Free Gothic Moth Crochet Pattern: A Spooky-Cute Amigurumi Guide

My dearest creator,

Welcome to the atelier. Today, we embark on a project that perfectly balances shadow and charm: the Nocturne Moth. There is a special joy in creating something that is both spooky and sweet, and this little creature captures that aesthetic beautifully. Its plush, velvety texture begs to be held, while its striking colors and captivating eyes give it a personality all its own.

This pattern is a blueprint for precision. We will focus on faithfully recreating each delightful detail, from the ruffled collar to the ember-like glint in its eyes. Let's pick up our hooks and bring this wonderful companion to life.

🎨 The Artisan's Vision: Why This Project is Special

The Nocturne Moth is the epitome of the "Spooky-Cute Companion." This aesthetic is a powerful niche in the handmade marketplace, appealing to those who love gothic charm but with a soft, approachable edge. The design's success lies in its details: the chunky, huggable shape makes it lovable, while the specific color choices and features like the "booted" feet give it a unique, high-quality finish. This project is not just for practice; it's a pattern for a proven, sellable product.

✨ Skills You'll Master (And Why They Matter)

This pattern will help you refine key artisan techniques:

• Precise Color Changes: You will create the clean, distinct "booted" look on the feet, a skill essential for professional-quality character work.
• Working in Front Loops: You'll use the front-loop-only technique to build the spiky cuff directly onto the leg, an efficient way to add dimension and texture.
• Subtle Embroidery: Adding the tiny embroidered "ember" beneath the eyes is a lesson in how small details can have a massive impact on a creation's final personality.

🧶 The Alchemist's Trove: Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Super Bulky (6) chenille/velvet yarn in Jet Black, Crimson Red, and Deep Burgundy.
• Embroidery Thread: A small amount of Bright Orange/Ember embroidery floss.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0mm (or size appropriate for your yarn).
• Safety Eyes: 20mm red safety eyes.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill.
• Other Tools: Yarn needle, embroidery needle, stitch marker, scissors.

💡 The Language of the Craft: Stitches & Abbreviations

All terms are in US crochet terminology.

• MR: Magic Ring
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: Invisible Decrease
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• FLO: Front Loop Only
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• [...]: Repeat instructions in brackets
• (...): Total number of stitches in a round

💡 The Artisan's Advisor: Pro Tips & FAQs

How do I embroider on fuzzy chenille yarn?▼

It can be tricky, but it's very doable! The secret is to use a sharp embroidery needle and standard embroidery floss (not yarn). Pull your stitches taut enough that they don't get lost in the chenille pile, but not so tight that they pucker the fabric. For the crescent shape under the eye, two or three small, adjacent straight stitches often work better than one curved one.

My magic ring won't close with this yarn! What should I do?▼

This is a very common issue with chenille. If the magic ring breaks when you pull it, you can use an alternative method: Chain 2, and then work your first round of 6 sc stitches into the second chain from the hook. This creates a secure starting point that is just as effective and much less likely to snap.

Can I sell the finished moths I make from this pattern?▼

Yes, absolutely! I am a firm believer in creators supporting creators. You are welcome to sell any items made from my patterns. I simply ask that you give design credit to me, Patricia Poltera, in your online listings or on your craft fair tags. Happy selling!

The full, step-by-step pattern begins below.

📖 Woven into Being: The Complete Nocturne Moth Pattern

Head and Body (Seamless)

Using Jet Black yarn. Work in a continuous spiral.

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] six times (12)

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] six times (18)

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] six times (24)

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] six times (30)

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] six times (36)

Rnd 7-13: sc in all 36 sts (36) - 7 rounds

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 10 and 11, about 9 sts apart. Do not attach the washers yet. Complete the embroidery under the eyes first (see Assembly).

Rnd 14: [4 sc, dec] six times (30)

Rnd 15: [3 sc, dec] six times (24)

Begin stuffing the head firmly.

Rnd 16: [2 sc, dec] six times (18) - This forms the neck.

Rnd 17: [2 sc, inc] six times (24) - Begin body increases.

Rnd 18: [3 sc, inc] six times (30)

Rnd 19: [4 sc, inc] six times (36)

Rnd 20-26: sc in all 36 sts (36) - 7 rounds

Continue stuffing the body firmly.

Rnd 27: [4 sc, dec] six times (30)

Rnd 28: [3 sc, dec] six times (24)

Rnd 29: [2 sc, dec] six times (18)

Rnd 30: [sc, dec] six times (12)

Rnd 31: [dec] six times (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in the end.

Legs (Make 4)

Start with Deep Burgundy yarn.

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] six times (12)

Rnd 3: sc in all 12 sts (12)

Rnd 4-5: Switch to Crimson Red yarn. sc in all 12 sts (12)

Do not fasten off Crimson Red. Stuff the leg lightly now. Proceed to create the cuff.

Cuff: Using Jet Black yarn. Join with a sl st to the first FLO of Rnd 5. Ch 1. [In the same FLO, work (sc, ch 1, sc). Sl st into the next FLO]. Repeat this sequence 11 more times around. Fasten off Jet Black yarn and weave in the end. Now, fasten off the Crimson Red yarn from inside the leg, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Wings (Make 2)

Using Jet Black yarn.

Row 1: Chain 6. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5. Ch 1, turn. (5)

Row 2: inc, sc 3, inc. Ch 1, turn. (7)

Row 3: sc 7. Ch 1, turn. (7)

Row 4: dec, sc 3, dec. Ch 1, turn. (5)

Row 5: dec, sc 1, dec. (3)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Antennae (Make 2)

Using Jet Black yarn.

Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR (5)

Rnd 2: [inc] five times (10)

Rnd 3: sc in all 10 sts (10)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten the piece to create the tufted shape.

Neck Ruff

Using Crimson Red yarn.

Row 1: Chain 25. Sl st to the first chain to form a ring.

Row 2: Ch 1, work 3 sc in each chain around. (72)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. The high number of increases will cause it to ruffle dramatically.

🧵 The Final Flourish: Assembly & Embellishment

Patience and precision in this final stage will make your creation perfect.

1. Eye Embellishment: Before attaching the eye washers, take your embroidery needle and Bright Orange/Ember floss. Make 2-3 small, tight stitches just under the post of each safety eye to form a subtle crescent shape. Once you are happy with the placement, secure the washers firmly on the inside.
2. Attach the Legs: Using the Crimson Red yarn tails, sew the four legs to the bottom of the body. Position them evenly so the moth can sit without tipping over, around rounds 25-29.
3. Attach the Wings: Sew the wings onto the back of the body, over rounds 18-23. Angle them slightly upwards for a lively posture.
4. Place the Neck Ruff: Slide the ruff over the head and down to the neck. Use the yarn tail to sew it securely in place around Rnd 16.
5. Position the Antennae: Sew the flattened antennae to the top of the head at rounds 3-4 from the center MR.

💌 From Patricia's Hook & Heart: A Final Word

There. Your work is complete. You have taken skeins of yarn and, with skill and patience, transformed them into a creature with undeniable personality. Every stitch, every carefully placed detail, is a testament to your craft. I hope this Nocturne Moth brings a touch of charming mystery to your collection or becomes a star product in your artisan shop. Be proud of what you have made.