Tester Pattern: How to Crochet Dumpling Buddy in A Steamer Costume Plushie

Author: Talha

I am a crochet designer, macramé maker and a crafter who also loves doing MATH.

For reaching 10 crochet dumpling plushies patterns in our tester call series, today, I will be sharing this bonus crochet pattern. Introducing, the crochet rainbow bun buddy plushie that is wearing the steamer basket as a costume! This is my very own idea that I came with today.

The idea is to crochet the steamer basket with the legs and arms and when you put your dumpling inside the box, it will look as if the dumpling is wearing a hoodie outfit.

The crochet dumpling is made using the self-striping pastel yarn that looks SUPER ELEGANT with the bright red of the dumpling steamer basket. And this time, we have embroidery CUTE and my favorite kawaii emrboidery eyes. Crochet this plush dumpling as a gift for a dear one. Now, continue reading for learning more about this crochet dumpling project and learn to make the plush, too.

Table of Contents

Similar Project(s)

Tester Call: Free Crochet Orange, Yellow & White Dumpling Plushie

Pattern Tester

Tester Call: Free Crochet Kawaii-Eyes Bolt Zombie Dumpling Plushie

Pattern Tester

Pattern to Crochet the Plush Dumpling in A Steamer Box Costume Plush

Skill Level: Beginner – Level 4

Materials List

Plush Yarn (100g / 120m):
- Terracotta / Rust: For the basket and limbs
- Mint Green: For dumpling base and top ruffle
- Pastel Peach: For dumpling middle (face section)
- Pastel Pink: For dumpling upper section
- Pastel Lavender: For dumpling top
Semi-cotton yarn (e.g., YarnArt Jeans): Dark brown/black for face embroidery
Crochet hook size: 4.0 mm
Toy stuffing
Yarn needle and scissors

Abbreviations List

MR = Magic Ring
sc = single crochet
inc = increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec = decrease (crochet 2 stitches together)
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
BLO = back loops only
FLO = front loops only
R = Round

Pastel Dumpling Pattern

Start with Mint Green yarn.

R1: 8 sc in MR (8)
R2: 8 inc (16)
R3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 8 times (24)

Change to Pastel Peach yarn.

R4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 8 times (32)
R5–R6 (2 rounds): 32 sc (32)

Change to Pastel Pink yarn.

R7–R8 (2 rounds): 32 sc (32)

Change to Pastel Lavender yarn.

R9: (2 sc, dec) repeat 8 times (24)
R10: (1 sc, dec) repeat 8 times (16)
Stuff the dumpling firmly with toy stuffing.
R11: 8 dec (8)

Top Ruffle (“Skirt”)

Change to Mint Green yarn.

R12: Working in FLO only, (inc, 1 sc) repeat 4 times across (12 sts total around front loops). Sl st into first stitch to join, cut yarn, and weave in end.

Closing the Top Hole

Take a needle with a piece of yarn and weave it through the remaining unworked back loops of R11. Pull tightly to close the opening, tie a knot, and weave in the tail inside the dumpling.

Face Embroidery

Using dark brown or black semi-cotton yarn:

Squinting Eyes (> <):
- On R5–R6 (peach layer), embroider a right-pointing angle (>) for the right eye and a left-pointing angle (<) for the left eye, spaced about 4–5 stitches apart.
Mouth:
- Embroider a short horizontal line centered between and slightly below the eyes.

Basket Container Pattern (Make 2: Lid & Base)

Use Terracotta / Rust plush yarn.

R1: 8 sc in MR (8)
R2: 8 inc (16)
R3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 8 times (24)
R4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 8 times (32)
R5: (7 sc, inc) repeat 4 times (36)
R6: 36 sc in BLO (36)
R7–R8 (2 rounds): 36 sc (36)
Top Lid (Part 1): Fasten off and weave in the tail.
Bottom Base (Part 2): Do not cut yarn.

Hinge Assembly

Align the bottom base and top lid. Connect them by crocheting 5–6 sc stitches through the back loop of the lid and front loop of the base. Fasten off and hide the yarn.

Legs & Arms Pattern (Make 4)

Use Terracotta / Rust plush yarn.

R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: inc in each stitch.
R3: 1 sc in each sticth across.
R4: dec in each stitch.
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. (Do not stuff, or stuff very lightly).

Assembly

Lower Feet: Sew 2 limbs to the bottom front of the base basket so they rest on the surface, helping the basket sit upright.
Upper Arms: Sew 2 limbs to the front upper rim of the bottom base, positioning them so they fold over the front edge of the basket.
Place your pastel dumpling inside its basket container.