Round Dumpling Amigurumi – Free Crochet Pattern

This free crochet pattern shows you how to make a small round dumpling amigurumi inspired by a steamed bao bun. The project is worked in continuous single crochet rounds, then shaped with simple yarn stitches to create the pinched pleats across the top. The tutorial includes materials, abbreviations, full round-by-round instructions, face details, finishing tips and an optional keychain loop. It is a quick scrap-yarn project suited to beginners who are comfortable with basic amigurumi increases and decreases.

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What you need

Worsted-weight yarn in cream, ivory or pale tan

Small amount of pale tan, blush or matching cream yarn for the gathered top

Small amount of black yarn for the mouth

Small amount of pink yarn for cheeks, optional

3.25 mm crochet hook

Stitch marker

Yarn needle

Polyester fibre fill

Safety eyes, optional

Instructions

There is something wonderfully cheerful about crocheted food, especially when it has a tiny smile and rosy cheeks. A little yarn dumpling sitting beside your keyboard probably will not help with your emails, but it does make the desk considerably more inviting.

This round dumpling amigurumi is inspired by a plump steamed bao bun, with a softly rounded body and gathered details across the top. The body uses straightforward increases and decreases, so the crochet itself is manageable if you have already tried a basic amigurumi project.

The personality comes from the finishing. A few carefully placed shaping stitches give the top its pinched appearance, while a small embroidered face turns your dumpling into a rather endearing companion.

It is also a useful project for leftover yarn. Just be warned: one dumpling has a habit of becoming a whole steamer basket.

Instructions

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring.
• sc: Single crochet.
• inc: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• dec: Invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches.
• st or sts: Stitch or stitches.

Repeat the instructions inside brackets as directed. The number in parentheses gives the stitch count at the end of the round.

For an invisible decrease, insert your hook under the front loop of each of the next two stitches. Yarn over and pull through both front loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

Before You Begin

Work in continuous rounds without joining. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it as you work.

Gauge is not essential, but your stitches should be close enough together to hide the stuffing. If gaps appear, try a smaller hook.

This pattern produces a rounded body. The bao appearance comes from the shaping stitches added after crocheting, so leave yourself time for that finishing step.

1. Crochet the Dumpling Body

Use cream or ivory yarn.

Round 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring. Pull the ring closed. (6)

Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12)

Round 3: [Sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch] 6 times. (18)

Round 4: [Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch] 6 times. (24)

Round 5: [Sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch] 6 times. (30)

Rounds 6 to 10: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches in each round)

If using safety eyes, insert them between Rounds 7 and 8, leaving approximately 6 stitches between their insertion points. Check their position before securing the backs.

For embroidered eyes, add them after stuffing and shaping.

Round 11: [Sc in the next 3 stitches, dec] 6 times. (24)

Round 12: [Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec] 6 times. (18)

Begin stuffing. Add small pieces at a time, keeping the lower body rounded and the upper section slightly softer for shaping.

Round 13: [Sc in the next stitch, dec] 6 times. (12)

Adjust the stuffing before working the final round. The body should feel comfortably filled without stretching the stitches apart.

Round 14: Dec 3 times, check the stuffing, then dec 3 more times. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail approximately 8 inches long.

Thread the tail onto a yarn needle. Pass it through the front loop of each remaining stitch and pull gently to close the opening. Secure the yarn and bury the end inside the body.

The closed opening from Round 14 is the top of your dumpling. The magic ring is the bottom.

2. Shape the Base

Place the dumpling upright with the magic ring underneath.

Gently press the base against a flat surface and move the stuffing with your fingers to create a slightly flatter underside.

Keep the lower sides rounded. You are aiming for a soft bun shape rather than a sharply flattened bottom.

A small, rounded amigurumi may still wobble slightly, particularly if it is firmly stuffed.

3. Create the Bao Pleats

Use matching cream yarn for subtle pleats or pale tan yarn for more visible lines.

Cut a length approximately 24 inches long and thread it onto your yarn needle.

Anchor the yarn discreetly near the closed top centre, leaving a short tail to secure later.

Imagine 6 evenly spaced points around the upper slope of the dumpling, approximately 2 to 3 rounds below the closed centre.

For each pleat:

1. Bring the needle out at the top centre.
2. Lay the yarn across the outside of the dumpling toward one of your marked points.
3. Insert the needle at that point.
4. Pass the needle through the stuffing and bring it out again at the top centre.
5. Pull gently until the outside strand creates a shallow indentation.

Repeat at the remaining points to make 6 radial shaping lines.

These lines form the grooves between the softly raised sections. Keep them on the upper part of the dumpling rather than extending them down to the base.

Adjust the tension gradually. Pulling too tightly can make the body look segmented or squash the stuffing out toward the sides.

When you are happy with the shape, secure the yarn with a small concealed stitch near the centre. Bury both ends inside the dumpling.

4. Add a Pinched Centre

Using matching cream yarn, make 2 or 3 short stitches across the closed top centre.

Keep the stitches close together and pull just enough to gather the centre slightly.

Secure the yarn and bury the ends inside the body.

This creates a small pinched detail. It does not need a large knot or a separate crocheted piece.

5. Embroider the Face

If you have not used safety eyes, embroider two small eyes between Rounds 7 and 8.

Position a short smile centrally between the eyes, approximately one round below them. Use a few small stitches to form the curve rather than one long, loose strand.

Add 1 or 2 short pink stitches beneath the outer side of each eye for rosy cheeks.

Keep the needle movements shallow around safety-eye fittings so you do not catch or disturb them.

You can also leave the face off for a simpler crochet play-food or decorative bao bun.

6. Finish and Reshape

Massage the stuffing gently into position.

Check that the body remains rounded, the base is slightly flattened and the pleats sit around the upper section.

Weave in any remaining ends and check that the embroidered details are secure.

If one pleat looks deeper than the others, ease a little tension along the shaping yarn before securing it permanently. Small adjustments make a noticeable difference here.

Optional Keychain or Bag Charm

For a bag charm, use a separate length of strong matching yarn to attach a keychain fitting through several crochet stitches near the top.

Pass the yarn through the fitting and the crocheted fabric several times, then secure and bury the ends.

Avoid relying on the decorative centre stitches alone to support the charm.

Yarn and Colour Ideas

Cream and ivory give this crochet bao bun a classic steamed-dumpling appearance. Pale pink, soft green or buttery yellow make playful alternatives.

Smooth cotton or acrylic yarn makes it easier to see your stitches and control the shaping.

Chenille yarn creates a softer, larger dumpling, but its fluffy texture can hide the pleats and make the needle sculpting harder to see. If this is your first attempt, smooth yarn will make the finishing easier to follow.

Changing the yarn and hook will change the finished size.

Ways to Use Your Crochet Dumpling

Try your finished dumpling as a:

• Desk companion.
• Bag charm.
• Food-themed Christmas ornament.
• Small handmade gift.
• Decorative addition to a crochet food collection.
• Display piece in a miniature bamboo steamer.

A small basket of dumplings in different pastel colours would make a cheerful craft-room display. Giving each one a slightly different expression is half the fun.

Safety and Care

For projects intended for young children, embroider the facial features and omit keychain fittings and other detachable parts. Safety eyes can come loose and are unsuitable for children under three.

Check all seams and embroidered details regularly. This decorative pattern has not been assessed for toy-safety compliance and is not designed as a pet toy.

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn and stuffing.