Halloween Crochet: Easy Ghost, Pumpkin & Bat Patterns

You’ll learn how to crochet each design step by step, choose suitable yarn, shape your pieces, and finish them neatly. The ghost and pumpkin introduce simple three-dimensional construction, while the bat offers a fun introduction to crocheting flat shapes and assembling small details.

Project Overview

These Halloween crochet patterns use manageable shapes and widely available crochet techniques. You can make one decoration or crochet the entire matching set.

Feature	Details
Skill level	Beginner to confident beginner
Projects	Ghost, pumpkin, and bat
Yarn	Worsted-weight acrylic or cotton
Suggested hook	3.5–4 mm, adjusted for your yarn
Main techniques	Chain, single crochet, increases, decreases, slip stitch
Construction	Worked in rounds, rows, and assembled shapes
Gauge	Not critical for decorations
Finished size	Varies with yarn, hook, and tension
Estimated time	Depends on experience and project
Terminology	US crochet terms

The patterns below use specific stitch counts that have been checked for internal consistency. However, they have not been physically sample-crocheted. Finished measurements and exact yarn consumption should be confirmed with a sample before publishing them as guaranteed specifications.

Item	Quantity or Specification	Purpose	Alternative
White yarn	Small amount, worsted weight	Ghost body	Cream yarn
Orange yarn	Small amount, worsted weight	Pumpkin body	Rust or mustard
Dark yarn	Small amount, worsted weight	Bat	Purple or dark gray
Green yarn	Small amount	Pumpkin stem	Brown yarn
Crochet hook	Approximately 3.5 mm	Dense ghost stitches	Hook suited to your tension
Crochet hook	Approximately 4 mm	Pumpkin and bat	Smaller hook for firmer fabric
Polyester fiberfill	Enough to stuff ghost and pumpkin	Three-dimensional shaping	Clean yarn scraps for decorative use
Yarn needle	One blunt tapestry needle	Sewing and weaving ends	Appropriate large-eye needle
Stitch markers	At least one	Marking rounds	Removable yarn marker
Scissors	One pair	Cutting yarn	Yarn snips
Black embroidery floss	Small amount	Facial details	Thin black yarn

Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations

You only need a few fundamental stitches.

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	Chain
sc	Single crochet
sl st	Slip stitch
inc	Two single crochets in one stitch
dec	Single crochet decrease
BLO	Back loop only
st	Stitch
sts	Stitches
MR	Magic ring
FO	Fasten off
[ ]	Repeat instructions inside brackets

How to Make a Single Crochet

Insert the hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops. You should have one loop remaining on your hook.

How to Make an Increase

Work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch. Each increase adds one stitch to the round.

How to Make an Invisible Decrease

Insert your hook through the front loop of each of the next two stitches. Yarn over and pull through both front loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining loops. An invisible decrease gives amigurumi a smoother appearance than an ordinary decrease.

How to Read the Patterns

Instructions such as:

[sc 2, inc] × 6

mean:

1. Work one single crochet into each of the next two stitches.
2. Work an increase in the following stitch.
3. Repeat the entire sequence six times.

The final stitch count appears in parentheses at the end of each round. For the amigurumi sections, work in continuous spirals unless otherwise stated. Place a marker in the first stitch of each round and move it as you progress.

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Pattern 1: Mini Crochet Ghost

This tiny ghost is an approachable Halloween crochet project because its body is worked in one piece. Its rounded head, tapered lower section, and softly scalloped hem create the recognizable ghost silhouette.

Step 1: Crochet the Ghost’s Head

Using white yarn and a 3.5 mm hook, create a magic ring.

Round	Instructions	Stitch Count
1	6 sc in MR	6
2	inc in each st	12
3	[sc 1, inc] × 6	18
4	[sc 2, inc] × 6	24
5	[sc 3, inc] × 6	30
6–10	sc around	30

The head should resemble a shallow, rounded cup.

Visual check: The increases should be distributed evenly, without an obvious point at the top.

Common error: The magic ring remains open.

Solution: Pull the starting tail firmly to close the center, then secure it on the inside.

Expert tip: Offset increases slightly between rounds if visible diagonal lines begin forming.

Step 2: Shape the Ghost’s Body

Continue working downward.

Round	Instructions	Stitch Count
11	[sc 3, dec] × 6	24
12	sc around	24
13	[sc 3, inc] × 6	30
14	sc around	30
15	[sc 4, inc] × 6	36
16	sc around	36
17	[sc 5, inc] × 6	42
18	sc around	42

The body now widens beneath the head.

Visual check: The narrowed neck should transition into a gently widening base.

Common error: The body develops holes at the decreases.

Solution: Use a smaller hook or tighten the decrease stitches without pulling the surrounding fabric out of shape.

Expert tip: Keep the marked beginning of the round toward the back when positioning the face.

Step 3: Add the Ghost’s Face

Before stuffing the body, embroider its features.

For a simple expression:

1. Identify the front center.
2. Place two small vertical embroidered eyes approximately three stitches apart.
3. Position them around rounds 8–9.
4. Add a tiny curved mouth below the eyes if desired.
5. Secure every embroidery tail inside the body.

Use black embroidery floss or fine black yarn. Keep the eyes symmetrical relative to the center of the head.

Visual check: Both eyes should appear level when the ghost is standing upright.

Common error: The face looks uneven after stuffing.

Solution: Add enough stuffing to preview the rounded shape before permanently tightening the embroidery.

Expert tip: Make the eyes with several short satin stitches rather than one long loose stitch.

Step 4: Create a Scalloped Ghost Hem

The scallops form a floating, wavy edge.

Round 19:

Work the following repeat seven times:

[sl st in next st, 3 sc in next st, sl st in next st, sl st in each of next 3 sts]

This consumes six stitches per repeat, using all 42 stitches around the opening. Fasten off and weave the tail securely into the fabric.

Visual check: Seven small scallops should appear evenly spaced around the hem.

Common error: The hem becomes excessively ruffled.

Solution: Check that each repeat is worked into exactly six stitches.

Expert tip: Avoid pulling slip stitches too tightly because they can distort the scallops.

Step 5: Stuff and Finish the Ghost

Add fiberfill through the open bottom. Concentrate stuffing in the head and upper body, leaving the scalloped hem flexible. The bottom remains open by design. If you want a closed decorative figure, create an optional circular base.

Optional Base Disk

Using white yarn:

• Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• Round 2: inc around (12)
• Round 3: [sc 1, inc] × 6 (18)
• Round 4: [sc 2, inc] × 6 (24)
• Round 5: [sc 3, inc] × 6 (30)
• Round 6: [sc 4, inc] × 6 (36)

Leave a long sewing tail.

Position the disk inside the ghost’s lower opening, behind the scalloped edge. Sew it to the interior fabric around the lower body, easing the difference between the 36-stitch disk and the 42-stitch opening as you distribute the seam.

Do not pull the outer scallops into the seam. Finish stuffing before closing the final section.

Visual check: The ghost should hold its rounded shape without loose stuffing escaping.

Common error: The closed bottom puckers.

Solution: Distribute the six-stitch circumference difference evenly instead of gathering it at one location.

Expert tip: A lightly stuffed bottom will generally sit more neatly than a densely packed one.

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Pattern 2: Easy Ribbed Crochet Pumpkin

A ribbed crochet pumpkin is especially satisfying because a flat rectangle becomes a three-dimensional decoration. This method uses back-loop-only single crochet to create vertical ridges.

Step 1: Crochet the Ribbed Rectangle

Using orange worsted-weight yarn and a 4 mm hook:

Foundation: Ch 21.

Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain. (20 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO across. (20 sts)

Rows 3–32: Repeat Row 2.

You should finish with a rectangle containing 32 rows and 20 stitches per row. The ribbed texture runs perpendicular to the rows.

Visual check: Stretch the fabric gently sideways. The raised ridges should expand and contract like a soft accordion.

Common error: The edges become slanted.

Solution: Count 20 stitches at the end of every row, particularly the first and final stitches.

Expert tip: Avoid excessively tight foundation chains. A slightly flexible foundation makes the final seam easier to align.

Pumpkin Construction Diagram

FLAT RECTANGLE ______________________

____________________

1. Join the short ends.
2. Create a ribbed tube.
3. Gather one opening.
4. Stuff the tube.
5. Gather the other opening.
6. Pull yarn through the center

to create a flattened pumpkin. This diagram illustrates the construction sequence, not exact dimensions or stitch geometry.

Step 2: Join the Rectangle into a Tube

Fold the rectangle so the first and last rows meet.

Using the long yarn tail and a tapestry needle:

1. Align the two short edges.
2. Sew the edges together with a consistent seam.
3. Avoid pulling the seam tighter than the surrounding fabric.
4. Turn the tube so the neater seam is on the inside.

Visual check: The seam should blend with the ribbed surface and stretch similarly to the rest of the fabric.

Common error: One edge ends up longer than the other.

Solution: Align corresponding row ends before sewing. Recount rows if the fabric twists.

Expert tip: Use a mattress-style seam if you want the join to be less visible.

Step 3: Gather and Stuff the Pumpkin

Thread a long length of orange yarn through the needle. Weave the needle in and out around one open end of the tube, passing through the edge stitches. Pull gently to gather the opening.

Secure the gathered center, leaving a small opening for shaping if needed. Add fiberfill through the opposite end. The stuffing should make the pumpkin rounded but not rigid. Gather the second opening using the same method.

Secure the yarn.

Visual check: Both ends should close around the center, and the ribbing should form vertical grooves.

Common error: Fiberfill shows through the gathered centers.

Solution: Add additional gathering stitches and secure them before attaching the stem.

Expert tip: Place smaller portions of stuffing around the inside perimeter rather than inserting one dense ball.

Step 4: Create the Pumpkin’s Shape

Insert the threaded needle through the center of the pumpkin from top to bottom. Bring it back through the center in the opposite direction. Pull carefully to draw the top and bottom toward each other.

Repeat if necessary. Secure the tension with several small stitches near the center. This creates the characteristic squat pumpkin silhouette.

Visual check: The center should be slightly depressed, while the outer ribbed sections remain rounded.

Common error: The pumpkin becomes too flat.

Solution: Release some tension and redistribute the stuffing.

Expert tip: Shape the pumpkin by hand before tying off. Even pressure creates smoother curves.

Step 5: Crochet and Attach the Stem

Using green yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

• Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• Rounds 2–5: Sc around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail. Do not stuff the stem unless you need additional firmness. Sew the stem over the gathered top center.

Pass the needle through the base of the stem and the pumpkin fabric several times. Secure the yarn inside the pumpkin.

Visual check: The stem should stand upright or lean gently without wobbling at its attachment point.

Common error: The stem falls sideways.

Solution: Add another round of attachment stitches around its base.

Expert tip: A slightly imperfect, angled stem can make the pumpkin look more organic.

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Pattern 3: Cute Halloween Crochet Bat

This small bat uses a flat oval body and two separately crocheted wings. It is a good project for practicing increases, simple shaping, and symmetrical assembly.

Unlike a stuffed amigurumi bat, this version is primarily flat and works well as a hanging decoration.

Step 1: Crochet the Bat Body

With charcoal or dark-purple yarn and a 4 mm hook:

• Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• Round 2: inc around (12)
• Round 3: [sc 1, inc] × 6 (18)
• Round 4: [sc 2, inc] × 6 (24)
• Round 5: [sc 3, inc] × 6 (30)

Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail. This creates a flat circular base for the bat’s face and body. If you prefer a slightly elongated silhouette, gently shape the piece into an oval when blocking. The actual amount of elongation will depend on your fabric.

Visual check: The piece should lie mostly flat without cupping or forming large ruffles.

Common error: The body curls inward.

Solution: Loosen your tension slightly or use a marginally larger hook.

Expert tip: Cotton yarn produces more defined edges, while acrylic often makes softer-looking bat decorations.

Step 2: Crochet the Bat Wings

Make two identical wings. Each wing is worked in rows with a small stepped upper edge.

Foundation: Ch 7.

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook and across. (6 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (6 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in the first 4 sts. Leave the remaining 2 sts unworked. (4 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (4 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in the first 2 sts. Leave the remaining 2 sts unworked. (2 sts)

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (2 sts)

Fasten off with a long tail for attachment. The wing will have a stepped silhouette with sections of six, four, and two stitches. For the opposite side, flip the second wing horizontally before sewing it to the body. This creates a mirrored pair.

Wing Shape Diagram

Wing A Wing B

██████ ██████ ██████ ██████ ████ ████ ████ ████ ██ ██ ██ ██

Flip the completed wings so their narrow ends point outward and the wider edges sit near the body. The blocks represent stitch-width changes, not exact fabric geometry.

Visual check: The wings should appear balanced when positioned on opposite sides of the body.

Common error: Both wings angle in the same direction.

Solution: Mirror one wing before attaching it.

Expert tip: Pin the wings temporarily or hold them in position before sewing. Symmetry matters more than perfect stitch-for-stitch placement.

Step 3: Add the Bat’s Ears

Create two small triangular ears.

For each ear:

Ch 4.

• Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook and across. (3 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc 1. (2 sts)
• Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog. (1 st)

Fasten off with a sewing tail. Position the ears along the upper edge of the body. Attach each ear with secure stitches.

Visual check: The ears should project upward and be spaced evenly on either side of the top center.

Common error: The ears fold backward.

Solution: Sew a slightly wider portion of each ear’s base to the body.

Expert tip: A firm crochet tension gives small pieces enough structure to hold their shapes without additional support.

Step 4: Embroider the Bat’s Face

Use white, cream, or light-gray embroidery floss. Create two small eyes near the upper half of the body. For a friendly appearance, add a tiny curved mouth.

Keep the features small enough that the circular body remains clearly visible. Avoid long unsecured threads on the back.

Step 5: Assemble the Bat

Position the broad inner edge of each wing behind the left and right sides of the body. Sew both wings securely. Attach the ears and weave in the remaining yarn tails.

For a hanging decoration, add a crocheted loop:

1. Join yarn near the top center of the body.
2. Chain 12.
3. Slip stitch into the original attachment point.
4. Fasten off and weave the tail securely.

The chain loop is intended for lightweight decorative hanging only.

Visual check: The wings should remain attached when lightly lifted, and the hanging loop should be centered.

Common error: One wing sits lower than the other.

Solution: Place both wings on a flat surface before completing the seam and compare their positions.

Expert tip: Use small, evenly distributed stitches to secure the wing along more than one point of contact.

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Beginner-to-Pro Crochet Techniques

These Halloween crochet projects are useful practice because they introduce different construction methods.

Skill Level	Technique	Benefit
Beginner	Consistent single crochet	More uniform fabric
Beginner	Stitch counting and markers	Prevents shaping errors
Intermediate	Invisible decreases	Smoother amigurumi
Intermediate	BLO ribbing	Stretchy, textured pumpkin
Intermediate	Mattress-style seaming	Less noticeable joins
Advanced	Controlled stuffing and sculpting	More intentional shaping
Advanced	Embroidered detail placement	Better facial symmetry

Beginner: Prioritize Accurate Stitch Counts

Count at the end of every shaping round. If a round should contain 24 stitches but contains 25, identify the extra increase before moving forward. Small mistakes become more difficult to correct after several additional rounds.

Intermediate: Control Your Yarn Tension

For stuffed shapes, you want firm fabric without painful strain on your hands. For flat wings, maintain enough flexibility that the pieces lie flat. You may need different hook sizes for different parts of the same decoration.

Advanced: Refine Your Finishing

A polished crochet decoration depends on more than the stitch pattern. Use matching sewing yarn, distribute stuffing evenly, position features before securing them, and hide yarn tails inside seams or dense fabric. These details help homemade projects appear intentional and cohesive.

Troubleshooting Common Halloween Crochet Problems

Symptom	Likely Cause	Practical Fix	Prevention
Ghost head has a hole	Magic ring not fully closed	Tighten and secure the starting tail	Check center before continuing
Fiberfill shows through	Loose stitches or overstuffing	Reduce stuffing or use a smaller hook	Check fabric density early
Pumpkin looks cylindrical	Not enough center shaping	Pull top and bottom toward each other	Sculpt before securing yarn
Pumpkin seam is visible	Uneven joining tension	Rework with a more discreet seam	Align row ends before sewing
Bat wings are uneven	Incorrect orientation	Mirror one wing before attachment	Compare pieces on a flat surface
Crochet circle curls	Tight tension or missed increases	Check count and adjust hook	Count every increase round
Crochet circle ripples	Loose tension or extra increases	Remove unintended increases	Check fabric after each round
Embroidery looks crooked	Features placed off-center	Remove and reposition stitches	Mark the center first
Decorative parts loosen	Insufficient attachment stitches	Reseam using multiple anchor points	Test gently before display

How Do You Know When to Undo Crochet Stitches?

Not every irregularity requires starting again. A slightly uneven pumpkin rib can often be hidden during shaping. A missed increase that substantially changes the ghost’s stitch count is better corrected before you complete the body. If a stitch-count error affects later construction, undo the work to the incorrect round rather than attempting to compensate randomly.

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Choosing the Best Yarn for Halloween Crochet

Your yarn affects the appearance, durability, and difficulty of every project.

Yarn	Best For	Advantages	Limitations	Recommendation
Acrylic	General Halloween decorations	Accessible, lightweight, easy care	Can become fuzzy	Good everyday choice
Cotton	Crisp stitches and firm shapes	Excellent stitch definition	Less elastic	Ideal for structured details
Cotton blend	Balanced decoration fabric	Combines structure and flexibility	Properties vary by blend	Useful for mixed projects
Chenille	Plush Halloween characters	Soft, rounded appearance	Stitches can be harder to see	Better after mastering the pattern
Lightweight yarn	Tiny miniatures	Fine detail	Requires smaller tools and closer attention	Best for experienced crocheters

For your first complete Halloween crochet set, using the same yarn weight for all three projects makes their relative proportions easier to control.

Can You Mix Yarn Brands?

Yes, but compare yarn weight, thickness, and fiber characteristics. Two skeins labeled worsted weight may still crochet differently. If you change yarn brands within one project, crochet a small swatch first and compare how closely the fabric matches.

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Three Ways to Make Your Crochet Decorations Better

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1. Check Scale Before Committing to a Full Set

Crochet decorations look more cohesive when they share a deliberate scale.

Before making several pieces:

1. Complete one ghost, pumpkin, or bat.
2. Measure its height and width.
3. Record the hook size and yarn used.
4. Decide whether the proportions suit your display.
5. Adjust subsequent projects if necessary.

A decorative mantel arrangement may benefit from a larger pumpkin and smaller bats, while basket fillers often look more balanced when pieces are similar in size. Do not assume switching yarn automatically creates a predictable finished size. A new yarn and hook combination can change both width and height.

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2. Improve Durability Without Making the Fabric Stiff

Small crochet decorations experience wear from handling, storage, and repeated seasonal display.

To make them last:

• Weave yarn tails through several neighboring stitches.
• Reverse the weaving direction when possible.
• Secure sewn components at multiple points.
• Avoid overstuffing.
• Keep delicate wings away from snagging surfaces.
• Store decorations completely dry.

For flat bats, consider placing them in a shallow box rather than underneath heavier decorations. For pumpkins, avoid compressing them tightly during storage, since this can flatten their ribbed texture.

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3. Create a Matching Halloween Color Palette

A coordinated palette makes separate crochet projects feel like a collection.

Try one of these combinations:

Theme	Main Colors	Accent Colors
Classic Halloween	Pumpkin orange, black, white	Deep green
Soft Pastel Halloween	Lavender, cream, blush	Pale peach
Rustic Autumn	Burnt orange, oatmeal, brown	Olive green
Gothic Halloween	Charcoal, wine, ivory	Muted gold
Minimal Halloween	Cream, warm gray, black	Dusty orange

For a clean display, repeat the same accent color across several projects. For example, use olive-green pumpkin stems, muted-green bat details, and a small green ribbon near the ghost. Avoid adding decorations that interfere with the shapes or create unnecessary small detachable parts.

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How to Display Your Halloween Crochet Projects

Once completed, the three decorations can be arranged in several ways.

Step 1 — Halloween Mantel Display

Place the pumpkin in the center with the ghost slightly to one side.

Hang the bat above the arrangement or position it against a decorative background. Use battery-operated LED candles rather than placing yarn decorations near open flames.

Step 2 — Seasonal Table Centerpiece

Arrange several pumpkins in complementary colors. Add one ghost as a focal point. Use decorative foliage, keeping delicate yarn away from moisture or staining materials.

Step 3 — Halloween Gift Basket

Include one or two crochet decorations with wrapped treats or other seasonal gifts.

Keep edible items wrapped and separate from loose fibers or small attachments.

Step 4 — Hanging Halloween Garland

Make several flat bats and attach them along a decorative cord.

Space them evenly and check that every hanging loop is secure. Keep garlands and hanging cords away from infants, young children, and pets.

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Finished Project Quality Checklist

Before displaying or gifting your Halloween crochet decorations, inspect the following details.

Stitch Quality

• [ ] All shaping rounds have the intended stitch count.
• [ ] No accidental holes expose the stuffing.
• [ ] Magic rings are securely closed.
• [ ] The yarn tension is reasonably consistent.

Shape and Construction

• [ ] The ghost has a rounded head and recognizable scalloped hem.
• [ ] The pumpkin has visible ribs and a slightly indented center.
• [ ] The bat wings are attached symmetrically.
• [ ] Sewn components remain secure during gentle handling.

Finishing

• [ ] Yarn tails are woven in.
• [ ] Embroidered details are secured.
• [ ] No sharp tools or temporary pins remain.
• [ ] Hanging loops are correctly positioned.
• [ ] Any remaining construction openings are intentional.

Acceptable Variation

Small differences in shape, texture, and size are normal for handmade crochet. A pumpkin with slightly uneven natural-looking sections or a ghost with a gently wavy hem can still look beautiful.

Mistakes Worth Correcting

Visible stuffing, detached details, major stitch-count errors, and unstable attachments should be repaired before display. For items intended for children, decoration patterns alone are not sufficient evidence of toy safety. Use an appropriate, separately assessed toy pattern and construction method instead.

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Frequently asked questions

Make Your Halloween Crochet Collection Your Own

The best Halloween crochet decorations combine recognizable seasonal shapes with neat stitches and thoughtful finishing.

Start with the ribbed pumpkin if you want a repetitive, relaxing project. Try the ghost next to build confidence with continuous rounds and shaping. Finish with the bat to practice mirrored components and decorative assembly.

Once you have completed the first set, experiment with different yarn colors, coordinated accessories, and display arrangements. A few carefully finished pieces can become part of your seasonal decorating traditions.

Before putting your projects away, inspect the seams, remove lint, and store everything in a clean, dry container so your handmade decorations are ready for the next Halloween. Save this Halloween crochet tutorial to your Pinterest craft board so you can return to the stitch tables, troubleshooting tips, and project instructions whenever you need them.

Yarn weights and hook sizes in this guide follow the Craft Yarn Council standards.

Keep going: Cute Crochet Amigurumi Puppy Pattern Tutorial for Beginners · 15 Cozy Autumn Crochet Coin Purse Ideas: Pumpkin, Acorn & Mushroom Pouches