Hey Arnold Crochet Pattern

Creating your own Hey Arnold crochet doll brings this beloved 90s cartoon character to life in a charming amigurumi form. With his iconic football-shaped head, distinctive blonde hair spikes, and signature outfit, Arnold makes for an instantly recognizable and nostalgic crochet project. This Hey Arnold comprehensive pattern guide walks you through each step of creating your own Hey Arnold doll, from his unique head shape to his classic teal sweater and red plaid shirt.

Introduction to the Hey Arnold Crochet Project

Hey Arnold aired from 1996 to 2004 and remains a nostalgic favorite for many 90s kids. This crochet pattern recreates Arnold in amigurumi style, standing approximately 7 inches tall when completed. The pattern uses basic to intermediate crochet techniques and creates a huggable, display-worthy character that any fan of the show will instantly recognize and appreciate.

Hey Arnold Materials You Will Need

Before beginning your Hey Arnold crochet project, gather these materials:

Worsted weight yarn in:
- Skin tone (for head and arms)
- Yellow/gold (for hair spikes)
- Teal/turquoise (for sweater)
- Red/orange (for plaid shirt/kilt)
- Black (for shoes)
- Small amount of teal or blue (for small hat/accessory)
2.5mm crochet hook (or size needed for tight stitches)
Polyester fiberfill stuffing
9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidered eyes)
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Small amount of pink yarn or blush for cheeks (optional)

Crochet Head Hey Arnold

The football-shaped head is Arnold’s most distinctive feature:

Round 1: 6 single crochet in magic circle (6) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12) Round 3: (Single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (18) Round 4: (2 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (24) Round 5: (3 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (30) Round 6: (4 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (36) Round 7: (5 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (42) Round 8: (6 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (48) Round 9: (7 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (54) Round 10: (8 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (60) Round 11: (9 single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (66)

To create the football shape, continue working even rounds: Rounds 12-25: Single crochet in each stitch around (66) – 14 rounds

Begin decreasing to shape the bottom of the head: Round 26: (9 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (60) Round 27: (8 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (54) Round 28: (7 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (48) Round 29: (6 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (42) Round 30: (5 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (36) Round 31: (4 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (30) Round 32: (3 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (24)

Insert safety eyes between rounds 16-18, approximately 10-12 stitches apart. Stuff the head firmly, especially at the corners to maintain its football shape.

Round 33: (2 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (18) Round 34: (Single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (12) Round 35: Decrease 6 times (6)

Close the opening by threading the yarn through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pulling tight.

Hair Spikes Pattern

Using yellow/gold yarn, create Arnold’s distinctive hair spikes:

For each spike (make 9): Row 1: Chain 12 Row 2: Starting from second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain (11) Row 3: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch (11) Row 4: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch (11) Row 5: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch (11) Row 6: Chain 1, turn, single crochet decrease, 7 single crochet, single crochet decrease (9) Row 7: Chain 1, turn, single crochet decrease, 5 single crochet, single crochet decrease (7) Row 8: Chain 1, turn, single crochet decrease, 3 single crochet, single crochet decrease (5) Row 9: Chain 1, turn, single crochet decrease, single crochet, single crochet decrease (3) Row 10: Chain 1, turn, single crochet decrease, single crochet (2) Row 11: Chain 1, turn, single crochet decrease (1)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Arrange the spikes around the top and sides of the head, with 5 spikes across the top and 2 on each side. Sew securely in place.

Body Pattern

Using teal/turquoise yarn for the sweater:

Switch to red/orange yarn for the plaid shirt/kilt: Rounds 13-16: Single crochet in each stitch around (30) – 4 rounds

Begin decreasing: Round 17: (3 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (24) Round 18: (2 single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (18) Round 19: (Single crochet, decrease) repeat 6 times (12)

Stuff the body firmly before closing. Round 20: Decrease 6 times (6)

Close the opening as with the head.

Arms Pattern (Make 2)

Using skin tone yarn:

Round 1: 6 single crochet in magic circle (6) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12) Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around (12) Round 4: (5 single crochet, decrease) repeat 2 times (10) Rounds 5-6: Single crochet in each stitch around (10) – 2 rounds

Switch to teal/turquoise yarn for sleeves: Rounds 7-13: Single crochet in each stitch around (10) – 7 rounds

Stuff the arms lightly. Round 14: Decrease 5 times (5)

Close the opening and leave a long tail for sewing to the body.

Legs Pattern (Make 2)

Using red/orange yarn:

Round 1: 6 single crochet in magic circle (6) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12) Round 3: (Single crochet, increase) repeat 6 times (18) Rounds 4-7: Single crochet in each stitch around (18) – 4 rounds

Switch to black yarn for shoes: Round 8: Single crochet in back loops only (18) Rounds 9-11: Single crochet in each stitch around (18) – 3 rounds

Flatten the opening and single crochet through both layers (9 stitches) to close. Leave a long tail for sewing to the body.

Small Hat/Accessory

Using teal or blue yarn:

Round 1: 4 single crochet in magic circle (4) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (8) Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around (8)

Fasten off and sew to the top of the head, slightly off-center.

Assembly Instructions

Sew the head to the body, ensuring it sits evenly
Attach the arms to the sides of the body at rounds 8-9
Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, positioning them slightly apart
Add the small hat/accessory to the top of the head
Embroider a small nose using skin tone yarn if desired
Use black yarn to add any additional facial details
For cheeks, either embroider small circles with pink yarn or apply a small amount of blush

Embroidery Details

For a more accurate Hey Arnold appearance:

Create a small, simple nose with 3-4 stitches in skin tone yarn
Add small eyebrows above the eyes if desired using yellow yarn
You can create a small mouth with 2-3 stitches in black yarn

Display and Care Tips

Your Hey Arnold amigurumi is perfect for display on a shelf, desk, or in a collection of 90s memorabilia. To keep him looking his best:

Display away from direct sunlight to prevent yarn fading
Dust occasionally with a soft brush
If washing becomes necessary, hand wash gently with mild soap and allow to air dry completely

Creative Variations

While this pattern creates the classic Hey Arnold look, you might consider these variations:

Create Arnold in his pajamas or other outfits from the show
Make companion characters like Gerald, Helga, or Grandpa Phil
Create a mini cityscape backdrop representing the boarding house

Check this out :Crochet Lenny Cat Amigurumi

Conclusion

Your completed Hey Arnold amigurumi captures the essence of this beloved 90s cartoon character. With his distinctive football-shaped head, spiky blonde hair, and classic outfit, he makes a perfect nostalgic gift for any 90s kid or cartoon enthusiast. The pattern combines straightforward techniques with unique shaping to create a recognizable and charming result.

Whether you’re making this doll for yourself or as a gift, it’s sure to bring back fond memories of Arnold’s adventures in the big city with his eccentric boarding house family and school friends. Happy crocheting!