This crochet grapefruit is a simple amigurumi fruit project with a softly rounded orange body, a short green stem, and a textured crochet leaf.
The body is worked in continuous rounds from the top down. After stuffing, a long yarn tail is used to pull the top inward and create the slightly recessed shape seen on the finished grapefruit. The stem and leaf are crocheted separately and sewn into place at the end.
Using the specified worsted-weight yarn and 3.5 mm hook, the finished grapefruit measures approximately 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches in both height and width.
Quick Answer
Crochet the grapefruit body in orange using single crochet in continuous rounds. Increase gradually until the body reaches 60 stitches, work 10 rounds without shaping, and then decrease back down while adding stuffing.
Once the body is closed, use the remaining yarn tail to pull the center of the top inward. Crochet a small green stem and leaf separately, then sew both securely to the top of the fruit.
Why You’ll Love This Project
This project uses familiar amigurumi techniques and requires only two yarn colors. Most of the grapefruit is made with single crochet, increases, and decreases, while the leaf adds a small amount of half double crochet and double crochet.
The separate stem and leaf also make the finishing process straightforward. It is a fun project for crochet fruit collections, pretend food sets, market displays, or handmade gifts.
Materials
You will need:
Worsted-weight yarn
Orange: approximately 31 g / 53 m / 58 yd
Green: approximately 2 g / 3.5 m / 4 yd
3.5 mm crochet hook
Polyester fiberfill
Yarn or tapestry needle
Scissors
Pins
Stitch marker
The reference project was made with Scheepjes Cahlista yarn.
Finished Size
With the specified yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook, the finished grapefruit is approximately:
9.5 cm / 3.8 in high × 9.5 cm / 3.8 in wide.
Gauge
Gauge is not essential for this amigurumi project, but the verified reference gauge is:
11 single crochet stitches = 5 cm / 1.96 in
11 rows = 5 cm / 1.96 in
Your finished size may vary slightly depending on yarn, hook size, tension, and how firmly the grapefruit is stuffed.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
R – round or row
st / sts – stitch / stitches
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
MC – magic circle
sc – single crochet
inc – increase; work 2 sc in the same stitch
dec – decrease
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
FLO – front loop only
[ ] × number – repeat the instructions inside the brackets
( ) – stitch count at the end of the round or row
Before You Begin
The grapefruit and stem are worked in continuous spirals unless the instructions specifically tell you to join.
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it upward as you work.
For amigurumi, a hook slightly smaller than the size normally recommended for the yarn helps create tighter stitches and reduces the chance of stuffing showing through the fabric.
Invisible decreases can also help keep the decreasing section smooth.
Stuff the grapefruit gradually and firmly. The top may initially puff outward after stuffing; this is corrected during the shaping step after the final round.
Crochet Instructions
Grapefruit Body
Use orange yarn.
The grapefruit is crocheted from the top toward the bottom.
Rounds 1–12: Increase the Body
R1: Make 6 sc in a magic circle. (6)
R2: [inc, sc] × 3. (9)
R3: Sc in each stitch around. (9)
R4: [inc, 2 sc] × 3. (12)
R5: [inc, sc] × 6. (18)
R6: [2 sc, inc] × 6. (24)
R7: 2 sc, [inc, 3 sc] × 5, inc, 1 sc. (30)
R8: [inc, 4 sc] × 6. (36)
R9: 2 sc, [inc, 5 sc] × 5, inc, 3 sc. (42)
R10: [6 sc, inc] × 6. (48)
R11: 3 sc, [inc, 7 sc] × 5, inc, 4 sc. (54)
R12: [inc, 8 sc] × 6. (60)
Rounds 13–22: Build the Sides
R13–R22: Sc in every stitch around for 10 rounds. (60 stitches per round)
Rounds 23–28: Begin Decreasing
R23: [dec, 8 sc] × 6. (54)
R24: 4 sc, [dec, 7 sc] × 5, dec, 3 sc. (48)
R25: [6 sc, dec] × 6. (42)
R26: 2 sc, [dec, 5 sc] × 5, dec, 3 sc. (36)
R27: [dec, 4 sc] × 6. (30)
R28: 1 sc, [dec, 3 sc] × 5, dec, 2 sc. (24)
At this point, gently press the first few rounds at the top inward so they begin forming the recessed center.
Firmly stuff the grapefruit, distributing the filling evenly around the sides.
Rounds 29–31: Close the Grapefruit
R29: [dec, 2 sc] × 6. (18)
R30: [sc, dec] × 6. (12)
Finish stuffing before the opening becomes too small.
R31: dec × 6. (6)
Cut the yarn, leaving approximately 60 cm / 24 in for shaping.
Fasten off.
Thread the yarn tail onto your needle. Pass it through the front loops only of the final 6 stitches, then pull firmly to close the remaining opening. The round sequence and stitch counts are preserved from the authorized reference pattern.
Shape the Grapefruit
The shaping step keeps the top indentation permanently recessed.
With the long yarn tail still attached at the bottom, insert the needle through a stitch between R30 and R31.
Gently press the top and bottom toward one another.
Bring the needle through the stuffed body and out near the top between R2 and R3.
Insert the needle back into the grapefruit between R1 and R2.
Bring it through the body again so it exits near the bottom between R30 and R31.
Pull the yarn gradually until the center of the grapefruit top curves inward.
Repeat the shaping sequence through stitches on the opposite side of the fruit. This helps keep the indentation balanced.
When the shape looks even, secure the yarn firmly at the bottom.
Thread the remaining tail through the grapefruit and bring the needle out at another point on the surface.
Pull gently and trim the yarn close so the tail disappears inside.
A slight pucker at the bottom can occur during this process and is consistent with the original construction method.
Grapefruit Stem
Use green yarn.
The stem is not stuffed.
R1: Make 5 sc in a magic circle. (5)
R2: Sc around. (5)
R3: Sc around. (5)
R4: Sc around. (5)
R5: Working in the front loops only, make 2 sc in every stitch around. Join to the first sc with a sl st. (10)
Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for assembly.
Grapefruit Leaf
Use green yarn.
The leaf is worked around both sides of the starting chain and is not stuffed.
Foundation
Ch 13.
Leaf Round 1
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work:
sc in next 2 chains
hdc in next 2 chains
dc in next 4 chains
hdc in next 2 chains
sc in next 2 chains
You have now reached the end of the foundation chain.
Turn around the chain and work along the unused loops on the opposite side:
sc in next 2 stitches
hdc in next 2 stitches
dc in next 4 stitches
hdc in next 2 stitches
sc in next 2 stitches
Join to the first sc with a sl st.
Stitch count: 24 stitches.
The joining slip stitch is not included in the stitch count.
Leaf Round 2 – Small Leaf Stem
Ch 5.
Beginning in the second chain from the hook:
sl st in each of the next 4 chains
sl st again into the first sc from R1
Fasten off and leave a long yarn tail for sewing.
Pattern note: The verified source lists this second leaf row as 10 total stitches, with all stitches included in the count. That count is preserved here rather than being silently changed.
Assembly
Attach the Grapefruit Stem
Place the green stem over the recessed center at the top of the grapefruit.
Using the long sewing tail, attach the stem by sewing around the area between R4 and R5 of the stem to the grapefruit between R1 and R2.
Keep the stem centered and upright as you sew.
Secure the yarn and bury the remaining tail inside the grapefruit.
Prepare the Leaf
Weave in the short starting tail on the leaf.
Thread the longer sewing tail onto your needle.
Run the needle through the back of the leaf toward the narrow chain stem created in R2. Bring the yarn out at the end of that stem so it is positioned correctly for sewing.
Attach the Leaf
Position the small stem of the leaf against the green grapefruit stem.
Sew the leaf stem to the grapefruit stem between R3 and R4 of the green stem.
Arrange the leaf so the broader crocheted section rests naturally against the grapefruit with the front of the leaf facing upward.
Finishing
Check the grapefruit from several angles and adjust the stuffing gently if necessary.
The body should remain rounded while the center of the top stays slightly indented.
Make sure the stem is firmly attached and that the leaf sits comfortably against one side rather than twisting underneath the stem.
Weave in any remaining yarn tails.
Gently roll or shape the grapefruit between your hands to smooth the stuffing and restore an even round silhouette.
Helpful Notes
Maintain fairly firm tension when working the body so the stuffing stays hidden between the stitches.
Because the grapefruit is made in continuous rounds, always use your stitch marker. Losing the beginning of a round can make the increase and decrease placement difficult to follow.
Add stuffing gradually rather than pushing one large piece inside at the end. Small amounts are easier to distribute evenly.
When shaping the grapefruit, pull the yarn a little at a time. Tightening gradually gives you more control over the depth of the indentation.
The pattern can be made with another yarn, but changing yarn weight or hook size will change the finished dimensions.
FAQ
Is this crochet grapefruit pattern suitable for beginners?
The verified pattern is rated Easy. It is best suited to crocheters who are already comfortable with a magic circle, single crochet, increases, decreases, working in continuous rounds, and basic sewing.
What size is the finished crochet grapefruit?
Using the specified worsted-weight yarn and 3.5 mm hook, the reference grapefruit measures approximately 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches high and 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches wide.
Does gauge matter for this project?
Exact gauge is not essential for amigurumi, but matching the reference gauge can help you achieve a similar finished size.
Does the stem need stuffing?
No. The green stem is crocheted without stuffing.
Is the leaf stuffed?
No. The leaf is worked flat around a foundation chain and remains unstuffed.
Why does the grapefruit need additional shaping?
Stuffing can push the first few rounds outward. Running a long yarn strand between the top and bottom holds those starting rounds inward and gives the finished grapefruit its recessed top.
Can I use a different yarn?
Yes. You can substitute another yarn weight or fiber, but you may need to change hook size and the finished grapefruit will likely be larger or smaller.
Can I make the grapefruit larger?
Using thicker yarn and an appropriately larger crochet hook will generally produce a larger fruit. The verified 9.5 cm measurement applies only to the listed reference yarn and hook combination.
Final Thoughts
The simple round construction makes this crochet grapefruit a satisfying amigurumi project, while the final shaping technique gives it a more convincing fruit-like appearance.
Once the body is finished, the small stem and leaf come together quickly, leaving you with a bright crochet fruit that works well for pretend food collections, handmade displays, or gifting.