Crochet Amigurumi Skull (Small)

Quick, detailed pattern to crochet a small decorative skull. Worked in continuous rounds (amigurumi style). Suitable for confident beginner who knows increases/decreases and basic shaping. Finished size approx 4.5–5" (11.5–13 cm) tall depending on yarn/tension.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight (Medium/4). White main yarn—approx 100 yards / 91 meters (Imperial: ~100 yds; Metric: ~91 m) per skull. Small amount of black for sockets and nose (≈ 5–10 yds / 5–9 m).
• Hook: Recommended crochet hook sizes (choose one for your tension): US: G/6 (4.0 mm); UK (old): 8; Metric: 4.0 mm. Option for tighter fabric: US: F/5 (3.75 mm); UK (old): 9; Metric: 3.75 mm.
• Notions: Tapestry/darning needle; stitch marker; polyester stuffing (fiberfill); optional safety eyes 10–12 mm (if using, do not use for toys for young children—sockets look better embroidered); small scissors; optional locking stitch marker for start.

Gauge

Optional: 14 sc × 16 rows = 2" (5 cm) in single crochet in the round using 4.0 mm hook. Gauge isn't critical but affects finished size.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in same st (increase)
• dec = single crochet decrease (sc2tog) — invisible/standard as preferred
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• FO = finish off
• []xN = repeat the bracket N times

Notes

• Work in continuous spiral unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
• Stuff firmly but not so much that stitches stretch.
• When color changes are needed (for sockets), fasten off and sew pieces in place for a clean look, or embroider directly on the skull.

Pattern — Skull Body

Using white yarn and 4.0 mm hook.

1. R1: MR, 6 sc into ring (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around (12)
3. R3: [sc, inc] x6 (18)
4. R4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24)
5. R5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30)
6. R6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36)
7. R7: sc around (36)
8. R8: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42)
9. R9: sc around (42)
10. R10: sc around (42)
11. R11: [5 sc, dec] x6 (36) — begin gentle shaping of lower skull
12. R12: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30)
13. R13: sc around (30)
14. R14: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24)
15. R15: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18)
16. R16: [sc, dec] x6 (12)
17. R17: dec x6 (6) — close or leave an opening depending on jaw method

Optional jaw variation (to create a flat jaw line and attach teeth): Stop after R13 (30 sts). Work a slightly elongated lower section as follows before finishing decreases:

1. From R14 alt: R14a: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18)
2. R15a: [sc, dec] x6 (12)
3. R16a: sc around (12) for 1–2 rounds to create a small neck edge, then FO leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff skull after R13–R14a according to desired fullness and jaw shape.

Eye Sockets (Make 2)

Two options: Crochet small oval patches in black yarn and sew on, or embroider the sockets. Crocheted oval gives depth.

1. With black yarn and 4.0 or 3.75 mm hook:
2. R1: MR, 6 sc into ring, do NOT join (6)
3. R2: [sc, inc] x2, sc twice along other side of oval, [sc, inc] x2 (10) — (work in rows around central chain to make an oval) or substitute rounding: R2: inc in first, sc next 4, inc in last, flip and sc on other side (10)
4. R3: sc around (10) — adjust shaping by adding one round or by increasing to 12 if you want larger sockets.
5. FO leaving tail for sewing. Lightly stuff or flatten. Position on skull: about 7–9 sts apart (depending on final stitch count) and 3–5 rounds down from the crown depending on desired placement.

Nose

Small triangular nose in black—can be embroidered or crocheted.

1. Embroidered: With black yarn, bring needle up at top center between eyes, stitch downward in a small triangle (3 short diagonal stitches), secure.
2. Crocheted: MR, 3 sc; FO leaving tail; flatten and sew into small triangle.

Teeth

Two approaches: embroidered row of vertical lines or crocheted teeth strip.

• Embroidered teeth: Using white yarn on the lower jaw area, stitch 5–8 vertical small lines spaced evenly to suggest teeth. Back each stitch to secure.
• Crocheted teeth strip: With white, ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook across (11 sc), FO leaving tails. Fold strip in half and sew to lower opening so points show as teeth.

Assembly

1. Stuff skull before final closing. Add stuffing into eye socket area to keep front plane and keep shape.
2. Sew eye sockets in place first. Center them equidistant from the midline. Use pins to check placement before sewing.
3. Sew or embroider nose under and between sockets.
4. Attach teeth strip to lower edge: line up so teeth sit at the front center; tack at few points then sew firmly along the strip so it forms the jawline.
5. Weave in ends securely; close any remaining opening with invisible decrease or whipstitch, then hide tail inside stuffing.

Finishing Options

• Add a small hanging loop: Attach a 6–8" (15–20 cm) chain with yarn at the top and slip-stitch into place, or use ribbon.
• Embroider small cracks or shading with grey yarn for a weathered look.
• Use safety eyes behind black sockets for a glossy look but beware if giving to children.

Care

Spot clean with damp cloth. Hand wash and reshape if necessary; air dry.

If you need a larger skull, use thicker yarn and larger hook and increase rounds between shaping steps proportionally.

Pattern support and full pattern PDF available at purljam.verde.uk. For questions email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on socials.

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