Free Son Goku Amigurumi Crochet Pattern – Step by Step to Make Dragon Ball Hero

 Saiyan Spirit – Free Goku-Inspired Amigurumi Pattern

Dive into your creative side and channel your inner Super Saiyan with this awesome free amigurumi pattern inspired by one of anime’s all-time greats — Goku from Dragon Ball! 

Perfect for those who have a bit of crocheting experience and a love for the series, this project beautifully captures the spirit of the legendary fighter, complete with his spiky black hair, vibrant red martial arts gi, and that iconic emblem. 

The pattern is designed using basic stitches and straightforward shaping techniques, making it easy to bring Goku’s energy to life in yarn. 

Whether you’re crafting for a collector, creating a heartfelt gift, or just looking to add a splash of anime flair to your space, this doll is a delightful and fulfilling way to honor the adventurous spirit of the series. 

From the blue wristbands to his fierce expression, every little detail pays tribute to Goku’s strength and determination. 

So grab your crochet hook, unleash your creativity, and stitch up a handmade hero ready to save the universe — one round at a time!

What Is Amigurumi and Why This Project Is Perfect for Beginners

Amigurumi is a delightful Japanese craft that involves crocheting tiny stuffed figures, blending simple stitches with imaginative shapes to create toys bursting with character. 

This technique primarily uses single crochet, along with increases, decreases, and the magic ring, all worked in continuous rounds. 

Since the projects are small and quick to complete, amigurumi is a fantastic way for beginners to hone their crochet skills while crafting something enjoyable and tangible.

This Goku-inspired amigurumi pattern 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 the round, shaping limbs, attaching features, and stuffing evenly. 

With its recognizable red gi, spiky hair, and iconic emblem, 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 creating a handmade homage to one of anime’s most cherished heroes — a truly rewarding introduction to the world of crochet.

Materials Needed

Ready to dive into your next crochet project? Here’s what you’ll need:

- Yarn:

- Black for the hair

- Red or orange for the martial arts outfit/gi

- Blue for the wristbands and shoes

- White for the shoe details

- Yellow and black for the emblem details

- Beige or light brown for the skin tone

- Crochet Hook: Pick a size that fits your yarn, usually 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: Use these for the facial features.

- Tapestry Needle: Perfect for sewing the pieces together and adding those emblem details.

- Stitch Marker: A handy tool to keep track of your rounds in continuous crochet.

- Scissors: Essential for cutting your yarn.

✨ Optional extras:

- Fabric paint or blush to add some color to the cheeks.

- Mini crocheted accessories (like a tiny Dragon Ball) to give it some extra flair!

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 handy method for adding stitches to make shapes like the head or torso bigger.

• Decrease (dec) – a technique for reducing stitches to shape and neatly close rounds.

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

• Color Changes – smoothly switching yarn to bring Goku’s red gi, blue wristbands, and shoe details to life.

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

• Embroidering Details – adding the chest emblem or facial expressions to give your creation that extra flair.

✨ By honing these skills, beginners will build their confidence while crafting a handmade tribute to one of anime’s most beloved heroes.

Tips for Better Results

• Keep those stitches tight: Opt for a smaller hook than what’s suggested for your yarn to keep the stuffing from peeking through.

• Maintain consistent tension: Even tension is key for smooth body shapes and sharp outfit details.

• Stuff gradually: Add fiberfill in small bits as you crochet to avoid lumps and keep your doll balanced.

• Mark your rounds: A stitch marker is a handy tool to track your continuous rounds and ensure everything stays proportional.

• Clean color changes: Switch your yarn at the end of a stitch to keep Goku’s gi and shoe details looking crisp.

• Secure those hair spikes: Make sure to sew each spike down firmly so the hairstyle remains spiky and full.

• Symmetry is important: Position the arms, legs, and facial features evenly before sewing for a polished finish.

• Hide those yarn ends: Weave the tails inside the body to keep everything looking neat.

• Embroider with care: Use short, tight stitches for the chest emblem to ensure it looks clear and doesn’t unravel.

✨ These tips will guide beginners in creating a sturdy, expressive Goku amigurumi that truly embodies his Saiyan spirit.

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; it’s best to stuff gradually for a smooth finish.

• Losing track of rounds: Forgetting to use a stitch marker can mess with proportions and details in your outfit.

• Messy color changes: Changing yarn mid-stitch instead of at the end can blur the details on Goku’s gi and shoes.

• Weak hair attachment: If you don’t secure the spikes well, the hairstyle might loosen or lose its shape.

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

• Rushing emblem embroidery: Using long, loose stitches can make the chest symbol look unclear or even unravel.

✨ By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your Goku amigurumi is sturdy, expressive, and captures his Saiyan spirit perfectly!

Customization Ideas

One of the coolest things about amigurumi is the chance to make each doll truly your own. With this Goku-inspired design, you can get creative and mix things up:

• Alternate Outfits: Change the gi color to orange, blue, or even black to reflect different story arcs.

• Super Saiyan Versions: Grab some yellow yarn for that spiky hair to showcase Goku’s epic transformations.

• Facial Expressions: Stitch on a smile, a fierce look, or even a battle-ready scowl.

• Accessories: Don’t forget to add a tiny crocheted Dragon Ball, Power Pole, or a mini cloud (Flying Nimbus).

• Size Variations: Experiment with thinner yarn for a pocket-sized Goku or go chunky for a larger collectible.

• Team Themes: Create matching dolls of other characters like Vegeta or Piccolo to complete your set.

• Seasonal Fun: Dress Goku in festive colors for holidays or special occasions.

✨ Customizing not only adds a personal touch to your amigurumi but also keeps the project fresh and exciting for both beginners and fans!

Step-by-Step Pattern

Feet in Blue – Crochet in the Round

01- Chain 6.

02- 4 sc, 1 trinc. inc, 3 sc, 1 inc, (12)

03- 1 inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc, (18)

04- 1 sc, 1 inc, 3 sc, 1 sc, 1 inc, x3, 3 sc, 1 sc, 1 inc, x2, (24)

05- Back loop only, 24 sc, (24)

06- 6 sc, 6 dec, 6 sc, (18)

07- 5 sc, 3 dec, 7 sc, (15)

Change to white

08 to 10- 15 sc, (15)

Change to black

11- 3 sc, 1 dec, x3, (12)

12 and 13- 12 sc, (12)

Change to red

14- 12 inc, (24)

15- 24 inc, (48)

16 to 23- 48 sc, (48)

24- 6 sc, 1 dec, x6, (42)

25- 42 sc, (42)

26- 5 sc, 1 dec, x6, (36)

27- 4 sc, 1 dec, x6, (30)

28- 3 sc, 1 dec, x6, (24)

29- 24 sc, (24)

Close and make the other leg the same way.

30- Join the 2 legs by crocheting 48 sc in a round.

31- 48 sc, (48)

32- 6 sc, 1 dec, x6, (42)

33- 5 sc, 1 dec, x6, (36)

34 and 35- 36 sc, (36)

36- 5 sc, 1 inc, x6, (42)

37- 6 sc, 1 inc, x6, (48)

38 to 44- 48 sc, (48)

45- 25 sc, skin color 2 sc, red 21 sc, (48)

46- 24 sc, skin color 4 sc, red 20 sc, (28)

47- 22 sc, skin color 8 sc, red 18 sc, (48)

48- 20 sc, skin color 12 sc, red 16 sc, (48)

49- 18 sc, skin color 16 sc, red 14 sc, (48)

Cut the red and change to skin color

50- 48 sc, (48)

51- 24 dec, (24)

52- 12 dec, (12)

53 to 55- 12 sc, (12)

Close.

Head – Crochet in the Round (Skin Color)

01- 6 sc in a magic ring

02- 6 inc, (12)

03- 1 sc, 1 inc, x6, (18)

04- 2 sc, 1 inc, x6, (24)

05- 3 sc, 1 inc, x6, (30)

06- 4 sc, 1 inc, x6, (36)

07- 5 sc, 1 inc, x6, (42)

08- 6 sc, 1 inc, x6, (48)

09- 7 sc, 1 inc, x6, (54)

10- 8 sc, 1 inc, x6, (60)

11 to 15- 60 sc, (60)

16- 9 sc, 1 inc, x6, (66)

17- 10 sc, 1 inc, x6, (72)

18 to 20- 72 sc, (72)

21- 10 sc, 1 dec, x6, (66)

22- 9 sc, 1 dec, x6, (60)

23- 60 sc, (60)

24- 8 sc, 1 dec, x6, (54)

25- 7 sc, 1 dec, x6, (48)

26- 24 dec, (24)

27- 24 sc, (24)

28- 2 sc, 1 dec, x6, (18)

29- 1 sc, 1 dec, x6, (12)

Arms x2 – Red

01- 4 sc in a magic ring

02- 4 inc, (8)

03- 1 sc, 1 inc, x4, (12)

04- 2 sc, 1 inc, x4, (16)

05- 16 sc, (16)

Change to skin color

06- Back loop only, 16 sc, (16)

07- 3 sc, 1 inc, x4, (20)

08 to 10- 20 sc, (20)

11- 3 sc, 1 dec, x4, (16)

12- 2 sc, 1 dec, x4, (12)

13 and 14- 12 sc, (12)

15- 2 sc, 1 inc, x4, (16)

16 to 20- 16 sc, (16)

21- 2 sc, 1 dec, x4, (12)

22- 6 dec, (6)

23- 6 inc, (12)

24- 1 sc, 1 inc x6, (18)

25- 2 sc, 1 inc, x6, (24)

26 and 27- 24 sc, (24)

28- 12 dec, (12)

29- 6 dec, (6)

Close.

Sleeves

In red, pick up 16 sc from the loops of round 06, crochet 2 more rounds and close.

Cuffs

In blue, chain 13, turn and crochet 12 sc.

Hair – Fine Black Yarn, Crochet in the Round

01- 6 sc in a magic ring

02- 6 inc, (12)

03- 1 sc, 1 inc, x6, (18)

04- 2 sc, 1 inc, x6, (24)

05- 3 sc, 1 inc, x6, (30)

06- 4 sc, 1 inc, x6, (36)

07- 5 sc, 1 inc, x6, (42)

08- 6 sc, 1 inc, x6, (48)

09- 7 sc, 1 inc, x6, (54)

10- 8 sc, 1 inc, x6, (60)

11- 9 sc, 1 inc, x6, (66)

12- 10 sc, 1 inc, x6, (72)

13- 11 sc, 1 inc, x6, (78)

14- 12 sc, 1 inc, x6, (84)

15- 13 sc, 1 inc, x6, (90)

16- 14 sc, 1 inc, x6, (96)

17 and 18- 96 sc, (96)

19- 60 sc (leave 36 sc unworked), chain 1, turn and work in rows.

20 to 33- 60 sc, (60)

34- 1 dec, 56 sc, 1 dec, (58 sc)

35- 1 dec, 54 sc, 1 dec, (56 sc)

36- 1 dec, 52 sc, 1 dec, (54 sc)

Close.

Hair Strands – Fine Black Yarn, Crochet in the Round

Follow the pattern of the largest strand to make smaller strands as you stuff the head. Reference the image for placement.

01- 4 sc in a magic ring

02- 1 sc, 1 inc, x2, (6)

03- 6 sc, (6)

04- 2 sc, 1 inc, x2, (8)

05- 8 sc, (8)

06- 3 sc, 1 inc, x2, (10)

07- 10 sc, (10)

08- 4 sc, 1 inc, x2, (12)

09- 12 sc, (12)

10- 2 inc, 10 sc, (14)

11- 14 sc, (14)

12- 6 sc, 1 inc, x2, (16)

13- 16 sc, (16)

14- 2 inc, 14 sc, (18)

15- 18 sc, (18)

16- 8 sc, 1 inc, x2, (20)

17- 2 inc, 18 sc, (22)

18- 22 sc, (22)

19- 2 inc, 22 sc, (26)

Close.

Sew strands on the head: left side facing left, right side facing right.

Front Emblem – Fine Yellow and Black Yarn

Yellow:

01- 6 sc in a magic ring

02- 6 inc, (12)

Change to black:

03- 1 sc, 1 inc, x6, (18)

Sew on the chest, slightly to the right.

Back Emblem – Fine Yellow and Black Yarn

Crochet in the round:

Yellow:

01- 6 sc in a magic ring

02- 6 inc, (12)

03- 1 sc, 1 inc, x6, (18)

04- 2 sc, 1 inc, x6, (24)

05- 3 sc, 1 inc, x6, (30)

06- 4 sc, 1 inc, x6, (36)

07- 5 sc, 1 inc, x6, (42)

Change to black:

08- 6 sc, 1 inc, x6, (48)

Close and sew on the back.

Staff – Red yarn, 7 sc in a ring, crochet in the round until approximately 15 cm.

Finishing Your  Amigurumi

The final steps are where your handmade Saiyan hero truly comes to life! With a bit of careful assembly and a keen eye for detail, your doll will look both professional and sturdy. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by arranging all the pieces: Lay out the head, body, arms, legs, and hair spikes before you begin sewing to ensure everything is balanced.

• Secure your stitching: Grab a tapestry needle and use a whipstitch to attach each part firmly. Don’t forget to double-check that the arms and legs are symmetrical!

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

• Bring the face to life: Attach safety eyes or embroider them with black yarn. A subtle smile or a determined expression will really capture Goku’s spirit.

• Get those hair spikes just right: Sew each spike on securely, layering them for that classic, full spiky look.

• Weave in the ends: Tuck those yarn tails inside the body to keep the outside looking neat and tidy.

• Optional extras: Consider embroidering the chest emblem clearly or adding a tiny crocheted Dragon Ball for a fun touch.

✨ With these finishing touches, your Goku amigurumi will stand tall, full of expression, and ready to channel that Saiyan energy!

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

If you like superheroes, I'll leave you the pattern to knit a Batman amigurumi.

Video tutorial for knitting another Son Goku design