Adorable Amigurumi Donut – Complete Step-by-Step Pattern

1. Materials & Abbreviations

This section covers everything you need to gather before beginning. Using the recommended plush yarn ensures a soft, huggable finish, while the correct hook size maintains a tight, stuff-proof gauge.

• Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby or similar plush yarn (approx. 10g each of two main colors, e.g., colors 302 and 365), plus a small amount of contrasting color for sprinkles.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (or size appropriate to achieve a tight gauge with your chosen plush yarn).
• Notions: Large-eye tapestry needle, scissors, poly-fil stuffing.
• Abbreviations:
  • ch – chain
  • sc – single crochet
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
  • dec – decrease (2 sc crocheted together)
  • BLO – back loop only

What it teaches: Proper tool selection for plush yarns, gauge management, and familiarization with standard international crochet abbreviations.

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2. Donut Top (Main Body)

The donut is worked in a continuous spiral starting from a chain ring, building up to a flat base, then decreasing to form the classic torus shape. A mid-project color change creates the "icing" effect.

• R1: Chain 12, join with a sl st to form a ring. (12)
• R2: 12 sc (12)
• R3: 12 inc (24)
• R4: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
  • [Editor’s Note: The original pattern stated "(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)", which mathematically yields 24 stitches. Corrected to "(4 sc, inc) x 6" to achieve the stated 30-stitch count.]
• R5: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
  • [Editor’s Note: The original pattern stated "(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)", which mathematically yields 30 stitches. Corrected to "(5 sc, inc) x 6" to achieve the stated 36-stitch count.]
• R6-7: 36 sc (36) [2 rows]
• Change yarn color.
• R8: 36 sc in BLO (36) [This creates a defined edge for the "icing" line.]
• R9: 36 sc (36)
• R10: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
• R11: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
• R12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
• R13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
• Finishing: Sl st into the next stitch, fasten off, and leave a long tail for sewing.

What it teaches: Spiral increase sequences, seamless mid-project color changes, utilizing BLO for structural definition, and structured decreasing for 3D shaping.

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3. Assembly & Stuffing

Proper assembly ensures the donut holds its classic, evenly rounded shape without lopsided bulges.

• Step 1: Fold the crocheted piece perfectly in half, aligning the starting edge with the finishing edge.
• Step 2: Using the long tail and a tapestry needle, sew exactly half of the opening closed with a neat mattress stitch or whip stitch.
• Step 3: Turn the piece right-side out (if necessary) and begin stuffing firmly and evenly with poly-fil. Distribute the stuffing uniformly to maintain a perfect circle.
• Step 4: Once fully stuffed, sew the remaining opening closed, pulling the yarn tight to seal the hole. Weave in the final end securely.

What it teaches: Precision folding, invisible seaming techniques, and uniform stuffing distribution for symmetrical amigurumi.

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4. Sprinkles (Customization)

Add the final playful touch to your donut using one of two simple methods.

• Option 1 (Embroidery): Thread a tapestry needle with contrasting yarn. Randomly embroider short, straight "sprinkle" stitches across the top "icing" section of the donut. Vary the angles and colors for a realistic, festive look.
• Option 2 (Crochet Chain Appliqué): Chain 60–65 stitches with contrasting yarn. Drape the chain over the donut in a zigzag or circular drizzle pattern. Pin it in place, then carefully sew the chain to the surface of the donut, trimming any excess yarn.

What it teaches: Surface embroidery basics, yarn appliqué techniques, and creative customization of simple patterns.

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Final Section: Where to Go from Here

Congratulations! By completing this amigurumi donut, you have mastered foundational spiral shaping, mathematical stitch tracking, and clean assembly techniques. This project is an excellent confidence-builder. From here, try experimenting with different yarn weights to create a "jumbo" donut pillow, or adapt the sprinkle technique to decorate other baked-good amigurumi like cupcakes, cookies, or macarons. Happy crocheting!