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Crochet onigiri in hand.
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Crochet Onigiri Pattern

Looking for a cute, quick, and versatile crochet project? Look no further than this crochet onigiri pattern! This small and easy-to-make crochet rice ball is perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.
Author: Kimberly Arenas

Materials

Abbreviations (US terms)

  • Chains - ch
  • Magic ring - mr
  • Single crochet - sc
  • Slip stitch - sl st
  • Increase - inc
  • Decrease - dec

Notes

  1. Skill Level: The crochet onigiri pattern is beginner-friendly, so it’s perfect for those new to crochet or anyone looking for a quick project. Basic stitches like single crochet (sc) and increase/decrease are used throughout.
  2. Size: This pattern creates a small onigiri (about 2–3 inches in height), which makes it ideal for keychains or small gifts.
  3. Customization: Feel free to adjust the size or add extra embellishments to make your onigiri unique. You can experiment with different yarn colors or textures to add more visual interest.

Instructions

Crochet Rice Ball:

  • Round 1: Using the white yarn, make a mr and make sc x6 in the circle. If you find it difficult making a magic ring you can chain 2 and then crochet sc x6 in the second chain from the hook. (6)
  • Round 2: Sc inc in every sc. (12)
  • Round 3: Sc in every stitch (12).
  • Round 4: Inc, sc. Then repeat until the end of round (18).
  • Round 5: Sc in every stitch (18).
  • Round 6: Inc, sc x2. Then repeat until the end of round (24).
  • Round 7: Sc in every stitch (24).
  • Round 8: Inc, sc x3. Then repeat until the end of round (30).
  • Round 9: Sc in every stitch (30).
  • Round 10: Inc, sc x4. Then repeat until the end of round (36).
  • Round 11: Sc in every stitch (36).
  • Round 12: Inc, sc x5. Then repeat until the end of round (42).
  • Round 13: Dec, sc x5. Then repeat until the end of the round (36).
  • Round 14: Dec, sc x4. Then repeat until the end of the round (30). Add safety eyes between rounds 8 and 9 about 4 stitches apart. Then begin to stuff the onigiri.
  • Round 15: Dec, sc x3. Then repeat until the end of the round (24).
  • Round 16: Dec, sc x2. Then repeat until the end of the round (18).
  • Round 17: Dec, sc. Then repeat until the end of the round (12). If you haven't finished stuffing the crochet onigiri, you should do so now.
  • Fasten off the yarn and leave a tail for sewing. Then sew the onigiri closed by squeezing the bottom together to form a line and whip stitch it closed. This is the best way to get the rice ball to look more triangular and flat.

Crochet Nori:

  • Row 1: With the black yarn ch x6 and turn.
  • Row 2: In the second ch from the hook make a sc. Continue making sc for the rest of the chain length (5).
  • Row 3-16: Sc in every stitch (5). Then after the last row, fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Finishing:

  • Sew the nori to the bottom middle of the crochet onigiri. Then, embroider a mouth in between the eyes.
  • I hope you’ve enjoyed making this adorable crochet onigiri pattern!
Tried this pattern?Mention @thecaffeinatedsnail or tag #thecaffeinatedsnail!
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