Free Crochet Smiley Face Amigurumi Pattern for Beginners
Create a burst of joy with this easy crochet smiley face amigurumi pattern! Perfect for keychains and gifts. Grab your hook and start crafting today!
Adorable Crochet Smiley Face Amigurumi
Bring a burst of positivity into your day with these charming crochet smiley faces! These little spheres of happiness are the perfect project for anyone looking to create a quick, heartfelt gift or a cute accessory. Whether you are looking to brighten up a friend's mood or add a touch of whimsy to your own belongings, these versatile little characters are designed to spread joy wherever they go.
In this project, you will create a perfectly round base ball that can be transformed into three different emotional expressions: the classic "Smile," the romantic "Heart Eyes," and the playful "Winking" face. Each finished smiley measures approximately 6 cm in diameter, making them the ideal size for keychains, bag charms, or small desk companions. You will learn how to work in the round to create a seamless sphere and how to use basic embroidery and appliqué techniques to bring your characters to life.
This pattern is beginner-friendly and focuses on fundamental amigurumi skills. You will practice working with magic rings, increasing and decreasing stitches to shape a sphere, and adding small decorative elements. It is a fantastic way to practice your tension and learn how to position facial features to create different expressions.
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
What You'll Need
New to crochet terms? Check our Complete Abbreviations Guide
- Himalaya Dolphin Baby — Main color for the ball
- Iris Yarn — For sewing eyes and embroidering smiles
- Pekhorka "Detskaya Novinka" — For crocheting hearts and the tongue
- 4.5 mm crochet hook (or a size that suits your chosen yarn)
- Beads or half-beads for eyes (4 mm diameter recommended)
- Yarn needle for sewing and embroidery
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Scissors
- Fabric glue (optional, for securing embroidery)
The finished smiley face measures approximately 6 cm in diameter. Gauge is not strictly provided as this is a small amigurumi project, but ensure your stitches are tight enough so that the stuffing does not show through.
Pattern Instructions
Phase 1: The Smiley Ball (Main Body)
The ball is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds with a slip stitch unless specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
Stuff the ball firmly with fiberfill now. However, do NOT close the hole yet. You will need this opening to pull the yarn ends through after you have finished sewing the eyes and embroidering the faces.
Once all facial features are completed and the yarn tails are safely tucked inside the ball, pull the remaining opening closed tightly, secure with a knot, and weave in the ends.
Phase 2: The "Smile" Variant
To create this version, you will need your completed ball, two 4mm beads for eyes, and a small amount of embroidery yarn for the mouth.
Sew the bead eyes between rounds 5 and 6, leaving a gap of 4 sc between them for a balanced look.
Embroider the smile using a single long stitch to create a smooth arc and avoid puckering the fabric. The top corners of the smile should be positioned between rounds 7 and 8.
Because the smile is created with a single long arc stitch, it can sometimes shift. To keep it perfectly in place, apply a small amount of fabric glue along the bottom edge of the embroidered smile.
Phase 3: The "Heart Eyes" Variant
For this version, you will need your completed ball, two crocheted hearts, and embroidery yarn for the smile.
Work the following for each heart:
You can either sew the hearts on or use fabric glue for a quicker finish. Position the hearts between rounds 3 and 7, leaving a distance of 2-3 sc between them.
Embroider the smile exactly as described in the "Smile" variant. Once the hearts and smile are secure, pull the yarn tails into the center of the ball and close the opening.
Phase 4: The "Winking" Variant
You will need your completed ball, one half-bead (or full bead) for the open eye, embroidery yarn for the wink and smile, and yarn for the tongue.
- Glue or sew the bead eye between rounds 4 and 6.
- Embroider the winking eye (a curved line) using a single stitch. Apply a small amount of glue along the edge to secure it.
- Embroider the smile following the same method as the previous variants.
The tongue can be either sewn or glued just below the smile to give the smiley a playful, cheeky expression.
Assembly and Finishing
Once you have chosen your variant and completed the facial features, it is time for the final assembly. If you haven't already, ensure your stuffing is evenly distributed so the ball is perfectly spherical and not lumpy.
To finish the project:
- Gather the remaining stitches of the closing hole.
- Use your yarn needle to weave the yarn through the last 6 decreases.
- Pull tight to close the gap completely.
- Knot the yarn securely and pull the tail inside the body of the smiley.
These smileys are incredibly versatile. You can leave them as small plushies, or you can easily turn them into accessories. To make a keychain, simply attach a jump ring or a piece of sturdy cord to the top of the ball. They are perfect for hanging on backpacks, strollers, cribs, or using as cute zipper pulls.
Questions You Might Have
Congratulations on completing your adorable crochet smiley faces! These little characters are a rewarding project that proves how a few simple shapes and a bit of creativity can create something truly joyful. We would love to see your finished makes—please share your photos and tag us to show off your colorful creations!
