Adorable Plush Witch Doll Crochet Pattern: Easy Halloween DIY

There is something deeply satisfying about the rhythmic progression of amigurumi, where tight stitches and gradual shaping transform a simple ball of yarn into a character with personality. This plush witch doll, affectionately named Agatha, is a perfect example of how texture and structure come together. The pattern relies on a continuous construction method, moving seamlessly from the legs into the body and head, which creates a sturdy and stable form. The intricate details, from the textured wig to the flared skirt, offer a delightful challenge that keeps crocheters engaged from the first magic circle to the final weave-in.

Texture and Stitch Notes

One of the standout features of Agatha is the unique texture of her hair. By incorporating a mix of HDC, DC, and slip stitches in the final round of the wig, the pattern creates a dynamic, uneven edge that mimics the look of natural, styled hair. This textural contrast against the smooth, tight single crochet of the body adds a professional finish to the doll. Additionally, the choice of blanket yarn—such as Premier Basix Chenille or Bernat Blanket—adds a soft, plush quality that enhances the tactile appeal of the finished piece. The “yarn over/yarn over single crochet” technique recommended for the skin tone ensures that the stuffing remains securely inside while maintaining a clean, uniform surface.

Project Overview

Meet Agatha, the spooky and sweet plush witch! This free crochet doll pattern is perfect for fall markets, Halloween gifts, or just a magical make for fun. This standing witch doll is made by crocheting two legs and then attaching them. This way, the legs, body, and head are all made in one piece. The arms are attached at the end. The hair is made like a wig and then attached to the head. The skirt is attached to the body. You will insert a neck strengthener which will help with the shape and stability of the head. You can keep her hat unattached for playing or props, or attach it to keep it as a permanent part of her wardrobe.

Materials

• Yarn:
  • 65g blanket yarn for the skin color (e.g., Premier Basix Chenille, Bernat Blanket, or Bernat Baby Blanket).
  • 110g blanket yarn for the dress and hat.
  • 35g plush yarn for the hair.
• Crochet Hook: Size 4.5mm (or hook size that keeps stitches tight and feels comfortable). Note: If using Bernat Blanket, a 5mm hook may be preferred, but the goal is tight stitches.
• Safety Eyes:
  • 14mm (for Black Dress Witch).
  • 16mm (for Green Witch).
• Notions: Tapestry Needle, Polyfil stuffing, Stitch marker.
• Optional: Neck strengthener material (refer to video tutorials).

Gauge and Finished Size

Specific gauge measurements and finished dimensions are not provided in the source pattern. However, the pattern notes emphasize the importance of tight stitches. Use a hook size that allows you to crochet comfortably while ensuring the stitches remain tight to prevent stuffing from showing. If the fabric is too loose, consider sizing down; if too tight, size up slightly.

Abbreviations

• SC: Single Crochet
• INC: Increase (2 SC in the same stitch)
• INV DEC: Invisible Decrease
• HDC: Half Double Crochet
• DC: Double Crochet

Pattern Notes

This pattern is considered intermediate, though a brave or advanced beginner may also succeed. The pattern utilizes specific techniques to ensure durability and shape:

• Construction: The doll is worked continuously from the feet up to the head. The arms are worked separately and attached later.
• Stitch Technique: The pattern primarily uses the yarn over/yarn over single crochet. For the skin-colored parts (body, head, arms), you may optionally use the yarn under/yarn over single crochet to keep stitches extra tight. Alternatively, you can size down half a hook size.
• Yarn Choice: The designer uses size 6 blanket yarns like Premier Basix Chenille, Bernat Blanket, or Demi Purl. Brands work up differently, so check your tension.
• Eye Options: You can use safety eyes or embroidered eyes. Embroidered eyes are recommended if the doll is intended for babies or toddlers.

Pattern Instructions

Neck Strengthener

Using the Skin Color:

• In a magic circle, SC 7.
• SC in each around for a total of 7 rows.
• Fasten off and leave a long tail. You will need this before you stuff the head.

Legs (make 2) / Body

VERY LIGHTLY stuff the legs as you go. Start with skin tone.

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
• Rounds 2-14: SC in each around. (8)
• Change to Dress Color
• Round 15: SC in each around. (8)
• Fasten off the first foot.
• On the second foot, chain 4 and slip stitch to the first leg where you fastened off.
• Round 16: SC in each stitch around the first leg (8). SC in each chain across. (4) SC in each stitch around the second leg. (8) SC on the other side of the chain. (4) Attach to the first SC with a slip stitch. (a total of 24)

Body (cont’d) to Head

• Rounds 17-21: SC in each around. (24) *5 rounds*
• Round 22: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
• Round 23: SC in each around. (16)
• Change to skin color in the next round. Make sure that you are changing color in the back. Begin to stuff here. Continue to stuff as you close.
• Round 24: SC in each around. (16)
• Round 25: INV DEC 8 times. (8)
• Round 26: In the front loop only, SC INC. (16)
• Round 27: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 28: SC in the first two stitches, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
• Rounds 29-33: SC in each around. (32) *5 rounds*
• Insert the neck strengthener here.
• Attach the eyes between rounds 32 and 33, about 6 stitches apart.
• Stuff as you close.
• Round 34: SC in the first 2, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 35: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
• Round 36: INV DEC 8 times. (8)
• Finish stuffing well here. Fasten off and sew the remaining hole closed.
• Embroider the nose with the skin color yarn, between the eyes, one round down. I only do two passes 2-3 stitches wide with this thick yarn.

Arms (make 2)

Leave unstuffed.

• In skin color:
• Round 1: 7 SC in a magic circle. (7)
• Round 2: SC in each around. (7)
• Change to dress color.
• Rounds 3-10: SC in each around. (7) *8 rounds*
• Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew the arms on.
• Close the opening and sew them on between rounds 23 and 24 of the body.

Hair

You may need to adjust your hook size here. Different types of yarn work up differently. Stretch the hair out as you try it on OR size up if it works up too tightly. If you need to, add or subtract a row before round 9.

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
• Round 2: SC INC in each around. (16)
• Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 4: SC in the first 2, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
• Rounds 5-8: SC in each around. (32)
• Round 9: HDC, HDC INC, DC, DC INC, DC, DC INC, skip a stitch and slip stitch in the next. Skip a stitch and DC INC, DC, DC INC, HDC. SC in the remaining stitches.
• Fasten off and attach with the “part” on an angle. Note: I sometimes use a hot glue gun to glue the top so it doesn’t shift and then sew the bottom edge.

Braids

• Cut 6 pieces of the same colored yarn into 14-15 inch pieces.
• Pull one piece through a stitch, just to the side of the “bangs.” Bring the strand through so the ends are even.
• Pull the other two through the next two stitches, so that you have three strands.
• Braid the strands, and tie the end with a 5-6 inch piece of yarn.
• Do the same on the other side of the bangs, about 16 stitches apart.
• Double check that you like the distance between them, before you braid and tie them off.

Skirt

• Row 1: On round 19 of the body, DC around a post from the back of the doll. DC in each post around, making sure that the feet of the doll point up, so that the DC points outward, like a skirt would. DC twice in the final stitch and slip stitch to the first DC. (24)
• Row 2: Chain 2 and DC in the first. Then INC in the next. Repeat in each around. Once you reach the first DC, slip stitch to it and fasten off. (36)
• Row 3: Chain 2 and DC in the first two. Then INC in the next. Repeat in each around. Once you reach the first DC, slip stitch to it and fasten off. (48)
• Row 4: DC in the first three. Then INC in the next. Repeat in each around. Once you reach the first DC, slip stitch to it and fasten off. Fasten off and weave in the end. (60)

Hat

• Round 1: 6 SC in a magic circle (6)
• Round 2: SC in each around (6)
• Round 3: Inc in each around (12)
• Rounds 4-5: SC in each around (12) *2 rounds*
• Round 6: *SC 1, Inc* around (18)
• Round 7: SC in each around (18)
• Round 8: *SC 2, inc* around (24)
• Round 9: SC in each around (24)
• Round 10: *SC 3, inc* around (30)
• Round 11: *SC 4, inc* around (36)
• Round 12: *SC 5, inc* around (42)
• Round 13: In the front loop only, *SC 6, inc* around (48)
• Round 14: *SC 7, inc* around (54)
• Round 15: *SC 8, inc* around (60)
• Round 16: SC in each around. (60)

Assembly

Once all components are complete, follow these steps to assemble Agatha:

1. Arms: Close the opening and sew the arms on between rounds 23 and 24 of the body.
2. Hair: Fasten off and attach the hair wig with the “part” on an angle. You may use a hot glue gun to secure the top edge so it doesn’t shift, then sew the bottom edge.
3. Hat: There are several options to attach the hat:
   • Sew it onto the head using the same color as the hat.
   • Use a hot glue gun to glue it to the head.
   • Add a string to each side and tie them under the chin, party hat style.

Tips

• Stitch Tension: The pattern relies on tight stitches. If using Bernat Blanket, a 5mm hook might be necessary, but ensure the fabric remains dense. If the Premier Basix Chenille feels too tight, size up slightly.
• Hat Security: The hat sits perfectly on top of the head, but if you want it to stay there securely, you’ll need to sew it down or use a combination of sewing and hot glue.
• Neck Strengthener: Insert the neck strengthener between rounds 32 and 33 to help with the shape and stability of the head. Refer to video tutorials for assistance.
• Hair Fit: You may need to adjust your hook size for the hair. Stretch the hair out as you try it on OR size up if it works up too tightly. If needed, add or subtract a row before round 9.
• Braid Placement: Double check that you like the distance between the braids (about 16 stitches apart) before you braid and tie them off.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for this pattern?

The pattern is designed for size 6 blanket yarns. Premier Basix Chenille, Bernat Blanket, and Bernat Baby Blanket are recommended. These yarns are generally interchangeable in weight, but they work up differently, so check your tension.

Can I make this doll safe for a baby?

Yes. Instead of using safety eyes, you can embroider the eyes using the skin color yarn. This eliminates small parts that could be a choking hazard.

How do I keep the hat from falling off?

While the hat sits securely on its own, you can sew it down, use a hot glue gun to adhere the top, or add strings to tie under the chin.

What is the “yarn over/yarn over single crochet”?

This is a technique used to create tighter stitches that prevent stuffing from showing. It involves wrapping the yarn over twice before inserting the hook. You can also achieve tight stitches by using the “yarn under/yarn over single crochet” or by using a smaller hook size.

How do I attach the skirt?

The skirt is worked directly onto the body. Start Row 1 on round 19 of the body by working DC around the posts from the back of the doll, ensuring the stitches point outward to create a flared skirt shape.