Crochet Tutorial: The Grinch Christmas Doll – Free Crochet Pattern

This cheerful Christmas crochet set features a green grumpy holiday doll with a round oversized head, arched expressive eyes, a stitched mischievous smile, blue overalls, a yellow shirt, red sandals, and a red and white striped scarf. The set also includes a teal winter beanie, a tiny hot cocoa mug, a small love note, a crossbody bag, holly leaves, berries, hair tufts, bows, and a star charm.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Information

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate amigurumi.
• Finished doll size: About 12 inches tall when made with medium worsted yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.
• Construction: The doll is worked from feet upward, with separate arms, shirt sleeves, overalls details, scarf, hat, bag, mug, book, and facial embroidery.
• Style goal: A plump green Christmas character with a large pear-shaped head, small body, long arms, short legs, bright outfit, and playful handmade accessories.

Materials

• Medium worsted weight yarn in lime green, bright blue, yellow, red, white, teal, beige, brown, black, and a small amount of gold.
• 3.0 mm crochet hook for the doll and clothing.
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for tiny details such as holly leaves, berries, bows, star, and snowflake.
• 12 mm safety eyes, glossy black with clear or white rims if available.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Two small yellow buttons for the overalls straps.
• Black embroidery thread or black yarn for eyebrows, lashes, nose, and mouth.
• Small amount of white felt or white yarn for eye highlights if desired.
• Pins for positioning pieces before sewing.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• ch: Chain
• sl st: Slip stitch
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• inc: Increase, 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec: Invisible decrease over 2 stitches
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only
• st: Stitch
• sts: Stitches
• FO: Fasten off
• R: Round or row

Gauge and Notes

Amigurumi gauge should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through the stitches. For the doll in the photo, the fabric looks firm, rounded, and slightly plush. Use a smaller hook than the yarn label recommends, and stuff gradually while shaping.

The doll has a large head compared with the body. The head should be wider than the torso and slightly taller than the body from neck to hips. The body is compact, while the legs and arms are slimmer and softly tapered.

• Work most pieces in continuous spiral rounds unless a row instruction is given.
• Use a stitch marker at the first stitch of each round.
• Stuff the head firmly, the body medium-firm, and the arms lightly.
• When sewing pieces on, pin everything first to keep the photo-like proportions.
• Color changes are made in the last yarn-over of the stitch before the new color begins.

Head and Body Base

The head and body are worked in one piece from the bottom of the body upward. The shape creates a small torso and a large rounded head with a slightly pointed top area for the hair tuft.

Body in Lime Green

1. R1: Make 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. R3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: Sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5: Sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. R6: Sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. R7: BLO sc in each st around. 36 sts.
8. R8-R13: Sc in each st around. 36 sts.
9. R14: Sc 4, dec, repeat around. 30 sts.
10. R15-R17: Sc in each st around. 30 sts.
11. R18: Sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. R19: Sc in each st around. 24 sts.
13. R20: Sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
14. R21: Sc in each st around. 18 sts. This forms the neck.

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Stuff the body firmly at the base and slightly less firmly near the neck. The finished body should look small and rounded, because most of the visual weight comes from the head and outfit.

Head in Lime Green

1. R22: Sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
2. R23: Sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
3. R24: Sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
4. R25: Sc 5, inc, repeat around. 42 sts.
5. R26: Sc 6, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
6. R27: Sc 7, inc, repeat around. 54 sts.
7. R28: Sc 8, inc, repeat around. 60 sts.
8. R29-R38: Sc in each st around. 60 sts.
9. R39: Sc 8, dec, repeat around. 54 sts.
10. R40: Sc 7, dec, repeat around. 48 sts.
11. R41: Sc 6, dec, repeat around. 42 sts.
12. R42: Sc 5, dec, repeat around. 36 sts.
13. R43: Sc 4, dec, repeat around. 30 sts.
14. R44: Sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
15. R45: Sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
16. R46: Sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.

Insert the safety eyes between R32 and R33, about 10 stitches apart. Angle them slightly downward toward the center to match the mischievous expression. Before locking the washers, check that the eyes sit wide and high on the face.

Stuff the head firmly. Add extra stuffing to the cheeks so the face becomes round and full. The lower face should puff outward slightly, giving space for the stitched smile.

1. R47: Dec around. 6 sts.

FO, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches, pull closed, and hide the end inside the head.

Legs and Feet

The doll in the image has short green legs with rounded toes and red sandals. The toes are visible at the front, so the feet are made wider than the ankles.

Make 2 Feet and Legs in Lime Green

1. R1: Ch 6. Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 4, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side of the chain, sc 3, inc in last ch. 12 sts.
2. R2: Inc, sc 3, inc in next 3 sts, sc 3, inc in next 2 sts. 18 sts.
3. R3: Sc 1, inc, sc 4, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 4, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc. 24 sts.
4. R4: BLO sc in each st around. 24 sts.
5. R5: Sc 6, dec 6 times, sc 6. 18 sts.
6. R6: Sc 4, dec 5 times, sc 4. 13 sts.
7. R7: Sc 3, dec 3 times, sc 4. 10 sts.
8. R8-R15: Sc in each st around. 10 sts.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. FO the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg if you want to join the legs directly to the body, but for easier placement, sew both legs to the lower body after the overalls are added.

Toe Lines

• Using lime green yarn and a needle, make two short vertical stitches on the front of each foot to divide the toes.
• Place the stitches at the rounded front edge of the foot.
• Pull gently so the toe bumps become visible but not too tight.

Arms

The arms are long, narrow, and tapered, with a rounded hand shape. In the image, the arms hang down beside the body, reaching near the bottom of the shorts.

Make 2 in Lime Green

1. R1: Make 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. R3-R5: Sc in each st around. 12 sts.
4. R6: Sc 4, dec, repeat twice. 10 sts.
5. R7-R18: Sc in each st around. 10 sts.
6. R19: Sc 3, dec, repeat twice. 8 sts.
7. R20-R22: Sc in each st around. 8 sts.

Stuff only the lower half lightly. Flatten the top opening and sc through both layers with 4 sc. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Yellow Shirt

The yellow shirt sits under the blue overalls and shows clearly at the chest and sleeves. The body of the shirt is made as a short tube, while the sleeves are attached around the top of the arms.

Shirt Body in Yellow

1. R1: Ch 37. Join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist. Ch 1.
2. R2: Sc in each ch around. Join with sl st. 36 sts.
3. R3-R8: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. 36 sts.
4. R9: Ch 1, sc 4, dec, repeat around, join. 30 sts.
5. R10: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 30 sts.

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FO and weave in ends. Slide the shirt onto the body before sewing on the arms if possible. The top edge should sit just below the neck.

Short Sleeves in Yellow

1. R1: Ch 13. Join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 1.
2. R2: Sc in each ch around, join. 12 sts.
3. R3-R5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 12 sts.

Make two sleeves. Slide each sleeve over an arm before attaching the arm to the body. The sleeve should cover the upper arm only, leaving most of the green arm visible.

Blue Overalls

The overalls are bright blue, high-waisted, and rounded over the lower body. They include shorts legs, a front bib, two straps, yellow buttons, and visible stitched side shaping.

Overall Shorts

1. R1: With blue yarn, ch 37. Join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 1.
2. R2: Sc in each ch around, join. 36 sts.
3. R3-R10: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 36 sts.
4. R11: Ch 1, sc 17, skip 2 sts for the crotch gap, sc 17, join. 34 sts.

Now form the first shorts leg. Count 17 stitches for one leg opening.

1. Leg Opening 1, R1: Attach blue yarn at the inner crotch. Ch 1, sc around the first leg opening with 17 sc. Join.
2. Leg Opening 1, R2-R4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 17 sts.
3. Leg Opening 1, R5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join, FO.
4. Leg Opening 2, R1-R5: Repeat on the second leg opening.

Sew the small crotch gap closed with blue yarn. Place the shorts over the lower body and legs. The shorts should be rounded and slightly roomy, matching the soft plush shape in the image.

Front Bib

The bib is worked upward from the front top edge of the shorts. Center it on the front of the doll.

1. Row 1: Attach blue yarn to the front center top edge. Sc 16 across. Ch 1, turn.
2. Row 2: Sc in each st across. 16 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 3: Dec, sc 12, dec. 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 4-R7: Sc in each st across. 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
5. Row 8: Dec, sc 10, dec. 12 sts. FO.

Overall Straps

1. Strap 1: Ch 24, sc in second ch from hook and across. 23 sts. FO, leaving a sewing tail.
2. Strap 2: Repeat for the second strap.

• Sew one end of each strap to the back waist of the overalls.
• Cross the straps over the shoulders if you want a secure fit, or bring them straight over like the photo.
• Sew the front ends to the upper corners of the bib.
• Attach one small yellow button over each strap end on the bib.

Crossbody Bag

The small blue bag hangs at the doll’s front right side. It has a long diagonal strap and a tiny yellow star at the lower corner.

Bag Body in Blue

1. Row 1: Ch 11. Sc in second ch from hook and across. 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
2. Row 2-R9: Sc in each st across. 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 10: Sc in each st across. FO.

Make a second identical rectangle. Hold both rectangles together and sc around three sides with blue yarn, placing 2 sc in each bottom corner. Leave the top edge open. FO and weave in ends.

Bag Flap

1. Row 1: Attach blue yarn to the back top edge. Sc 10 across. Ch 1, turn.
2. Row 2: Dec, sc 6, dec. 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 3: Dec, sc 4, dec. 6 sts. FO.

Bag Strap

1. Ch 52 with blue yarn.
2. Sc in the second ch from hook and across. 51 sts.
3. FO, leaving long tails.

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Sew one end of the strap to each top side of the bag. Place the strap diagonally from the doll’s left shoulder to the right hip. Tack the strap lightly to the shirt and overalls so it stays in the same angle as the photo.

Small Yellow Star

1. With gold or yellow yarn, make MR.
2. Work ch 2, sl st into MR, repeat 5 times to create 5 points.
3. Pull the ring tight and FO.

Sew the star to the lower front corner of the bag.

Red and White Striped Scarf

The scarf is long, narrow, and wrapped once around the neck. One end hangs down the front, while the other points outward to the side. Use crisp color changes to create bold candy cane stripes.

1. Row 1: With red yarn, ch 7. Sc in second ch from hook and across. 6 sts. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-3: Sc in each st across with red. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 4-6: Change to white. Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
4. Rows 7-9: Change to red. Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
5. Rows 10-12: Change to white. Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
6. Continue alternating 3 red rows and 3 white rows until the scarf measures about 15 inches.
7. End with a red stripe. FO and weave in ends.

Wrap the scarf around the neck after the face is finished. Sew the scarf discreetly at the back and under the front fold so it does not shift.

Red Sandals

The sandals are bright red with open green toes. Each sandal has a sole and a strap across the top of the foot, with a white bow on the outer side.

Make 2 Soles in Red

1. R1: Ch 8. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 6, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side, sc 5, inc in last ch. 16 sts.
2. R2: Inc, sc 5, inc in next 3 sts, sc 5, inc in next 2 sts. 22 sts.
3. R3: Sc 1, inc, sc 6, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 6, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc. 28 sts.

FO, leaving a long tail. Place the sole under the foot and sew around the bottom edge. Keep the red sole visible from the front and sides.

Top Strap

1. With red yarn, ch 11.
2. Sc in second ch from hook and across. 10 sts.
3. FO, leaving tails.

Sew one strap over the top front of each foot. Position it just behind the toes so the green toe bumps remain visible.

White Bow for Each Sandal

1. With white yarn, ch 6.
2. In the third ch from hook, work 3 dc.
3. Sl st into the same ch.
4. Ch 2, work 3 dc into the same ch again.
5. Sl st into the same ch and FO.

Wrap the tail around the bow center twice. Sew one bow to the outer side of each sandal strap.

Teal Winter Hat

The hat is separate from the doll and sits beside it in the image. It is teal, ribbed at the brim, tapered toward the top, and finished with a large pom-pom. A white snowflake decorates the lower brim.

Ribbed Brim in Teal

1. Row 1: Ch 9. Sc in second ch from hook and across. 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-44: BLO sc in each st across. 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Wrap the strip around the doll’s head to check size. It should fit around the upper head but not cover the eyes. Join the short ends together with sl st or whip stitch to form a ring.

Hat Body

1. R1: Work 44 sc evenly around the top edge of the brim. Join with sl st. 44 sts.
2. R2-R5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 44 sts.
3. R6: Ch 1, sc 9, dec, repeat around. 40 sts.
4. R7-R8: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 40 sts.
5. R9: Ch 1, sc 8, dec, repeat around. 36 sts.
6. R10-R11: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 36 sts.
7. R12: Ch 1, sc 7, dec, repeat around. 32 sts.
8. R13: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 32 sts.
9. R14: Ch 1, sc 6, dec, repeat around. 28 sts.
10. R15: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 28 sts.
11. R16: Ch 1, sc 5, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. R17: Ch 1, sc 4, dec, repeat around. 20 sts.
13. R18: Ch 1, sc 3, dec, repeat around. 16 sts.
14. R19: Ch 1, sc 2, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.
15. R20: Ch 1, dec around. 6 sts.

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FO with a long tail. Weave the tail through the final stitches, pull closed, and secure.

Teal Pom-Pom

• Wrap teal yarn around three fingers 70 to 90 times.
• Tie tightly through the center with a strong yarn strand.
• Cut the loops and trim into a round pom-pom.
• Sew the pom-pom firmly to the top of the hat.

White Snowflake

1. With white yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, make MR.
2. Work ch 5, sl st into MR, repeat 6 times.
3. Pull the ring closed.
4. For each loop, sl st into the loop, ch 2, sl st back into the same loop, ch 3, sl st back into the same loop, ch 2, sl st back into the same loop.
5. FO and flatten gently.

Sew the snowflake to the front lower right side of the hat brim.

Holly Leaves and Red Berries

The holly decoration sits on the top left side of the head. It includes two small dark green leaves and three bright red berries. The leaves should angle outward, while the berries cluster in front.

Holly Leaves, Make 2 in Dark Green

1. Ch 9.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st.
3. Ch 2 at the end point.
4. Work down the other side of the chain: sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st.
5. FO, leaving a tail for sewing.

For a jagged holly edge, use the yarn needle to pull tiny points outward at the sides, or add small surface sl sts along the leaf edges.

Red Berries, Make 3

1. Make 6 sc in MR.
2. Sc in each st around. 6 sts.
3. Dec around. 3 sts.
4. FO and close tightly.

Sew two leaves to the top left of the head first. Add the three berries in a triangle cluster over the leaf bases.

Top Hair Tufts

The photo shows short lime green hair strands rising from the top center of the head. They are soft, uneven, and playful.

• Cut 8 strands of lime green yarn, each about 5 inches long.
• Insert the hook through the top of the head near R46.
• Fold one strand in half and pull the loop through a stitch.
• Pull the two ends through the loop and tighten gently.
• Repeat until the top tuft looks full.
• Trim the strands to about 1 inch, leaving them slightly uneven.

Facial Details

The face is the most important part of this doll. The eyes are large, glossy, and angled. The eyebrows are thick black arches that create a grumpy expression. The mouth is a wide curved smile with a center line down from the small nose.

Eyes

• Place the eyes between R32 and R33 of the head.
• Keep about 10 stitches between the eyes.
• Angle the top inner corners slightly downward by adding black embroidery above each eye.
• Add a small white highlight stitch near the outer upper side if your safety eyes do not already shine enough.

Eyebrows and Lashes

• With black yarn, stitch a thick curved eyebrow over each eye.
• The inner ends should point downward toward the center of the face.
• The outer ends should lift slightly upward.
• Add two tiny lashes at the outer side of each eye.
• Keep the stitches bold because the eyebrows define the expression.

Nose and Smile

• Make a small horizontal black nose centered between the eyes, about 3 rounds below the eye line.
• Stitch 4 to 5 horizontal passes over the same area to make a short rectangular nose.
• From the center bottom of the nose, stitch one vertical black line down about 5 rounds.
• Make a wide curved smile from one cheek to the other.
• The smile should curve upward at both corners and sit across the lower face.
• Add a short vertical dip at the middle where the line from the nose meets the smile.

Hot Cocoa Mug

The small cocoa mug sits beside the doll in the image. It is white with a brown cocoa top, tiny marshmallows, a curved handle, and embroidered words on the front.

Mug Body in White

1. R1: Make 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. R3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: BLO sc in each st around. 18 sts.
5. R5-R9: Sc in each st around. 18 sts.
6. R10: Sc in each st around, sl st to finish. FO.

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Stuff the mug lightly so it keeps a soft cylinder shape.

Cocoa Top in Brown

1. R1: Make 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. R3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.

FO, leaving a sewing tail. Sew the brown circle to the top opening of the mug.

Marshmallows

• With white or pale pink yarn, make 3 tiny French knots or 3 small 4-sc bobbles.
• Sew them on top of the brown cocoa surface.
• Place them close together but not perfectly straight.

Mug Handle

1. With white yarn, ch 9.
2. Sc in second ch from hook and across. 8 sts.
3. FO, leaving long tails.

Sew the handle to one side of the mug in a curved C shape.

Lettering

Use brown embroidery thread or thin yarn to stitch hot cocoa on the front. Work slowly with small straight stitches. Add a tiny mug icon or curved steam mark beside the words if desired.

Small Book or Love Note

The small beige rectangle beside the doll looks like a tiny book, letter, or love note. It has a red border and a red heart on the front.

Book Base in Beige

1. Row 1: Ch 11. Sc in second ch from hook and across. 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-9: Sc in each st across. 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 10: Sc in each st across. FO.

Make a second beige rectangle if you want the book thicker. Hold both rectangles together and sc around the edge with beige, placing 2 sc in each corner.

Red Spine and Border

• Attach red yarn along the left edge and surface sl st from top to bottom.
• Add a short red line across the top edge if you want the book to match the photo more closely.
• Keep the border narrow so the beige front remains visible.

Heart Applique

1. With red yarn, make MR.
2. Ch 2, work 3 dc, 3 hdc, ch 1, 1 dc, ch 1, 3 hdc, 3 dc into the ring.
3. Ch 2 and sl st into the ring.
4. Pull the ring tight and FO.

Sew the heart to the center front of the beige book.

Assembly Order

1. Finish the head and body base, making sure the head is very firmly stuffed.
2. Sew the legs under the body, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.
3. Slide the yellow shirt onto the body and secure it with small stitches.
4. Slide the yellow sleeves onto the arms.
5. Sew the arms to the upper body at the sides, just below the neck.
6. Dress the doll in the blue overalls and sew the shorts, bib, and straps in place.
7. Add the two yellow buttons to the front bib.
8. Sew on the sandals and white bows.
9. Attach the crossbody bag and strap diagonally across the chest.
10. Wrap and secure the striped scarf around the neck.
11. Add the holly leaves, berries, and top hair tufts.
12. Complete all facial embroidery last so the expression can be adjusted with the scarf and accessories in place.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Use pins before sewing any permanent piece. The hat, mug, and book can remain loose as photo props, while the bag, scarf, holly, sandals, and face details should be secured firmly to the doll.

For the expression, keep the brows bold and angled. The nose should be small and centered. The smile should be wide, curved, and slightly mischievous. Do not pull the mouth stitches too tight, or the face may dent.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or glued details are used.
• Air dry flat on a towel.
• Keep away from high heat, pets, and rough handling.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is larger than the body and firmly stuffed.
• The eyes are wide, glossy, and slightly angled.
• The eyebrows create a clear grumpy holiday expression.
• The blue overalls include a bib, straps, buttons, and shorts legs.
• The scarf has bold red and white stripes.
• The sandals show green toes and white bows.
• The teal hat has a ribbed brim, pom-pom, and snowflake.
• The mug includes cocoa, marshmallows, handle, and lettering.
• The beige note has a red border and heart.
• The bag crosses the body and has a small yellow star.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the doll’s shape, avoid soaking it completely. Use a damp cloth to clean surface dust from the green head, overalls, scarf, and accessories. Press gently rather than rubbing across the stitches.

If the doll becomes flattened, reshape it by hand while it is dry. Add a little extra stuffing through a hidden seam only if necessary. Store the doll upright or lying flat in a breathable cotton bag.

For long-term display, keep the doll away from direct sunlight so the bright lime green, red, yellow, blue, and teal colors stay vibrant. Keep small accessories together in a labeled bag when storing after the holiday season.