Free Amigurumi Doll Pattern – Step-by-Step Maradona Crochet Tutorial

Legendary Number 10 – Free Soccer Amigurumi Pattern

Celebrate the magic of football with this delightful crochet pattern inspired by one of the greatest players ever — the legendary number 10. 

This charming amigurumi doll pays homage to Argentina’s iconic blue-and-white jersey, featuring curly black hair, expressive eyes, and that unmistakable number stitched right onto the shorts. 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love creating character-filled dolls, this project is sure to spark passion and nostalgia as you work your crochet hook. 

Tailored for those with a bit of experience, the pattern incorporates basic stitches and simple shaping techniques to bring a miniature soccer star to life, bursting with personality. 

It’s perfect as a gift, a collectible, or a decorative piece, capturing the spirit of the game and the heart of a nation. So grab your yarn, tap into your inner playmaker, and let’s bring this little legend to life — one stitch at a time. 

The pitch is yours, and the crowd is ready!

What Is Amigurumi and Why This Project Is Perfect for Beginners

Amigurumi is a delightful Japanese craft that involves crocheting tiny stuffed figures, often in the form of animals or beloved characters, using simple stitches worked in a circular fashion. 

This technique primarily uses single crochet, along with increases, decreases, and a magic ring to form soft, three-dimensional shapes. Since these projects are small and quick to complete, amigurumi is a fantastic way for beginners to hone their crochet skills while creating something fun and tangible.

This soccer player pattern, inspired by the iconic number 10, is particularly friendly for those just starting out. 

The design incorporates basic shapes like spheres and cylinders, requires minimal color changes, and features straightforward assembly. 

You’ll get to practice essential skills such as working in continuous rounds, shaping limbs, attaching features, and evenly stuffing your creation. 

With its recognizable jersey and playful details, this project is engaging without being overly complicated. By finishing this amigurumi, beginners not only build their confidence but also learn foundational techniques, all while crafting a handmade tribute that celebrates the joy of crochet and the spirit of the beautiful game.

Materials Needed

Get ready to dive into your next crochet project with this handy list of materials! Here’s what you’ll need:

- Yarn:

- Light blue and white for the jersey and socks

- Black for the shorts, shoes, hair, and any details

- Beige or light brown for the skin tone

- Optional: Feel free to add extra colors for accessories or custom touches

- Crochet Hook: Choose a size that fits your yarn, typically between 2.5 and 3.5 mm for amigurumi

- Stuffing: Grab some polyester fiberfill to give your doll its shape

- Safety Eyes or Embroidery Thread: These will help you create those expressive facial features

- Tapestry Needle: Perfect for sewing pieces together and weaving in those pesky ends

- Stitch Marker: A must-have for keeping track of your rounds in continuous crochet

- Scissors: Essential for cutting your yarn

✨ Optional extras:

- Fabric paint or blush to add a cute touch to the cheeks

- Mini props, like a tiny soccer ball, to style your creation!

Basic Crochet Skills You’ll Use

This project dives into the key techniques that lay the groundwork for amigurumi:

• Magic Ring (MR) – the perfect way to kick off your crocheting in the round with a snug, closed center.

• Single Crochet (sc) – the go-to stitch that you'll use throughout the body, head, and limbs.

• Increase (inc) – a method for adding stitches to help shapes like the head or torso grow.

• Decrease (dec) – a technique for reducing stitches to taper shapes and finish rounds neatly.

• Working in Continuous Rounds – crocheting in a spiral without joining, which is a hallmark of amigurumi.

• Color Changes – seamlessly switching yarn to create that classic blue-and-white jersey and striped socks.

• Sewing Pieces Together – securely attaching arms, legs, hair, and facial features with a tapestry needle.

✨ By honing these skills, beginners will build their confidence while crafting a miniature soccer legend.

Tips for Better Results

• Tight Stitches: Opt for a smaller hook than what’s suggested for your yarn to keep those stitches nice and tight, preventing any stuffing from peeking through.

• Consistent Tension: Aim for even tension throughout your work so that the jersey stripes and socks come out looking sharp and tidy.

• Stuff Gradually: Introduce small amounts of fiberfill as you crochet to avoid any lumps and ensure the doll maintains a smooth shape.

• Mark Your Rounds: Using a stitch marker or a contrasting thread can really help you keep track in those continuous rounds.

• Clean Color Changes: Switch your yarn at the end of a stitch to keep those blue-and-white jersey stripes looking crisp and clean.

• Secure Hair: When you’re attaching curls, make sure to sew them on firmly so the doll’s hairstyle stays full and balanced.

• Symmetry Matters: Position the arms, legs, and facial features evenly before sewing to achieve that polished, professional look.

• Hide Yarn Ends: Weave in those tails inside the body to keep the outside looking neat and tidy.

✨ These tips will guide beginners in creating a sturdy, expressive soccer player that truly embodies the spirit of the game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Loose stitches: If you’re using a hook that’s too big or your tension is too loose, you might see the stuffing peeking through.

• Skipping the magic ring: Starting with chain circles instead of a magic ring can leave a noticeable hole in the center.

• Uneven stuffing: If you add too much fiberfill all at once, you’ll end up with lumps. Always stuff gradually for a smooth finish.

• Losing track of rounds: Forgetting to use a stitch marker can mess up the body shape and the jersey stripes.

• Messy color changes: If you switch yarn in the middle of a stitch instead of at the end, it can blur the blue-and-white jersey pattern.

• Weak hair attachment: If you don’t secure the curls tightly, the doll’s hairstyle might loosen over time.

• Misplaced limbs or features: Sewing arms, legs, or eyes unevenly can throw off the balance and symmetry.

• Rushing assembly: Skipping careful positioning before sewing can lead to a less polished look.

✨ By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your soccer star looks sturdy, expressive, and ready to hit the field!

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts about amigurumi is the chance to make each doll truly your own. This soccer player design is perfect for adding your personal touch:

• Alternate Jerseys: Switch up the colors to show off your favorite team, whether it’s a club or national squad.

• Different Numbers: Change the classic “10” to another number to pay tribute to a different player or to make it more personal.

• Hair Styles: Get creative with short yarn strands for straight hair, longer curls, or even vibrant dyed colors for a trendy look.

• Accessories: Throw in a tiny crocheted soccer ball, a scarf, or a miniature trophy to give it some extra character.

• Expressions: Stitch on smiles, winks, or determined expressions to give each doll its own unique vibe.

• Size Variations: Opt for thinner yarn for a pocket-sized player or go for chunky yarn to create a larger collectible.

• Seasonal Themes: Dress your doll in festive colors for holidays or special occasions.

✨ Customizing not only makes your soccer star pop but also helps beginners form a deeper connection with their handmade creation.

Give ideas to personalize the project.

Step-by-Step Pattern

🧶 Head (Skin Color) – Worked in Spiral

1. 8 sc in a magic ring

2. 8 inc (16)

3. 2 sc, inc repeat x4 (24)

4. 4 sc, inc repeat x4 (32)

5. 6 sc, inc repeat x4 (40)

6. 8 sc, inc repeat x4 (48)

7. 10 sc, inc repeat x4 (56)

8. 12 sc, inc repeat x4 (64)

9–21. 64 sc (64)

9. 12 sc, dec repeat x4 (56)

10. 10 sc, dec repeat x4 (48)

11. 8 sc, dec repeat x4 (40)

12. 6 sc, dec repeat x4 (32)

13. 4 sc, dec repeat x4 (24)

14. 2 sc, dec repeat x6 (18)

15. 1 sc, dec repeat x6 (12)

29–35. 12 sc (12)

Fasten off and fold inward.

Here's an example video for weaving hair.

 

👟 Legs (Make 2)

Start with black yarn for the shoes:

1. Ch 6, turn

2. 4 sc, 1 triple inc, 3 sc, 1 inc (12)

3. inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc (18)

4. In back loop only: 18 sc (18)

5–6. 18 sc (18)

5. 5 sc, 3 dec, 7 sc (15)

6. 15 sc (15)

Switch to white yarn:

9–10. 15 sc (15)

Switch to light blue:

11–12. 15 sc (15)

Switch to white:

13–14. 15 sc (15)

Switch to light blue:

15–16. 15 sc (15)

Switch to skin color:

17–18. 15 sc (15)

Switch to black:

19–21. 15 sc (15)

Fasten off and make the second leg the same way.

🧍‍♂️ Body

22. Crochet 3 sc on one leg, then join the second leg and crochet 36 sc around (36)

23–24. 36 sc (36)

Switch to white:

25. In front loop only: 36 sc (36)

Using both loops:

26–28. 36 sc (36)

29. 10 sc, dec repeat x3 (33)

30. 33 sc (33)

31. 9 sc, dec repeat x3 (30)

32. 30 sc (30)

33. 8 sc, dec repeat x3 (27)

34–35. 27 sc (27)

36. 7 sc, dec repeat x3 (24)

37. 24 sc (24)

38. 6 sc, dec repeat x3 (21)

39. 21 sc (21)

40. 5 sc, dec repeat x3 (18)

41. 4 sc, dec repeat x3 (15)

Switch to skin color:

42. 3 sc, dec repeat x3 (12)

43. 12 sc (12)

44. 4 sc, dec repeat x2 (10)

45–51. 10 sc (10)

Fasten off.

👕 Shirt Straps & Sleeves

Using thicker yarn and light blue color:

• Make 8 straps: Ch 17, turn and work 16 sc

• Make 4 sleeve ties: Ch 8, turn and work 7 sc

Sew straps to the body and sleeves.

💪 Arms (Skin Color)

1. 6 sc in a magic ring

2. sc, inc repeat x3 (9)

3–12. 9 sc (9)

Switch to white:

13. In front loop only: 2 sc, inc repeat x3 (12)

Using both loops:

14–19. 12 sc (12)

Fasten off and sew to body.

👂 Ears (Make 2 – Skin Color)

1. 8 hdc in a magic ring

Pull yarn to close the circle and shape the ear.

✂️ Embellishments

• Embroider the number “10” on the back and pants.

• Embroider shoelaces on the boots.

Player's Hair

With black yarn.

To crochet the hair, take the black yarn and attach it to the first stitch of the first round of the head (hide the end by tucking it inside the head). 

Make a single crochet in the next stitch, chain 8, and make a single crochet in the following stitch.

Continue crocheting in the round until you reach the ears, where you will crochet the sides and back of the head in a straight line (back and forth).

Finishing Your  Amigurumi

The final steps are what truly bring your soccer star to life! Take your time with the assembly and details to achieve that professional look:

• Positioning Pieces: Before you start sewing, arrange the head, body, arms, legs, and hair. This will help you visualize the balance and symmetry of your creation.

• Secure Stitching: Grab a tapestry needle and use a whipstitch to attach each part securely. Make sure to double-check that the limbs and jersey stripes line up perfectly.

• Stuffing Touch-Ups: As you close up the pieces, add small amounts of fiberfill to keep the shapes smooth and consistent.

• Facial Features: You can either attach safety eyes or embroider them with black yarn. Don’t forget to add a subtle smile or a determined expression to really capture the personality!

• Hair Details: Sew the curls securely across the head, layering them for a fuller look and even coverage.

• Weaving Ends: Tuck those yarn tails inside the body to keep the outside looking neat and tidy.

• Optional Extras: Consider adding a blush to the cheeks, clearly embroidering the number “10,” or even including a tiny crocheted soccer ball for that extra flair.

✨ With some careful finishing touches, your amigurumi will not only look sturdy and expressive but also ready to hit the field!

This blog focuses on English crochet tutorials. If you’re looking for the same content in Spanish, you can read the Spanish version of this article on my other blog:

👉 Read the Spanish version here

 

Here you have another pattern to knit Son Goku