Looking for a cute Halloween crochet project? This free crochet ghost pattern includes 4 adorable ghost variations, from simple rounded ghosts to designs with ruffled hems, raised arms, and layered skirts.
Each ghost uses beginner-friendly amigurumi stitches and can be customized with different faces, expressions, yarn colors, and finishing details. You can also use thinner yarn and a smaller hook to create a mini ghost or Halloween keychain.
These little ghosts are perfect for Halloween decorations, gifts, bag charms, desk décor, or a spooky-cute amigurumi collection.
New to amigurumi? Start with our First Amigurumi Step-By-Step Guide or keep the US vs UK Crochet Terms Conversion Chart nearby while you crochet.
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Quick Pattern Card (Read This First)
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Time: 45–120 minutes per ghost (mini = faster)
Size: ~8–14 cm (3–5.5 in) tall with DK yarn & 2.5–3.0 mm hook (mini/keychain smaller)
Worked: In a spiral unless noted • Stuff lightly for a soft drape
Materials (for all)
- White yarn — DK or worsted weight
- Small amounts of black yarn or embroidery thread for the face
- Pink embroidery thread or blush for the cheeks, optional
- Crochet hook suitable for your yarn, approximately 2.5–3.5 mm
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Safety eyes, optional if you prefer them instead of embroidered eyes
- Keychain hardware, optional for a mini ghost version
- For a smaller Halloween ghost or keychain, use sport-weight yarn with a smaller hook.
Stitches & Notes (US terms)
- MR = magic ring
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- inc = increase, 2 stitches in the same stitch
- dec = decrease
- dc inc = 2 dc in the same stitch
- dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together
- sl st = slip stitch
- FLO = front loop only
- BLO = back loop only
- FO = fasten off
For standard US crochet abbreviations and terminology, see the Craft Yarn Council Crochet Abbreviations Master List.
Pattern note: Work in continuous rounds unless a variation says otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. Stitch counts are shown in brackets at the end of each round.
Gauge & Finished Size
Gauge is not critical for these crochet ghosts. The goal is to create a tight amigurumi fabric so the stuffing does not show through the stitches.
- Recommended hook: about 2.5–3.5 mm, depending on your yarn
- Yarn: DK or worsted weight for the standard versions
- Finished size: approximately 8–14 cm (3–5.5 in) tall, depending on the variation, yarn, hook, and tension
- Mini/keychain version: use sport or fingering-weight yarn with a smaller hook for a more compact ghost
Stuff the ghosts lightly to moderately so the body keeps its shape without becoming too stiff. For the versions with a flared or layered hem, avoid overstuffing the lower body so the skirt can drape naturally.
How the 4 Variations Work
All ghosts share the same beginner skill set. Each variation tweaks body height, hem, and arms, so you can reuse this crochet ghost pattern base and swap details:
- Variation 1 : Peekaboo: classic bell body with raised side shaping that creates a cute hands-together “peekaboo” pose.
- Variation 2: Simple Bell Ghost: smooth bell body + puff hands; scallop hem worked as you go.
- Variation 3: Wide Skirt: extra increases for a fuller skirt + straight “stick” arms.
- Variation 4: Layered Skirt: built-in arms on the inner body + a separate outer ruffle for a flowy layered look
Variation 1 — Mimi Peekaboo Ghost (hands together)
Look: classic bell body with two little arms stitched together in front, like a shy “boo!” This variation makes a cute Halloween gift or seasonal decoration.
Difficulty: Beginner • Time: ~60–90 min • Stuffing: light
Body
- R1: 12 dc in MR. [12]
- R2: dc inc ×12. [24]
- R3–R5: dc around. [24]
- R6: 2 dc, 6 tr in next st, 6 dc, 6 tr in next st, 14 dc. [34]
- R7: dc, dc inc, dc2tog ×3, (dc, dc inc) ×3, dc2tog ×3, (dc, dc inc) ×7. [39]
- R8: 3 dc, dc2tog, 9 dc, dc2tog, 21 dc, dc2tog. [36]
- R9: Repeat 6 times: skip 2 sts, 5 tr in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st. FO.
Assembly & Face
- Eyes: add 6–8 mm safety eyes or embroider two short vertical ovals with black yarn/thread.
- Mouth: embroider a tiny black dash (or a soft “u” for a sweeter look).
- Optional blush: tap a little pink on the cheeks.
Mini/Keychain size
- Use sport or fingering-weight yarn with a 2.0–2.25 mm hook and work the same pattern. The thinner yarn will naturally create a smaller ghost while keeping the original proportions.
- For a keychain, sew a strong yarn loop securely through several stitches at the top center of the head, then attach a jump ring and keychain clasp.
- Keep the stuffing light so the ruffled hem stays soft and drapes naturally.
Pro tips
- Keep stuffing very light so the hem drapes.
- If you want faint vertical “ribs,” work an occasional BLO round on the body (every 2–3 rounds).
Variation 2 — Simple Bell Ghost (puff hands)
Look: smooth bell-shaped body with tiny puff hands and a scalloped hem worked as you go, the most “classic” crochet ghost pattern silhouette.
Difficulty: Beginner • Time: ~45–75 min • Stuffing: light
Body
- R1: MR 6 sc (6)
- R2: inc around (12)
- R3: (sc, inc)×6 (18)
- R4: (2 sc, inc)×6 (24)
- R5–R8: sc around (24)
- R9: (3 sc, inc)×6 (30)
- R10: sc around (30)
- R11: (4 sc, inc)×6 (36)
- R12: (5 sc, inc)×6 (42)
- R13 (scallop hem, worked in same round): (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st) ×7. [42]
- FO and weave in the yarn tail.
For tracking rounds in this crochet ghost pattern, see Count Rounds in Crochet.
Hands (make 2)
- R1: MR 5 sc (5)
- R2: (sc, inc)×2, sc (7)
- R3: sc around (7), FO.
Sew to the sides at mid-body height.
Need even placement? See Attach Amigurumi Limbs Evenly.
Face
- Embroider two small vertical black ovals and a tiny dash mouth; add a soft blush dot on each cheek.
Mini/Keychain size
- Use sport or fingering-weight yarn with a 2.0–2.25 mm hook and follow the same stitch counts for a naturally smaller version.
- For an even shorter ghost, you may work R5–R7 instead of R5–R8, then continue with R9 as written.
- Sew a reinforced yarn loop through the top of the head and attach the jump ring and keychain clasp.
- Stuff lightly to preserve the classic bell shape.
Pro tips
- For a crisp scallop, keep your dc stitches even in height; for softer waves, loosen tension slightly on the hdc stitches.
- Very light stuffing preserves the bell silhouette.
Variation 3 — Poppy Wavetail Wide-Skirt Ghost (stick arms)
Look: fuller, swooshy skirt with straight little “stick” arms, playful, display-ready ghost amigurumi.
Difficulty: Beginner+ • Time: ~60–90 min • Stuffing: very light
Body (wider skirt)
- R1: 8 sc in MR. [8]
- R2: inc ×8. [16]
- R3: (sc, inc) ×8. [24]
- R4–R8: sc around. [24]
- R9 – Add Arms: 7 sc, ch 5. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next 3 ch. Continue with 10 sc around the body. Ch 5, starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next 3 ch. Finish with 7 sc. [24 body sts]
- R10: sc around. [24]
- R11: (3 sc, inc) ×6. [30]
- R12: (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) ×6. [36]
- R13: (5 sc, inc) ×6. [42]
- R14 – Hem: (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st) ×7. [42]
- FO and weave in the yarn tail.
- Embroider face.
Why MR-8? A broader crown sets up the roomy skirt in this crochet ghost pattern. New to starts? See Magic Ring vs Chain Circle.
Face
- As in Variation #2: two short vertical ovals for eyes and a tiny dash mouth; blush if you like.
Mini/Keychain size
- Use sport or fingering-weight yarn with a 2.0–2.25 mm hook and work the full pattern for a smaller version with the same wide-skirt proportions.
- If you want a shorter ghost, work R4–R7 instead of R4–R8, then continue with the arm round as written.
- Add a reinforced yarn loop at the top center of the head and attach your keychain hardware.
- Keep the stuffing very light so the wide skirt remains soft and wavy.
Pro tips
- If the hem flares too much, replace every 3rd dc with hdc to tame the wave.
- Keep stuffing minimal so the skirt drapes naturally instead of ballooning.
Variation 4 — Drifty Long-Mouth (layered skirt, long mouth)
Look: soft bell body with built-in arm nubs plus a separate outer ruffle, our most decorative crochet ghost pattern finish.
Difficulty: Beginner+ • Time: ~70–100 min • Stuffing: very light
Inner Body (with built-in arms)
- R1: MR 6 sc (6)
- R2: inc around (12)
- R3: (sc, inc)×6 (18)
- R4–R6: sc around (18)
- R7 (add both arms): 5 sc, ch 6, sl st back 5 (first arm), 8 sc, ch 6, sl st back 5 (second arm), 5 sc (18)
- R8: (5 sc, inc)×3 (21)
- R9: BLO sc around (21) ← leaves front loops for the outer skirt later.
- R10: sc around (21). FO. (If you prefer a taper, do (sc, dec) ×7 → 14, but the bell is nicer for the skirt.)
Built-in arms are just short ch 6 stubs slip-stitched back; they read as adorable tiny “nubs.” Want a contrast edge on the arm tips or skirt later? See Changing Colors in Amigurumi for clean color swaps.
Outer Skirt (into free front loops from R9)
Join white yarn in any free front loop left from R9 of the inner body.
- R1: (6 sc, inc) ×3. [24]
- R2–R3: sc around. [24]
- R4: (3 sc, inc) ×6. [30]
- R5: 11 sc, 2 hdc, dc, dc inc, dc, hdc, sc, 2 sl st, sc, hdc, dc, dc inc ×5, dc, hdc. [35]
- R6: hdc in the next 30 sts, sc in the remaining 5 sts, sl st to finish. [35]
- FO and weave in the yarn tail.
For R5,
dc inc ×5means work 2 dc in each of the next 5 stitches. This is important because it increases the round from 30 to 35 stitches.
Tip: If your round does not begin at the center back, work sc until you reach approximately 8 stitches before the center front, work the decorative wave section, then continue in sc to the end of the round.
Face (long mouth)
- Eyes: embroider two short vertical ovals.
- Mouth: a longer vertical stitch placed between/just below eyes (cute “ooo” vibe).
- Optional blush: light pink under the eyes.
Mini/Keychain size
- Use sport or fingering-weight yarn with a 2.0–2.25 mm hook and follow the same pattern for a smaller layered ghost.
- For a slightly shorter version, work R4–R5 instead of R4–R6, then continue with the arm round.
- After finishing, sew a strong yarn loop through several stitches at the top center of the head and attach the jump ring and keychain clasp.
- Use very light stuffing so the inner body does not push the outer skirt outward.
Pro tips
- Keep stuffing minimal so the inner bell doesn’t push the ruffle outward too stiffly.
- If the ruffle looks too wavy, replace a few dc stitches with hdc. If it looks too flat, gently loosen your tension on the dc stitches and shape the skirt after finishing.
Finishing, Safety & Care
Finishing checklist
- Stuffing: keep it light—just enough to hold shape so each crochet ghost pattern keeps a soft, drapey skirt (too much stuffing = ballooning).
- Seams: use the yarn tail for invisible whipstitch; sink knots inside.
- Faces: place eyes level, ~4–5 sts apart; embroider mouth last so you can fine-tune expression.
- Hems/Ruffles: if edges curl inward, block lightly; if they flare too much, swap some dc → hdc in the hem (noted in tips above).
Baby/toddler-safe option
- Skip safety eyes; embroider eyes and mouth with split-strand cotton or embroidery floss. Work 2–3 passes for neat vertical ovals; secure tails with tiny backstitches inside.
Blocking & care
- Acrylic: steam from a distance (never touch iron to stitches); shape by hand, let cool.
- Cotton/Blends: mist with water, pin to shape on foam, let dry.
- Wash: spot-clean preferred; for full wash, bag + gentle cycle, reshape while damp.
Level-up help for beginners
- New to amigurumi? Walk through the basics in the First Amigurumi Step-by-Step Guide.
Halloween Ideas & Matching Patterns (you’ll also love)
If you enjoyed these crochet ghosts, continue your Halloween amigurumi collection with:
- Grim Reaper Crochet Pattern — make a hooded Reaper complete with a crochet scythe.
- Black Cat Crochet Pattern for Halloween — a classic spooky-season amigurumi.
- Pumpkin Witch Crochet Pattern — a cute mix of pumpkin and witch details.
- Free Crochet Pumpkin Pattern — perfect for Halloween and fall displays.
- Candy Corn Crochet Pattern — a quick colorful Halloween project.
- Mini Bear Pumpkin Toast Crochet Pattern — a sweeter addition to your spooky-cute collection.
FAQs about the crochet ghost pattern
Which ghost variation is the easiest?
Variation 2 — Simple Bell Ghost is the easiest place to start. It uses straightforward increases, plain rounds, separate hands, and a simple scalloped hem.
What yarn should I use for these crochet ghosts?
DK or worsted-weight yarn works well for the standard versions. For a mini ghost or keychain, use sport or fingering-weight yarn with a smaller hook.
Is this crochet ghost pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes. Variations 1 and 2 are suitable for beginners who already know basic crochet stitches such as sc, hdc, dc, increases, and decreases. Variations 3 and 4 include slightly more shaping but are still manageable for confident beginners.
How much should I stuff the ghosts?
Use light stuffing. The body should hold its shape without becoming firm or stretched. Variations with wide or layered skirts look better when the lower section remains soft.
Can I make these ghosts into keychains?
Yes. Each variation includes a mini/keychain option. Use thinner yarn and a smaller hook, then sew a reinforced hanging loop through several stitches at the top of the head before attaching the keychain hardware.
Can I embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes?
Yes. Embroidered eyes work especially well for these small ghosts and let you create different expressions. They are also a better choice for items intended for young children.
Why is my ghost hem curling?
A little curling is normal with decorative scallops and ruffles. If the edge curls too strongly, relax your tension slightly and avoid overstuffing the lower body.
Can I use different colors?
Absolutely. White is the classic Halloween ghost color, but you can also try cream, pastel pink, lavender, gray, or glow-in-the-dark yarn for different spooky-cute styles.
Can I sell finished ghosts made from this pattern?
You may sell handmade finished items in small quantities. Please credit TopAmigurumi as the pattern source and do not reproduce or redistribute the written pattern.
Happy Halloween Crocheting!
With four different designs to choose from, this free crochet ghost pattern makes it easy to create your own spooky-cute Halloween collection. Try one variation for a quick project or crochet all four for a fun seasonal display.
Pair your ghosts with a Grim Reaper, Black Cat, or Crochet Pumpkin for a complete handmade Halloween setup.
Loved this crochet ghost pattern? Pin it for later so you can whip up more before Halloween! 🎃📌
