Susie doll

Susie Doll by Martuland Handmade

What Is Being Made

The Susie doll is a beginner-friendly crocheted amigurumi toy standing 16 cm in height. This downloadable crochet pattern from independent designer Martuland Handmade provides instructions for creating a complete stuffed doll with articulated arms and legs, designed to be soft, cuddly, and suitable for toy making enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project uses crochet as the primary construction method. The doll is created using the popular amigurumi technique, which involves crocheting small, three-dimensional stuffed toys in the round. The pattern employs the magic ring method to begin each component, allowing for seamless, tight centers that are essential in toy making. All pieces—arms, legs, and body—are worked individually and then sewn together to create the finished doll.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches suitable for beginners:

• Single crochet (sc) – the primary stitch throughout the pattern, providing a tight, dense fabric ideal for amigurumi
• Half double crochet (hdc) – referenced in the abbreviations for potential variations
• Chain (ch) – used for foundation stitches
• Increases (inc) – created by working 2 single crochets in one stitch to expand rounds
• Decreases (dec) – formed by crocheting 2 stitches together to reduce rounds
• Magic ring (MR) – the starting technique for creating seamless circular beginnings
• Back loop only (BLO) and front loop only (FLO) – techniques for creating texture or specific construction details

Construction Details

The doll is assembled in separate components. Arms are crocheted in pairs using yarn in ecru color, beginning with 6 single crochets in a magic ring, increased to 9 stitches, then worked straight for 15 rows. Legs are similarly constructed in pairs, starting with 6 stitches in a magic ring, increased to 12 stitches, and worked for 18 rows. The body is created by connecting both legs together (24 stitches total), worked straight for 9 rows, then filled with fiber before the arms are sewn on, integrating 5 stitches from each arm into the body structure.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: YarnArt Jeans crochet yarn in ecru color provides the primary material for the doll's construction. This yarn choice offers durability and a soft finish suitable for toys.

Crochet Hook: A 2.5 mm size crochet hook is used throughout the pattern, creating a tight gauge essential for amigurumi work.

Stuffing: Polyester fiber fill is used to stuff the completed arms, legs, and body, creating a soft, huggable toy.

Embellishments: 8 mm safety eyes are incorporated to bring the doll to life, providing a safe alternative to traditional button or embroidered eyes.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner, this pattern is accessible to those new to crochet. The use of basic stitches, straightforward stitch counts, and simple assembly make it an ideal first amigurumi project for developing fundamental crochet skills while creating a finished, wearable toy.