With the spooky season upon us, it’s the perfect time to add a bit ghostly charm to your knitting projects! And what better way than with free ghost knitting pattern? These adorable, not-so-spooky ghosts will bring a specter-cular touch to your home this Halloween. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting, this beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for everyone. Who could resist such a boo-tiful little friend to haunt your living room?
Crafting these cute apparitions is more fun than frightening, and you’ll love how quickly they come together. As you stitch your way through this project, you’ll grow your skills and nurture your creative ambition, reinforcing that wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Each ghost will remind you of the magic you can create with just yarn and a bit of imagination.
So, grab your needles and get ready to scare up some Halloween spirit! Let’s bring these little phantoms to life and add a whimsical touch to your seasonal décor.
The Ghost pattern is available at my shop and on Ravelry for those who prefer the entire pattern as a PDF or want to knit at their own pace.
Needles
Small ghost: US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles (60 cm long) for magic loop method or dpns.
Medium ghost: US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles (60 cm long) for magic loop method or dpns.
Big ghost: US 9 / 5.5 mm circular needles (60 cm long) for magic loop method or dpns.
Yarn
The sample was made using fingering yarn: Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/4 in white.
You can use 2 strands of fingering yarn for the medium pumpkin and 4 strands of fingering yarn or 2 strands of DK for the big pumpkin.
Yardage
- Small ghost in fingering yarn:
MC: 22 yds / 20 m
12” (30 cm) black yarn for the eyes - Medium ghost in DK yarn:
MC: 53 yds / 48 m
12” (30 cm) black yarn for the eyes - Big ghost in worsted yarn:
MC: 120 yds / 110 m
24” (60 cm) black yarn for the eyes
Gauge
9 sts per inch for small ghost, 8 sts per inch for medium ghost, 7 sts per inch for big ghost
Other notions
BOR marker
Tapestry needle
Stuffing
Sizing
Small ghost: 2″ x 2.5″ / 5 x 6.4 cm
Medium ghost: 2.5″ x 3″/ 6.4 x 7.6 cm
Big ghost: 3″ x 4.5″ / 7.6 x 11.5 cm
Construction
Worked flat from the side, you’ll start with the body, knit the bottom, and then sew the pieces together.
For a very fabulous finishing touch, embroider the eyes and, if you like, add an optional ruffle at the base for a wavy, whimsical look.
Abbreviations
BO: bind off
CO: cast on
K: knit
k2tog: knit 2 together
M1: make 1 – increase
MC: main color
ssk: slip, slip, knit
st(s): stitch; stitches
GHOST DIRECTIONS
BODY
Using MC yarn 15 sts using any CO method you prefer.
Row 1 (RS): Knit
Row 2 (WS): Knit
Rep rows 1-2 for 48 rows.
Bind off loosely.
Cut MC leaving a long tail.
Sew the body up.
Stuff your ghost.
PS: If you want your ghost to have a bit more heft, you can partially fill it with weighted pellets.
BASE
Using MC yarn CO 7 sts using any CO method you prefer.
Row 1 (RS): Knit
Row 2 (WS): Knit
Row 3: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Row 4: Knit
You should have 9 sts.
Row 5: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Row 6: Knit
You should have 11 sts.
Row 7: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Row 8: Knit
You should have 13 sts.
Rows 9-12: Knit
Row 13: Ssk, k to last st, k2tog.
You should have 11 sts.
Row 16: Knit
Row 17: Ssk, k to last st, k2tog.
You should have 9 sts.
Row 18: Knit
Row 19: Ssk, k to last st, k2tog.
You should have 7 sts.
Row 20: Knit.
Bind off loosely.
Cut MC, leaving a long tail.
Optional Ruffle:
Using MC yarn CO 20 sts using any CO method you prefer.
Row 1 (RS): Knit
Row 2 (WS): Picot bind-off:
- Start by binding off 2 stitches the normal way.
- Slip the remaining stitch back to the left needle.
- Cast on 2 stitches with a knitted cast on.
- Bind off 4 stitches.
Repeat steps 2-4 until you bound off all stitches.
FINISHING:
Attach the Ruffle to the base.
Attach the base with the ruffle outside to the body.
Embroider the eyes.
The Ghost pattern is available at my shop and on Ravelry for those who prefer the entire pattern as a PDF or want to knit at their own pace.
As Halloween approaches, why not add a touch of handmade magic to your home with these charming little free ghost knitting pattern? This quick and easy pattern is perfect for all skill levels, offering a delightful way to celebrate the season. Whether you make just one or a whole ghostly gang, you’ll find joy in crafting something special for Halloween. Happy knitting—and don’t forget to have a boo-tiful time!