10 Crochet Mermaid Doll Free Patterns
Kids love mermaids, and a crochet mermaid doll is a gift they will carry everywhere. You get to play with fun colors for the tail and hair, and most mermaids are quicker than a full doll because there are no legs or shoes to make.
Below are 10 free crochet mermaid doll patterns. There are classic amigurumi mermaids, a soft rag doll mermaid, two cat mermaids, plus a mermaid dress for fashion dolls and a mermaid tail for 18-inch dolls. Every pattern has a free version on the designer’s site or Ravelry.
Crochet Mermaid Doll Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- DK or worsted yarn in skin, tail and hair colors
- Variegated or ombre yarn for tails
- Crochet hook set (2 mm to 5 mm)
- Safety eyes (or embroidery floss for a baby-safe face)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
1. Ragdoll Mermaid
Photo: Jillian Hewitt / Spin a Yarn Crochet
This whimsical mermaid has a mint tail, a seashell top, lots of styled hair and little starfish on her tail. She even comes with a tiny starfish friend. She is about 12.5 inches long and made in the soft rag doll style. There are about 13 pieces and some sewing, but the steps are not hard.
- Designer: Jillian Hewitt / Spin a Yarn Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: 3.25 mm (main), 2.75 mm and 1.5 mm (details)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Zoya the Mermaid
Photo: Shama / Chai Coffee Crochet
Zoya is worked in one piece, with no legs to make, so there is very little sewing. She has a side braid, bangs and a pretty fin. She is about 10.5 inches tall and uses less than 50 grams of DK yarn. The designer says crocheters of all levels can make her, which makes this a great first mermaid.
- Designer: Shama / Chai Coffee Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 2.75 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Marnie the Misfit Mermaid
Photo: Lorene Eppolite / Cre8tion Crochet
Marnie has a blank face, which gives her a simple, sweet look. Her hair is added like fringe, so it is quick and fun. The body uses joined rounds, and the arms, tail and fin are worked in spirals. The pattern even includes a stuffing guide so she comes out smooth.
- Designer: Lorene Eppolite / Cre8tion Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Blanca the Mermaid
Photo: Sonia / La calle de la abuela
Blanca is a tall mermaid, about 12 inches, with her head, body, tail and fins all worked in one spiral piece. The arms and top are made separately and sewn on. You can add beads to decorate her. The pattern is written in English by a Spanish designer, and it has its own hair method that is worth learning.
- Designer: Sonia / La calle de la abuela
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: 2.5 mm (see pattern)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Coral the Baby Mermaid
Photo: Jade / Sweet Softies
Coral is a small baby mermaid, about 5.5 to 6 inches tall. Her head and body are made in one piece, with separate arms and a hair cap, so there is little sewing. She works up fast and suits young kids who love the sea. The free pattern is split across five blog posts, all linked from this page.
- Designer: Jade / Sweet Softies
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 2.75 mm (C)
- Price: Free on the blog + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Mermaid Cat Doll
Photo: June Lee Hooker
Half cat, half mermaid, all cute. This doll is a fun twist for kids who cannot pick between kittens and mermaids. She is made in sport weight yarn with a 3 mm hook for small, neat stitches. The pattern is a free download on Ravelry.
- Designer: June Lee Hooker
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Sport (#2)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free (Ravelry download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Purrmaid
Photo: Robin / Hooked by Robin
Another cat mermaid, this one with a curved tail made with short rows and a two-sided tail fin. Her arms are posable, and she has an embroidered face. Use a variegated yarn for the tail to get a shimmery look. She is about 9 inches from ears to bottom.
- Designer: Robin / Hooked by Robin
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Sport (#2)
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Scampi the Mermaid
Photo: n_iniko (shared on Lovelycraft)
Scampi has purple hair and a starfish headband, and she is made with a small 2.2 mm hook for tight, tidy stitches. Her shirt uses knitting needles, so this one is great if you also knit. The full pattern is a free PDF you can download from the page.
- Designer: n_iniko (shared on Lovelycraft)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: 2.2 mm
- Price: Free (PDF download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Fashion Doll (11.5-Inch) Mermaid Dress
Photo: Maz Kwok / Be A Crafter
Turn a fashion doll into a mermaid with this fitted prom-style gown. It fits 11 to 12-inch fashion dolls, so it fits Barbie-size dolls. The dress is worked in rounds from the bottom up, with a V-stitch bodice and a tiny chain belt tied in a bow. It uses lilac and purple variegated cotton thread.
- Designer: Maz Kwok / Be A Crafter
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Cotton crochet thread
- Hook: 2 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. 18-Inch Doll Mermaid Tail
Photo: Emi Harrington
This tail slips onto an 18-inch doll and turns her into a mermaid in minutes. It uses only chain and single crochet with a big hook, so it is very quick. The designer says it is easy enough for beginners. Great for kids who want their 18-inch doll to join in mermaid play.
- Designer: Emi Harrington
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 9 mm (M/N)
- Price: Free (Ravelry download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First mermaid ever? Start with #2, Zoya. She is one piece with almost no sewing.
- Want a quick win? Make #10, the 18-inch doll tail, with chain and single crochet only.
- Making for a toddler? Try #5, Coral. She is small, simple and quick.
- Love a big statement doll? Pick #1 or #4. Both are over 12 inches.
- Have a cat lover? Choose #6 or #7 for a purr-fect cat mermaid.
FAQ
What yarn is best for a crochet mermaid doll?
DK and worsted acrylic or cotton work well for the body. For the tail, try a variegated or ombre yarn so the colors shift like scales. Soft cotton is nice for dolls that will be held a lot. Always use the yarn weight your pattern lists to get the right size.
How do you make crochet mermaid hair?
Most patterns use one of three ways. You can crochet a hair cap, attach yarn strands like fringe, or make long curly chains. Fringe hair is fast and easy to style into braids. Some designers also share their own method, like Blanca in #4.
Can I make a mermaid tail for a doll I already have?
Yes. Pattern #10 is a tail for 18-inch dolls, and #9 is a mermaid dress for 11.5-inch fashion dolls. Both slip on, so the doll can switch back to her regular clothes any time. Measure your doll first to check the fit.
Pick your colors, grab your hook, and make a little crochet mermaid doll to bring the sea home.