The Roly Poly Doll is inspired by a timeless symbol of balance and resilience.
Soft, round, and thoughtfully shaped, she always finds her way back upright — a gentle reminder that even when life tips us over, we return to ourselves. This piece is designed as a keepsake charm rather than a toy. She can live on your favorite bag, rest on a shelf, or be gifted to someone you care about as a meaningful handmade object with a story.
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Inspiration
The Roly Poly Doll is inspired by one of the most beloved toys of my childhood, the Russian Nevalyashka. She wobbled, chimed, smiled, and always found her way back upright. To me she represented joy, balance, and the simple magic of childhood.
When I began designing my crochet version, I wanted to capture that same feeling, the softness, the playfulness, and the quiet resilience she embodies. There is something comforting about her round shape. It feels gentle in your hands, familiar, and full of character even in the simplest stitches.
This design is part of my Threads of the World collection, where I reimagine cultural symbols and timeless toys through crochet. The Roly Poly Doll has traveled across generations in many forms, and bringing her into yarn felt like giving her a new life, modern, handmade, and full of warmth.
What I love most is how personal she becomes. A change of color, a tiny detail, a soft blush, and suddenly each doll has her own personality and story. No two are ever the same, and that is the magic of making something by hand.
I hope that as you crochet your Roly Poly Doll, you feel the same sense of comfort, nostalgia, and quiet joy that inspired me to create her. A tiny reminder of balance, childhood wonder, and the beauty of simple shapes.
Yarn and supplies
For my Roly Poly Doll, I explored several yarn combinations to create different textures, moods, and visual characters. Each option brings its own feeling, from subtle shimmer to soft warmth. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
Subtle sparkle & classic red
Body & Hood: Glitter Lurex Yarn Lucky Ball in Red held together with Drops Safran (19 Red)
Head: Drops Muskat (83 Pearl)
Arms: Drops Safran (17 White) This combination adds a gentle shimmer and a festive, nostalgic feel while remaining soft and balanced.
Warm autumn tones
Body & Hood: Drops Alpaca Silk (29 Tangerine) held together with Drops Safran (67 Pumpkin)
Head: Drops Muskat (83 Pearl)
Arms: Drops Safran (17 White) A cozy, warm option with a slightly fluffy texture and rich, autumn-inspired colors.
Soft & romantic
Body & Hood: Hobbii Friends Cotton Silk (53 Antique Rose)
Head: Drops Muskat (83 Pearl)
Arms: Drops Safran (17 White) Smooth, elegant, and calm — perfect for a softer, more delicate mood.
You can use any fine (2) or DK (3) weight yarn — feel free to play around! Whether you're going for something sparkly, soft, or classic, the possibilities are endless.
Subtle sparkle & classic red
Warm autumn tones
NOT READY TO START YET? PIN THIS PATTERN FOR LATER
Video
In this video I'll show you how to make embroidery eyes in amigurumi project.
In this video I'll show you how to make seamless color changes in amigurumi project.
Gauge is not critical for this project. Ensure your stitches are tight so the stuffing won’t show through.
Notes
This crochet pattern is primarily worked in continuous rounds. Do not slip stitch to join the round unless specifically instructed to do so.
Use a stitch marker to keep track of your stitches.
I used the X-shaped single crochet stitch (to do is ‘yarn under your hook’ instead of ‘yarn over’).
Total stitches are indicated between ( )
10sc means sc into the next 10 stitches
Decrease in the front loop only
Pattern Testers
@yarnymama used Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 8 Ply
Notes: Pattern is very thorough and easy to follow. Made up in an evening, combination of easy to make and hard to put down!
@catmouse76 Used Lion Brand Bonbons (Acrylic) in colorway 'Red' and Lion Brand Bonbons (Metallic) in colorway 'Party Red'
Notes: The pattern was easy to follow. Finally leaned to make the yarn under sc correctly. Head was a bit smaller than the hood even though I followed the alternate directions. Used the tail end of hood to attach the head so it wouldn’t move around.
@Wondergirl83used Four Seasons Gründl Lisa Uni in colorway 'Pink', 'White', 'Brown'. Notes: I‘m lucky to be a tester of this wonderful pattern. It is full of details and instructions, well written and easy to hook. The pattern is fast & easy to hook with a lovely result
@jasbirknanra Used Ganga Acrowools Glowing Star Grande.
Notes: A very cute and interesting project to do. Very well explained through pictures and videos. Step by step instructions are helpful to do without any mistake. Doing crossed Sc is my first experience. I enjoyed it. My son loved it so much that he hanged it in his new car.
@MaylinaUsed Loops & Threads Petite Purl in colorway 'Tan', 'White', 'Rhubarb'.
Share Your Creation!
I’d love to see your version of the Roly Poly Doll!
If you make this project, share it on social media using #MyRolyPolyDoll, #TLB_ThreadsOftheWorld so I can admire your work and feature it in my stories!
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