Free crochet skull pattern
Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or are a fan of all things macabre, you’re going to love this fun, free crochet skull pattern!
This new and exclusive pattern is designed by Irene Strange and uses some clever amigurumi techniques to create a brilliant 3D skull.
But that’s not all. If you’re finding the plain black and white skull a bit too spooky, Irene has also included instructions on how to add some extra colourful embellishments to transform it into a Mexican-inspired Day of the Dead skull!
Free skull crochet pattern
You will need:
- Yarn A - Chamagne White (403)
- Yarn B - Pure Black (402)
- Toy stuffing/yarn ends
- Tapestry needle
- Options – small amounts of bright colour yarns in a similar weight for embellishments
- Black embroidery thread for the month
Notes
This free skull crochet pattern is worked in the amigurumi style unless otherwise stated. Work stitches in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to mark the first stitch of the round, moving the marker up as you go.
If you’re new to amigurumi, check out our what is Amigurumi guide, as well as our how to crochet amigurumi tutorial.
Tension
Tension isn’t important for this project; just make sure to keep stitches tight to prevent stuffing from showing through.
Abbreviations
Invisible decrease (inv dc2tog) - pick up the front loops of two stitches with the hook, yarn over, pull yarn through all loops on the hook, yarn over, pull yarn through all loops on the hook. For more help with this, check out our how to do the crochet invisible decrease tutorial.
You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This free skull crochet pattern is written in UK terminology, but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.
Find more beautiful crochet patterns in our shop
We have lots of gorgeous PDF patterns to buy in our shop. Why not make our stunning spiral crochet blanket? It'll keep you warm during the chilly months ahead.
Making the crochet skull
Step 1
Using Yarn A and 3.0mm hook, make a magic loop.
Round 1: 6dc into loop.
Round 2: 2dc in each st around [12sts]
Round 3: (1dc, 2dc in next st) 6 times [18sts]
Round 4: (2dc, 2dc in next st) 6 times [24sts]
Round 5: (3dc, 2dc in next st) 6 times [30sts]
Round 6: (4dc, 2dc in next st) 6 times [36sts]
Round 7: (5dc, 2dc in next st) 6 times [42sts]
Round 8: (6dc, 2dc in next st) 6 times [48sts]
Round 9-16: 1dc in each st around.
Round 17: 15dc, ch1, 6ss, ch1, 6dc, ch1, 6ss, ch1, 15dc [48sts+4ch]
Step 2
Next, work in Rows to shape the back of the skull.
Row 1: 15dc, turn [15sts]
Row 2-4: ch1, 30dc, turn [30sts]
Row 5: ch1, 15dc [15sts]
This brings the work back to the original start of the round. Carry on working in the round.
Step 3
Round 18: 15dc, ch10, skip (1ch+6ss+1ch), 6dc, ch10, skip (1ch+6ss+1ch), 15dc [36sts+20ch]
Round 19: 15dc, working into the chains 10dc, inv dc2tog 3 times, working into the chains 10dc, 15dc [53sts]
Round 20: 22dc, ch4, miss next 9 sts, 22dc [44sts+4ch]
Round 21: (1dc, inv dc2tog) 5 times, 7dc, working into the back humps of the chains 4dc, 7dc, (inv dc2tog, 1dc) 5 times [38sts]
Round 22: inv dc2tog 5 times, 18dc, inv dc2tog 5 times [28sts]
Round 23-27: 1dc in each st around.
Round 28: working in FLO (front loop only) 4dc, dc2tog 4 times. 6dc, dc2tog 4 times, 2dc [20sts]
Round 29: 4dc, dc2tog 2 times, 6dc, dc2tog 2 times, skip the remaining st [14sts]
Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing.
Making the face details
Step 1
Eye Trim
Make 2. Using Yarn A and 3.0mm hook, join yarn to any stitch in one of the eye sockets
Round 1: work 24dc evenly around the eye socket, using the slip stitches, the other side of the chain and the sides of the rows.
Next, make the patches to go inside the skull. Alternatively, place a bit of black felt behind the gaps before adding in stuffing.
Step 2
Eye Patch
Make 2. Using Yarn B and 3.0mm hook, make a magic loop.
Round 1: 7dc into loop.
Round 2: 2dc in each st around [14sts]
Round 3: (1dc, 2dc in next st) 7 times [21sts]
Fasten off, weave in the end.
Step 3
Nose Patch
Make 1. Using Yarn B and 3.0mm hook, make a magic loop.
Round 1: 6dc into loop.
Round 2: (1dc, 3dc in next st) 3 times [12sts]
Round 3: (2dc, 3dc in next st, 1dc) 3 times [18sts]
Fasten off, weave in the end.
Assembling the skull
Step 1
Next, carefully sew the eye and nose patches into the skull, using Yarn A and very small stitches.
Step 2
Add lots of toy stuffing, filling out the skull.
Step 3
Sew up the remaining gap in the jaw to finish.
Step 4
Using black yarn, embroider a mouth across the jaw.
Your crochet skull is now complete!
If you want to transform it into a Day of the Dead skull, here’s how to add some colourful crochet trims to decorate your skull!
Day of the Dead skull embellishments
Step 1
Eye trim
Make 2 in bright pink yarn.
Row 1: (ch2, 1htr in first ch) repeat 12 times, ch1 to finish.
Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing.
Step 2
Leaf
Make 5 in bright green yarn.
Ch6, start 2nd ch from hook.
Row 1: 1dc, 1htr, 1tr, 1htr, 1dc [5sts]
Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing.
Step 3
Flower
Start in bright pink yarn.
Ch9, ss to make a ring
Round 1: 10dc into the ring, slst in first st [10sts]
Round 2: (Ch3, skip next st, 1dc in next st) 5 times [5 loops]
Round 3: Join orange to any 3ch loop, ch1, (1dc, 1htr, 1tr, 1htr, 1dc, ss) in each loop around [5 petals]
Round 4: Join yellow to first dc from any petal, ch1, (2dc, 3htr in next st, 2dc, ch1) along each petal [5 petals]
Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing.
Step 4
Assembly
Sew the eye trim around each eye.
Place the flower over the crown of the head and sew in place.
Sew the leaves around the flower, arranging them between the petals.
How will you use your crochet skull this Halloween?
We love this 3D crochet skull design as it could be used for so many different purposes! Use it as a display piece on Halloween party tables, incorporate it into your creepy costumes, or turn it into a fabulous pincushion!
Plus, because it doesn’t have any safety eyes, it’s suitable for little goth babies to play with too!
Find even more petrifying crochet patterns
We love getting creative with crochet, so if you’re after more inspiration of what to hook up, take a look at our Halloween crochet patterns round up.
