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Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern
4.9★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.9K Made This
✂️

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 creates three tiny holiday characters: the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max the dog using plush and DK yarn. Each toy is crocheted bottom-up with clear round-by-round instructions and photo/video support for tricky steps. Youll find guidance for sculpting eye sockets, embroidery details, wigs, braids, and small accessories.

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

The toys finish about 10 cm (3.9 inches) tall and are perfect for gifts or tree ornaments. The pattern includes materials, abbreviations, and stepwise assembly instructions for precise finishing.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings classic holiday charm into a tiny, handmade form that fits in the palm of your hand. I enjoy working with plush yarn for its soft texture and the satisfying sculpting of facial details that makes each face expressive. The pattern balances simple rounds with a few intermediate techniques, so I can relax while still learning. Sewing the wig and adding tiny accessories is one of my favorite parts because it gives each toy a unique personality.

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 easily you can personalize each character by changing yarn colors and small details.

You can make the toys larger by using bulkier plush yarn and a bigger hook for a chunkier, cuddlier version.

To create keychains, use thinner yarn or a smaller hook to make tiny versions and add a split ring through the head before finishing.

I often swap eye beads for safety eyes or embroider the eyes with contrast yarn for different expressions — try different placements to alter the look.

For a festive twist, change scarf colors or add tiny embroidered buttons to make holiday variations.

I sometimes add wire to limb cores for posability; insert thin wire before final stuffing for poseable arms.

Try felting or embroidery to add texture to the muzzle or eyebrows for a more detailed expression.

You can mix yarn brands for color and texture contrast — for example, use a fuzzy yarn for hair and a smooth plush for the body.

I like to create a themed set by matching accessories — tiny hats, small presents, or different scarf patterns — to make a coordinated collection.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment: changing a stitch here or there can create new shapes and unique characters I wouldnt have predicted!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers when adding arms or facial features can cause misplacement; use markers to mark attachment rounds and count stitches carefully. ✗ Not stuffing as you go leads to lumps or a misshapen body; stuff gradually and evenly while crocheting to maintain smooth shaping. ✗ Pulling your tension too tight with plush yarn makes stitches hard to insert; keep a relaxed tension and use the recommended hook sizes for plush yarn. ✗ Forgetting to install eyes at the recommended rounds causes misaligned eyes later; place safety eyes between the exact rounds indicated and check spacing before securing. ✗ Changing colors without securing tails can lead to messy joins; secure and weave in color changes as instructed to keep the surface neat.

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

Make three adorable holiday amigurumi characters — the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max — using plush yarn and simple stitches. This pattern gives complete, step-by-step rounds, assembly directions, and helpful photos/videos links to guide you. Perfect for crafters who love small, giftable toys with lots of personality.

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

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Sewing eye beads D=8 mm
  • 02
    Nose 12x10 mm (black and brown) for Max
  • 03
    Iris yarn (25g/150m 100% cotton) black (for embroidery), pink (for Cindy's smile)
  • 04
    Crochet hook 3.5 mm
  • 05
    Crochet hook 2.5 mm (for Cindy's hair and some details)
  • 06
    Crochet hook 2 mm (for scarves)
  • 07
    Stuffing material (fiberfill/polyester)
  • 08
    Tapestry needle for sewing
  • 09
    Scissors
  • 10
    Stitch marker (a scrap of contrasting color)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Grinch :

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)

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 :

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.

— Grinch Forelock :

Info :

Attach the basic color yarn to the top. Chain 3, and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 2 sl sts, sl st in the base. Chain 4 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 3 sl sts, sl st in the top, chain 3 and start crocheting in the 2nd chain from hook 2 sl sts, sl st in the base. Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail inside.

Info :

Click the icon to watch the video about how to crochet the forelock.

— Grinch 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;

Item Name (P2) :

embroider the eyelashes with black thread;

Item Name (P3) :

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 (P4) :

Embroider the nose between the eyes (between rounds 16 and 17). The length of the nose is 1 sc. Make 2 stitches;

Item Name (P5) :

Embroider the mouth as guided in the photo.

Info :

Click the link to watch how to embroider the smile.

— Grinch 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

Info :

Repeat rounds 2-5 until you reach the desired length of the scarf.

— Cindy Lou :

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;

Item Name (P2) :

embroider the eyelashes and eyebrows in round 18 with black thread (the length is 2 sc). The distance is 3 sc;

Item Name (P3) :

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;

Item Name (P4) :

embroider the mouth in round 14 with pink thread as guided in the photo.

Info :

Click the link to watch how to embroider the smile.

— Cindy Lou 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).

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to sew the hair.

— Cindy Lou 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.

— Cindy Lou 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 (see photo).

Info :

Click the link to watch how to crochet the bow.

— Cindy Lou Scarf :

Info :

With YarnArt Jeans yarn and a 2 mm crochet hook. Work in back and forth rows. Chain 1 at the beginning of the row. Start crocheting with pink 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 pink yarn, 2 sc, chain 1 (2 rounds) with pink color

Info :

Repeat rounds 2-5 until you reach the desired length of the scarf.

— Max :

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;

Item Name (P2) :

install the nose in the center of the muzzle between rounds 14 and 15;

Item Name (P3) :

embroider the eyebrows in round 18 with black thread (the length is 2 sc). The distance is 3 sc;

Item Name (P4) :

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

— Max 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. Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail.

— Max Forelock :

Info :

Embroider the forelock on the top of the head with brown YarnArt Mink yarn. Make 8-10 stitches. Create the hairstyle.

— Max 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 at the rounds indicated for each toy: Grinch between rounds 17 and 18, Cindy Lou between rounds 16 and 17, Max between rounds 16 and 17; the distance between eye stems is 5 sc.
  • Sculpt eye sockets and embroider whites, lashes, eyebrows and nose according to the pattern notes; pin positions first and check symmetry before final sewing.
  • Sew the wig and hair strands onto Cindy Lou by pinning the wig in place (pin 14 strands, leave 4 in the center) and sewing gently to the base as shown in photos.
  • Attach ears, arms and tail where indicated in the rounds (ears are crocheted or attached in round 19 for Max); use stitch markers to keep placement consistent.
  • Add scarves, bows and collars after assembly: crochet scarves as instructed, tie or sew into place, and weave in or hide all yarn tails inside the body.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to track the start of rounds and to mark stitch positions for eyes, ears, and other facial features for accurate placement.
  • 💡Stuff firmly but incrementally while crocheting to keep smooth shaping; overstuffing can distort the toy while understuffing causes collapses.
  • 💡Install safety eyes at the recommended rounds and measure spacing before securing to keep symmetrical faces.
  • 💡Weave in ends and secure color changes as you go to avoid large tails and messy finishing later.

These tiny Grinch characters are a perfect handmade holiday treat that fit in the palm of your hand! 🎁 Theyre soft, squeezable, and full of personality thanks to plush yarn and simple sculpting techniques. Make a set for gifts, decorations, or keepsakes — and enjoy the cozy crafting process! 🧶✨

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 yarn and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the final size. Use appropriate hook sizes for your chosen yarn and expect adjustments in stitch counts and proportions.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate — basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, decreases, and working in the round is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete an individual toy in a few hours; finishing all three characters including hair and accessories typically takes around 5-7 hours total.