There is something undeniably charming about the humble dumpling, and when you transform that shape into a spooky-cute Halloween friend, the result is pure magic. This project began with a simple community idea for a pumpkin dumpling and blossomed into an entire collection of adorable amigurumi characters. The secret to their success lies in the yarn choice: using Red Heart Super Saver for the classic characters and the unique Red Heart Super Glow for the ghost creates a tactile experience that is both soft and visually striking. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant orange of the pumpkin or the mysterious glow of the ghost, these dumplings are designed to be squishy, huggable, and perfect for your holiday decor.
Yarn and Color Notes
The texture of these dumplings is key to their appeal. They are meant to be soft and squishy, mimicking the look of a real steamed bun. For the main body, Red Heart Super Saver provides a sturdy, matte finish that holds the shape well. However, the choice of yarn changes the game for the ghost. Red Heart Super Glow is slightly thicker and has a slicker texture than the Super Saver. This difference in fiber behavior means you might find yourself pulling your stitches tighter than usual. It is important not to overcompensate by tightening your tension; keep your stitches relaxed to maintain the soft, dumpling-like silhouette. The glow-in-the-dark effect is subtle during the day but transforms into a fun green luminescence in the dark, adding a layer of surprise to your collection.
Project Overview
This pattern creates a set of four adorable Halloween-themed dumplings: a Pumpkin, a Black Cat, Frankenstein, and a Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost. All four characters share the same basic body structure, allowing you to mix and match colors and features to create your own unique crew. They are approximately 4 inches wide, making them the perfect size to fit inside plastic dumpling steamer baskets for a fun gift or display.
Materials
- Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Carrot (Orange), Spring Green, Cafe Latte (Brown), Black, and Lavender Purple.
- Special Yarn: Red Heart Super Glow Yarn in Lunar White (for the Ghost).
- Hook: Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook. (Note: You may need to go up a hook size if using the Super Glow yarn).
- Stuffing: Poly-fil fiber stuffing.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, safety eyes and noses (sizes vary by character), and a small amount of black yarn for embroidered smiles.
- Optional: Plastic dumpling steamer baskets (approximately 4 inches wide by 2 inches tall).
Gauge and Finished Size
Finished Size: Approximately 4 inches wide.
Note: Gauge is not strictly critical for this project as the dumplings are stuffed to a specific soft shape, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure your safety eyes fit correctly.
Abbreviations
- SC = Single Crochet
- HDC = Half Double Crochet
- DC = Double Crochet
- SC Decrease = Single Crochet Decrease
- Ch = Chain
- St = Stitch
Pattern Notes
Choose Your Features First: Each Halloween Dumpling has unique facial features. Before you begin, decide which character you are making and gather the correct safety eyes and noses. For example, the Black Cat uses green safety eyes and a pink nose, while the Ghost uses black safety eyes and an oval black safety eye for its mouth.
Timing is Everything: Safety eyes and noses must be attached before closing and stuffing the dumpling. You will insert them after completing Round 11, securing the backs on the inside of the work.
Yarn Behavior: If you are using Red Heart Super Glow, remember it is thicker and slicker. If you find your stitches are too tight, consider using a slightly larger hook. Do not force the yarn through tight loops.
Pattern Instructions
This is the same basic pattern used for all four Halloween Dumplings. Follow the instructions below, then refer to the individual character sections for color changes and embellishments.
Basic Dumpling Body
Starting with your main yarn color:
- Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 1, make 10 SC in ring, join, Ch 1. (10 SC)
- Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, Ch 1. (20 SC)
- Round 3: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next stitch, repeat around, join, Ch 1. (30 SC)
- Round 4: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 2 stitches, repeat around, join, Ch 1. (40 SC)
- Rounds 5–9: SC in each stitch around, join, Ch 1. (40 SC)
- Round 10: SC Decrease, SC in next 2 stitches, repeat around, join, Ch 1. (30 SC)
- Round 11: SC in each stitch around, join, Ch 1. (30 SC)
Adding the Face
It is time to add your dumpling’s face! Refer to your chosen Halloween character for the correct safety eyes, nose, and facial details. Insert the safety eyes and nose now, securing the backs on the inside of your dumpling before continuing. Most dumplings use 9mm safety eyes placed between Rounds 8 and 9, approximately 4 stitches apart. Use a tapestry needle and black yarn to embroider a tiny smile. You can embroider the smile at this point or wait until the dumpling is finished.
Stuffing and Closing
Once your facial features are in place, add Poly-fil stuffing and continue with Round 12. Stuff with Poly-fil, but do not overstuff! You want to keep that soft, squishy dumpling shape.
- Round 12: SC Decrease, SC in next stitch, repeat around, join, Ch 1. (20 SC)
- Round 13: SC in each stitch around, join, Ch 1. (20 SC)
- Round 14: SC Decrease all the way around, join, Ch 1. (10 SC)
- Round 15: SC in each stitch around, join, fasten off, leaving a long tail. (10 SC)
Using a tapestry needle and the long yarn tail, weave underneath the stitches of Round 15 and pull to cinch the top closed. This creates the classic pinched dumpling top! Weave in ends securely.
Character-Specific Embellishments
Follow the specific instructions below for your chosen character before or after cinching the top closed.
Pumpkin Dumpling
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Carrot, Cafe Latte, and Spring Green.
Follow the basic dumpling pattern using Carrot yarn until the final round.
- Pumpkin Stem: Change to Cafe Latte for Round 15 and work one additional round of 10 SC in brown (Round 16). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Cinch the top closed as directed in the original pattern to create a little brown pumpkin stem.
- Pumpkin Vine: With Spring Green yarn, Ch 10. Work 2 SC in the second chain from hook and 2 SC in each remaining chain. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Attach the curly green vine to the side of the brown stem.
Frankenstein Dumpling
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Spring Green and Black.
Begin the basic dumpling pattern in Spring Green.
- Round 11: Change to Black yarn. Alternate one regular SC with one elongated SC worked into the stitch directly below the next stitch. Continue alternating around the round to create a jagged black hairline. Finish the remaining rounds of the dumpling in Black yarn.
Add black safety eyes and a sweet embroidered smile.
Tip: When making the elongated stitches, reach down into the previous round so the black stitches extend into the green section. This gives Frankenstein his signature uneven hairline!
Black Cat Dumpling
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Black and Lavender Purple.
Work the entire basic dumpling pattern using Black yarn. For the face, use bright green safety eyes and a little pink safety nose. These colorful features stand out against the black yarn.
Crochet Cat Ears (Make 2):
- Starting with Lavender Purple yarn: Ch 4.
- SC in second chain from hook, HDC in next chain, DC in last chain.
- Join Black yarn and turn.
- SC along one side of the ear, make 2 SC at the top point, then SC down the opposite side, leaving the bottom edge unworked.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Make two ears and stitch them securely onto the top of the dumpling, positioning one ear behind and to the side of each eye. Those little purple ear centers and green eyes give this black cat so much personality!
Ultra Rare Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost Dumpling
Yarn: Red Heart Super Glow in Lunar White.
This ghost looks like an adorable white ghost in daylight, but when the lights go out, it glows a fun green color! For the face, add two small black safety eyes and an oval black safety eye for the open mouth. It’s the perfect little surprised ghost expression!
Assembly
Once all character-specific details are added, ensure all yarn ends are woven in securely. If you are using plastic dumpling steamer baskets, these finished amigurumi fit perfectly inside, creating a delightful “blind bag” style gift. You can also use this pattern to create a festive centerpiece by arranging them in a bowl, or pair them with other seasonal decor like our Halloween Pumpkin Bouquet for a complete table setting.
Tips
- Stitch Count Check: Always count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure your dumpling remains round and doesn’t curl.
- Soft Stuffing: Resist the urge to pack the stuffing tightly. The charm of the dumpling is its squishy, soft texture.
- Frankenstein’s Hair: The elongated SC is the key to Frankenstein’s look. Make sure you are pulling up a long loop from the round below to get that jagged effect.
FAQs
Can I use a different yarn brand?
Yes, you can use any worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. However, if you use a different brand for the glow-in-the-dark ghost, the glow effect may vary. Red Heart Super Glow is specifically noted for its bright green luminescence.
What size safety eyes should I use?
Most dumplings use 9mm safety eyes. However, the Black Cat uses green eyes and a pink nose, and the Ghost uses black eyes with an oval eye for the mouth. Always check the specific character notes before attaching features.
How do I make the elongated SC for Frankenstein?
Insert your hook into the stitch directly below the next stitch on the current round. Pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook. This creates a longer stitch that extends into the previous round.
Can these be washed?
Hand washing is recommended to preserve the shape and any embroidered details. If you must machine wash, use a gentle cycle and air dry.
Where can I find the plastic steamer baskets?
The baskets pictured are from the RMS brand viral squishy dumplings, often found at stores like Five Below or Walmart. Similar plastic containers are also available on Amazon.
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