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Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern

Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern
4.8★ Rating
10-12 Hours Time Needed
3.5K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

🎄

Holiday Cheer

Festive fun for the season, bringing handmade magic to celebrations and creating new family traditions.

About This Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern

Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for displaying throughout the holiday season, this Nutcracker makes a wonderful handmade gift or a cherished addition to your own festive collection.

Why You'll Love This Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely adore this pattern because it combines so many fun techniques in one project. The color changes keep things interesting, and watching the Nutcracker come together piece by piece feels like unwrapping a gift. I love how the finished piece captures that classic holiday magic while being completely unique and handmade. There's something really special about creating your own Christmas decorations, and this Nutcracker has become one of my favorites to make and share.

Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I fell in love with this Nutcracker pattern the moment I saw all the intricate details come together. There's something incredibly satisfying about watching each piece take shape, from the striped hat to the swirling candy base beneath his feet. The color work keeps you engaged throughout the entire project, and I find myself looking forward to each new section.

What really drew me in was how this pattern captures the classic Nutcracker charm while adding those whimsical touches like the snowman topper and the Christmas tree accessory. I appreciate that the designer included so many thoughtful details like the embroidered teeth and felt eyelids that really bring the face to life.

Every time I work on this project, I'm reminded why I love amigurumi so much. It's not just about following instructions but about creating something with personality and soul. The finished Nutcracker has become one of my favorite holiday decorations, and I know anyone who makes one will feel the same pride and joy when they display it in their home.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to switch colors at the right round can throw off the entire uniform pattern, so mark your color changes carefully beforehand. ✗ Not stuffing the body firmly enough before closing will result in a floppy Nutcracker that won't stand properly on the candy base. ✗ Skipping the back loop only instructions will change the texture and sizing of sections like the hat and boots significantly. ✗ Attaching the wig before the face details makes embroidery much harder, so always complete facial features first before gluing hair. ✗ Using the wrong hook size even by half a millimeter can drastically affect the final size and proportions of your Nutcracker.

Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern

Bring the magic of the holidays into your home with this enchanting Nutcracker amigurumi! This delightful pattern guides you through creating a stunning festive soldier complete with his signature hat, curly brown wig, and charming facial details. You'll also craft an adorable snowman to sit atop his head and a whimsical peppermint candy base. Whether you're decorating your mantle or gifting to someone special, this Nutcracker will become a treasured part of your Christmas traditions for years to come.

Intermediate 10-12 Hours

Materials Needed for Nutcracker Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    100% Cotton yarn in nude/skin tone color
  • 02
    100% Cotton yarn in red
  • 03
    100% Cotton yarn in green/teal
  • 04
    100% Cotton yarn in pink
  • 05
    100% Cotton yarn in white
  • 06
    100% Cotton yarn in brown (for hair and beard)
  • 07
    100% Cotton yarn in yellow
  • 08
    100% Cotton yarn in khaki/tan

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Ergonomic crochet hook 2mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Black thread for embroidery
  • 04
    Embroidery needle
  • 05
    Poly fil stuffing
  • 06
    Craft glue
  • 07
    Felt fabric (white, blue/colored for eyes, gray for eyelids)
  • 08
    Mini white beads (optional for eye details)
  • 09
    Pins
  • 10
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Body (starting from head with nude color) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 5 :

3 sc, 2 sc in next st (30)

Round 6 :

4 sc, 2 sc in next st (36)

Round 7 :

5 sc, 2 sc in next st (42)

Round 8 :

6 sc, 2 sc in next st (48)

Round 9 :

7 sc, 2 sc in next st (54)

Round 10 :

8 sc, 2 sc in next st (60)

Round 11 :

on back loops: 60 sc (60)

Round 12-21 :

60 sc (60)

Round 22 :

26 sc, change to white and 8 sc, change to nude and finish (60) change to red

Round 23 :

26 sc, change to white and 8 sc, change again to red and finish (60)

Round 24-34 :

60 sc in red (60) change to pink

Round 35-36 :

60 sc in pink (60) change to red

Round 37-41 :

60 sc in red (60) change to white

Round 42-43 :

60 sc in white (60)

Round 44 :

on back loops 8 sc, 1 dec (54)

Round 45 :

7 sc, 1 dec (48)

Round 46 :

6 sc, 1 dec (42)

Round 47 :

5 sc, 1 dec (36) stuff

Round 48 :

4 sc, 1 dec (30)

Round 49 :

3 sc, 1 dec (24)

Round 50 :

2 sc, 1 dec (18)

Round 51 :

1 sc, 1 dec (12) leave a long piece of yarn and close

— Legs (Make 2, start with green) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2sc in each stitch around (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

18 sc on back loops (18)

Round 5-8 :

18 sc (18) change to white

Round 9 :

18 slip stitch (18)

Round 10 :

obl 18 sc (18) change to khaki

Round 11 :

18 slip stitch (18)

Round 12 :

obl 18 sc (18)

Round 13-18 :

18 sc (18) leave a long piece of yarn to sew, do not forget stuffing

— Feet (Make 2) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

Instead of continuing the round, go up with one chain and 2sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3-7 :

Chain 1 to go up and 12 sc (12) Stuff a little and sew the pieces to the legs to create boots

— Left Arm (start with green) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 5-6 :

24 sc (24)

Round 7 :

2 sc, 1 dec (18)

Round 8 :

1 sc, 1 dec (12) change to red

Round 9-17 :

12 sc (12) change to pink

Round 18-19 :

12 sc (12) change to nude

Round 18-20 :

12 sc (12) stuff

Round 21 :

dec all row (6) hide the yarn with needle and cut it

— Right Arm Part 1 (start with green) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 5-6 :

24 sc (24)

Round 7 :

2 sc, 1 dec (18)

Round 8 :

1 sc, 1 dec (12) change to red

Round 9-17 :

12 sc (12) stuff now

Round 18 :

obl decrease x6, with a needle hide the yarn

— Right Arm Part 2 (start with nude) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3-4 :

12 sc (12) change to pink

Round 5-6 :

12 sc (12) change to red

Round 7-13 :

12 sc (12) stuff leave a long piece of yarn to sew with part 1

— Buttons (Make 2) :

Instructions :

6 sc on magic ring, slip stitch, chain 13, go up with 1 chain and 6sc on chain 13. Finish with slip stitch and attach to body with glue. Use pins to help.

— Pink Base for Cupcake :

Instructions :

On back loops from top of the head, work 1 popcorn stitch (hdc), 1 hdc. See video.

— Hat Base (start with red) :

Row 1 :

Chain 10, chain 1 more to go up and sc in all stitches

Row 2 :

Chain 1, obl sc in all stitches. Change to green

Row 3 :

Chain 1, obl sc in all stitches

Row 4 :

Chain 1, obl sc in all stitches. Change to red

Info :

Repeat this until you have 14 red rows and 13 green rows. Once finished, sew the sides to create the hat. Sew this piece with the pink base using pink thread so the stitches are not visible.

— Snowman Body :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 5 :

3 sc, 2 sc in next st (30)

Round 6 :

4 sc, 2 sc in next st (36)

Round 7 :

5 sc, 2 sc in next st (42)

Round 8 :

6 sc, 2 sc in next st (48)

Round 9 :

7 sc, 2 sc in next st (54)

Round 10-14 :

54 sc (54) Once finished, sew this piece to the hat base, do not forget stuffing

— Snowman Head :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 5 :

3 sc, 2 sc in next st (30)

Round 6 :

4 sc, 2 sc in next st (36)

Round 7-11 :

36 sc (36)

Round 12 :

4 sc, 1 dec all row (30)

Round 13 :

3 sc, 1 dec all row (24)

Round 14 :

2 sc, 1 dec all row (18)

Round 15 :

1 sc, 1 dec all row (12) stuff

Round 16 :

1dec all row (6) close

— Snowman's Hat Base (in green) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 5 :

3 sc, 2 sc in next st (30)

— Snowman's Hat Upper Part (in green) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 4 :

obl, 18 sc (18) change to yellow

Round 5 :

18 sc (18) sew to base, do not stuff

— Snowman Accessories :

Cheeks and Button :

6sc into magic ring

Scarf :

Chain 50 and work 1hdc red, 1 hdc white in all stitches

Nose :

Round 1: 4sc into magic ring (4). Round 2: 1sc, 2 sc in next stitch (6) sew to face, do not stuff

Arms :

Chain 7 and sc in every stitch, make 2 pieces

— Hair-Wig :

Step 1 :

Chain 15 and hdc in each stitch, DO NOT CUT THE YARN

Step 2 :

Now chain 20 and hdc in each stitch repeat this 19 times

Step 3 :

For last hair, chain 15 and hdc in each stitch. Attach the wig with glue

Info :

Try the wig, depending on your yarn it might need more or less than 19 hairs

— Christmas Tree (start with green) :

Round 1 :

6sc into magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 sc (6)

Round 3 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (9)

Round 4 :

9 sc (9)

Round 5 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (12)

Round 6 :

12 sc (12)

Round 7 :

1 sc, 2 sc in next st (18)

Round 8 :

18 sc (18)

Round 9 :

2 sc, 2 sc in next st (24)

Round 10 :

24 sc (24)

Round 11 :

obl, decrease (using 3 stitches instead of 2) all row and stuff. Change to brown

Round 12 :

obl, sc all row

Round 13 :

sc all row, cut the yarn and hide

Round 14 :

To create the white details, insert your hook between rows 10 and 11 and slip stitch all row. Repeat this procedure in the other rows

— Star :

Instructions :

On magic ring, work sc, dc (5 times) and finish with sc. Attach the star with glue to the hand and tree. Embroider red stitches in the tree to create the look

— The Face :

Nose :

Chain 5. On chain nr. 5, 2 chains and hdc on chains 4,3,2,1. Cut the thread and hide

Eyes (Make 2) - Step 1 :

White part: Chain 3. On chain nr. 3, 4 chains and trc on chains 2 and 1. Cut the thread and hide, attach to the face with glue

Eyes (Make 2) - Step 2 :

Now cut two circles of felt fabric (as the pupils) and attach them too. Use two mini white beads and attach them to the blue piece

Eyes (Make 2) - Step 3 :

Finally cut two more pieces of gray felt fabric to be the eyelids

Eyebrows :

Chain 4 and cut the yarn, attach them with glue

Mustache - Step 1 :

Chain 8

Mustache - Step 2 :

Sc in the first 3 stitches and slip stitch on the rest. Attach with glue, use pins to help

Teeth Details :

Embroider the teeth with black thread so they look better

Beard - Step 1 :

Chain 7 and dc on each chain (7)

Beard - Step 2 :

7 dc (7)

Beard - Step 3 :

In chain nr.4, 7 dc and slip stitch in chain nr. 7. Attach with glue, use pins to help

Belt Buckle :

6 sc into magic ring

— Candy Base (start with white) :

Round 1 :

7sc into magic ring (7)

Round 2 :

1 sc red and 1sc white in same st, repeat all round (14)

Round 3 :

2 red sc in red st, 1 white sc in white st (21) Use white in white stitches, red in red st

Round 4 :

1 sc red, 1 sc red, 2 sc in white st (28)

Round 5 :

1 increase red, 1 sc red, 1 sc White, 1 sc White

Round 6 :

1 Sc red, 1 sc red, 1 sc red, increase white, 1 sc White

Round 7 :

Increase red, 1 Sc red, 1 sc red, increase White, 1 sc White, 1 sc White

Round 8 :

Increase red, 1 Sc red, 1 sc red, 1 sc red, 1 sc White in next 4 stitches

Round 9 :

1 Sc red in next 5 st, inc white, 1 sc White, 1 sc White, 1 sc White

Round 10 :

Increase red, 1 Sc red in next 4 st, increase white, 1 sc White in next 4 st

Round 11 :

Increase red, 1 Sc red in next 5 st, 1 sc White in next 6 st

Round 12 :

On back loops: 1 sc red in next 7 st, 1 sc White in next 6 st

Round 13-14 :

1 sc red in next 7 st, 1 sc White in next 6 st

Round 15 :

On back loops: dec red, 1 Sc red in next 5 st, 1 sc White in next 6 st

Round 16 :

Dec red, 1 Sc red in next 4 st, dec white, 1 sc White in next 4 st

Round 17 :

1sc red in next 5 st, dec white, 1 sc White in next 3 st

Round 18 :

Dec red, 1sc red in next 3 st, 1 sc White in next 4 st

Round 19 :

Dec red, 1sc red in next 2 st, dec white, 1 sc White in next 2 st

Round 20 :

1 sc red in next 3 st, dec white, 1 sc White

Round 21 :

Dec red, 1 sc red, sc white in next two stitches

Round 22 :

1 sc red in next 2 st, dec White

Round 23 :

dec red, 1 sc White and close

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the arms to the body after stuffing them firmly, positioning them at the sides of the uniform section.
  • Attach the legs to the bottom of the body, making sure to stuff them before sewing and connect feet to create the boots.
  • Attach the feet pieces to the legs to form the boot shape, stuffing lightly before closing.
  • Sew the pink cupcake base to the top of the head using the back loops from round 11, then attach the striped hat base on top.
  • Assemble the snowman by sewing the head to the body, then attach to the hat base with proper stuffing.
  • Glue the wig to the head first, then add all facial features including eyes, nose, mustache, beard, and embroider the teeth details.
  • Attach the candy base to the bottom of the Nutcracker, securing the feet to stand properly on the peppermint swirl.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to track your rounds, especially during the frequent color changes in the body and candy base sections
  • 💡Stuff each piece firmly as you go to maintain proper shape and structure throughout assembly
  • 💡Pin all parts in place before sewing or gluing to ensure correct positioning and symmetry
  • 💡Try the wig on your Nutcracker before gluing as you may need more or fewer hair strands depending on your yarn weight
  • 💡Complete all facial embroidery and felt attachments before adding the wig for easier access
  • 💡Use matching thread colors when sewing pieces together to hide your stitches better

This charming Nutcracker amigurumi brings together so many wonderful holiday elements in one magical project! From the classic soldier uniform to the adorable snowman topper and swirling peppermint base, every detail has been designed to capture the spirit of Christmas. Whether displayed on your mantle or given as a heartfelt gift, this handmade treasure will bring joy season after season. 🎄 Happy crocheting and happy holidays! 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will my finished Nutcracker be?

Using the recommended 2mm hook and cotton yarn, your Nutcracker will be approximately 20-25cm tall including the hat and candy base. The exact size may vary slightly depending on your tension and yarn weight.

Can I use a different hook size?

Yes, but keep in mind that changing hook size will affect your final dimensions. A larger hook will create a bigger Nutcracker while a smaller hook will make it more compact. Adjust your stuffing accordingly.

What type of glue works best for attaching the felt and wig?

Fabric glue or craft glue works wonderfully for this project. Hot glue can also be used but work quickly as it sets fast. For the wig especially, a strong craft glue ensures the curls stay in place.

How do I keep track of color changes in the candy base?

The candy base requires careful attention to which color goes in which stitch. Use different colored stitch markers to indicate where red and white sections begin, and always work red stitches in red and white stitches in white.

Can I make this Nutcracker without the snowman topper?

Absolutely! You can simplify the design by just creating the hat without the snowman. Simply close off the hat top and add a pompom or leave it as a classic military-style cap.