Crochet Small Ghost Applique Free Pattern For Spooky Halloween Decor

If you are looking to add a touch of whimsy to your handmade projects, this Crochet Ghost Applique is the perfect spooky-sweet addition. These ethereal little accents feature a classic rounded head and a flowing, wavy base that perfectly mimics a friendly spirit drifting through the air. Beyond just being adorable, they are incredibly versatile; you can stitch them onto seasonal sweaters, embellish a trick-or-treat bag, or even string several together to create a festive garland for a Halloween mantel display.

Skill level

• This pattern is rated as Easy or Advanced Beginner

• It requires knowledge of the Magic Ring and basic stitches like single, half-double, and double crochet

Finished size

• Depending on your yarn weight and hook size, the finished piece typically measures 2 to 3 inches

• Using a standard 3.5mm hook with worsted weight yarn will result in a palm-sized character

Materials

• Small amount of worsted weight yarn

• Crochet hook suitable for your yarn size

• Yarn needle

• Scissors

• Embroidery floss or black yarn for facial features

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic Ring

• Ch: Chain

• St: Stitch

• Sc: Single crochet

• Hdc: Half double crochet

• Dc: Double crochet

• Sl st: Slip stitch

Helpful notes before starting

• Keep your tension consistent to ensure the center ring closes tightly without a gap

• When working the shaping row, pay close attention to the stitch counts as the height changes quickly

• Using a stitch marker in the first stitch of each section can help you stay on track

Construction overview

• The project begins with a circular base worked in double crochets

• Shaping is achieved by working multiple stitches into single stitches of the previous round to expand the top

• Arms are created using chain extensions that are worked back toward the body

• The final shape is flat-backed, making it ideal for appliques or small stuffed tokens

Stitch and shaping clarity

• The transition from single to double crochet creates a tapered look for the head

• Doubling the stitches (working 2 in each) provides the necessary width to prevent the piece from curling inward

• Skipping stitches when attaching the arms creates a defined "shoulder" area

Step by step pattern instructions

• Magic Ring and Base

• Make a magic ring

• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch)

• Work 12 double crochets into the magic ring

• Pull the ring tight and join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet

• Shaping the Top of the Head

• Chain 1

• Work 2 single crochets in the first stitch

• Work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch

• Work 2 double crochets in the next stitch

• Work 2 double crochets in the next stitch

• Work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch

• Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch

• Arms and Bottom Edge

• Chain 3 to form the first arm

• Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 single crochet

• Work 1 half double crochet in the next chain

• Skip one stitch on the body and slip stitch into the next stitch

• Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches along the bottom

• Chain 3 to form the second arm

• Work 1 single crochet in the second chain from the hook

• Work 1 half double crochet in the next chain

• Skip one stitch on the body and slip stitch into the next stitch

• Finishing the Body

• Slip stitch evenly around the remaining stitches at the top of the head

• Fasten off and weave in all ends

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Assembly guidance

• Ensure the magic ring tail is pulled very tight and knotted securely on the back before weaving

• When working the slip stitches around the top, keep them loose so the head shape does not distort or pull tight
  

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Eye and facial feature placement

• Facial Features

• Sew two small vertical stitches or French knots for the eyes near the center

• Sew a small round or straight stitch below the eyes for the mouth

• Place the eyes between the center ring and the shaping row for a balanced look

Stuffing tips

• If you choose to make two of these and join them, use small pinches of polyester fiberfill

• Focus stuffing in the center of the base to give the character a slightly rounded "belly"

Finishing notes

• Use a sharp yarn needle to hide the yarn tails within the stitches of the base

• Gently pull the arms outward after finishing to straighten the chain stitches

Beginner notes

• If your double crochets look loose, try using a hook one size smaller than recommended on the yarn label

• The "Chain 2" at the start is purely for height and should be ignored when joining your first round

Troubleshooting

• If the edges are curling significantly, you may be crocheting too tightly during the shaping row

• If the arms look twisted, ensure you are working into the "bumps" or loops of the chain consistently

Customization ideas

• Change the arm length by adding more chains to the initial arm setup

• Use variegated yarn to create a colorful, patterned version without changing yarn mid-project