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# Crochet Ghost Amigurumi Pattern

**Designed for beginners | Finished size: approximately 3.5-4 inches tall**

A sweet and simple ghost perfect for Halloween decorations, year-round spooky decor, or as a cute handmade gift. This pattern uses basic amigurumi techniques to create an adorable floating friend with a classic wavy bottom edge.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in white or cream, approximately 50 yards
- Small amount of black worsted weight for embroidered face (optional)

**Recommended Yarns:**
- Red Heart Super Saver in White
- Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in White
- Cascade 220 in White

**Other Supplies:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Optional: 6mm black safety eyes (2) OR black embroidery thread
- Optional: Poly pellets or small stones for weighted base

## GAUGE
Gauge is flexible for this project, but as reference:
- 5 stitches and 5 rounds = 1 inch in single crochet (worked in the round)

**Gauge Note:** Crochet tightly for amigurumi to prevent stuffing from showing through. Your hook size should be smaller than the yarn label recommends.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form a loop, insert hook and pull up a loop, ch 1, work stitches into ring, pull tail to tighten.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook through front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates a neater decrease than standard sc2tog.

**Working in Continuous Rounds:** Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round, moving it up as you work.

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted
- Do not join or turn unless instructed
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Stuff firmly as you go for best results
- All stitches are worked through both loops unless specified

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Ghost Body (worked as one piece from top down)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- *Math check: Starting with standard 6 sts*

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 sts*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Math check: (1 + 1) × 6 repeats = 12 + 6 = 18 sts*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Math check: (2 + 1) × 6 repeats = 18 + 6 = 24 sts*

**Rnds 5-8:** sc in each st around [24] (4 rounds)
- *Establishes round head shape*

**FACE PLACEMENT:** If using safety eyes, insert them now between Rnds 6 and 7, approximately 4-5 stitches apart. Secure backs before continuing.

**Rnds 9-14:** sc in each st around [24] (6 rounds)
- *Creates the ghost body - these even rounds give height*

**STUFFING:** Begin stuffing the head/body firmly now. If using poly pellets for weight, add a small amount to the bottom before fiberfill.

**Rnd 15:** sc in each st around [24]
- *Final even round before creating wavy edge*

**Rnd 16 (Wavy/Scallop Edge):** 
- *sl st in first st, skip next st, 5 dc in next st, skip next st;* repeat from * around (6 scallops total), join with sl st to first sl st
- *Math check: Pattern uses 4 sts per scallop (sl st, skip, 5 dc in 1, skip) × 6 = 24 sts. Creates 6 wave points*

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in end.

**Stitch count verification:**
- Rnd 1: 6 sts ✓
- Rnd 2: 12 sts ✓
- Rnd 3: 18 sts ✓
- Rnd 4: 24 sts ✓
- Rnds 5-15: 24 sts maintained ✓
- Rnd 16: Scallop edge complete ✓

### Arms (make 2, optional)

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** sc in each st around [4]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [6]
- *Math check: (1 + 1) × 2 = 4 + 2 = 6 sts*

**Rnds 4-7:** sc in each st around [6] (4 rounds)
- *Creates short stubby arms perfect for a ghost*

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing. Stuff arms lightly (not too firm - they should be floppy and cute).

## ASSEMBLY

1. **Final Stuffing:** Ensure the ghost body is stuffed firmly but not overstuffed. The top (head) should be round and smooth.

2. **Face Details:**
   - **If using safety eyes:** Already inserted; proceed to mouth.
   - **If embroidering:** Using black yarn and yarn needle, create two small French knots or small circles for eyes between Rnds 6-7, about 4-5 stitches apart.
   - **Mouth:** Embroider a small curved line or oval "O" shape centered below eyes using black yarn. For classic "boo!" ghost: create small circle mouth. For friendly ghost: make a wavy smile.

3. **Attaching Arms (optional):**
   - Position arms on sides of body at approximately Rnd 10-11 (middle of body section).
   - Using the long tail and yarn needle, sew arms to body using whip stitch, going through both the arm and body stitches.
   - Ensure arms are symmetrical and angled slightly upward or outward.
   - Weave in ends securely.

4. **Final Touches:**
   - Weave in any remaining ends.
   - Gently shape the ghost, adjusting stuffing if needed.
   - The scalloped bottom should wave naturally - gently pull and shape the points.

## VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATION

**Size Options:**
- **Smaller Ghost (2-3"):** Stop increases at Rnd 3 (18 sts), work fewer even rounds, adjust scallops to 3 dc per shell
- **Larger Ghost (5-6"):** Add Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30], work more even rounds for body
- **Mini Keychain Ghost:** Use DK weight yarn and 2.5mm hook, increase only to Rnd 3, add keyring

**Color Variations:**
- **Traditional:** White or cream
- **Pastel Ghost:** Baby blue, pink, or lavender for cute kawaii style
- **Glow Ghost:** Neon yellow or green
- **Duo-tone:** White body with colored tips on scallops (change color at Rnd 16)

**Face Variations:**
- **Spooky:** Triangle eyes pointing down, jagged mouth
- **Happy:** Wide U-shaped smile, round eyes
- **Silly:** X eyes, tongue sticking out (add red felt tongue)
- **Blushing:** Add pink embroidered circles on "cheeks" (sides of face)

**Bottom Edge Options:**
- **Simple Scallop:** As written (5 dc per shell)
- **Larger Waves:** Use 7 dc per shell, adjust pattern to 4 shells
- **Pointed:** Skip scallop, work (sc 2, dec) pattern to create pointed bottom
- **Fringe:** Cut yarn strands and attach to bottom for ghostly wisps

**Embellishments:**
- Add small felt or crocheted flowers
- Create a tiny chain for necklace/bow tie
- Add sparkle with metallic embroidery thread highlights
- Make a family: different sizes together

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
- Reshape and lay flat to dry
- Do not machine wash or dry
- If using safety eyes, supervise young children during play

## SKILL LEVEL
**Beginner** - Requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches and ability to work in the round. Perfect first amigurumi project!

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Stuffing shows through stitches
- **Solution:** Work more tightly, or use a smaller hook size

**Problem:** Ghost won't stand upright
- **Solution:** Add poly pellets or small clean stones to bottom for weight; stuff bottom more firmly

**Problem:** Scallops look uneven
- **Solution:** Count carefully to ensure each shell uses exactly 4 stitches of the previous round; block gently with steam if needed

**Problem:** Magic ring has a hole
- **Solution:** After completing pattern, use yarn needle to close any gap by weaving through the center stitches

**Problem:** Lost count of rounds
- **Solution:** Count the "V" shapes vertically from bottom to top - each row of Vs = one round

## ESTIMATED TIME
- Experienced crocheter: 1-1.5 hours
- Beginner: 2-3 hours

## ABBREVIATION QUICK REFERENCE
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|--------------|---------|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| inc | increase (2 sc in one st) |
| dec | invisible decrease |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |

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**Pattern Notes:** This ghost uses approximately 50 yards of worsted weight yarn for the body, plus small amounts for arms and face details. The finished size is perfect for shelf displays, Halloween decorations, or as a comforting handmade gift. The pattern can be easily modified for different sizes and styles - experiment and have fun!

**Designed by:** [Your Name]
**Pattern tested and verified for accuracy**

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*Thank you for choosing this pattern! Share your finished ghosts with #CrochetGhost. Happy hooking!* 👻