Little Grinch

Every holiday season needs a touch of mischief — and what could be more charming than a crochet Grinch dressed up for Christmas? 🎄

This Little Grinch pattern came to life one cozy afternoon, inspired by that playful spirit of the holidays — a little grumpy, a little funny, but oh-so-lovable. His bright green body, round shape, and tiny Santa outfit make him the perfect festive companion to crochet while the lights twinkle and the air smells like cinnamon.

The full free crochet Grinch pattern is available right here on the blog.
And if you’d like to keep it forever (or crochet offline), download the ad-free PDF version — free for Close Friends Members, or available in the Lennutas Pattern Shop.

Soft cotton yarn gives him a snug, plush feel — easy to hold, easy to love. Whether he sits by your Christmas tree or sneaks into a handmade gift box, this crochet Grinch amigurumi brings just the right mix of mischief and magic to your home.

About the pattern

The crochet Grinch pattern is designed with beginners in mind — simple stitches, minimal shaping, and quick results that make every round enjoyable.

The Christmas season is all about spreading joy and creativity, and this free pattern for a baby chubby crochet Grinch does just that. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they see this adorable creation. So, grab your crochet hook (Hanamaka 2.3 mm), and some sport yarns (green, red, white, dark green), and let’s get started on crafting your own little piece of Whoville magic!

Here are the abbreviations and stitch terminology used in this pattern:

• Sc: Single crochet stitch
• Inc: Single crochet increase stitch
• Dec: Single crochet decrease stitch
• Hdc: Half double crochet stitch
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only
• Slst: Slip stitch

If you’re new to crochet, these abbreviations and stitch terminology might be unfamiliar to you. But don’t worry! Each of these stitches is easy to learn and can be used to create a wide variety of amigurumi designs.

If you’re interested in learning more about crochet and amigurumi, check out my post about basic stitches for beginners. This post provides a step-by-step guide to the most common crochet stitches, including chain stitches, single crochet stitches, and half double crochet stitches.

If you’re looking for more in-depth instruction, consider signing up for one of my amigurumi courses for beginners. These courses cover all the basics of amigurumi, from choosing the right yarn and hook to creating complex designs. With these courses, you’ll be able to take your amigurumi skills to the next level and create even more adorable designs!

© Lennutas by Thao Nguyen.
This pattern is for personal use only. You may sell the finished items made by hand in small quantities, but please credit Lennutas as the designer. Copying, sharing, or redistributing this pattern (in part or full) is not allowed.

Crochet Grinch FREE PATTERN

Now that you’ve met this little troublemaker, it’s time to bring your own crochet Grinch to life. Below you’ll find the full step-by-step instructions to make your very own festive friend — simple stitches, cozy yarn, and a few quiet moments are all you need.

EYES (x2)

Use white yarn

• 1: 6 sc into MR (6)
• 2: 6 inc (12)

Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

**Put the safety eye between round 1 and round 2.

BODY

Start with green yarn

• 1: 6 sc into MR (6)
• 2: [inc, sc] * 3 (9)
• 3: 9 sc (9)
• 4: [inc, 2 sc] * 3 (12)
• 5: 12 sc (12)
• 6: [inc, 3 sc] * 3 (15)
• 7: 15 sc (15)
• 8: [inc, 4 sc] * 3 (18)
• 9: [inc, 2 sc] * 6 (24)
• 10: [inc, 3 sc] * 6 (30)
• 11: 30 sc (30)
• 12: [inc, 4 sc] * 6 (36)
• 13: 36 sc (36)
• 14: [inc, 5 sc] * 6 (42)
• 15-16 (2 rounds): 42 sc (42)
• 17: [inc, 6 sc] * 6 (48)
• 18-20 (3 rounds): 48 sc (48)
• 21: [inc, 15 sc] * 3 (51)

** Put the eyes between round 17 and round 18 with 3 stitches apart.

• 22: 51 sc (51)

Change to red yarn

• 23: BLO 51 sc (51)
• 24: 51 sc (51)
• 25: 8 sc, inc, [16 sc, inc] * 2, 8 sc (54)
• 26: 54 sc (54)
• 27: [inc, 17 sc] * 3 (57)
• 28-30 (3 rounds): 57 sc (57)

Change to green yarn

• 31: BLO 57 sc (57)
• 32: [dec, 17 sc] * 3 (54)
• 33: [dec, 7 sc] * 6 (48)
• 34: [dec, 6 sc] * 6 (42)
• 35: [dec, 5 sc] * 6 (36)

Start stuffing

• 36: [dec, 4 sc] * 6 (30)
• 37: [dec, 3 sc] * 6 (24)
• 38: [dec, 2 sc] * 6 (18)
• 39: [dec, sc] * 6 (12)

End stuffing.

• 40: 6 dec (6)

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Recommended patterns for Christmas:

Christmas Ornaments

The beautiful printable PDF file includes 5 patterns: reindeer, elf, gnome, penguin, and snowman. Available in English. Instant download after payment.

DOWNLOAD NOW!

COLLAR

Join white yarn into the last remaining loop of round 22, put the head facing you and do: FLO [ch 3, slst] * 51

Fasten off, weave in ends.

HEM

Join white yarn into the last remaining loop of round 30, put the head facing you and do: FLO [ch 3, slst] * 57

Fasten off, weave in ends.

ARMS (x2)

Start with green yarn

• 1: 6 sc into MR (6)
• 2: 6 inc (12)
• 3: 12 sc (12)

Change to red yarn

• 4: [dec, 2 sc] * 3 (9)
• 5-6 (2 rounds): 9 sc (9)

Fold in a half, do not stuff, crochet on both layers: 4 sc (4)

Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

LEGS (x2)

Use green yarn

• 1: 6 sc into MR (6)
• 2: 6 inc (12)
• 3: [inc, 3 sc] * 3 (15)
• 4-5 (2 rounds): 15 sc (15)

Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

EYEBROWS (x2)

Use dark green yarn

• Ch 6, slst into the 2nd chain, sc, hdc, sc, slst

Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

Santa’s HAT

Start with white yarn

• 1: 6 sc into MR (6)
• 2: 6 inc (12)
• 3-5 (3 rounds): 12 sc (12)

Stuff this part

• 6: 6 dec (6)

Change to red yarn

• 7: [inc, sc] * 3 (9)
• 8: [inc, 2 sc] * 3 (12)
• 9: [inc, 3 sc] * 3 (15)
• 10-11 (2 rounds): 15 sc (15)
• 12: [inc, 4 sc] * 3 (18)
• 13: 18 sc (18)
• 14: [inc, 2 sc] * 6 (24)
• 15: 24 sc (24)
• 16: [inc, 3 sc] *6 (30)

Change to white yarn

• 17: FLO [ch 3, sc] * 30

Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY

Prefer to follow along visually? You can crochet side by side with me on my amigurumi tutorials, where every stitch unfolds gently — perfect for working on your crochet Grinch.

• Sew the eyes to the head.
• Sew the arms to the body from round 23 to round 26.
• Sew the legs to the body from round 31 to round 35.
• Sew the eyebrows to the head from round 12 to round 14.
• Use dark green yarn to sew the nose at round 20.
• Sew the hat to the top of the head.

Each crochet Grinch that comes to life in your hands carries a little spark of joy — the kind that grows quietly, round by round, until it’s big enough to make someone smile.

If you finish your own version, I’d love to see it! Tag @lennutas on Instagram or send me a photo — nothing makes me happier than seeing how each maker adds their own warmth and personality into these tiny friends.

May your holidays be filled with calm stitches, soft yarn, and handmade happiness. 💫

Each handmade friend has its own story to tell. Discover the full Chubby Christmas Collection — a warm bundle featuring the reindeer, unicorn, elephant, and gnome bonus — all wrapped together at 40% off in the Lennutas Pattern Shop.

Related Patterns

Looking for more festive projects to keep your hook busy? Here are a few holiday friends that go perfectly with your crochet Grinch:

Pumpy Claus

Read More

Crochet Frog Free Pattern [Christmas]

Read More

Find more free Christmas amigurumi patterns on the blog and keep your hook dancing through the season of warmth and wonder. 🧶✨

Sharing is caring!