Velvet Ghost Shelf Sitter Crochet Free Pattern

Introduction

This little velvet ghost is the perfect quick project for anyone who loves soft, squishy amigurumi but wants something that actually stands up on its own. Worked in chunky peach velvet yarn, it has a rounded, weighted base that sits flat on a shelf, tapering up to a slim neck and a soft closed point at the top. Three tiny apricot holly leaves overlap at the crown for a rustic farmhouse touch that makes it a sweet early-Christmas gift or a cozy year-round friend. The smooth single crochet texture keeps it beginner-friendly, and the whole piece works up in an evening or two.

Materials Needed

• Yarn (Color A – Ghost): Chunky (weight 5) velvet yarn, 100% polyester, 120 yd/110 m per 100 g skein — Peach, 1 skein (approx. 80 yd used).
• Yarn (Color B – Leaves): Same chunky velvet yarn — Apricot, small amount (approx. 10 yd).
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6).
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, fiberfill stuffing, one 2.5 in (6.5 cm) plastic canvas circle, approx. 1 tbsp weighted pellets (poly pellets or similar), and a small amount of scrap yarn or a fabric square to bag the pellets (optional but recommended).
• Finished size: Approx. 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide at the base.

Abbreviations

• MR – magic ring: a loop of yarn you crochet into to start a round with no hole.
• sc – single crochet.
• hdc – half double crochet.
• dc – double crochet.
• inc – increase: work 2 sc into the same stitch.
• dec – decrease: work 2 sc together into one stitch.
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together (a decrease over 2 sts).
• sc3tog – single crochet 3 stitches together (a decrease over 3 sts).
• ch – chain.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• rnd(s) – round(s).

Gauge

4 sc and 4 rnds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in the round. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in the round with your velvet yarn and hook, then measure a 1-inch section — adjust your hook size if you are far off so the finished ghost matches the listed size.

Tips Before You Start

• Velvet yarn sheds and shows every stitch, so keep your tension relaxed and even; a slightly looser hand makes the plush texture look best.
• Place a stitch marker at the start of each round — velvet is hard to read, and losing your place is the most common mistake.
• Bag the weighted pellets inside a small scrap of fabric or tied-off nylon before inserting, so they never work their way out through the stitches.
• Stuff the body firmly but in small handfuls as you go; overstuffing at the neck will make the point bulge instead of taper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Base (Color A)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnds 6–8: sc in each st around (30 sts).
Insert the 2.5 in (6.5 cm) plastic canvas circle and approx. 1 tbsp weighted pellets (bagged) into the base.
Rnd 9: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 10: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 11: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnds 12–20: sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 21: [sc, dec] x6 (8 sts).
Rnd 22: dec x4 (4 sts).
Rnd 23: dec x2 (2 sts).
Fasten off, weave the tail through the remaining sts and pull tight.

Body (Color A)

With A, join yarn at Rnd 8 of the base (the last straight base round) and work upward in rounds.
Rnd 1: sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnds 2–10: sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 11: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).
Rnds 12–15: sc in each st around (24 sts).
Rnd 16: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
Rnds 17–19: sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 20: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnds 21–23: sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 24: [sc, dec] x6 (8 sts).
Rnd 25: dec x4 (4 sts).
Rnd 26: dec x2 (2 sts).
Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill before closing. Fasten off, weave the tail through the remaining sts and pull tight.

Holly Leaves (Color B) — make 3

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch (5 sts).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (5 sts).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc, sc2tog (3 sts).
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc3tog (1 st).
Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Arrange the 3 holly leaves at the top of the ghost, overlapping them slightly, and sew them in place with Color B using your tapestry needle. Weave in all ends securely, especially around the weighted base. Gently shape the ghost with your fingers, then lightly steam or mist and let it air-dry to smooth the velvet pile — do not press with a hot iron, as velvet yarn can melt or flatten. Set it on a shelf and enjoy.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the apricot leaves for a tiny velvet bow or a small felt star for a different seasonal look.
• Use a contrasting velvet color for the body (cream, pale gray, or sage) to match your farmhouse decor.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to the stuffing (not the pellets) for a gently scented shelf sitter.