Crochet Dumpling Pattern: 2-Piece Free Steamer Basket Set

Working up a crochet dumpling pattern with a fitted steamer basket is a fast, rewarding amigurumi project. Furthermore, this 100% no-sew two-piece set pairs a squishy white chenille bao bun with a textured brown basket. Plus, the basket includes a removable lid and a top handle. Therefore, this step-by-step tutorial covers every exact measurement, yarn weight, hook size, and round-by-round instruction.

Why You Will Love This Crochet Dumpling Pattern

Many small plushie tutorials require tedious sewing to attach tiny parts. Fortunately, this crochet dumpling pattern is completely no-sew from start to finish. Because you shape the pinched top knot directly into the front loops, you never sew a separate piece.

Additionally, the steamer basket uses simple half double crochet rounds. Working in the back loops forms a crisp structural wall. If you enjoyed our textured crochet phone pouch or cotton crochet bucket hat, you already know every stitch.

Finished Measurements and Project Specifications

Getting the right proportion between the plushie and its container ensures a snug fit. Consequently, you will use two different hook sizes (5.0 mm and 6.0 mm) with the same bulky yarn.

Moreover, you can easily scale this project down into a mini keychain charm. Simply swap the bulky chenille yarn for medium worsted #4 cotton yarn and a 2.75 mm hook.

Materials and Tools Needed

Gathering the proper supplies first guarantees smooth stitching and zero gaps between rounds. Therefore, check the list below for the exact yarn weights and notions needed:

• Bulky Chenille Yarn (#5 or #6): Choose Posh Twist Bulky #5 or Hobbii Honey Bunny #6 in White and Tan Brown. Review yarn weights in the Craft Yarn Council guide.
• Alternative Cotton Yarn: Pick Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton worsted #4 yarn if you want a miniature version.
• Crochet Hooks: Grab a 5.0 mm (US H-8) hook for the dumpling and a 6.0 mm (US J-10) hook for the basket.
• Safety Eyes: Prepare one pair of 12 mm black plastic safety eyes or kawaii 12 mm safety eyes.
• Embroidery Thread: Use pink yarn for the blush cheeks and black thread for an optional stitched smile.
• Stuffing and Notions: Keep polyester fiberfill stuffing (or a slow-rising foam squishy), scissors, a stitch marker, and a yarn needle ready.

Stitches and Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

Every instruction in this guide follows standard US crochet terminology. If you practiced basic stitches on our granny triangle bandana or mesh market bag, these terms are familiar:

• MR stands for Magic Ring (adjustable starter loop).
• Ch means chain stitch.
• Sl st indicates slip stitch.
• Sc refers to single crochet.
• Inc means single crochet increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch).
• Dec denotes invisible single crochet decrease (sc 2 stitches together through front loops).
• Hdc represents half double crochet.
• Hdc-inc instructs a half double crochet increase (work 2 hdc in the same stitch).
• FLO targets the front loops only.
• BLO works into the back loops only.
• FO tells you to fasten off.

Part 1: Crochet Dumpling Pattern (“The Perfect Bao”)

First, you will crochet the plush white dumpling from the bottom up in continuous spiral rounds. Use your 5.0 mm crochet hook and White chenille yarn. Move your stitch marker up at the end of every round.

Step-by-Step Dumpling Rounds (R1 to R14)

• First, Round 1: Ch 2 and work 8 sc into the second chain from the hook, or work 8 sc in a Magic Ring. (8 sts).
• Next, Round 2: Work an inc in each stitch around. (16 sts).
• Then, Round 3: Repeat (sc, inc) 8 times around. (24 sts).
• Afterward, Round 4: Repeat (sc 2, inc) 8 times around. (32 sts).
• Now, Rounds 5 to 9 (5 rounds total): Work 1 sc in each stitch around to build the chubby sides. (32 sts).
• Subsequently, Round 10: Repeat (sc 6, dec) 4 times around. (28 sts).
• Meanwhile, Round 11: Repeat (sc 5, dec) 4 times around. (24 sts).

Pause after Round 11 to add the face before the opening narrows. Insert your two 12 mm safety eyes between Round 7 and Round 8, spaced 6 stitches apart. Afterward, stitch a pink horizontal blush line beside each eye.

• Continue with Round 12: Work a dec around 12 times, then stuff firmly with fiberfill stuffing. (12 sts).
• Following that, Round 13: Work a dec around 6 times to pinch the top closed. (6 sts).
• Finally, Round 14 (Top Pleat): Working in FLO, repeat (sc, inc) 3 times around, then FO and weave in the tail. (9 sts).

Part 2: Crochet Steamer Basket Pattern (Base, Lid, and Handle)

Once your bao bun is ready, switch to your 6.0 mm crochet hook and Tan Brown chenille yarn. Unlike the spiral dumpling, you work the steamer basket in joined rounds. Always end each round with a slip stitch, and remember that ch 1 never counts as a stitch.

Basket Bottom Instructions (R1 to R7)

Start by crocheting the flat circular floor of the steamer basket. Then, turn the sides upward in Round 4:

• Begin Round 1: Ch 2 and work 10 hdc in the second ch from hook (or 10 hdc in MR), then sl st to join. (10 sts).
• Second, Round 2: Ch 1, work an hdc-inc in each stitch around, and join with a sl st. (20 sts).
• Third, Round 3: Ch 1, repeat (hdc, hdc-inc) 10 times around, and join with a sl st. (30 sts).
• Fourth, Round 4 (Corner Ridge): Ch 1, work 1 hdc in BLO in each stitch around, and join with a sl st. (30 sts).
• Fifth, Rounds 5 to 7 (3 rounds total): Ch 1, work 1 hdc in each stitch around, join with a sl st, and FO. (30 sts).

Basket Top Lid and Handle Instructions

Because the lid slides over the bottom rim, you start with 11 hdc instead of 10 hdc. Consequently, the lid has 33 stitches around, giving it the exact clearance needed to cap the 30-stitch base.

• Start Lid Round 1: Ch 2 and work 11 hdc in the second ch from hook (or 11 hdc in MR), then sl st to join. (11 sts).
• Next, Lid Round 2: Ch 1, work an hdc-inc in each stitch around, and join with a sl st. (22 sts).
• Then, Lid Round 3: Ch 1, repeat (hdc, hdc-inc) 11 times around, and join with a sl st. (33 sts).
• Afterward, Lid Round 4: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in BLO in each stitch around, and join with a sl st. (33 sts).
• Lastly, Lid Round 5: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in each stitch around, join with a sl st, and FO. (33 sts).

To make the Basket Handle without sewing, insert your 6.0 mm hook under a stitch between Round 2 and Round 3 of the lid. Pull brown yarn through and work ch 8. Next, insert your hook under an opposite stitch between Round 2 and Round 3. Yarn over, pull through for a sl st, and fasten off.

Creative Ways to Use Your Dumpling and Steamer Basket

Beyond sitting adorably on a desk, this two-piece set makes a thoughtful gift. For example, many makers pair the steamer basket with a card for a “We have a dumpling in the steamer!” baby reveal. Additionally, the 3.5-inch basket doubles as a secret trinket box for rings or stitch markers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do I use a 5.0 mm hook for the dumpling and a 6.0 mm hook for the basket?

Using a smaller 5.0 mm hook keeps your single crochet stitches tight so white stuffing never shows through. Conversely, switching to a 6.0 mm hook relaxes the basket gauge so the 3-inch dumpling slides inside the 3.5-inch base.

Why is the ch 2 start recommended instead of a Magic Ring for chenille yarn?

Plush velvet and chenille yarns have a delicate core that can snap when you pull a Magic Ring tight. Starting Round 1 with ch 2 and working into the second chain prevents yarn breakage while leaving a closed center.

How can I turn this crochet dumpling into a slow-rising squishy toy?

Instead of filling Round 12 with standard fiberfill, insert a round slow-rising polyurethane foam ball before the final decreases. As a result, the plushie slowly rebounds every time you squeeze it.

Can I wash my chenille crochet dumpling and steamer basket?

Yes, you can gently spot-clean or hand-wash your plush set in cool water using mild detergent. Afterward, press out excess water with a clean towel and let both pieces air-dry flat so the steamer basket walls keep their crisp shape.