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Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.6K Made This
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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 includes full crochet instructions to make three small characters: the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max. Each toy is written in rounds using plush yarns for a soft, squishy finish. You will find stitch-by-stitch rounds, hair and accessory instructions, and photo/video references to guide assembly.

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

Designed for intermediate makers, the pattern uses simple shaping and embroidery to create expressive faces. Finished toys measure approximately 10 cm tall, making them perfect for ornaments or small gifts.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings together three beloved characters with playful details and textured plush yarns. I enjoy how the small scale makes them quick to crochet yet full of personality. I love designing expressive faces using simple embroidery techniques that really bring each character to life. Sharing the step-by-step rounds and video references makes this pattern feel friendly and rewarding for makers.

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 easy it is to customize these minis by changing yarn colors; try pastel shades for a soft, whimsical look or traditional red and green for holiday flair.

I often change the plush yarn to a slightly finer yarn and a smaller hook to create an even tinier keychain version that fits on a bag.

If you want a chunkier version, switch to a bulkier plush yarn and a larger hook — the characters become super cuddly and decorative.

I sometimes replace sewn eyes with safety eyes or embroidered eyes for a softer face; embroidered eyes give a more handcrafted, vintage feel.

Try different scarves and collars — a striped scarf or a tiny pompom adds personality and can match your decor or gift recipient.

I like to experiment with facial expressions by adjusting eyebrow placement and mouth shape; small changes can make the character look kinder or cheekier.

For posability, add a short piece of thin craft wire inside the arms or neck before stuffing but take care to seal ends so they don't poke through the plush yarn.

Add tiny accessories like a crochet bow, tiny hat, or a mini ornament to make them perfect stocking stuffers or bag charms.

I recommend testing a small swatch when you change yarn or hook sizes so you can adjust placement of eyes and facial features according to new gauge.

Finally, I like creating matching sets in different colorways to display together — mixing textures like faux fur forelocks or slightly fuzzy yarn for hair gives each friend a unique character.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during shaping can make placement of arms and eyes inconsistent; place markers at key stitches and refer to the round numbers often. ✗ Overstuffing the plush pieces will distort the shape and make sewing difficult; stuff gradually and check the silhouette frequently for a smooth finish. ✗ Changing yarn colors without securing ends can cause unraveling later; weave in or secure color joins and hide tails as you go to keep the work tidy. ✗ Ignoring the recommended hook sizes for different parts (hair, scarf, body) can change the final size; follow the hook recommendations for each section to maintain proportions.

Grinch and his friends Amigurumi Pattern

Make a charming trio of mini amigurumi characters — the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max — using plush and DK yarns. This pattern gives you step-by-step rounds, assembly tips, and finishing details so you can create sweet holiday friends. Perfect for gifting, ornaments, or a festive display, each toy finishes about 10 cm tall.

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 Grinch
  • 02
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) khaki (361) - for Grinch nose and eyebrows
  • 03
    DK weight yarn YarnArt Jeans (50g/160m, 55% cotton/45% acrylic) white (62) - scarf and details
  • 04
    DK weight yarn YarnArt Jeans (50g/160m, 55% cotton/45% acrylic) red (26) - scarf and collar
  • 05
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) bright pink (309) - Cindy Lou body
  • 06
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) skin (353) - Cindy Lou face
  • 07
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) red (318) - Cindy Lou details
  • 08
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Fine (100g/175m) yellow (502) - Cindy Lou hair
  • 09
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Fine (100g/175m) white (501) - Cindy Lou eye embroidery
  • 10
    Plush yarn Wolans Bunny Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) caramel (19) - Max body
  • 11
    Plush yarn Himalaya Dolphin Baby (100g/120m, 100% polyester) dark brown (336) - Max details
  • 12
    Plush yarn YarnArt Mink (50g/75m, 100% polyamide) brown (333) - Max forelock
  • 13
    Iris yarn (25g/150m, 100% cotton) black and pink - for embroidered eyes and Cindy's smile

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Sewing eye beads D=8 mm (or safety eyes equivalent)
  • 02
    Nose 12x10 mm (black and brown) for Max
  • 03
    Iris yarn (25g/150m 100% cotton) black and pink for embroidery
  • 04
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm
  • 05
    Crochet hook size 2.5 mm (for Cindy's hair and braids)
  • 06
    Crochet hook size 2.0 mm (for scarf)
  • 07
    Stuffing material (fiberfill/polyester)
  • 08
    Tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery
  • 09
    Scissors
  • 10
    Stitch marker (a scrap of contrasting color)
  • 11
    Pins for assembly and positioning
  • 12
    Fabric glue or craft glue (optional) for securing plush yarn ends

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)

Info :

Click the link to watch how to crochet the 4th round.

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)

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to crochet rounds 9 and 10.

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.

— 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.

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail inside.

Info :

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

— Assembly :

Info :

Sculpt the eye sockets.

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to sculpt the eyes.

Info :

- embroider the whites on the outer side of the eye with white plush yarn;

Info :

- embroider the eyelashes with black thread;

Info :

- embroider the eyebrows in round 19 with dark green thread (the length is 2 sc).

Info :

The distance between the eyebrows is 3 sc.

Info :

Embroider the nose between the eyes (between rounds 16 and 17).

Info :

The length of the nose is 1 sc. Make 2 stitches;

Info :

- Embroider the mouth as guided in the photo.

Info :

Click the link to watch how to embroider the smile.

— Scarf :

Info :

With YarnArt Jeans yarn and a 2 mm crochet hook.

Info :

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.

Info :

Click the link to watch how to crochet 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.

Info :

- embroider the whites on the outer side of the eye with white plush yarn;

Info :

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

Info :

- 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;

Info :

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

— 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 :

Click the icon to watch how to crochet the hair strand.

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.

Info :

Sew the hair strands to the head (see photo).

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to sew the hair.

— 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.

— 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.

Info :

Wrap around the center of the bow with the remaining yarn tail. Braid the hair and tie the bow. Fasten off.

Info :

Secure the ends of the plush yarn with a drop of glue.

Info :

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.

Info :

Work in back and forth rows. Chain 1 at the beginning of the row. Start crocheting with pink yarn.

Round 1 :

hain 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.

Info :

Click the link to watch how to sculpt the eyes.

Info :

- embroider the whites on the outer side of the eye with white plush yarn;

Info :

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

Info :

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

Info :

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

— 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.

Info :

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.

Info :

Fasten off, break yarn, and hide the tail.

Info :

Click the icon to watch how to crochet the ears.

— Forelock :

Info :

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

— Collar :

Info :

Chain the required number of chains with red yarn. I made 35 chains.

Info :

Put the collar onto the toy, tie it into a few knots, and hide the tail inside the toy.

Assembly Instructions

  • If using safety eyes: install the eyes between rounds 17 and 18 for the Grinch; the distance between eye stems should be 5 sc to achieve proper placement.
  • For Cindy Lou, install the eyes between rounds 16 and 17, then sculpt the eye sockets and embroider whites, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth as directed in the assembly section.
  • For Max, install the eyes between rounds 16 and 17, embroider the white of the eyes and then install the nose in the center of the muzzle between rounds 14 and 15 before finishing the mouth embroidery.
  • Sew hair and hair strands in place by pinning the wig on the head and stitching the base as shown; for Cindy Lou pin 14 strands and leave 4 in the front center, then sew gently to secure.
  • Attach ears to Max by crocheting them into round 19 as directed, spacing them 7 stitches apart; fasten off and hide tails inside for a neat finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of the start of rounds and key placement points like where to attach arms, eyes, and ears.
  • 💡Stuff firmly but not overly tight to preserve the shape without stretching stitches or making sewing difficult.
  • 💡Hide and secure yarn tails as you go to avoid bulky seams during assembly and to keep plush yarn ends from coming loose.
  • 💡Follow the different hook size recommendations for body, hair, and scarf to maintain correct proportions and texture.
  • 💡Install eyes at the specified rounds for each character to ensure proper facial proportions and expression.

This charming Grinch and his friends pattern gives you everything you need to crochet three adorable mini amigurumi characters. Whether you make them as ornaments, gifts, or a festive shelf display, they are full of personality and tiny details. Happy crocheting and warm holiday vibes from my hooks to yours! 🧶🎄

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 yarns and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can substitute yarns, but changing yarn weight and hook size will affect final size and texture; use appropriate hooks for the yarn chosen and expect size differences.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate due to shaping, hair attachment, and embroidery; basic single crochet, increases, decreases, and working in BLO/FLO are required.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete all three characters in about 5-7 hours, though time may vary depending on experience, assembly complexity, and finishing details.