The Velvet Web Weaver: Free Crochet Pattern for Sharlotte the Plush Spider

Meet Sharlotte, a delightfully plush crochet spider with a soft, velvety body and charmingly expressive eyes. This pattern guides you through creating a cozy, huggable companion that's perfect for Halloween decor or year-round whimsy. With her two-tone dusty rose and charcoal black body, eight curly legs, and big, adorable eyes, Sharlotte is the perfect beginner-friendly amigurumi project that will bring a smile to anyone's face—no creepy crawlies here, just pure handmade charm!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet session:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in the following colors:
  • Charcoal black (main color for head, top of body, and legs)
  • Dusty rose (accent color for bottom of body)
  • White (for eye whites)
  • Dark brown (for pupils and optional smile embroidery)
• Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors

Gauge: 4 rounds of single crochet = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in the round. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will help achieve a neat, professional finish.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc 2 together)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• ch: Chain
• FO: Fasten off

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Make 1, Start with Dusty Rose)

The body is worked in continuous rounds (spiral), so use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. You'll begin with the dusty rose yarn for the bottom half, then switch to charcoal black for the top.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: inc in each stitch around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18)
4. Round 4: (sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24)
5. Round 5: (sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30)
6. Round 6: (sc in next 4 sts, inc) around. (36)
7. Rounds 7-10: sc in each stitch around. (36) — Work these 4 rounds without increases to create the sides of the body.
8. Round 11: Switch to charcoal black yarn. sc in each stitch around. (36) — To make a seamless color change, complete the last sc of Round 10 with the black yarn, pulling the new color through the final loop.
9. Rounds 12-15: sc in each stitch around. (36) — Continue with black yarn for 4 more rounds.
10. Round 16: (sc in next 4 sts, dec) around. (30) — Begin decreasing to shape the top of the body.
11. Round 17: (sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. (24)
12. Round 18: (sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18)
13. Stuff firmly: At this point, stuff the body with polyester fiberfill. Make sure it's packed tightly but not so much that it distorts the shape. Continue adding stuffing as the opening closes.
14. Round 19: (sc in next st, dec) around. (12)
15. Round 20: dec around. (6)
16. FO: Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Head (Make 1, Charcoal Black)

The head is a smaller sphere that will be attached to the front-top of the body. Work in continuous rounds.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: inc in each stitch around. (12)
3. Round 3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18)
4. Round 4: (sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24)
5. Rounds 5-8: sc in each stitch around. (24) — Work 4 rounds straight to form the sides of the head.
6. Round 9: (sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18) — Begin shaping the top of the head.
7. Stuff firmly: Fill the head with fiberfill, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
8. Round 10: (sc in next st, dec) around. (12)
9. Round 11: dec around. (6)
10. FO: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing the head to the body. Weave the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close, but do not cut the tail—you'll use it for assembly.

Legs (Make 8, Charcoal Black)

These simple chain legs are quick to make and give Sharlotte her charming, spindly look. Do not stuff them—they should remain flat and flexible.

1. Ch 25. — This creates the foundation chain. Keep your tension even but not too tight.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (24) — Work one single crochet into each chain stitch, starting from the second chain from the hook. This creates a flat, slightly curled strip.
3. FO: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches) for sewing. Do not stuff.

Pro tip: To make the legs curl slightly upward (giving Sharlotte a lively pose), gently twist each leg in the same direction before sewing. The natural curl of the chain will help hold the shape.

Eyes (Make 2, White)

These large, white circles will give Sharlotte her cute, expressive face.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: inc in each stitch around. (12)
3. FO: Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Pupils (Make 2, Dark Brown)

Small, dark circles that will be sewn onto the white eyes.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. FO: Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring Sharlotte to life! Follow these steps carefully for a polished finish.

1. Attach the head: Using the long tail left on the head, sew the head to the top of the body, positioning it slightly off-center toward the front. This gives Sharlotte a friendly, forward-facing look. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch, going through the stitches of both pieces securely. Weave in the end when done.
2. Attach the eyes: Position the white eye circles on the front of the head, close together but not touching. Sew them in place using the tails left on the eyes. Then, sew the dark brown pupils onto the center of each white eye. For a cuter look, position the pupils slightly toward the center of each eye (cross-eyed effect).
3. Attach the legs: Sew the legs onto the sides of the body, 4 on each side, spacing them evenly. To do this, position the first leg near the front of the body (just behind the head), the fourth leg near the back, and the remaining two evenly spaced between them. Use the long tails to sew each leg securely, going through the body stitches. Curl the legs slightly upward as you sew to give Sharlotte a lively, playful pose.
4. Embroider a smile (optional): Using dark brown yarn and a yarn needle, embroider a small smile on the face, just below the eyes. A simple backstitch or a few straight stitches will do. Keep it small and subtle for a sweet expression.
5. Weave in all ends: Carefully weave in any remaining yarn tails using your yarn needle. Make sure all ends are securely hidden inside the body or head to prevent unraveling.

Final Touches

Your plush Sharlotte is now complete! Give her a gentle squeeze to ensure all parts are securely attached and the stuffing is evenly distributed. If any legs seem loose, reinforce them with a few extra stitches. Display her on a shelf, use her as a Halloween decoration, or gift her to someone who loves handmade whimsy. With her soft, velvety texture and adorable face, Sharlotte is sure to become a cherished companion.

Happy crocheting, and don't forget to share your finished Sharlotte with the crafting community—she's bound to inspire smiles wherever she goes!