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Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern

Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern
4.3★Rating
8-10 HoursTime Needed
3.5KMade This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Whimsical Buddy

Playful characters full of personality, designed to spark imagination and become cherished playtime favorites.

About This Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern

Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

These dolls make an incredible gift for anyone who appreciates folk art or handmade toys. They look stunning on a bookshelf and offer a tactile, interactive experience that kids and adults alike will find completely charming.

Why You'll Love This Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern

I honestly couldn't stop smiling while making these! The way the little one fits inside the middle one, and then both slide into the big doll, is so satisfying. I love the jacquard details on the aprons; they look complicated but are actually quite rhythmic once you get into the flow. It’s the kind of project that keeps you engaged because every doll feels like a fresh start with new colors.

Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern step 1 Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern step 2 Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern step 3 Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

When I first saw a crocheted version of a nesting doll, I knew I had to try it. There is a specific kind of rhythm to these dolls that makes them addictive to work on. I found that using a cotton-blend yarn like YarnArt Jeans is really the secret sauce here—it gives that crisp stitch definition you need for the jacquard patterns while being soft enough for the dolls to slide against each other without too much friction.

One tip I've learned from making a few sets is to be really mindful of how you carry your yarn during the colorwork. If you carry the yarn too tightly, the doll gets a 'waist' where you don't want one! Keep it relaxed. Also, don't skip the pink pastel for the cheeks. It’s a tiny detail, but it’s what transforms them from simple crochet pieces into characters with souls. I usually apply it with a dry cotton swab or a small makeup brush once everything is sewn together. If you’re feeling extra creative, try changing up the apron colors for each doll to represent different seasons—maybe a soft blue for winter or a bright orange for autumn. It’s your little world to create!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ If you cut the plastic base circle too large, the bottom of the doll will bulge and it won't sit flat on a table.✗ When working the jacquard sections, don't pull your carried yarn too tight or the fabric will pucker and the doll will look lumpy.✗ Forgetting to turn the inner pocket of the big doll so the 'wrong side' faces out will prevent the dolls from sliding together smoothly.✗ Placing the face too high or too low can change the doll's expression; always pin it first and check the alignment with the apron before sewing.

Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern

There is something truly magical about a toy that hides a surprise inside, and these nesting Matryoshka dolls are the ultimate handmade treasure. You will love the process of watching three distinct personalities come to life, each one perfectly sized to fit within the next. It is a wonderful way to play with color and practice your tension while creating a set that feels like a modern heirloom. Whether you are making them for a nursery or as a conversation piece for your living room, these dolls bring a touch of whimsical folklore to your home.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Nesting Matryoshka Dolls Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sport weight 4-ply yarn (YarnArt Jeans or similar) in Milky white for the faces
  • 02
    Sport weight yarn in Yellow, Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Brown, Black, and White for the bodies and details
  • 03
    Approximately 50g of each main color is plenty for the full set

— Tools Required

  • 01
    1.75 mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Small piece of thin plastic (like a recycled plastic folder) for the base inserts
  • 03
    High-quality polyester fiberfill for stuffing
  • 04
    Pink soft pastel or blush for the rosy cheeks
  • 05
    Tapestry needle for assembly and embroidery
  • 06
    Stitch markers to keep track of rounds

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 1. Little Matryoshka Doll Body :

Round 1 :

Using Brown yarn, create a MR and work 6 sc into it (6)

Round 2 :

Work 6 inc around (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

Work 18 sc into the BLO (18)

Round 5 :

Switch to Black yarn. In BLO, work (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (24)

Round 6 :

Using jacquard technique, alternate 1 sc in Black and 1 sc in Yellow for the entire round (24)

Round 7 :

Using Black yarn, work 24 sc (24)

Round 8 :

Switch to Yellow yarn. Work 24 sc into the BLO (24)

Info :

Cut a small plastic circle and place it inside at the bottom. Start adding stuffing as you go.

Round 9-10 :

Work 24 sc around for two full rounds (24)

Round 11 :

Switch to Red yarn. In BLO, work (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 12 :

(1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (12)

Round 13 :

Work 12 inc around (24)

Round 14-18 :

Work 24 sc around for five full rounds (24)

Round 19 :

(2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 20 :

(1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (12)

Info :

Finish stuffing the doll firmly.

Round 21 :

Work 6 dec to close (6)

Info :

Fasten off and hide your yarn tail.

— 2. Little Doll Details & Face :

Top Edging :

Go back to the FLO of Round 11. Using White yarn, join with a ch 1, then work (3 sc in one stitch, 1 sc) repeat 12 times. Fasten off.

Bottom Edging :

Go back to the FLO of Round 4. Using White yarn, join with a ch 1, then work 18 reverse sc (crab stitch) around. Fasten off.

Row 1 :

Using Milky yarn, ch 4. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, turn (5)

Row 2 :

ch 1, 1 inc, 3 sc, 1 inc, turn (7)

Row 3-4 :

ch 1, 7 sc, turn (7)

Row 5 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 3 sc, 1 dec, turn (5)

Row 6 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 1 sc, 1 dec (3)

Face Border :

Using Red yarn, join at the bottom right corner and work 20 sl st evenly around the edge of the face. Leave a long tail for sewing.

— 3. Medium Matryoshka Upper Part :

Round 1 :

Using Blue yarn, work 6 sc into a MR (6)

Round 2 :

Work 6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (30)

Round 6-12 :

Work 30 sc around for seven rounds (30)

Round 13 :

(4 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (36)

Round 14-16 :

Work 36 sc around for three rounds (36)

Round 17 :

Switch to White yarn. Work (3 sc in one stitch, 1 sl st) repeat 18 times. Fasten off.

— 4. Medium Matryoshka Lower Part :

Info :

Crochet two identical circles in Black yarn following rounds 1-4.

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (24)

Info :

Place a plastic circle between the two black circles and join them by crocheting through both layers.

Round 5 :

Work 24 sc through both layers to join (24)

Round 6 :

Work 24 sc in BLO (24)

Round 7 :

Switch to White yarn. In BLO, work (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (30)

Round 8 :

Jacquard: (1 sc in White, 1 sc in Blue) repeat 15 times (30)

Round 9 :

Jacquard: (1 sc in Blue, 1 sc in White) repeat 15 times (30)

Round 10 :

Using White yarn, work 30 sc (30)

Round 11 :

Switch to Black yarn. Work 30 sc in BLO (30)

Round 12-14 :

Work 30 sc around for three rounds (30)

Edging :

Join Blue yarn to the FLO of Round 6 and work 24 reverse sc around. Fasten off.

— 5. Medium Doll Face :

Row 1 :

Using Milky yarn, ch 4. Start in 2nd ch: 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, turn (5)

Row 2 :

ch 1, 1 inc, 3 sc, 1 inc, turn (7)

Row 3 :

ch 1, 1 inc, 5 sc, 1 inc, turn (9)

Row 4-5 :

ch 1, 9 sc, turn (9)

Row 6 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 5 sc, 1 dec, turn (7)

Row 7 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 3 sc, 1 dec, turn (5)

Row 8 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 1 sc, 1 dec (3)

Face Border :

Using Blue yarn, work 22 sl st around the face edge. Leave tail for sewing.

— 6. Big Matryoshka Inner Pocket :

Round 1 :

Using Gray yarn, work 6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (30)

Round 6 :

(4 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (36)

Round 7 :

(5 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (42)

Round 8-28 :

Work 42 sc around for 21 rounds (42)

Round 29 :

In BLO, work (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (48)

Round 30 :

(7 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (54)

Round 31 :

Work 54 sc in BLO (54)

Info :

Turn this piece inside out so the 'wrong' side is on the interior.

— 7. Big Matryoshka Body :

Round 32-34 :

Continue with Gray yarn, work 54 sc around for three rounds (54)

Round 35 :

Switch to Red yarn. In BLO, work (8 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (60)

Round 36 :

Switch to White yarn. Work 60 sc in BLO (60)

Round 37 :

Jacquard: BLO (2 sc in White, 1 sc in Red) repeat 20 times (60)

Round 38 :

Jacquard: 1 sc in Red, (3 sc in White, 3 sc in Red) repeat 9 times, then 3 sc in White, 2 sc in Red (60)

Round 39 :

Jacquard: (2 sc in White, 1 sc in Red) repeat 20 times (60)

Round 40 :

Repeat Round 38 jacquard pattern (60)

Round 41 :

Repeat Round 39 jacquard pattern (60)

Round 42 :

Using White yarn, work 60 sc in BLO (60)

Round 43 :

Using Red yarn, work 60 sc in BLO (60)

Round 44 :

Using Gray yarn, work 60 sc in BLO (60)

Round 45-48 :

Work 60 sc around for four rounds (60)

Round 49 :

Switch to Black yarn. Work 60 sc in BLO (60)

Round 50 :

(8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (54)

Round 51-52 :

Work 54 sc around for two rounds (54)

Round 53 :

(8 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times (60)

Round 54-66 :

Work 60 sc around for 13 rounds (60)

Round 67 :

(8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (54)

Round 68 :

(7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (48)

Round 69 :

(6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (42)

Round 70 :

(5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (36)

Round 71 :

(4 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (30)

Round 72 :

(3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (24)

Round 73 :

(2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 74 :

(1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (12)

Round 75 :

Work 6 dec (6). Fasten off and weave in ends.

— 8. Big Doll Details & Flowers :

Apron Edging :

Join White yarn to the FLO of Round 49. ch 1, (3 dc in one stitch, 1 sc) repeat 30 times, sl st to join. Fasten off.

Big Face Row 1 :

Using Milky yarn, ch 9. Start in 2nd ch: 1 inc, 6 sc, 1 inc, turn (10)

Big Face Row 2 :

ch 1, 1 inc, 8 sc, 1 inc, turn (12)

Big Face Row 3 :

ch 1, 1 inc, 10 sc, 1 inc, turn (14)

Big Face Row 4-7 :

ch 1, 14 sc, turn (14)

Big Face Row 8 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 10 sc, 1 dec, turn (12)

Big Face Row 9 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 8 sc, 1 dec, turn (10)

Big Face Row 10 :

ch 1, 1 dec, 6 sc, 1 dec (8)

Face Border :

Work 38 sl st around the edge with Black yarn. Leave a tail.

Leaves :

Make 9. Using Green yarn, ch 8. Start in 2nd ch: 1 sl st, 1 sc, 3 dc, 2 sc. Leave tail.

Flowers :

Make 5 (3 White with Yellow center, 2 Yellow with White center). Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. Rnd 2: 5 inc (10). Rnd 3: (4-tr cluster, ch 1, 1 sc) repeat 5 times.

Assembly Instructions

  • Start by embroidering the sleeping eyes with black thread and hair with brown thread on each of the three faces, then use pink pastel to give them rosy cheeks.
  • Sew the faces onto the upper sections of the dolls, ensuring they are centered above the apron ruffles.
  • For the big doll, nest the medium doll into the gray inner pocket before stuffing the main body around it to ensure a perfect fit.
  • Attach the five flowers to the head and side of the big doll's scarf using the photo as a guide for spacing.
  • Sew the nine green leaves around the flowers on the big doll to create a lush, floral crown effect.
  • Check that the bottom of each doll is flat; if needed, add a few extra stitches of stuffing to level out the base before closing.
  • Test the nesting function by placing the small doll inside the medium one, and then both inside the large doll's inner pocket.

Important Notes

  • 💡Maintaining a consistent tension is key for the jacquard sections so the colorwork stays crisp and doesn't pull the fabric inward.
  • 💡The 'inner pocket' of the large doll is designed to be slightly loose so the medium doll can slide in and out easily without snagging.
  • 💡When working the reverse single crochet (crab stitch) on the edging, keep your loops loose to prevent the base from curling.
  • 💡Always use a sharp tapestry needle for the facial embroidery to get those delicate, clean lines for the eyelashes and hair strands.
  • 💡If your dolls feel too soft, they may lose their 'nesting' shape over time; don't be afraid to stuff the head and shoulders quite firmly.
  • 💡The plastic base is essential for stability; if you don't have a plastic folder, a clean yogurt lid or piece of sturdy cardstock works too.

I hope you have as much fun making this little family as I did! There is something so rewarding about finishing the final doll and seeing them all tucked away inside one another. These Matryoshka dolls are more than just a project; they are a piece of handmade art that will surely be passed down or gifted with love. Don't forget to share your finished dolls with the community — I can't wait to see the color palettes you choose! Happy crocheting, and may your stitches be as sweet as these dolls. 🧶✨💖

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FAQs

Can I use worsted weight yarn instead of sport weight?

You can, but your dolls will turn out significantly larger. Just make sure to use the same yarn weight for all three dolls so the nesting proportions remain correct, and adjust your hook size accordingly.

How do I make sure the medium doll actually fits inside the big one?

The key is the inner pocket in the big doll. When you reach the assembly stage, insert the medium doll into that gray pocket before you finish stuffing the big doll's body. This 'molds' the stuffing around the pocket to create the perfect cavity.

What is the jacquard technique mentioned in the pattern?

It's a way of carrying the yarn color you aren't currently using along the back of your stitches. You crochet 'over' the unused strand so it's hidden inside the stitch, allowing you to switch colors mid-round without cutting the yarn.

My doll won't stand up straight, what should I do?

This usually happens if the plastic base isn't flat or if the stuffing is uneven. Make sure your plastic circle is the exact diameter of the bottom round and that you've pushed stuffing firmly into the 'shoulders' of the doll to balance the weight.