Crochet Dumpling & Steamer Basket – Free Viral Kawaii Plushie Pattern
Looking for a quick, adorable, super-viral plushie project? This Free Crochet Dumpling and Steamer Basket Pattern is the ultimate kawaii amigurumi project for beginners and experienced crocheters alike! Whether you call it a bao, dim sum, or a cozy little dumpling, this plushie is soft, squishy, and comes with its very own matching crochet steamer basket.
In this free step-by-step tutorial, you will learn how to crochet the rounded dumpling body, shape the authentic bao top, assemble sweet safety-eye facial features, and construct a structured bamboo-style steamer basket with a lid and handle!
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Project
- Beginner-Friendly: Uses simple stitches like single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and basic increases.
- Fast & Low-Yarn Project: Perfect for stash-busting and quick gifts!
- Viral & Trendy: A huge favorite on Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram.
- Interactive Play: The tiny bao fits perfectly inside its custom-fit steamer basket!
Project Overview & Quick Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Finished Size | Approx. 3.5 – 4 inches (8–10 cm) tall (using Super Bulky Chenille) |
| Terminology | Standard US Crochet Terms |
| Time Required | 1.5 – 2 Hours |
| Category | Free Amigurumi & Plushie Patterns |
Materials & Tools Needed
To create your viral crochet bao and basket, you will need the following materials:
- Super Bulky Chenille / Plush Yarn (Size 6):
- White or Off-White (for the dumpling body)
- Light Brown or Beige (for the steamer basket)
- Small amount of Black (for embroidering the mouth)
- Small amount of Pink (for the blushed cheeks)
- Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm or 5.0 mm (H-8 US) – Adjust hook size to match your yarn thickness.
- Safety Eyes: 10 mm or 12 mm “Twinkle” / Glitter Safety Eyes
- Fiberfill Stuffing: High-quality polyester stuffing
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry/yarn needle, and sharp scissors
Abbreviations & Stitches (US Terms)
Before starting, familiarize yourself with these standard US crochet abbreviations:
- mr = Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
- ch = Chain
- sc = Single Crochet
- hdc = Half Double Crochet
- inc = Increase (2 stitches into the same stitch)
- sl st = Slip Stitch
- blo = Back Loop Only
- flo = Front Loop Only
- fo = Fasten Off
- st(s) = Stitch(es)
- [ ] = Total stitch count at the end of the round
Free Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern
Part 1: The Kawaii Dumpling Base
The dumpling body is worked in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join rounds unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
- Round 1: Start with a mr, work 6 sc into the ring [6]
- Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
- Round 3: 1 sc, 1 inc x 6 [18]
- Round 4: 2 sc, 1 inc x 6 [24]
- Round 5: 3 sc, 1 inc x 6 [30]
- Rounds 6–16 (11 rounds total): 1 sc in each st around [30]
FO but leave a long yarn tail (approx. 6 inches / 15 cm) for shaping the top. You can´t close the top yet, since you need to add the face details while the piece is still open.
Part 2: Face Assembly & Stuffing
- Safety Eyes: Insert your 10mm or 12mm twinkle safety eyes between Rounds 10 and 11, roughly 4 stitches apart. Position them opposite your round transitions for the cleanest finish.
- Embroidering the Face:
- Using black chenille yarn or embroidery floss, stitch a simple “v” or curved smile centered between the eyes.
- Using pink yarn, embroider subtle horizontal stitches directly underneath each eye for sweet blushing cheeks.
- Stuffing: Firmly stuff the dumpling base with fiberfill stuffing. Shape it evenly to keep the bottom round, but leave a little room at the top so you can pinch and close the dumpling top easily.
Part 3: Closing the Top & Shaping the Bao Pleats
To give your bao its classic pinched dumpling shape, use this simple drawstring method:
- Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail (approx. 6 inches / 15 cm).
- Thread your yarn needle with the long tail.
- Weave the needle around the top opening by taking 3 stitches from the back loop, then 3 stitches from the front loop, all the way around the rim.
- Pull the tail firmly like a drawstring to gather the top into cute pleats.
- Secure with a knot, make a few extra stabilizing stitches through the gathered top, weave in the end, and cut the remaining yarn.
Your kawaii crochet dumpling is complete! Now let’s make its steamer basket home.
Part 4: The Steamer Basket Base
The basket is worked in joined rounds using Half Double Crochet (hdc) to create a sturdy, structured container.
- Round 1: Start with a mr, 6 hdc into ring. Join with sl st to first hdc, ch 2 [6]
- Round 2: inc (2 hdc) in each st around. Sl st, ch 2 [12]
- Round 3: 1 hdc, 1 inc x 6. Sl st, ch 2 [18]
- Round 4: 2 hdc, 1 inc x 6. Sl st, ch 2 [24]
- Round 5: 3 hdc, 1 inc x 6. Sl st, ch 2 [30]
- Round 6 (Ridge Round): Working in BLO, 1 hdc in each st around. Sl st, ch 2 [30] (This creates the crisp bottom edge of the basket).
- Rounds 7–10 (4 rounds total): 1 hdc in each st around. Sl st, ch 2 [30]
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 5: The Steamer Lid
- Round 1: Start with a mr, 6 hdc into ring. Sl st, ch 2 [6]
- Round 2: inc in each st around. Sl st, ch 2 [12]
- Round 3: 1 hdc, 1 inc x 6. Sl st, ch 2 [18]
- Round 4: 2 hdc, 1 inc x 6. Sl st, ch 2 [24]
- Round 5: 3 hdc, 1 inc x 6. Sl st, ch 2 [30]
- Round 6 (Ridge Round): Working in BLO, 1 hdc in each st around. Sl st, ch 2 [30]
- Rounds 7–8 (2 rounds total): 1 hdc in each st around. Sl st, ch 2 [30]
- Fasten off.
Fit Test: Place your completed dumpling inside the basket base and pop the lid over it. If your tension is tighter and the lid feels too short, add 1 extra round of 30 hdc before fastening off.
Part 6: Adding the Lid Handle & Joining Pieces
The Handle
- Join brown yarn with a sl st between Rounds 3 and 4 on top of the lid.
- Chain 12.
- Attach to the opposite side between Rounds 3 and 4 with a sl st.
- Work 12 hdc back across the chain space to create a thick handle.
- Sl st to the lid base, fasten off, and weave in all loose ends.
Connecting Lid & Base (Hinge Effect)
- Place the lid over the basket base.
- Attach brown yarn through both layers along the back edge.
- Work 8 sl st through the FLO of both the basket rim and lid rim to create a sturdy back hinge.
- Fasten off and secure ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn instead of chenille?
Yes! Cotton yarn gives a very crisp, clean stitch definition for this pattern. Keep in mind that using DK or worsted-weight yarn with a 3.0 mm – 3.5 mm hook will yield a mini dumpling (approx. 2 inches tall).
How do I make sure the steamer basket holds its shape?
Using Half Double Crochet (hdc) stitches paired with a slightly smaller hook size creates a denser fabric. The BLO (Back Loop Only) rounds in both the base and lid create a sharp structural fold that helps the basket stand upright on its own.
Free Pattern Terms & Copyright
This crochet pattern is for personal use only. You may sell finished handmade items made from this pattern, provided you credit cutecrochetpatterns.com as the designer. Distributing, copying, or reselling this written pattern or its photos is strictly prohibited.
Loved this pattern? Pin this image to your Crochet Patterns or Amigurumi Board on Pinterest to save it for later, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more free kawaii plushie guides!