Bring a fun food inspired touch to your handmade collection with this Crochet Dumpling Steamer a charming project for kitchen lovers, gifts, and keepsakes.

Shelen Crochet shares a fun and creative project through her original YouTube tutorial. This written pattern for the Crochet Dumpling Steamer is based on her detailed instructions, and full credit goes to her for designing and teaching this adorable piece. Make sure to visit her channel to watch the full video and support her work.

Easy Crochet Dumpling Steamer Free Pattern For Food Lovers

The Crochet Dumpling Steamer is a small, charming amigurumi that looks like a traditional bamboo steamer filled with soft dumplings. The finished size is about 4 to 6 inches wide, making it a great little decoration for your kitchen or a cute handmade gift.

This project features a round steamer base and lid, along with several plump dumplings inside. It uses simple crochet stitches like single crochet and slip stitch, and involves sewing to carefully join all parts together. The dumplings have a soft yet firm texture thanks to the stuffing inside, helping the steamer keep its shape.

Basic materials such as yarn in natural colors, a crochet hook, stuffing, and a needle for sewing are needed. The skill level suits beginners to intermediate crocheters, providing a nice opportunity to practice making small shapes and assembling them neatly.

Overall, the Crochet Dumpling Steamer is a lovely, enjoyable project that results in a sweet decoration or gift. It’s a nice way to spend some relaxing time crocheting something unique and charming.

Crochet Dumpling Steamer Basket Pattern

Crocheting a dumpling steamer basket creates a functional and decorative accessory with a sturdy and attractive design, perfect for kitchen playsets, decoration, or themed gifts. This pattern is adaptable: it can be made with cotton yarn for a firm, washable finish, or with chenille-type yarn for a soft and plush result. The project is built in separate pieces (base and lid), each worked in perfect circles using half double crochets and front post details.

Pattern Basic Points

Key Features

• The project consists of two main pieces: a round base and a lid.
• All parts are worked in rounds, increasing in each round to form a perfect circle.
• The front post stitches on the base and lid mimic the sealed rim of traditional steamers.
• A functional handle is integrated into the lid using chains and half double crochets.
• The pattern includes different instructions for chenille-type yarn or cotton yarn.

Special Notes

• Using cotton provides structure, durability, and easy washing, great for toys or kitchen decor.
• Chenille-type yarn results in a padded and larger finish. It is recommended to reduce the height of the lid to keep proportions.
• Working front post stitches in key rounds reinforces the rim and enhances the final appearance.
• Pay attention to stitch counts to maintain a circular shape and keep the base and lid proportional.

Skill Level

Level: Beginner to Intermediate. You will need to know the magic ring, increases, working in the round, and front post stitches—easy to learn techniques but require precision for a neat result.

Materials

• Cotton: Tobacco-colored cotton yarn (less than 50 g), 2.5 mm hook
• Chenille: Camel-colored chenille yarn (approx. 100 g), 5 mm or 6 mm hook
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Measurements / Sizing

• With cotton: Base approx. 12–15 cm (4.7–6 in) in diameter
• With chenille: Base approx. 20–24 cm (8–9.5 in) in diameter
• Total height (with both parts): varies depending on yarn and tension, approx. 8–10 cm (3–4 in)

Gauge and Stitch Pattern

• Standard gauge: Base after 5 rounds of half double crochet should measure between 10–15 cm (4–6 in) depending on material.
• Main stitch: Half Double Crochet (hdc), worked in rounds and in front post.
• The lid and base follow the same increase sequence through round 5.

Stitch Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• inc = increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)
• fp = front post stitch (work the hdc around the post, not at the top)
• rnd = round

Special Stitches

• Magic ring: An adjustable loop to start circular crochet without a hole in the center.
• Front Post hdc: Half double crochet worked around the post of the stitch below to create a raised ridge.

Complete Pattern Instructions

Steamer Basket Base

Rnd 1:

• Make a magic ring.
  

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• Crochet 2 ch (serves as turning chain, does not count as a stitch).
• Work 9 hdc into the ring.
• Join with sl st to the first hdc. (Total: 9 hdc)

Rnd 2:

• 2 ch.
• Work 9 hdc increases (2 hdc in each stitch of the previous round).
• At the end, join with sl st to the first hdc. (Total: 18 sts)
  

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Rnd 3:

• 2 ch.
• (1 hdc, 1 inc), repeat all around.
• Join with sl st. (Total: 27 sts)

Rnd 4:

• 2 ch.
• (2 hdc, 1 inc), repeat all around.
• Join with sl st. (Total: 36 sts)

Rnd 5:

• 2 ch.
• (3 hdc, 1 inc), repeat all around.
• Join with sl st. (Total: 45 sts
  

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Rnd 6:

• 2 ch.
• Work 1 front post hdc in each stitch of the previous round.
• Join with sl st. (45 sts)

Rnd 7 to 9:

• 2 ch.
• Work 1 hdc in each stitch of the previous round (no increases).
• Join with sl st at the end of each round. (45 sts per round)

Rnd 10:

• 1 ch.
• Work 1 sc in the back loop only of each stitch (45 sc).
  

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• Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail with the yarn needle.

Steamer Basket Lid

Rnds 1 to 3:

• Repeat the first three rounds of the base exactly (you will have 27 sts at the end of round 3).
  

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Handle:

• After round 3, crochet 13 chains.
• Join the chain strip to the front of the lid with a sl st.
• Work 13 hdc over the chain to reinforce the handle.
• Join again with a sl st to the main body.

Rnd 4:

• 2 ch.
• (2 hdc, 1 inc), repeat all around.
• Join with sl st. (36 sts)

Rnd 5:

• 2 ch.
• (3 hdc, 1 inc), repeat all around.
• Join with sl st. (45 sts)

Rnd 6:

• 2 ch.
• Work 1 front post hdc in each stitch.
• Join with sl st. (45 sts)

Rnd 7:

• For cotton:
  • 2 ch.
  • Work 1 hdc in each stitch.
  • Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail.
• For chenille:
  • Skip round 7 and fasten off after round 6 to avoid creating a lid that's too tall.

Assembly

• Weave in and secure all loose ends, using the yarn needle for a neat finish.
• Place the lid on the base, ensuring that the front post ridges fit together and that the handle is centered and functional.
  

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• If desired, the interior can be padded with batting or felt to provide extra stability, depending on intended use.
  

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Conclusion

The crochet dumpling steamer basket is a playful and decorative piece, ideal for styling kitchens, imaginative play, or as a part of original themed gifts. Periodic increases and post stitches ensure an authentic look, while the option to work with different materials adapts it for both decorative and practical uses. The sturdy, integrated handle guarantees practicality and durability. This project, despite simple techniques, requires attention to stitch counting and finishing details to achieve a professional and resilient piece.