As a kid, I was obsessed with Sailor Moon. It’s a magical girl anime with a Super Sentai streak: how could any kid resist? From the tongue-in-cheek sense of humor to its heart-wrenching plot, I’d never seen any kid’s programming like it. I was so hooked, I made myself a Moon Tiara out of paper and cut my own bangs!
My mother was furious, but it didn’t stop me. I was dedicated! Back then, I got up every morning to hunt for episodes in 6 AM TV slots. Now, anime and manga are all over the globe, and you don’t have to scour local stores for that rare tape. It’s no wonder that anime has become a global phenomenon: from long-lived classics like Lupin III to brand-new bombshells like Demon Slayer, there are tons of shows and styles to choose from.
Still, figures are expensive, and worst of all, you can’t cuddle them! Lucky for me and you, there’s an easy solution...
Here are my 30 top patterns for you to crochet your own cuddly-snuggly anime characters!
My Neighbor Totoro
Though you could be forgiven for forgetting, there are three Totoro in My Neighbor Totoro. This is a free design for the smaller blue Chu Totoro, and the even tinier white Totoro. You’ll create Totoro’s knapsack where he stores his acorns, which actually fits around his arm! The littlest white Totoro fits snuggly on his head.
Kero (Kerberos)
Kero, known to some as Cerberus, is Sakura Kinomoto’s helpful guide and the guardian of the Clow Cards. He’s partial to eating dessert and playing games, and he likes a little attention too! Although his true form is a mighty, winged lion, you can have this cute pocket form instead.
Luffy (One Piece)
A rebellious pirate with a straw hat and a heart of gold, Luffy knows how to make friends wherever he goes. It’s something about that optimistic, all-believing nature that makes it hard to disappoint him! Give him a shot. He’s not made of rubber though, so try not to stretch him too much!
Sailor Moon Crochet Doll
She’s the pretty sailor soldier of love and stitches. This pattern creates an evocative Usagi with curly bangs and pigtails, with her sailor collar formed into a stylish shawl. She isn’t unprepared either, with her Moon Tiara and super-sonic hairpieces. In the name of the Moon, she’ll cuddle you!
Chibi Sailor Moon
Make your own Chibi Sailor Moon (not Sailor Chibi Moon, or Sailor Chibi Chibi!) with this simple guide. She’s small enough to fit in your pocket, but an easy starter project and not lacking for detail. She’s got her tiara and locket, so you know she means business!
Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
He’s a gentleman in armor, with a sweet spot for animals. This design will let you bring a cute little Alphonse to life without paying an arm and a leg! Just remember: humankind cannot crochet anything without first giving yarn in return.
Rengoku (Demon Slayer)
Set your heart ablaze with your very own Flame Hashira! Kyojuro Rengoku is a tenacious warrior with a burning desire to protect the innocent. Complete with his iconic fire-licked haori and hair, you’ll be able to conquer anything with this legendary Demon Slayer by your side.
Saitama (One Punch Man)
Once a salaryman, this hero gave up his old way of life to protect the innocent. His name is… Caped Baldy?! This pattern will let you make your own posable Saitama doll without losing hair over it. He can even stand on his own!
Tomoyo (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Who better to stitch together for your next project than Sakura Kinomoto’s very own super-seamstress? This charming craft of Tomoyo Daidouji features her classic uniform and comes with her white sailor’s hat. She’s the perfect sidekick to cheer you on in your projects!
Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
A missing ninja with many secrets and a heavy burden, death awaits all who meet Itachi’s gaze. But with this pattern, what you have isn’t a dream, but an ambition: to restore your clan, and crotchet a certain man. And his crow, too!
Froppy (My Hero Academia)
Few fans of My Hero Academia could forget the Rainy Season Hero, Froppy. Tsuyu’s Frog Quirk makes her quick and unpredictable, being able to camouflage herself, climb walls and even lift items with her tongue! This project includes a guide to her hero costume as well, plus a cheeky tongue-out smile and her signature goggles.
Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
This amigurumi really captures Bakugo’s distinctive look, with perfectly disheveled tufts of hair and his Grenadier Bracers. Fortunately, this squeezable creation is a little less explosive to the touch, and although he’s scowling a little, he’s really quite cuddly at heart.
Todoroki Shoto (My Hero Academia)
This half-and-half hero is more than meets the eye. From his deft mastery of his Quirk to his strength through hardship, Todoroki really earns his place in our hearts! This craft includes his improved hero costume, including his snow boots.
Totoro & Faceless God
What a surprisingly charming duo! These two characters capture two iconic and enigmatic Ghibli spirits. Faceless, an immature god often frustrated by his efforts to emulate others, looks sweeter than ever, while the cuddly Totoro has been shrunk down to a more manageable size. So while there’s no bus rides in store, there’s still plenty of adventures!
Doraemon
A robot cat from the future with a four-dimensional pouch, who happens to be supremely cute. He’s a robo-school reject who’s terrified of mice, but Doraemon is the perfect gadget-gifted mecha-kitty to improve the fortunes of Sewashi Nobi’s ancestors and turn his life around! Sound paradoxical? Don’t stress about the details. This free design is simple and perfect for beginners.
Team Seven (Naruto)
Kakashi’s hunting the Akatsuki, Sakura’s training to be a medical ninja, Sasuke’s on a path of vengeance… and Naruto’s still a genin?! Bringing Team Seven back together seems like an unlikely task, but there’s an easier way! Make these adorable dolls instead. They stand on their own too!
Miku Princess
Hatsune Miku is the world’s number one virtual singing sensation: from the Project Diva rhythm game series, to her live performances and legendary discography, the world is definitely hers. She’s not just a star though: she’s super cute! This pattern recreates Miku with her hair in the charming curls and waves of her princess modules.
Demon Slayer Characters
Don’t be deceived by these adorable dolls! These three Demon Slayers don’t hold the rank of Hashira for no reason. This design comes with a design for Tengen’s elaborate head wrap, Kyojuro’s signature flame-hemmed coat and hair, and Giyu’s split haori.
Himouto Umaru-Chan
By day, Umaru is the envy of her school: she’s pretty, talented, and clever to boot. By night, she dons her hamster hoodie and transforms into… a lazy, crumb-rolling gamer?! If you’re not quite so effortlessly successful, don’t stress. Just channel your inner potato with this simple Umaru amigurumi! Her signature hood is removable.
Chihiro
A courageous young girl who is drawn into the liminal world of Kami. After her parents are turned into pigs by a witch, Chihiro journeys through beautiful and surreal landscapes to rescue them – and herself. Losing even her name, Chihiro befriends spirits both big and small to defy her fate and return home.
Captain Levi (Attack On Titan)
From a thief in the Underground to the shining gem of the Survey Corp, Levi is humanity’s strongest soldier: now he’s the cutest, too! This project will help you create his signature look, complete with his Survey Corp uniform and his trademark white ascot. It even comes with a removable cloak!
AOT-Inspired Team
In a fight seemingly doomed from the start, few step up to the challenge of saving mankind. Thanks to the efforts of Captain Levi, three unexpected recruits transform from aspiring rookies to seasoned veterans right before our eyes! This design includes a complete squad with Mikasa, Armin, Eren, and Captain Levi, with a muffler for Mikasa and Levi’s ascot and cloak.
Sorcerer Trio (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Yuji Itadori, inhabited by the Curse Sukuna, is a sorcerer living with a death sentence. Knowing what awaits at the end of his journey, Yuji and his friends Megumi and Nobara are on a quest to fight the tide of fate. Remember: whatever obstacles face you, you can conquer them too!
Majin Boo
This cuddly amigurumi recreates one of Goku’s strongest foes, Majin Boo. Just look at his mischievous smile! He might look adorable, but don’t underestimate him: his alternate forms will eat you for breakfast – literally!
Sakura & Tomoyo
Sakura Kinomoto is a freshman with a secret life as a Cardcaptor. But no magical girl is complete without her trusty best friend! Tomoyo Daidouji is always by her side, designing Sakura’s gorgeous outfits and filming her escapades. They make a perfect pair!
Son Goku
Born as the Saiyan Kakarot and found in a crashed spaceship, Goku is a warrior with formidable abilities, a kind nature and a ravenous appetite. He comes with his original monkey tail, one Dragon Ball and his extending Power Pole! Be careful to keep him out of the light of the full moon.
Tartaglia/Childe (Genshin Impact)
This thrill-seeking Harbinger can’t be contained! Except into this little craft, of course. A fighter that seeks the chaos of battle, this character comes equipped with his Hydro Vision on his belt, as well as his red gem earring. Though Childe is no easy match, some say this version is a little softer than most…
Venti/Barbatos (Genshin Impact)
Some people just like to enjoy life: who’s to say Gods are an exception? Venti prefers the life of a hedonistic wandering Bard to being the all-powerful Archon Barbatos. And who can blame him? This project includes an intricate and customizable outfit, from his harp, hat, and cloak to even his shoes!
Avatar Character Bundle
Look at this brigade of bite-size buds! It’s no doubt that there’s a heavy burden on their shoulders, with the ever-encroaching imperialism of the Fire Nation burning at the edge of the world as they know it. With all five of them, maybe – just maybe! – they’ll be able to defeat Ozai once and for all!
Scouts Logo Patch (AOT)
Dedicate your heart to this Survey Corp patch! This is a patch of the logo for the Scouts Regimen, complete with the Wings of Freedom. It’s easy to create, and even easier to sew onto your jackets and bags so you can declare your allegiance!