This crochet lemon pattern creates an elongated citrus shape with a full center, tapered ends, a simple green leaf, and a small stem. The lemon body is worked in continuous rounds, then finished with the separate leaf and stem.

The design is approximately 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) long, depending on yarn, hook size, tension, stuffing, and individual technique.

Project Overview

What You’ll Make

You’ll crochet three main pieces:

One yellow lemon body
One green leaf
One green stem

The lemon body expands to its widest point in the middle and then gradually narrows toward the top. The leaf and stem are crocheted separately and attached during finishing.

Project Details

Project: Crochet lemon amigurumi
Approximate size: 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) long
Yarn: Medium/worsted-weight yarn
Hook: 3.25 mm
Main color: Yellow
Accent color: Green
Construction: Lemon body worked in continuous rounds, with separate leaf and stem
Terminology: US crochet terms

The size is an approximate design target rather than a guaranteed finished measurement.

Materials & Tools

Yellow worsted-weight yarn
Green worsted-weight yarn
3.25 mm crochet hook
Polyester fiberfill or similar stuffing
Tapestry or yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch marker

Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology:

MR — magic ring
ch — chain
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
inc — increase, 2 sc in the same stitch
dec — single crochet decrease
sl st — slip stitch
FO — fasten off

Before You Start

Work the lemon body and stem in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted.

Keep track of the beginning of each round with a stitch marker and check your stitch count before continuing. The shape of the lemon depends on maintaining the correct number of stitches throughout the pattern.

Stuff as You Go

Begin stuffing the lemon after Round 8.

Add the fiberfill gradually as you continue through the decrease rounds. Aim for a firm but flexible shape rather than packing the body tightly.

Avoid overstuffing, which can stretch the stitches and distort the tapered ends.

Construction Order

For the cleanest workflow:

Crochet the lemon body.
Crochet the leaf.
Crochet the stem.
Attach the leaf to the stem.
Attach the completed leaf-and-stem assembly to the lemon.
Weave in the ends and shape the finished fruit.

Crochet Lemon Pattern

Lemon Body

Make 1 in yellow yarn.

Round 1

6 sc in MR. (6)

Round 2

6 inc. (12)

Round 3

(sc, inc) × 6. (18)

Round 4

(2 sc, inc) × 6. (24)

Round 5

sc around. (24)

Round 6

sc around. (24)

Round 7

sc around. (24)

Round 8

sc around. (24)

Begin adding stuffing gradually after this round.

Round 9

sc around. (24)

Continue shaping the fruit while keeping the center evenly stuffed.

Round 10

(2 sc, dec) × 6. (18)

Round 11

sc around. (18)

Add more stuffing as needed while keeping the surface smooth.

Round 12

(sc, dec) × 6. (12)

Check the silhouette before closing the final opening. The center should remain fuller than the tapered end.

Round 13

6 dec. (6)

Add only enough final stuffing to maintain the shape.

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail.

Using a yarn needle, weave the tail through the final 6 stitches and gently pull the opening closed. Secure the yarn and weave in the remaining end.

Gently shape the fruit with your fingers so that it has a fuller middle and narrower ends.

Leaf

Make 1 in green yarn.

Foundation

Ch 8.

Do not turn.

Work back along one side of the chain:

sc in 2nd ch from hook
hdc in next ch
dc in next ch
dc in next ch
hdc in next ch
sc in next ch
3 sc in last ch

Continue around the opposite side of the foundation chain:

sc in next ch
hdc in next ch
dc in next ch
dc in next ch
hdc in next ch
sc in next ch

Sl st to the first sc.

Leaf stitch count: 15 stitches

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Optional Leaf Vein

For extra definition, use green yarn to embroider a simple line from the base of the leaf toward the center.

This is decorative and does not change the crochet stitch count.

Stem

Make 1 in green yarn.

Round 1

5 sc in MR. (5)

Round 2

sc around. (5)

Round 3

sc around. (5)

Round 4

sc around. (5)

Do not heavily stuff the stem. It should remain small and slightly flexible.

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Assembly

Step 1: Attach the Leaf to the Stem

Place the narrow base of the leaf beside the lower part of the stem.

Use the green sewing tail to secure the leaf to the stem with small stitches.

Keep the leaf slightly open rather than pulling it tightly against the stem.

Step 2: Attach the Leaf-and-Stem Assembly to the Lemon

Find the center of the closed top of the lemon.

Place the completed stem-and-leaf assembly at the top center of the lemon and sew the stem securely into the upper stitches.

Work around the base of the stem several times to create a stable attachment.

Before finishing the last stitches, view the lemon from the front, back, and sides to make sure the stem remains centered.

Step 3: Finish the Attachment

Check that the leaf remains visible and is angled slightly away from the stem.

Secure all remaining sewing tails and weave them into the project.

Finishing

Once all the components are attached, gently reshape the lemon with your fingers.

The finished fruit should have:

A fuller center
Narrower ends
A centered stem
A visible green leaf
No exposed stuffing
Securely woven yarn ends

Helpful Tips

Keep your stitch counts consistent from round to round. If a stitch is accidentally added or skipped, correct it before continuing whenever possible.

Add stuffing gradually rather than waiting until the opening is very small. Small amounts are easier to distribute evenly.

Before closing the lemon completely, check the silhouette and adjust the stuffing if one area looks too full or too flat.

For the leaf and stem, leave long enough yarn tails for secure sewing and finishing.

Troubleshooting

My stitch count is different.

Stop and check the previous round before continuing. The increase and decrease structure controls the lemon’s final shape, so an extra or missing stitch can affect the proportions.

My lemon looks too round.

Check the stuffing first. Too much fiberfill can push the sides outward and make the lemon more spherical than intended.

My stitches look loose.

Check your tension and make sure you are using the specified hook size. Loose stitches can also make the stuffing more visible.

My lemon looks lumpy.

Add and distribute the stuffing gradually. Avoid placing one large amount in a single area.

My stem is leaning.

Before completing the final sewing stitches, look at the lemon from several angles and adjust the stem until it is centered.

My leaf does not sit correctly.

Check that the leaf is securely attached to the stem and that it is not being pulled too tightly during sewing. Gentle shaping can help define its position.

Customization Ideas

Try a Different Citrus Color

The same general design can be adapted to other citrus-inspired colors. A green version can create a lime-like variation.

Change the Leaf Detail

Leave the leaf plain for a simple finish, or add the optional embroidered center vein for extra definition.

Adjust the Finished Size

Using a different yarn weight or hook size can change the overall size of the lemon. Keep in mind that both the dimensions and the fabric texture can change with the materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the finished crochet lemon?

The design target is approximately 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) long. Actual size can vary with yarn, hook size, tension, stuffing, and individual technique.

What yarn is used for this crochet lemon?

The pattern uses medium/worsted-weight yarn, with yellow for the lemon and green for the leaf and stem.

When should I start stuffing the lemon?

Begin adding stuffing after Round 8, then continue adding small amounts as the body narrows.

Does the leaf need stuffing?

No. The leaf is a flat crocheted component.

Does the stem need stuffing?

The stem should not be heavily stuffed. Keeping it light helps it remain slightly flexible.

Can I use a different yarn weight?

Changing yarn weight can change the finished size and appearance. It can also affect the fabric and may require a different hook size.

Does this pattern use safety eyes?

No. This lemon design does not include eyes or facial features.

Can I make the lemon in another color?

Yes. Changing the main yarn color can create other fruit-inspired variations while retaining the same general construction.

More Food Amigurumi

A crochet lemon is a natural addition to a collection of fruit and food-inspired amigurumi. Pair it with other crochet fruit projects to create a colorful handmade collection.

Final Thoughts

This crochet lemon combines a simple shaped body with a separate leaf and stem to create a recognizable citrus silhouette.

Keep an eye on your stitch counts, add stuffing gradually, and take time to check the shape before closing the lemon. The result should have a rounded center, tapered ends, and a neatly finished leafy top.