Ever since I first laid eyes on the adorable, round shape of Totoro from Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro,” I knew I had to bring this whimsical character to life in the form of amigurumi. There’s something undeniably charming about crocheting little creatures, especially when they’re as beloved as Totoro. The process of creating an amigurumi Totoro pattern is a delightful blend of creativity and technical skill, where each stitch contributes to crafting a cuddly companion. It’s like painting a picture, but instead of using a brush, I wield a crochet hook, and my canvas is a ball of soft yarn. 🎨🧶
The journey begins with selecting just the right shade of gray for Totoro’s iconic fur, and perhaps a bit of white and black for his tummy and eyes. As I stitch away, piece by piece, my excitement builds with every round. There’s something almost meditative about counting stitches and watching as Totoro slowly takes shape in my hands. From his tiny ears to his big, expressive eyes, every detail is a step towards recreating the magic of the film in plush form. The best part? Seeing the finished amigurumi Totoro’s cheerful face, ready to spread joy to everyone who meets him. Who could resist such a lovable forest spirit? 🌳✨
Bring a gentle forest spirit into your home with this round, cuddly amigurumi Totoro. This pattern creates a soft, bottom-heavy Totoro with a wide cream belly, small upright ears, subtle chest markings, and a calm, friendly expression. The body and head are worked as one continuous piece for a smooth, sculpted finish.
Perfect as a display plush, gift, or collectible for fans of whimsical woodland characters.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – requires extended vertical shaping, clean color transitions, appliqué placement, and careful proportion control.
📏 Finished Size
Approximately 23–25 cm (9–10 inches) tall
Worked with DK yarn and a 3.0–3.5 mm hook
The plush should be vertically elongated, with a wide rounded base and slightly tapered upper head.
🧶 Materials & Yarn Amount
Blue-grey (main body, ears, arms, belly arches) – 95 g
Cream / warm beige (large belly panel) – 45 g
White (eyes) – 8 g
Brown / rust (nose) – 3 g
Black (pupils & whiskers) – small scraps
3.0–3.5 mm crochet hook
10–12 mm safety eyes (optional)
Polyester stuffing – approx. 250–300 g
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – magic ring
sc – single crochet
inc – increase
dec – invisible decrease
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
FO – fasten off
Work in continuous rounds unless noted.
🐾 Body & Head (Worked as One Piece)
Color: Blue-Grey
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) ×6 (30)
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) ×6 (36)
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) ×6 (42)
Round 8: (6 sc, inc) ×6 (48)
Round 9: (7 sc, inc) ×6 (54)
Round 10: (8 sc, inc) ×6 (60)
Rounds 11–18: sc around (60)
This establishes a wide, stable base.
🍃 Large Integrated Belly Panel
The belly must be tall and dominant.
From Round 19 onward, switch to partial colorwork:
Rounds 19–50 (32 rounds total):
• 30 sc cream (front half)
• 30 sc blue-grey (back half)
Keep the cream section centered and consistent each round.
Use stitch markers at the edges of the cream panel to maintain alignment.
This creates a tall oval belly that visually occupies most of the torso height.
🔽 Upper Taper & Head Shape
Return to blue-grey only.
Round 51: (8 sc, dec) ×6 (54)
Round 52: (7 sc, dec) ×6 (48)
Round 53: (6 sc, dec) ×6 (42)
Round 54: (5 sc, dec) ×6 (36)
Round 55: (4 sc, dec) ×6 (30)
Begin stuffing firmly. Shape the bottom wide and flat.
Round 56: (3 sc, dec) ×6 (24)
Round 57: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
Round 58: (1 sc, dec) ×6 (12)
Round 59: dec ×6 (6)
FO and close tightly.
The final silhouette should be vertically oval, not round or squat.
🌿 Belly Markings (Make 7)
Color: Blue-Grey
For each marking:
Ch 4
sc in 2nd ch from hook
hdc in next
sc in last
FO
Make 7 total.
Placement:
Top row: 2 arches
Middle row: 3 arches
Bottom row: 2 arches
All arches must sit fully inside the cream belly panel and follow its curve.
👀 Eyes (Make 2)
Color: White
Round 1: MR, 6 sc
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Round 4: sc around (18)
FO and flatten slightly.
Attach safety eyes through center or embroider black pupils.
Placement:
Position just above the top edge of the cream belly section.
Eyes should be widely spaced and level.
👃 Nose
Color: Brown / Rust
Round 1: MR, 5 sc
Round 2: sc around (5)
Round 3: sc around (5)
FO.
Sew centered between eyes, slightly lower than eye midpoint.
🐱 Ears (Make 2)
Color: Blue-Grey
Round 1: MR, 4 sc (4)
Round 2: inc ×4 (8)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×4 (12)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) ×4 (16)
Rounds 5–9: sc around (16)
Stuff lightly at base only.
Flatten bottom edge slightly.
Attach high on the head, angled slightly outward.
💪 Arms (Make 2)
Color: Blue-Grey
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: (1 sc, inc) ×3 (9)
Rounds 3–12: sc around (9)
Round 13: (1 sc, dec) ×3 (6)
Stuff lightly.
Flatten top slightly.
Attach around Rounds 32–35 (mid-belly height).
Arms should hang straight down.
🧵 Whiskers
Cut 3 strands per side of black cord or thick thread.
Insert through head slightly below eye level.
Secure with tight internal knots.
Trim evenly so whiskers extend straight outward.
🧩 Final Shaping
• Ensure base is evenly stuffed and stable
• Belly remains centered
• Eyes are level and calm
• Ears upright
• Arms hang naturally
Massage stuffing to preserve a wide bottom and gently tapered head.
🌲 Finished Forest Companion
With its tall cream belly, seven soft chest markings, wide gentle eyes, upright ears, and long straight whiskers, this forest spirit captures a calm woodland presence. The extended belly section gives it the correct proportions and peaceful silhouette.
A comforting handmade character perfect for display, gifting, or adding a touch of forest magic to your space. 🌿🧶
🍃 Your Totoro Is Complete!
This finished Totoro captures the calm, comforting presence of the forest spirit—round, soft, and perfectly balanced. Whether displayed on a shelf, gifted to a fan, or paired with woodland décor, he’s sure to bring warmth and quiet charm wherever he goes.
Happy crocheting 🌿🧶
