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Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern teaches you to crochet three mini amigurumi characters: the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max, using plush and DK yarns. Thorough round-by-round instructions and assembly notes make shaping and facial sculpting simple. Video links are included throughout to show tricky steps like eye sockets, forelocks, and hair styling.

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Suitable for crocheters familiar with single crochet, increases and decreases, plus simple embroidery. The finished toys are small and make sweet festive gifts or decorations.

Why You'll Love This Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines soft plush textures with playful shaping to capture each character's personality. I enjoy the way simple rounds and a few shaping tricks turn into expressive faces and tiny poses. The included video guides make tricky steps easier and build confidence. I find finishing touches like embroidered eyebrows, a tiny nose, and a striped scarf add so much charm to the finished toys.

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how this pattern allows you to customize each character with different yarns — swapping plush yarn for regular worsted weight will create a firmer, less fluffy toy.

I often change colors to create unique versions; try pastel tones for a softer Cindy Lou or deep jewel tones for a stylized Grinch.

If you want a larger or smaller version, change your hook and yarn weight — thicker yarns and a larger hook give you a chunkier toy while thinner yarns make tiny keychain-sized friends.

I sometimes add wire inside the arms or neck for gentle posability so the Grinch can hold tiny props like a mini candy cane.

Try embroidering different expressions by moving the eyebrows or altering the mouth length to make happy, sleepy, or mischievous faces.

For a safer toy for small children, replace sewing eyes with embroidered eyes made from yarn and secure all details thoroughly.

Add accessories like tiny hats, scarves, or a holiday ribbon; the scarf pattern is intentionally short so you can lengthen it to fit your styling ideas.

I recommend experimenting with textured stitches on the body or adding surface crochet details to give clothing or fur-like effects.

Mix and match materials — a faux fur yarn for hair, a sparkly DK for accessories, or felt embellishments can make a deluxe gift-ready keepsake.

Lastly, make a whole family by using the same base body but changing head and accessory details — it’s a great way to practice shaping while building an adorable collection.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers while shaping the body can cause uneven decreases; mark the beginning of rounds and key stitch positions to keep shaping symmetrical. ✗ Forgetting to stuff as you go creates lumps or misshapen parts; stuff gradually during rounds, adding small amounts until the piece holds its shape. ✗ Not installing safety eyes at the recommended rounds will misplace facial features; place eyes between the specified rounds and measure the stitch distance before securing. ✗ Using the wrong hook size for plush yarn results in loose fabric and visible stuffing; use the recommended hook sizes and check your gauge before starting.

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

Create a charming trio of holiday characters with this detailed amigurumi pattern for the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max. You will find step-by-step rounds, assembly notes, and helpful video links to guide you through shaping, embroidery and finishing. Perfect for making festive gifts, ornaments, or a cute seasonal display to delight family and friends.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Plush yarn Wolans Bunny Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) pistachio (46) for Grinch body
  • 02
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) khaki (361) for Grinch nose and eyebrows
  • 03
    DK weight yarn YarnArt Jeans (50g/160m, 55% cotton/45% acrylic) white (62) and red (26) for Grinch scarf
  • 04
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) bright pink (309), skin (353), red (318) for Cindy Lou
  • 05
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Fine (100g/175m) yellow (502) for Cindy Lou hair and white (501) for eye embroidery
  • 06
    DK weight yarn YarnArt Jeans (50g/160m, 55% cotton/45% acrylic) white (62) and pink (74) for Cindy Lou scarf
  • 07
    Plush yarn Wolans Bunny Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) caramel (19) for Max body
  • 08
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) dark brown (336) for Max details
  • 09
    Plush yarn YarnArt Mink (50g/75m, 100% polyamide) brown (333) for Max forelock
  • 10
    DK weight yarn YarnArt Jeans (50g/160m) red (26) for Max collar and small accessories

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm (for hair, braids and fine details)
  • 03
    Crochet hook size 2.0mm (for scarves and DK yarn details)
  • 04
    Sewing eye beads D=8 mm
  • 05
    Nose 12x10 mm (black and brown) for Max
  • 06
    Iris yarn (25g/150m 100% cotton) black and pink for embroidery
  • 07
    Stuffing material (fiberfill/polyester)
  • 08
    Tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery
  • 09
    Scissors
  • 10
    Stitch marker (a scrap of contrasting color)
  • 11
    Pins for assembly (optional)
  • 12
    Glue (small drop for securing plush yarn ends for bows)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Body/head :

Info :

Crochet from the bottom to the top. Stuff the toy with fiberfill as you crochet.

Round 1 :

7 sc into MR (7)

Round 2 :

7 inc (14)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc)*7 (21)

Round 4 :

Back loops only: 7 sc, HDC 3 together, 4 sc, HDC 3 together, 8 sc (21)

Info :

Click the link to watch how to crochet the 4th round.

Round 5-7 :

21 sc (3 rounds) (21)

Round 8 :

(5 sc, dec)*3 (18)

Round 9 :

6 sc, chain 7 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook: HDC inc, 4 sl sts (arm), 6 sc, chain 7 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook: HDC inc, 4 sl sts (arm), 6 sc (18)

Round 10 :

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to crochet rounds 9 and 10.

Round 11 :

12 sc (12)

Round 12 :

12 inc (24)

Round 13 :

11 sc, 4 inc - in the center (make shift stitches if needed) 9 sc (28)

Round 14-15 :

28 sc (2 rounds) (28)

Round 16 :

9 sc, 2 dec, 4 sc - in the center, 2 dec, 7 sc (24)

Round 17 :

24 sc (24)

Round 18 :

(2 sc, dec)*6 (18)

Round 19 :

18 sc (18)

Round 20 :

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Info :

If you use safety eyes - install the eyes between rounds 17 and 18. The distance between the eye stems is 5 sc.

Round 21-22 :

12 sc (2 rounds) (12)

Round 23 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail inside.

— Forelock :

Info :

Attach the basic color yarn to the top.

Round 1 :

Chain 3, and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 2 sl sts, sl st in the base.

Round 2 :

Chain 4 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 3 sl sts, sl st in the top.

Round 3 :

Chain 3 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 2 sl sts, sl st in the base.

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail inside.

— Assembly :

Info :

Sculpt the eye sockets. Click the icon to watch how to sculpt the eyes.

Item Name (P1) :

Embroider the whites on the outer side of the eye with white plush yarn; embroider the eyelashes with black thread; embroider the eyebrows in round 19 with dark green thread (the length is 2 sc). The distance between the eyebrows is 3 sc.

Item Name (P2) :

Embroider the nose between the eyes (between rounds 16 and 17). The length of the nose is 1 sc. Make 2 stitches; embroider the mouth as guided in the photo.

— Cindy Lou Body/head :

Info :

Crochet from the bottom to the top. Stuff with fiberfill as you crochet. Start crocheting with pink yarn.

Round 1 :

7 sc into MR (7)

Round 2 :

7 inc (14)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc)*7 (21)

Round 4 :

BLO: 7 sc, HDC 3 together, 4 sc, HDC 3 together, 8 sc (21)

Round 5-7 :

21 sc (3 rounds) (21)

Round 8 :

(5 sc, dec)*3 (18)

Round 9 :

6 sc, chain 7 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook: HDC inc, 4 sl sts (arm), 6 sc, chain 7 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook: HDC inc, 4 sl sts (arm), 6 sc (18)

Round 10 :

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Round 11 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

Change to beige yarn. Cut pink yarn and secure it.

Round 12 :

12 inc (24)

Round 13 :

11 sc, 4 inc - in the center, 9 sc (28)

Round 14-15 :

28 sc (2 rounds) (28)

Round 16 :

9 sc, 2 dec, 4 sc - in the center, 2 dec, 7 sc (24)

Round 17 :

24 sc (24)

Round 18 :

(2 sc, dec)*6 (18)

Info :

If you use safety eyes - install the eyes between rounds 16 and 17. The distance between the eye stems is 5 sc.

Round 19 :

18 sc (18)

Round 20 :

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Round 21 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail inside.

— Cindy Lou Assembly :

Info :

Sculpt the eye sockets similar to the Grinch but between rounds 16 and 17.

Item Name (P1) :

Embroider the whites on the outer side of the eye with white plush yarn; embroider the eyelashes and eyebrows in round 18 with black thread (the length is 2 sc). The distance is 3 sc.

Item Name (P2) :

Embroider the nose between the eyes (between rounds 15 and 16) with beige thread. The length of the nose is 1 sc. Make 2 stitches; embroider the mouth in round 14 with pink thread as guided in the photo.

— Forelock (Cindy) :

Info :

Attach the basic color yarn to the top and crochet the forelock as described for the Grinch: chain and slip stitch pattern to shape the forelock. Fasten off and hide the tail inside.

— Hair :

Info :

Crochet with yellow plush HIMALAYA Dolphin Fine yarn and a 2.5 mm crochet hook.

Round 1 :

6 sc into MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc)*6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc)*6 (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc)*6 (30)

Round 6 :

(4 sc, inc)*6 (36)

Round 7 :

36 sc (36)

Round 8 :

(chain 8 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook: 7 sc, skip 1 stitch, sl st in the next stitch)* repeat to the end of the rounds. I made 18 strands.

Info :

Put the wig on the head and pin 14 strands. Leave 4 hair strands in the center on the front side. Sew them to the base gently. Sew the hair strands to the head (see photo).

— Braids (make 2) :

Info :

Start crocheting with red yarn and a 2.5 mm crochet hook.

Round 1 :

Chain 6 and start crocheting in the second chain from hook: 1 sc, change to yellow yarn, cut red yarn (chain 12 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 11 sl sts, sl st in the next stitch on the chain foundation)* repeat 2 times.

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to crochet the braids.

— Bow (make 2) :

Info :

Crochet with red yarn.

Round 1 :

Chain 2 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook: DC, chain 2, sl st in the base, chain 2, DC in the base, chain 2, sl st in the base.

Info :

Break yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Wrap around the center of the bow with the remaining yarn tail. Braid the hair and tie the bow. Fasten off. Secure the ends of the plush yarn with a drop of glue. Sew the braids to the head.

— Scarf :

Info :

With YarnArt Jeans yarn and a 2 mm crochet hook. Work in back and forth rows. Chain 1 at the beginning of each row. Start crocheting with red yarn.

Round 1 :

Chain 3 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 2 sc, chain 1.

Round 2-3 :

Change to white yarn, 2 sc, chain 1 (2 rounds) with white color.

Round 4-5 :

Change to red yarn, 2 sc, chain 1 (2 rounds) with red color. Repeat rounds 2-5 until you reach the desired length of the scarf.

— Max Body/head :

Info :

Crochet from the bottom to the top. Stuff with fiberfill as you crochet. Crochet with brown yarn.

Round 1 :

7 sc into MR (7)

Round 2 :

7 inc (14)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc)*7 (21)

Info :

In the next round, crochet the paws and tail.

Round 4 :

BLO: 7 sc, HDC 3 together, 4 sc, HDC 3 together, 8 sc, Chain 5 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 4 sc (tail) (21)

Round 5-7 :

21 sc (3 rounds) (21)

Round 8 :

(5 sc, dec)*3 (18)

Round 9 :

6 sc, chain 7 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook: HDC inc, 4 sl sts (arm), 6 sc, chain 7 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook: HDC inc, 4 sl sts (arm), 6 sc (18)

Round 10 :

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Round 11 :

12 sc (12)

Round 12 :

5 sc inc, 3 DC inc, 4 sc inc (24)

Round 13 :

11 sc, 4 DC inc - in the center, 9 sc (28)

Round 14-15 :

28 sc (2 rounds) (28)

Round 16 :

9 sc, 6 dec - in the center (marked with stitch markers in the photo), 7 sc (22)

Round 17 :

22 sc (22)

Round 18 :

(2 sc, dec)*5, 2 sc (17)

Info :

If you use safety eyes - install the eyes between rounds 16 and 17. The distance between the eye stems is 5 sc.

Round 19 :

17 sc (17)

Round 20 :

(1 sc, dec)*5, 2 sc (12)

Round 21 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail inside.

— Max Assembly :

Info :

Sculpt the eye sockets.

Item Name (P1) :

Embroider the whites on the outer side of the eye with white plush yarn; install the nose in the center of the muzzle between rounds 14 and 15; embroider the eyebrows in round 18 with black thread (the length is 2 sc). The distance is 3 sc.

Item Name (P2) :

Embroider the mouth in round 13 with black thread as guided in the photo.

— Ears (make 2) :

Info :

Attach dark brown yarn to the toy. Crochet both ears in round 19. The distance between the ears is 7 stitches.

Round 1 :

Skip 4 stitches from the eyes and attach yarn in round 19. Chain 10 and start crocheting in the 3rd chain from hook 8 DC. Skip 2 stitches, fasten off and make sl st in the next stitch.

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail.

— Collar :

Info :

Chain the required number of chains with red yarn. I made 35 chains. Put the collar onto the toy, tie it into a few knots, and hide the tail inside the toy.

Assembly Instructions

  • Install safety eyes between the rounds specified for each toy (Grinch rounds 17-18, Cindy Lou rounds 16-17, Max rounds 16-17) and space them as directed (distance between stems is 5 sc).
  • Sew the forelock to the top of the head using slip stitch attachments and hide tails inside the head after fastening off.
  • Pin the wig/hair strands in place as shown, sew 14 outer strands first and leave 4 central strands on the front; secure all strands with small stitches to the wig base.
  • Attach arms and tail where the chain foundations were added (round 9 limbs and the tail chain for Max) and sew securely using a tapestry needle with matching yarn.
  • Embroider facial features after placing eyes: add whites, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose (between specified rounds) and mouth according to the photo guides for each character.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round and key symmetry points such as the center of increases or decreases.
  • 💡Stuff the toy gradually as you crochet to avoid lumps and to keep consistent shaping throughout the body and head.
  • 💡If using safety eyes, install them at the rounds specified for each toy before closing the head so they sit firmly and symmetrically.
  • 💡Weave in ends and hide yarn tails inside the body as you go to prevent bulky seams and to make finishing neater.

This Grinch and his friends set brings holiday mischief and sweetness to your crochet basket! These plush minis are quick to make and full of personality, with video guides for tricky steps and detailed finishing notes. Make a whole set for your tree or give them as handmade gifts that capture the season's charm. 🎄🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 10 cm (3.9 inches) tall when using the recommended plush yarns and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the final size and texture; choose appropriate hook sizes and expect differences in fluffiness with plush yarns.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, decreases, and simple embroidery is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete a single character in a couple of hours; the full set typically takes about 5-7 hours depending on experience and finishing time.