Crochet Shrunken Head: A Creepy and Fun DIY Project

Imagine crafting a delightfully creepy shrunken head, perfect for adding a spooky touch to your Halloween décor or for gifting to the Beetlejuice fan in your life. With its charmingly grotesque features, it’s sure to draw attention whether hanging from your rearview mirror or adorning your workspace. Let’s dive into this fun and easy crochet project that’s equal parts eerie and adorable!

Crochet Shrunken Head

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Worsted weight in white, black, and brown (we recommend Big Twist Value Yarn in “Camel” for a classic look).
• Crochet Hook: 3.75 mm (size F).
• Safety Eyes: 6 mm with backings.
• Tools: Yarn needle, scissors, and polyfill for stuffing.

Pattern Instructions

Head Base

1. Start with a Magic Ring:
   • Using brown yarn, create a magic ring.
   • Chain 1, then work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring tight to close.
2. Increase Rounds:
   • Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around (12 sc).
   • Round 3: Alternate 2 sc in one stitch, then 1 sc in the next (18 sc).
   • Rounds 4-5: Work 1 sc in each stitch around (18 sc per round).
3. Continue Shaping:
   • Round 6: Alternate 2 sc in one stitch, then 1 sc in the next two stitches (24 sc).
   • Rounds 7-12: Work 1 sc in each stitch around (24 sc per round).
4. Decreasing for the Face:
   • Round 13: Alternate single crochet decreases (sc dec) with 1 sc in the next two stitches (18 sc).
   • Round 14: Work 1 sc in each stitch (18 sc).

Adding Features

The Mouth

1. Create the Base:
   • With black yarn, chain 7.
   • Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 6 sc across.
   • Leave a long tail for sewing, then attach the mouth between rows 12 and 13 of the head.
2. Detail the Stitches:
   • Use black yarn to create “stitched lips” by crisscrossing stitches over the mouth area.

The Eyes

1. Crochet the Whites:
   • Create a magic ring with white yarn and work 5 sc into the ring.
   • Work 1 sc in each stitch around (5 sc per round), leaving space to insert a 6 mm safety eye in the center.
   • Close the back and attach the eyes, spacing them evenly above the mouth.

The Nose

1. Simple Triangle:
   • Using black yarn, embroider a small triangular nose just above the mouth. Secure and hide the ends inside the head.

Finishing Touches

1. Stuff the Head:
   • Use polyfill to lightly stuff the head. Adjust to achieve the desired shape.
2. Close the Top:
   • Work sc dec around until the opening is closed. Slip stitch to finish, leaving a tail to secure.

The Hair

1. Create Strands:
   • Cut yarn into equal lengths. Fold each piece in half, pull through stitches at the top, and secure by pulling the tails through the loop.
   • Tie the strands into a loose knot for a disheveled look.
2. Optional Hanging String:
   • Attach a loop of yarn to the top if you want to hang your shrunken head.

Spooky and Stylish

Your shrunken head is now complete! Its buggy eyes, stitched lips, and unruly hair give it the perfect touch of creepy charm. Whether you use it as a quirky ornament, a gift, or a market item, this crochet shrunken head is a guaranteed hit.

Let us know which color variations you prefer in the comments, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends who love crochet. Happy crafting!