Welcome, my dear friends and fellow fiber artists! It’s Patricia, and I am absolutely brimming with joy to finally share this pattern with you. There's something truly special about bringing a beloved character like Labubu to life through the art of crochet, especially one with such a delightful blend of mischievous charm and cozy sweetness. This particular project has been a labor of love, ensuring every stitch perfectly captures Labubu’s iconic look, from that wonderfully fluffy suit to its signature cheeky grin. Your enthusiasm and support by visiting, sharing, and trying my patterns truly keep my hooks clicking and my design ideas flowing! Thank you for being here.
Materials You'll Need for Labubu
Gathering your materials is the first delightful step in any amigurumi journey, and for our Labubu, choosing the right yarn is particularly key to achieving that authentic look.
Yarn
- Main Color (MC): Approx. 150-200 yards of worsted weight yarn in a vibrant, slightly desaturated pink. I wholeheartedly recommend a 100% cotton worsted weight yarn for the main body. Why cotton? It holds its shape beautifully, which is absolutely crucial when working the loop stitch to give Labubu its signature fluffy texture. Plus, it gives such a lovely, natural finish.
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Approx. 50 yards of worsted weight yarn in creamy white. This will be for Labubu's face, inner ears, and paw tips. Again, cotton or a cotton blend works wonderfully here for its smooth finish.
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Small amount of black worsted weight yarn for embroidery/felt features.
- Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Small amount of light pink worsted weight yarn for nose and cheek blush.
Hooks & Notions
- Crochet Hook: A 3.0mm (D/3) or 3.25mm (E/4) crochet hook. My 'game changer' recommendation here is to use a hook size smaller than what your yarn band suggests. This creates a tighter fabric, preventing stuffing from showing through, which is essential for a polished amigurumi. For this project, especially with the loop stitch, a snug fabric is paramount.
- Safety Eyes: I’ve found that two 9-10mm black safety eyes work well for Labubu's wide-eyed charm. While the pattern below suggests felt, safety eyes are a sturdy alternative if you prefer.
- Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill.
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing parts together and weaving in ends.
- Stitch Marker: Absolutely essential for working in continuous rounds!
- Sharp Scissors: For clean cuts.
- Felt: Small pieces of black and white felt for eyes and mouth if you opt for felt appliqué (recommended for accuracy to the original image's crisp lines).
- Fabric Glue (Optional): For felt appliqué, if not stitching.
- Embroidery Floss (Optional): Black and light pink for features if not using yarn or felt.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Labubu
This pattern uses standard amigurumi techniques, but to capture Labubu's unique charm, we'll delve into some specific approaches.
- Magic Ring (MR): The perfect start for seamlessly creating pieces in the round without a hole. We’ll use this for most of Labubu’s parts.
- Single Crochet (sc): The foundation of nearly all amigurumi, creating a dense, stable fabric.
- Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into one stitch to expand your work.
- Decrease (dec): Reducing stitches to shape your piece. I recommend the invisible decrease (inv dec) as it creates a much neater, less noticeable decrease, which is vital for Labubu’s smooth shaping. Simply insert your hook through the front loop only of the next two stitches and complete your single crochet.
- Crocheting in Continuous Rounds: We won't be joining rounds with a slip stitch, which helps create a smoother, more seamless look perfect for Labubu's rounded forms. Always use a stitch marker!
- Loop Stitch (lp st): Ah, the secret to Labubu's signature fluffy suit! This stitch creates a raised loop of yarn, mimicking a plush, almost shaggy texture. I'll provide clear instructions below, but the general idea is to hold a loop of yarn on the back of your work with your non-dominant hand while you single crochet, pulling the loop through as part of your stitch. It’s a bit different at first, but incredibly rewarding for this character! This technique will be used for the entire pink "suit" portion.
- Basic Embroidery/Felt Appliqué: For Labubu’s distinct eyes, nose, and smile, we’ll be relying on precise placement of felt or careful embroidery. This allows for the crisp lines and specific expressions that define the character.
- Stuffing and Shaping: Learning to stuff your amigurumi firmly and evenly is key to achieving Labubu's adorable, plump silhouette. Don't be shy with the fiberfill!
Abbreviations Used:
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in next st)
- dec: Decrease (sc2tog, or inv dec for a neater look)
- lp st: Loop Stitch (instructions below)
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd: Round
- FO: Fasten Off
- CC1: Contrast Color 1
- CC2: Contrast Color 2
- CC3: Contrast Color 3
- MC: Main Color
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Labubu
Every handmade creation carries a piece of its maker’s spirit, and your Labubu will be wonderfully unique! While my patterns are meticulously crafted to guide you, remember that subtle variations in tension or yarn choice will give your Labubu its own special personality. Embrace these little differences – they are what make handmade treasures truly precious.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Labubu to life! Full pattern next.
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The Labubu Amigurumi Pattern
Special Stitch: Loop Stitch (lp st)
To work a loop stitch: Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (two loops on hook). Hold the working yarn behind your hook, wrap it from back to front over your non-dominant index finger to form a loop, then bring it under your hook. Yarn over again (catching both the working yarn and the loop you just formed), pull through all loops on hook. A loop will be formed on the wrong side of your work. Ensure your loops are uniform by keeping your finger consistently sized.
Head (CC1 - White)
Stuff firmly as you go.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: (Sc 5, inc) x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: (Sc 6, inc) x 6. (48)
Rnd 9-16: Sc in each st around. (48) The face area begins to form here.
Rnd 17: (Sc 6, dec) x 6. (42)
Rnd 18: (Sc 5, dec) x 6. (36)
Rnd 19: (Sc 4, dec) x 6. (30)
Rnd 20: (Sc 3, dec) x 6. (24)
Stuff the head firmly, shaping it as you go to create a slightly flattened front for the face.
Rnd 21: (Sc 2, dec) x 6. (18)
Rnd 22: (Sc 1, dec) x 6. (12)
Finish stuffing, ensuring a good, firm head.
Rnd 23: Dec x 6. (6)
FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loop of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.
Ears (Make 2 - MC Pink & CC1 White)
These are worked as flat pieces and then joined.
Inner Ear (CC1 - White):
Row 1: Ch 5. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch. (4)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc 4. (4)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc 2. (3)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc 3. (3)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc 1. (2)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc 2. (2)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Dec. (1)
FO, weave in ends.
Outer Ear (MC - Pink):
Row 1: Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 4 ch. (5)
Row 2-3: Ch 1, turn. Sc 5. (5)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc 3. (4)
Row 5-6: Ch 1, turn. Sc 4. (4)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc 2. (3)
Row 8-9: Ch 1, turn. Sc 3. (3)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc 1. (2)
Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc 2. (2)
Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Dec. (1)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly: Place the white inner ear on top of the pink outer ear, aligning the bottom edges. Using the pink tail, sew the white inner ear to the pink outer ear around the edges.
Body & Hood (MC - Pink, working in Loop Stitch for fluffy texture)
Start with MC. Work all rounds of the body and hood using the Loop Stitch (lp st) to create the fluffy texture, unless otherwise specified.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: (Lp st 1, inc) x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: (Lp st 2, inc) x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: (Lp st 3, inc) x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: (Lp st 4, inc) x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: (Lp st 5, inc) x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: (Lp st 6, inc) x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: (Lp st 7, inc) x 6. (54)
Rnd 10-20: Lp st in each st around. (54) Body shaping.
Rnd 21: (Lp st 7, dec) x 6. (48)
Rnd 22: (Lp st 6, dec) x 6. (42)
Rnd 23: (Lp st 5, dec) x 6. (36)
Rnd 24: (Lp st 4, dec) x 6. (30)
Stuff the body firmly, shaping it into a pear-like form.
Rnd 25: (Lp st 3, dec) x 6. (24)
Rnd 26: (Lp st 2, dec) x 6. (18)
You've now created the "neck" opening for the head. This is where the hood begins.
Rnd 27-32: Lp st in each st around. (18) This forms the beginning of the hood, which will encase the head.
FO, leaving a very long tail for sewing the hood opening around the neck of the head, and later joining the head itself.
Arms (Make 2 - MC Pink & CC1 White)
Start with CC1 for paws, then switch to MC for arm. Stuff lightly as you go, primarily the hand section.
Rnd 1 (CC1): Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2 (CC1): Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3 (CC1): Sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 4 (MC): (Lp st 2, dec) x 3. (9) Switch to MC, work in lp st from here.
Rnd 5-10 (MC): Lp st in each st around. (9)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the very top of the arm, leave it flat for easier attachment.
Legs (Make 2 - MC Pink & CC1 White)
Start with CC1 for paw tips, then switch to MC for leg. Stuff lightly as you go, primarily the foot section.
Rnd 1 (CC1): Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2 (CC1): Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3 (CC1): (Sc 3, inc) x 3. (15)
Rnd 4 (CC1): Sc in each st around. (15)
Rnd 5 (MC): (Lp st 3, dec) x 3. (12) Switch to MC, work in lp st from here.
Rnd 6-12 (MC): Lp st in each st around. (12)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the very top of the leg, leave it flat for easier attachment.
Assembly Instructions for Your Labubu
This is where your Labubu truly takes shape! Take your time, pin everything, and don't be afraid to adjust until it looks just right.
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Attach the Head to the Body: Take the firmly stuffed white head. Insert it into the opening of the pink "hood" section of the body. You’ll want the last few rounds of the hood to neatly frame Labubu’s face. Using the long tail from the body/hood, stitch the hood opening securely to the base of the head, working in small, neat stitches. This creates a seamless transition between the white face and the pink suit.
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Facial Features (The Labubu Expression!): This is the most crucial step for capturing Labubu’s essence.
- Eyes: If using felt, cut two large black ovals and two smaller white dots. Position them on the white face area of the head, symmetrically, with the white dots at the top-right of the black ovals for that wide-eyed look. Pin them in place and either carefully stitch them down with matching thread or use a tiny dab of fabric glue. If using safety eyes, insert them between Rnd 12-14 of the head, about 5-6 stitches apart, and secure the washers.
- Nose: Using CC3 (light pink) yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider a small, inverted triangle for the nose directly below the center of the eyes.
- Mouth: This defines Labubu’s signature grin! Using CC2 (black) yarn, embroider a wide, slightly upward-curving smile. Start just under the nose, curve it out towards each cheek, and add a small, rounded "U" shape at the very end of each side of the smile, as seen in the reference photo. This detail is key!
- Cheek Blush: With CC3 (light pink) yarn, make a few small, subtle embroidered stitches on each cheek, just below the outer edge of the eyes, to create a soft blush.
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Attach the Ears: Pin the assembled pink and white ears to the top of Labubu’s head, one on each side, slightly forward. The ears should stand upright. Use the long tails from the pink outer ears to securely sew them to the head, making sure they are firmly attached and symmetrical.
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Attach the Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the "neck" line, where the hood meets the body. Position them so they stick out slightly. Using the long tails, sew the arms securely to the body, stitching around the top opening of each arm.
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Attach the Legs: Pin the legs to the bottom of the body, symmetrically placed at the front. They should give Labubu a stable base to sit. Using the long tails, sew the legs firmly to the bottom of the body.
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Finishing Touches: Weave in any remaining loose ends with your tapestry needle. Give Labubu a good hug to help distribute the stuffing evenly and admire your new friend!
Tips & Tricks for Your Labubu
Crafting Labubu is such a joyful process, and these little insights can make it even smoother!
- Troubleshooting the Loop Stitch: If your loops aren't uniform, don't fret! It takes a little practice. Try keeping your non-dominant finger consistently curved and always pull the working yarn from the same direction. It’s a rhythmic motion. If your loops are too loose, tighten your tension slightly. If they disappear, ensure you're catching the loop as you yarn over.
- Customization Corner:
- Fluff Factor: While I’ve designed this with loop stitch for screen accuracy, you could experiment with a brushed mohair yarn overlay or even a fluffy chenille yarn for a different texture (though the stitch definition might vary).
- Size It Up or Down: Want a mini Labubu or a giant cuddly one? Adjust your yarn weight and hook size proportionally. Remember, bigger yarn means bigger stitches and a bigger final product!
- Accessories: Consider a tiny crocheted backpack or a little heart appliqué on its chest for extra charm.
- Gifting Your Labubu: Labubu makes an absolutely enchanting gift! Before gifting, ensure all sewn parts are extra secure, especially if it’s for a small child. Double-check that all ends are woven in and hidden for durability and safety. Present it with a little handmade tag detailing the love and care that went into its creation!
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Labubu
Here are some common questions you might have while bringing your Labubu to life:
Q: My loop stitches aren't as fluffy as the picture; what am I doing wrong? A: The key to that perfect Labubu fluffiness lies in consistent loop height. Ensure your non-dominant finger (around which you wrap the yarn to form the loop) holds the yarn at a consistent height for each stitch. Sometimes, just a little more practice and patience with the rhythm of the loop stitch will make all the difference. Also, check your yarn – a 100% cotton worsted weight tends to hold the loop shape best.
Q: I'm struggling with the facial embroidery/felt placement. Any tips? A: Labubu’s expression is its heart! My best advice is to pin, pin, pin! Use small sewing pins to position your felt pieces (eyes, mouth) or to mark your embroidery lines before you commit to stitching. Take photos from different angles to ensure symmetry. If using felt, fabric glue can be your friend for initial placement before stitching for extra security.
Q: The head seems a bit wobbly when attached. How can I make it more secure? A: A firm neck is crucial for Labubu’s distinct large head! When attaching the head, ensure you are stitching through multiple layers of the hood and head. Take very small, tight stitches around the entire circumference. For extra stability, you can also add a small amount of stuffing directly into the neck area just before completely closing the attachment, packing it very firmly.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Labubu
My heart truly sings knowing that this Labubu pattern is now out in the world, ready for your hooks to bring it to life. Seeing your unique Labubu come to life, stitched with your own hands and filled with your care, is the greatest reward for me as a designer. Remember, your engagement – whether it's through sharing your finished makes, commenting, or simply visiting my blog – makes these free, detailed patterns possible and allows me to keep creating for our wonderful community. Happy stitching, my dear, and enjoy every moment with your new, adorable Labubu!