How to Crochet a Skeleton King

Bring a spooky yet charming addition to your crochet collection with this Skeleton King project! Perfect for Halloween or any whimsical occasion, this guide breaks down each step to help you craft your very own Skeleton King.

Materials Needed:

• Yarn:
  • Loops and Threads Sweet Snuggles Light (or Chanel Home Slim for an alternative).
  • Black and white cotton yarn.
• Crochet hook: 5mm.
• Felt: For creating the eyes.
• Polyfill stuffing.
• Darning needle.
• Scissors.

Step 1: Making the Body

1. Start with a magic ring:
   • Pinch the yarn between your fingers to form an “X.”
   • Insert your hook under the first strand and pull the top strand through.
   • Chain once to secure the ring.
   • Crochet 8 single crochet (SC) stitches into the ring.
   • Pull the ring tight to close.
2. Increase rounds:
   • Round 2: Work 2 SC in each stitch around (16 stitches).
   • Round 3: Work 1 SC, increase around (24 stitches).
   • Round 4: Work 2 SC, increase around (32 stitches).
3. Work the height of the body:
   • Rounds 5-10: Crochet 32 SC in each round.
4. Start decreasing:
   • Round 11: Work 2 SC, decrease around (24 stitches).
   • Round 12: Work 1 SC, decrease around (16 stitches).
5. Form the neck:
   • Round 13: Work 16 SC in the front loops only.
   • Flip the work inside out to make the back loops pop outward.
   • Round 14: Work 16 increases in the back loops, ending with 32 stitches.
   • Flip the work right side in and lightly stuff the body.
6. Final increases:
   • Round 15: Work 3 SC, increase around (40 stitches).
   • Rounds 16-21: Crochet 40 SC per round.
7. Form the head:
   • Round 22: Work 3 SC, decrease around (32 stitches).
   • Round 23: Work 2 SC, decrease around (24 stitches).
   • Round 24: Work 1 SC, decrease around (16 stitches).
   • Round 25: Work 8 decreases (8 stitches).
   • Finish stuffing the head before closing.
   • Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Step 2: Making the Arms

1. Start with a magic ring:
   • Crochet 6 SC into the ring.
2. Increase:
   • Round 2: Work 1 SC, increase three times (9 stitches).
   • Change color on the last stitch using an invisible method (pull white yarn through, then black).
3. Form the arm:
   • Round 3: Crochet 9 SC in the front loops only with black yarn.
   • Round 4: Work 9 SC in the unworked back loops from the previous round.
   • Round 5-6: Crochet 9 SC in black.
   • Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.
4. Make two arms:
   • Stuff the arms lightly before attaching.

Step 3: Making the Legs

1. Start with a magic ring:
   • Crochet 5 SC into the ring.
2. Increase:
   • Round 2: Work 5 increases (10 stitches).
3. Shape the leg:
   • Round 3: Work 2 SC, increase three times and add 1 SC (13 stitches).
   • Round 4: Work 3 SC, decrease, 4 SC (10 stitches).
   • Round 5: Work 3 SC, decrease, 5 SC (10 stitches).
4. Fasten off and stuff lightly.
5. Make two legs:
   • Attach them parallel to the arms.

Step 4: Making the Tie

1. Start with a magic ring:
   • Crochet 5 SC into the ring.
2. Add details:
   • Round 2: Work an increase, chain 4, and slip stitch back into the base. Repeat for each stitch to create tie points.
   • Fasten off and sew the tie onto the body.

Step 5: Making the Vest

1. Chain 6 stitches:
   • Start working in the second chain from the hook.
2. Decrease rows:
   • Row 1: Work 5 SC, chain 1, and turn.
   • Row 2: Work 1 decrease, 3 SC, chain 1, and turn.
   • Row 3: Work 1 decrease, 2 SC, chain 1, and turn.
   • Row 4: Work 1 decrease, 1 SC, chain 1, and turn.
   • Row 5: Work 1 decrease, chain 1, and turn.
   • Row 6: Work 1 SC.
3. Edge the vest:
   • Crochet evenly around the entire piece, increasing at corners.
4. Attach the vest:
   • Sew it securely to the Skeleton King’s body.

Step 6: Adding the Face and Details

1. Create the eyes:
   • Use felt to cut out oval or circular shapes.
   • Attach using Heat and Bond or sew them on.
2. Embroider the face:
   • Use black cotton yarn to stitch a smile and nostrils.
   • Add stitches or embellishments as desired for character.
3. Add white stripes to the pants:
   • Use white cotton yarn to embroider vertical lines for extra detail.

Final Assembly

1. Attach arms and legs:
   • Sew arms between rows 10-12 of the body.
   • Sew legs between rows 4-7, ensuring they align with the arms.
2. Add the tie and vest:
   • Secure the tie around the neck.
   • Adjust the vest for a snug fit and sew it in place.

Tips for Customization

• Add accessories like a crown or scepter to enhance the Skeleton King’s look.
• Use different colors for a unique twist.
• Experiment with different facial expressions using embroidery.

Your Skeleton King is now complete and ready to reign over your crochet creations! Share your finished work on social media and inspire others to join the fun. 💀❤️