If you have a child in your life at all, you have probably heard of the viral, very popular squishy Dumpling toy. They are also becoming famous for not good reasons…toxic chemicals in off-brands, popping, and even burning children when left in a hot car, or being microwaved (they are NOT supposed to be microwaved though, of course)!
I saw that people started crocheting their own, and I thought that was a much better option. I created my own pattern including the cute little basket for you FOR FREE! So please enjoy, but when you share about your creations, please give credit to me, Cherry Fairy Tale, and thank you!
I thought chenille yarn would be great for the Dumpling since it’s extra soft and squishy, so I did yellow since that’s what I had (from my Pikachu), but you can make it whatever color you like, or a bunch in many different colors!
Skill Level: Intermediate
KEY
C = Color
R = Round/Row
MC = Magic Circle
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
SL ST = Slip Stitch
STS = Stitches
inc = Increase (2 single crochets in same ST)
BLO = Back Loop Only
F/O = Fasten Off
SK = Slip Knot
dec = Decrease (1 single crochet in 2 STS)
You will need:
HOOK: H/8 – 5mm
Yarn Needle
Stuffing
Fabric Scissors
C1: Beige (Size 4/Medium) – Basket
C2: Yellow (or other color) (Chenille Size 6/Bulky) – Dumpling
C3: Black (Size 4/Medium) – Eyes & Mouth
C4: Pink (Size 4/Medium) – Cheeks
C1: Basket
(Bottom)
R1: MC, CH 1, 6 SC into circle, SL ST = 6 STS
R2: CH 1, 6 inc, SL ST = 12 STS
R3: CH 1, (1 SC, 1 inc) x 6, SL ST = 18 STS
R4: CH 1, (2 SC, 1 inc) x 6, SL ST = 24 STS
R5: CH 1, (3 SC, 1 inc) x 6, SL ST = 30 STS
R6: CH 1, (4 SC, 1 inc) x 6, SL ST = 36 STS
(Side)
R7 (BLO): CH 1, 36 SC, SL ST = 36 STS
R8 – R10: CH 1, 36 SC, SL ST = 36 STS x 3
F/O after R10.
(Inner Bottom/’Lip’)
R1: Leave a long tail and SK, CH 36, 35 SC (starting in 2nd CH from hook) = 35 STS
Tip: Here you may want to place inside the bottom basket to check that the length is correct since it will vary based on your own gauge. Add or subtract STS as needed.
R2 – R4: CH 1, 35 SC = 35 STS x 3
F/O after last R4 leaving another long tail.
Place on the inside of the Basket Bottom and sew them together at the top and bottom.
The Inner piece will be 1 row taller than the outer part which creates a lip for the lid.
Basket Lid
Repeat R1-R8 from Basket Bottom. F/O and weave in the ends.
Basket Handle
SK, CH 9, 8 SC (start in 2nd CH from hook), F/O = 8 STS
Sew the short ends between R3 & R4 on the lid.
C2: DUMPLING
R1-R3: Same as Basket Bottom
R4: (1 SC, 1 inc) x9 = 27 STS
R5-R7: CH 1, 27 SC, SL ST = 27 STS x 3
R8: (1 SC, 1 dec) x9, SL ST = 18 STS
R9: CH 1, 18 SC, SL ST, F/O leaving a long tail = 18 STS
Stuff & close the top by stitching every 2 STS at the bottom of R9.
Eyes/Mouth
Take a length of C3 to stitch the eyes & mouth. Stitch one eye across one stitch 4 times.
Pass the yarn underneath to repeat for the other eye.
Go down to the mouth and stitch a diagonal line to the middle.
Skip 1 small space and stitch the other side diagonal line.
Stitch across between the 2 diagonal lines to connect them.
Knot & push the ends to the inside to hide.
Cheeks
Take a length of C4 and stitch 4 times across 2 STS beneath the eyes.
Knot & push the ends to the inside to hide.
On a final note, I know there are always heartbreaking things going on around the world, but sometimes when it hits close to home, it feels extra strange going on with life as usual, especially when hundreds of people have lost their entire homes in the ravaging fires currently burning in the western portion of the country. My heart goes out to all impacted by this disaster and I pray you are surrounded by the help and love that is so desperately needed in this hour, and depend on the Lord for comfort. <3
