitches.
2. Attach both legs across the lower front so the boots rest flat when the body is seated.
3. Sew both arms one round below the neck with the thumbs facing inward.
4. Wrap the belt around Body Round 14 and place the buckle at the marked front.
5. Attach the beard, hat brim and hat, then embroider the eyes and secure the coat trim.

Set the doll on a flat surface after pinning each pair of limbs. Adjust placement before sewing the second side.

Avoiding Extra Bulk at the Neck

• Keep the final head rounds lightly stuffed.
• Flatten the upper body before joining the head.
• Sew through one head stitch and one body stitch at a time.
• Hide beard and brim tails under their own panels.

Changing the Crochet Santa Palette

Burgundy gives the suit a muted holiday color. Classic red works with the same ivory trim, while charcoal boots and belt can be swapped for deep brown. Keep strong contrast between the beard and face so the embroidered features remain clear.

Care and Storage

Spot clean and air dry. Do not machine wash a weighted doll. This display piece has long fibers and small attached parts; supervise children and omit pellets for any toy.