Susie the Zombie Doll

Susie the Zombie Doll by Cara Engwerda

What Is Being Made

Susie the Zombie Doll is a crocheted amigurumi toy designed by Cara Engwerda. This intermediate-level project creates a zombie cheerleader character perfect for Halloween celebrations and decorative displays. The finished doll is a fun, slightly creepy stuffed toy that combines festive holiday theming with playful character design.

Craft and Technique Overview

This pattern uses crochet as the primary construction method. Crochet is a fiber craft that creates fabric using a single hook to loop yarn into interconnected stitches. The amigurumi technique—a Japanese method of crocheting small, stuffed three-dimensional toys—is employed to build Susie's body and features. This approach allows crafters to create compact, dimensional character pieces with defined shapes and proportions.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches suitable for amigurumi construction:

• Chain (ch) – The foundation stitch that creates a series of loops, typically used to start sections and create structural bases
• Single Crochet (sc) – A tight, compact stitch that forms the primary fabric of the doll, ideal for creating dense, structured amigurumi pieces
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – A slightly taller stitch that provides variation in texture and structure where needed
• Magic Ring (MR) – A technique for starting projects in the round without a visible center hole, commonly used in amigurumi to create seamless circular foundations

Materials and Tools

This project requires DK weight yarn (also called 8ply or Light Worsted), which is a medium yarn weight that provides good stitch definition for small toys. The pattern calls for less than 50 grams of yarn in multiple colors: RED, WHITE, GREEN, YELLOW, and BLACK. A 2.75mm crochet hook (US size C-2) is used to work with the DK yarn, creating appropriately sized stitches for the amigurumi construction. Additionally, BLACK 4ply yarn or embroidery thread is needed for fine details such as facial features.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex projects. Crafters should be comfortable with basic stitches and have experience working in the round before attempting Susie the Zombie Doll.

Design Details

Susie is characterized as a zombie cheerleader, combining Halloween theming with playful personality. The pattern notes that while pompoms can be added for a traditional cheerleader look, they are optional—fitting humorously with the zombie theme, as the character might forget them. The multi-color yarn requirements allow for detailed character elements including skin tone, clothing, and accessories typical of a cheerleader costume.

Pattern Information

This is a downloadable PDF pattern created by independent designer Cara Engwerda. The pattern uses US crochet terminology and includes standard abbreviations for easy reference during crafting. Finished items made from this pattern may be sold, though the pattern itself and its images are protected intellectual property and cannot be copied, altered, or redistributed.