Skip to content

Nutcracker Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

This nutcracker amigurumi crochet pattern creates a classic Christmas soldier with a red cone-shaped coat, tall black hat, and fluffy white hair and beard. Gold buttons, trims, a belt buckle, and fringed epaulettes give him a regal finish. His flat base lets him stand proudly on a mantel, shelf, or holiday table.

By Mandy’s Crochet Studio · Updated

Time needed
9 hrs
Made this
0 crocheters
Skill level
Intermediate
Hook size
3.5 mm
Finished size
Approx. 11 in (28 cm) tall and 4.5 in (11.5 cm) wide at the base
On this page
  • Skill level

    Intermediate

    Comfortable with shaping, joining and reading counts.

  • Time

    9 hrs

    An average pace, including assembly.

  • Use

    Christmas Mantel Decor

    Approx. 11 in (28 cm) tall and 4.5 in (11.5 cm) wide at the base

Why you'll love it

  • The body, head, and hat are one piece, so he stands straight with no head to sew on.
  • A flat cardboard base keeps him steady on any shelf.
  • Gold trims, buttons, and epaulettes give him a regal, classic look.
  • Fluffy white hair and a pointed beard add charming texture.
  • He makes a timeless decoration that can come out every Christmas.

About the designer

Designed by

Mandy’s Crochet Studio

Crochet pattern studio

Mandy’s Crochet Studio writes the free patterns, premium PDFs and step-by-step guides on this site, with stitch counts on every round and a skill level on every pattern.

    Last updated

    Materials needed

    Tools

    • 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook
    • Tapestry needle
    • Scissors
    • Stitch markers
    • Two 8 mm black safety eyes
    • Polyester fiberfill, approx. 4 oz (115 g)
    • A 4.3 in (11 cm) circle of stiff cardboard or plastic canvas for the base
    • Optional: a wooden dowel, 3/8 in (1 cm) thick and 10 in (25 cm) long
    • Optional: a pet slicker brush or comb to fluff the hair

    Gauge & finished measurements

    Gauge: 20 sc and 22 rounds = 4 in (10 cm) in worsted cotton with a 3.5 mm hook. Base gauge: Rounds 1-12 measure about 4.5 in (11.5 cm) across.

    Row counter

    Row 0

    Tap the circle after each row

    The pattern

    0 of 17 steps done0%

    Abbreviations

    This pattern is written in US terms. Your current view: US.

    USUKMeaning
    MRMRmagic ring (adjustable ring) · how to
    chchchain · how to
    sl stssslip stitch · how to
    scdcsingle crochet (UK double crochet) · how to
    hdchtrhalf double crochet (UK half treble) · how to
    dctrdouble crochet (UK treble) · how to
    decdecdecrease: work 2 stitches together (invisible decrease in amigurumi)
    BLOBLOback loop only
    st(s)st(s)stitch(es)

    Assembly

    1. 1

      Face: sew the nose centered below the eyes, the mustache just under the nose, and the beard below the mustache so it hangs down over the front of the coat.

    2. 2

      Hair: cut about 40 strands of white yarn 6 in (15 cm) long. Knot them in pairs through the stitches at each side of the head, behind the face and below the hat. Brush them out gently and trim to shape.

    3. 3

      Coat front: sew the two gold cords vertically down the center front of the coat, about 1 in (2.5 cm) apart, from the beard to the gold hem round.

    4. 4

      Buttons and buckle: sew 4 buttons beside each gold cord, two above the belt and two below. Embroider the gold buckle on the belt.

    5. 5

      Arms: sew the arms to the sides of the coat at Round 41, angled slightly outward. Sew an epaulette over the top of each arm.

    6. 6

      Hat: sew the gold badge to the front center of the hat and the knob to the center of the hat top.

    Important notes

    • Tip: This is an original pattern inspired by the photo. Hidden details are interpreted from the image, and the pattern has not been physically test-crocheted.
    • Tip: Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, MR = magic ring, BLO = back loop only, dec = decrease (invisible single crochet decrease).
    • Tip: The body, head, and hat are worked in continuous rounds with a stitch marker. The beard is worked in turned rows; the turning ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
    • Tip: Safety: the cardboard, dowel, and safety eyes are not suitable for young children. This nutcracker is intended as a decoration.

    Pattern FAQ

    How do I keep him from leaning?

    Stuff evenly in small pieces and keep the cardboard flat at the base. For extra support, push a wooden dowel up through the center from the base into the hat before closing the top.

    Can I use regular yellow yarn instead of metallic gold?

    Yes. Mustard or gold-colored cotton works well and is easier to crochet than metallic yarn.

    What yarn works best for the hair?

    A soft acrylic or wool blend brushes out into fluffy hair. Cotton will stay in neat strands instead.

    How do I clean him?

    Spot clean with a damp cloth and let him air dry. Do not machine wash because of the cardboard base and dowel.

    Ratings & reviews

    No reviews yet. Made it? Be the first to share how it went.

      Leave a review

      Your rating

      I made this!

      Finished your Nutcracker Cone Christmas Doll? Share a photo and it may be featured in our Made-by-You gallery.

      More patterns our community loves.

      New patterns in your inbox

      Join the newsletter and we will let you know as soon as new patterns are out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

      I love making…

      Join Mandy’s Crochet Studio

      Get new free patterns, offers and crochet tips first.

      We only use your email and phone to send you news and offers. Unsubscribe any time. See our privacy policy.