Here’s a confession: the first ghost I ever crocheted was supposed to be a snowman.
I ran out of orange yarn for the nose, stared at the plain white blob in my hand, gave it two black eyes and a little “O” of a mouth… and suddenly it was the cutest thing on my shelf. That’s the secret nobody tells you about ghost amigurumi. It’s the most forgiving shape in crochet. No limbs to line up, no ears to sew on crooked, no complicated color changes. If your stitches go a little wobbly, guess what? Ghosts are supposed to look a little wobbly.
So if the days are getting shorter, the leaves are crunching under your boots, and your hook is itching for something spooky (but not too spooky), you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered the best free ghost amigurumi patterns out there – the easy ones, the cuddly ones, and a couple of delightfully weird ones – and added my own notes on who each pattern is really for.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Ghosts are the perfect first amigurumi. One color, simple shaping, and very little (sometimes zero) sewing.
- Most of these patterns make small ghosts (2–11 inches), so you can finish one in an evening – or a whole haunted family in a weekend.
- Any pattern can be resized just by switching to thicker yarn and a bigger hook.
- Making toys for little kids? Embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
- All 11 patterns below are free and link straight to the original designer.
Why a Crochet Ghost Is the Best Halloween Project You’ll Make This Year
Think about every other Halloween classic. Pumpkins need ribbing and stems. Bats need wings that somehow always end up lopsided. Witches need hats, hair, brooms, and a whole lot of patience.
A ghost? It’s basically a soft white dome with a personality. And that personality is completely up to you. Ghosts can be tiny or huge, sweet or spooky, funny or mysterious. Give one a witch hat and it’s a party guest. Give it pink cheeks and it’s a nursery toy. Line up five on your mantel and you’ve got a haunted house that nobody is actually scared of.
They’re also ridiculously useful. I’ve seen crocheted ghosts used as:
- Halloween table centerpieces (and instant conversation starters)
- Little gifts tucked into trick-or-treat bags
- Keychains and bag charms that stay out long after October
- Porch decorations that give trick-or-treaters a friendly surprise
Want the full atmospheric effect? Group your ghosts with a few other spooky decorations, dim the lights, and add a fog machine if you’re feeling dramatic. (I’m always feeling dramatic in October.)
Quick Pick: Which Ghost Pattern Should You Start With?
Not sure where to begin? Here’s my cheat sheet before we get into the details.
| If you want… | Start with |
|---|---|
| No sewing at all | Gilbert the Ghost or the Friendly Amigurumi Ghost |
| Something done in under an hour | Howl – the Littlest Ghost |
| A keychain or bag charm | Ghost Cute Kawaii Key Chain |
| A big cuddly plush | Ghost Kitty Ragdoll |
| Something that isn’t a toy | Ghost Coaster |
| A shelf-worthy display piece | Halloween Cuddle Me Ghost |
1. Gilbert the Ghost by Nicole Chase
If you only make one ghost from this list, make Gilbert. Honestly, he’s the reason I tell beginners to start with ghosts.
Nicole Chase designed him to be worked seamlessly, with no sewing required for the main body. The head and body are crocheted as one piece, and the arms are worked directly into the body as you go. That means no pinning, no squinting, no wondering why the left arm is pointing at the ceiling.
The cherry on top? A little witch hat that turns him from “cute” into “fully dressed for the party.” Make one in pink and one in purple and you’ve got a matching pair.
Best for: Total beginners and anyone who hates sewing parts together.
Get the free Gilbert the Ghost pattern here
2. Friendly Amigurumi Crochet Ghost by Maggie Haskell (Zamiguz)
This is the pattern I’d hand to someone who says “I’ve never made a toy before, but I want to try.” It’s another zero-sewing design, and the designer says you can finish one in about three hours.
It’s written for worsted weight (#4) yarn and a 3.5 mm (US E) hook. Using those, your ghost comes out about 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall, plus a roughly 2.5-inch hat. Gauge doesn’t matter here, which takes a lot of pressure off. Grab whatever white yarn you have in your stash and go.
You’ll need: worsted yarn, a 3.5 mm hook, a stitch marker, 8 mm or 10 mm safety eyes, stuffing, a tapestry needle and scissors.
Best for: A cozy one-evening project.
3. Hands-Up Ghost Amigurumi
You know that moment when a little kid jumps out from behind the couch, throws their arms in the air and yells “BOO!” – and it’s adorable instead of scary? That’s exactly what these ghosts look like.
They’re tiny, only 2–3 inches, and as friendly as they come. Because they’re so small, they’re great for using up leftover white yarn. Just remember to have safety eyes ready, because a plain white ghost without eyes looks a bit like a marshmallow.
Best for: Scrap-busting and making a whole little crowd.
See the photos and full pattern on Instagram
4. Ghost Kitty Ragdoll by Crochetverse
Let’s stay on the sweet side for a minute. This one is pure cuteness: a ghost and a cat had a baby, and it came out with pink ears and paws, green eyes and a tiny nose. Every detail is basically saying “pick me up.”
It’s also one of the larger patterns on this list, with a finished size of about 11 inches tall and 8 inches wide. That makes it a real cuddle toy rather than a shelf ornament. If you’ve got a cat lover in your life, this is their Halloween gift sorted.
Best for: A huggable plush or a gift for a cat person.
Get the free Ghost Kitty Ragdoll pattern here
5. Flat Ghost Amigurumi by Spin a Yarn Crochet
This one does something clever. Instead of working in a round 3-D shape, it’s made from two separate pieces joined together, which gives it a soft, flat, almost cartoon-like 2-D look.
Here’s why I love that: it makes resizing incredibly easy. The same pattern can be a pocket-sized ghost or a full ghost pillow for your couch, depending on your yarn and hook. One pattern, endless options.
Best for: Anyone who wants to scale up to a cushion.
Get the free Ghost Amigurumi pattern here
6. Howl – the Littlest Ghost by Café del Craft
Some projects are about the journey. This one is about instant gratification. Howl gives you all the joy of making something with the bare minimum of effort.
He’s so small and quick that you’ll have a bunch of them done before your tea goes cold. Scatter them around the house, hide them in your kids’ lunch boxes, or add a ring and turn them into keychains.
Best for: Last-minute makers (I see you, October 30th crew).
Get the free Howl pattern on Café del Craft
7. Ghost Cute Kawaii Key Chain
What can I say? This one is so adorable that nobody stands a chance. If you know anyone who loves anime, manga or anything kawaii, they’re going to lose their mind over it.
Clip it to a backpack, a pencil case or your project bag. Unlike a lot of Halloween décor, a ghost keychain doesn’t have to go back in the box on November 1st.
Best for: Teens, kawaii fans and craft-fair sellers.
Get the free Kawaii Ghost Key Chain pattern on Ravelry
8. Boo – Ghost / Fantasma by Tarturumies
Boo is the odd one out in this ghost family, and that’s exactly why I included him. He looks a little more alien than his traditional ghost cousins, with a shape that’s just slightly… otherworldly.
Don’t let that put you off, though. He’s cuteness in its purest form and he’ll trick-or-treat his way right into your heart.
Best for: Makers who want a ghost that looks different from everyone else’s.
Get the free Boo / Fantasma pattern here
9. Ghost Coasters by Red Heart (Yarnspirations)
Okay, technically not a stuffed toy. But hear me out.
Ghost coasters are a sneaky way to bring Halloween into every room without adding more clutter. Put them under drinks at your Halloween party and watch guests pick them up to look closer. And here’s a little bonus idea: resize the pattern and stick the ghosts onto your window glass for a spooky silhouette from outside.
Best for: Practical makers and party hosts.
Get the free Ghost Coasters pattern on Yarnspirations
10. Zero the Ghost Dog
We had a ghost kitty, so of course we need a ghost dog too. Fair is fair.
Zero is cute, friendly and super fun to make. He stands about 7 inches tall, and here’s my favorite detail: you can give the tip of his nose a little pumpkin face. It’s a tiny touch, but it’s the kind of thing people notice and smile at.
Best for: Dog lovers and fans of spooky-season movies.
Get the free Zero Ghost Dog pattern on Ravelry
11. Halloween Cuddle Me Ghost by Amigurumi Today
We’ll finish with the most elegant ghost in the bunch. At about 6 inches tall, this one is the most doll-like design on the list, with a softness that feels more “vintage keepsake” than “Halloween toy.”
It looks lovely on a bookshelf or a window sill, and it’s the kind of piece you’ll want to bring out year after year.
Best for: Shelf décor and makers who like a more refined finish.
Get the free Cuddle Me Ghost pattern on Amigurumi Today
My Best Tips for Crocheting Ghost Amigurumi
After making more white blobs than I can count, here’s what actually makes a difference.
Want a bigger ghost? Change the yarn, not the pattern
Most of these ghosts are small, but you don’t need a new pattern to go big. Switch to chunkier yarn and a larger hook, and the same instructions give you a bigger ghost. You’ll just need more white yarn, extra stuffing and a little more patience.
Use a hook a size smaller than the label suggests
Amigurumi stitches should be tight so the stuffing doesn’t peek through. White yarn shows gaps more than any other color, so go down a hook size if you’re unsure.
Mark the start of every round
Most ghosts are worked in continuous spirals. A stitch marker (or a scrap of contrasting yarn) saves you from the dreaded “wait, is this round 12 or 13?” moment.
Think about who’s getting the ghost
Safety eyes look great, but they’re not a good choice for babies and toddlers. If the ghost is going to a child under three, embroider the eyes and mouth with black yarn instead. It’s just as cute and much safer.
Stuff more than you think
A ghost should feel firm, not squishy, especially at the base so it stands up on its own. Add stuffing in small pieces and keep going until it holds its shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ghost amigurumi good for beginners?
Yes, they’re one of the best first projects. You only need one main color and basic stitches (mostly single crochet, increases and decreases). Patterns like Gilbert the Ghost and the Friendly Amigurumi Ghost have no sewing at all.
How long does it take to crochet a ghost?
Tiny ghosts like Howl can be done in well under an hour. A medium no-sew ghost takes about three hours. Larger plushies like the Ghost Kitty Ragdoll will take longer.
What yarn is best for crochet ghosts?
Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic is a reliable choice. Acrylic is soft and budget-friendly, while cotton gives crisp, clear stitches. For a fluffy, extra-cuddly ghost, chenille or plush yarn works well, just be aware that stitches are harder to see.
Can I sell ghosts made from these patterns?
That depends on each designer’s terms. Many allow you to sell finished items if you credit them, but some don’t. Always check the pattern page before you sell.
Your Haunted Little Family Is Waiting
Remember my accidental snowman ghost? He still sits on my shelf every October, slightly lopsided and completely perfect. That’s really the magic of crochet ghosts. They don’t need to be flawless. They just need a couple of eyes and a little bit of love.
So pick one pattern from this list, grab some white yarn, and give yourself one cozy evening. I’d bet good money you won’t stop at one ghost. Nobody ever does.
Now I want to hear from you: which ghost are you making first, Gilbert, the ghost kitty or Zero the dog? Tell me in the comments, and if you finish one, share a photo in our Facebook group. I genuinely love seeing every wobbly, wonderful ghost you make. 👻
