How to Crochet Spooky Dumpling with Red Horns Plushie Variation

Author: Talha

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

4th pattern tester call for this Halloween is here! From today, I will present patterns for some spooky-kawaii variations of the crochet CUTE dumpling plushie in a basket that you learned how to crochet last week. I am planning 3-4 tester patterns to crochet these Halloween dumpling plushies. Let’s begin with this crochet white pumpkin with red horns plushie that is finished with the kawaii eyes and mouth and a black crochet Clamshell box. Crochet this Halloween dumpling as a present for kids, table decoration, or prepare a centrepiece by crocheting the future variations.

The only new pattern to learn is the crochet red horns; the rest of the pattern is the same. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll bring the crochet ghost in witch hat dumpling variation as well. And the case of the dumpling plush also includes the same crochet handle that is no-sew.

Since we are crocheting the white plushie, I have also added the embroidered blush on the cheeks. You can easily crochet this spooky Halloween dumpling as a last-minute plushie in less than 45 minutes. The basket pattern only requires 16 rounds. Now, I want to emphasize again that the whole pattern is tested, but you can definitely check if the horn pattern works for you!

Table of Contents

Similar Project(s)

How to Crochet A Dumpling in A Steamer Plushie for Kids

Collaborative Patterns

Little Devil Dumpling & Clamshell Box Pattern

The spooky toy has a box that closes and has a handle. It is seven centimeters big. The toy is very easy and fast to crochet. The box is also easy to make.

Recommended Materials

Yarn: Plush / Chenille yarn (White for dumpling, Black for box, Red/Burgundy for horns)
Embroidery Floss: Black (for eyes and mouth) and Light Pink (for blush)
Hook Size: 4.0 mm – 5.0 mm (or size appropriate for your yarn)
Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, stitch marker, scissors

Abbreviations List

MR: Magic Ring
sc: single crochet
inc: increase (2 single crochets in 1 stitch)
dec: decrease (crochet 2 stitches together)
sl st: slip stitch
ch: chain
BLO: back loops only
FLO: front loops only
R: Round

1. Dumpling Pattern (White 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–R8 (4 rounds): 32 sc (32)
R9: (2 sc, dec) repeat 8 times (24)
R10: (1 sc, dec) repeat 8 times (16)
Stuff the dumpling firmly with fiberfill.
R11: 8 dec (8)

Top “Skirt” Ruffle

R12: Working in FLO only: (inc, 1 sc) repeat all the way around to the end. Cut yarn, finish off with a sl st, and weave in the end inside the ruffle structure.

Closing the Bottom Hole

Thread white yarn onto a needle and weave through the unworked back loops of R11. Pull tightly to close the opening, tie off, and hide the thread end inside the body.

2. Horns Pattern (Red / Burgundy Yarn — Make 2)

R1: 4 sc in MR (4)
R2: (1 sc, inc) repeat 2 times (6)
R3: (2 sc, inc) repeat 2 times (8)
R4: 8 sc (8)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff (or stuff very lightly).
Assembly: Sew the two horns symmetrically onto the top sides of the dumpling (around R5–R7, just below the top ruffle).

3. Face Details Embroidery

Using black and pink yarn/embroidery floss:

Eyes (“> <” shape):
- Using black thread, embroider an arrow/wink eye > on the left side and < on the right side across R6–R7, leaving about 4 to 5 stitches of space between them.
Mouth (“w” shape):
- Using black thread, embroider a curved w mouth centered between the eyes on R7–R8.
Blush Cheeks:
- Using pink thread, embroider a short horizontal stitch directly under each eye on R8.

4. Clamshell Box Pattern (Black Plush Yarn — Make 2)

Top Lid & Bottom Base (Make 2 Identical Pieces)

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)
For the Top Lid: Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Handle:

Join yarn to the side of the base/lid.

Chain your desired length for the handle.
Join the chain to the opposite side of the box.
Chain 1, turn, and crochet sc back down each chain stitch.
Sl st into the starting side to secure. Cut the yarn and hide all ends inside
For the Bottom Base: Fasten off, but leave a long tail for connecting the hinge.

5. Joining the Box (Clamshell Hinge)

Align the bottom base and top lid together with their open edges touching.
Using the long tail from the bottom base (and a yarn needle or hook), connect the two halves across 5 to 6 stitches along the back rim using single crochets or mattress stitches.