This ghost spiral Halloween hanging crochet pattern creates a friendly flat white ghost topper with embroidered eyes, a three-color open helix, and a soft cream tassel. The project uses an independently designed construction and palette for Tenderecipe.
Project Overview
A friendly flat white ghost topper with embroidered eyes, a three-color open helix, and a soft cream tassel.
This design is mathematically checked but has not been physically sample-tested. Make the first component as a sample, measure it, adjust for your yarn and tension, and review the completed draft before publication.
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Weight: DK
- Hook Size: 4 mm
- Finished Size: About 18 in / 46 cm from loop to tassel
- Gauge: First 12 ghost-body stitches measure about 4.5 in / 11.5 cm
- Terminology: US
- Estimated Time: About 2–3 hours
Materials
- About 45 yd / 41 m white DK cotton, 20 yd / 18 m each pumpkin orange, plum purple and charcoal, plus 5 yd / 4.5 m cream
- Small length of black embroidery yarn for the eyes
- 4 mm crochet hook, tapestry needle, scissors and stitch markers
- 10 in / 25 cm black cotton cord for the hanging loop
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sc2tog = single crochet two together
Important Notes
- US terminology; beginning chains do not count as stitches
- The ghost is worked flat and remains unstuffed
- Change spiral color after every nine usable foundation chains
- Embroider the face before attaching the spiral
- This is hanging decor, not a toy; keep the loop away from children and pets
Crochet the Flat Ghost Topper
With white, ch 13. Work Row 1 in the back bumps: sc in the second chain and in each chain across. (12 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in the first stitch, sc in the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the final stitch. (14 sts)
Rows 3–6: Ch 1, turn and sc in all 14 stitches. (14 sts)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in the next 10 stitches, sc2tog. (12 sts)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn and sc across. (12 sts)
Scalloped edge: Ch 1, turn. Work [sl st in next stitch, 4 dc in next stitch, sl st in next stitch] four times across the 12 stitches. Fasten off with a long sewing tail. The four shells form two arms and two lower waves.
Add the Ghost Face
Thread black yarn. Center two vertical satin-stitch ovals between Rows 3 and 5, leaving four white stitches between them. Each eye spans one stitch in width. Knot on the back, weave through white stitches in opposite directions and trim.
Make the Striped Spiral
With pumpkin orange, ch 37 loosely. Skip the first chain; 36 usable chain positions remain. (36 sts)
Spiral Row: Work 3 hdc in every usable chain, changing to plum after 9 chain positions, charcoal after 18, and pumpkin again after 27. The row contains 108 hdc. (108 sts)
Fasten off with 10-inch tails at both ends. Let the strip curl naturally, then rotate each turn in the same direction without stretching.
Assemble the Hanging
Center the upper spiral tail behind the two middle ghost shells. Sew through six ghost stitches and four spiral stitches twice, then weave the tail sideways. Make a cream tassel by wrapping yarn around three fingers 12 times, tying one end and cutting the other. Stitch it through the final four spiral stitches. Pass the black cord through four stitches at the ghost crown and tie a square knot behind the work.
The early-stage image supports orientation; use the written stitch counts as the working reference.
Finishing and Safety
Lay the ghost flat under a towel and steam lightly without touching the iron to the yarn. Keep the spiral and tassel away from steam. Lift by the loop, turn the helix until its spacing is even, tug every join, and reinforce any loose attachment.
Customization Ideas
- Use lavender instead of plum for a softer Halloween palette
- Shorten the spiral by nine foundation chains while preserving equal color sections
- Embroider a tiny round mouth below the eyes without adding hard plastic parts
Care and Display
Follow the yarn label, test saturated colors for transfer, and dry the piece in its intended shape. Keep hanging decor away from flame, hot bulbs, moisture and snagging hardware. Inspect every loop and sewn part before display.
Troubleshooting
- Count each component at the first mismatch instead of compensating later.
- If a foundation twists, remove the working row and flatten the chain before restarting.
- If an attachment puckers, resew with relaxed tension through a wider group of stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my spiral stay flat?
Confirm that three half double crochet stitches were worked into every usable chain, then rotate the curls gently in one direction.
Can I add safety eyes?
Embroidered eyes are lighter and avoid hard detachable parts, so they suit this hanging better.
How do I keep the ghost visible?
Block only the flat topper and attach the spiral behind its middle lower shells so the face stays unobstructed.
Before You Finish
Compare the project with the stated size and construction, record any adjustment, and physically sample the pattern before public release.
