Free Onigiri Rice Ball Crochet Pattern | Cute Amigurumi
Create a cute Japanese-inspired Onigiri rice ball with this easy crochet pattern. Perfect for beginners! Get the free step-by-step guide and start hooking.
Adorable Onigiri Rice Ball Crochet Pattern
Bring a touch of Japanese-inspired cuteness into your life with this charming Onigiri crochet project. There is something inherently comforting about the simple, rounded shape of a rice ball, and when you add a tiny face and a seaweed wrap, it transforms into an irresistible companion. Whether you are looking for a quick gift or a whimsical addition to your own collection, this little snack is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face.
In this project, you will create a miniature Onigiri rice ball designed as a keychain or a small desk buddy. The finished toy is compact and palm-sized, measuring approximately 5 to 5.5 cm in height. The project consists of a single main body piece that is shaped and detailed to look like the iconic triangular rice snack, complete with a dark seaweed base and rosy cheeks.
This pattern is perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxing, low-stress project. You will utilize fundamental amigurumi techniques, including working in the round, increasing, and decreasing. The process is straightforward and fast, making it an excellent choice for a "one-sitting" project.
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
What You'll Need
New to crochet terms? Check our Complete Abbreviations Guide
- LaVita Yarn velur № 1002 — White (Main Color)
- LaVita Yarn velur № 6500 — Black/Dark Green (Seaweed Detail)
- YarnArt dolce baby № 750 — Pink (Cheeks)
- Black embroidery floss — Eyes/Mouth details
- 3.0 mm crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing (Hollowfiber)
- 6 mm safety eyes
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Keychain ring with chain
The finished Onigiri measures approximately 5–5.5 cm in height. Please note that the final size may vary depending on your individual tension, the specific brand of yarn used, and your crochet technique.
Pattern Instructions
Phase 1: The Body (White)
The Onigiri is worked as a single continuous piece. It is important to stuff the body as you go, but do not overstuff. If you pack the fiberfill too tightly, the toy will become a perfect sphere; keep the stuffing light to maintain the characteristic slightly flattened, triangular rice ball shape.
Insert the 6 mm safety eyes between rounds 4 and 5. Position them with a gap of 4 sc between the two eyes to ensure a cute, wide-set expression.
Stuff the piece lightly before closing. Fasten off, weave in the ends, and gently press the top and bottom to give the Onigiri a slightly flattened, authentic shape.
Phase 2: Detailing & Assembly
Once the main body is complete and shaped, it is time to bring your Onigiri to life with the facial features and the seaweed wrap.
First, use the pink YarnArt dolce baby yarn to embroider two small, soft circles for the cheeks just below the eyes. Use the black embroidery floss to stitch a small, simple mouth between the cheeks.
Next, we create the "Nori" (seaweed) wrap. Using the black/dark green yarn, embroider a rectangular section across the bottom of the rice ball. You can do this by stitching a series of surface slips stitches or small straight stitches to create a clean, flat band around the base.
Finally, attach the keychain ring. Secure the chain to the top center of the head using a sturdy knot or by sewing it through a few stitches of the first round. Ensure it is fastened tightly so the Onigiri stays secure while hanging.
Questions You Might Have
Congratulations on completing your adorable Onigiri rice ball! This little project is a wonderful way to practice your shaping skills while creating something truly unique and sweet. We would love to see your finished creations, so please share your makes and tag our blog!
