This friendly character flits about in striped tights, a sheer skirt with bells (of course), a cozy sweater, and a little flower cup hat. She is worked entirely in single crochet in the round in the style of Japanese amigurumi. You can play with her shaping, colors, accessories and trimmings to create any little imp you might want to have visiting this winter. I’ve used easily accessible worsted weight yarns, but I encourage you to try to make your own Sprite with stash yarns and fabric scraps you might have about. Also, she doesn’t take much, so if you do buy yarn, you’ll be able to make friends for everyone on your list.

• One ball each of the following:
• Red Heart TLC Essentials (Acrylic, 6oz) in Claret (dark red), Dk Thyme (dark green), and Med. Thyme (sage green)
• Caron Wintuk (Acrylic 3oz, 150yards/137meters) in Fisherman (cream)
• Sensations Beautiful (49% Acrylic, 51% Nylon 1-3/4oz, 71 yards/65 meters) in Off White (fuzzy white)
• A tiny piece of bright red yarn for the mouth.
  (All of these are worsted weight and you can substitute as you like.)
• 5.0mm (size H/8) crochet hook
• Tapestry or yarn needle
• Sewing needle
• Sewing pins
• Scissors
• A candle
• Green, light brown, and light pink sewing thread
• Felt scraps in light pink and forest green
• 12” (30cm) square of light green organza
• 20” (50cm) square of green tulle
• 4 3/8” gold bells
• 2/3 yard gold trim
• Pair of 3/8” animal or doll eyes
• Polyester fiberfill for stuffing

Head measures 4” (10cm) long.

Doll measures 18” (35cm) tall.

Don’t worry about your gauge, but your stitches should be tight enough to provide a stiff fabric that won’t leak stuffing!

Inc – Increase: work 2 stitches into the same space

Dec – Decrease: work 2 stitches from previous round together

Important: Crocheted dolls and animals make great gifts for kids. Think of all the fun textures and colors you could incorporate! This sprite isn’t for kids though, due to her delicate decorations. If you want to make a kid-friendly version, please consider the following: Don’t include anything that can be swallowed. Details should be embroidered or sewn on securely, and they should be flat (like felt cheeks). Clothing should be durable and fun to put on and take off or sewn on completely. Do use color changes to create clothing or details rather than adding them after.  You can add squeakers or music players inside too! Do sew arms and legs on with several passes. Be especially careful with items for kids under 3 years old, because they are the most likely to chew and pull and swallow!

The Pattern

Head and Body

Beginning at the top of the head with your skin color (mine is the Wintuk Fisherman)  make a yarn loop over two fingers twice and pull up a loop i