Free Crochet Peperoncino Amigurumi Pattern (Lucky Charm)
Crochet Your Own Luck: Free Peperoncino Charm Amigurumi Pattern!
Whip up this iconic Italian good luck charm in under two hours.
There's something so charming about small, meaningful projects. I’ve always been fascinated by the Neapolitan *cornetto portafortuna* – that little red chili pepper you see everywhere in Southern Italy, meant to ward off bad luck. The texture of the twisted yarn just feels lucky in your hands. I wanted to create a super fast, super cute version you could make in an afternoon. So, grab your hook, and let's crochet a little bit of good fortune!
- Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
- Size: Approx. 10 cm (4 inches) long
- Hook: 3.0mm
- Time: Under 2 hours
A Dash of Handmade Luck
This little peperoncino isn't just a cute decoration; it's a symbol of protection and good luck, deeply rooted in Italian culture. Making one feels like you're weaving a little bit of that positive energy right into the stitches. It’s the perfect size to hang from your rearview mirror, attach to a keychain, or gift to someone who needs a little boost. It’s a simple project, but the result is so satisfying.
Choosing Your Colors
Traditionally, the charm is a fiery, vibrant red. I used a classic cherry red for that iconic look. For the stem, a bright, leafy green gives it a fresh pop. Don't be afraid to use what you have in your stash! A slightly different shade of red or green will just make your charm uniquely yours. The key is that classic chili pepper shape.
From Yarn to Charm
The pattern works up in a continuous spiral, which means no joining rounds and a lovely, seamless finish. I decided on a 3.0mm hook because it creates a nice, tight fabric so the stuffing doesn't peek through. It’s a small detail, but it makes the final product look so much more professional. It only took me about an hour and a half while watching a movie!
Materials You'll Need
- DK weight yarn in Red (e.g., Schachenmayr Catania in Signal Red)
- DK weight yarn in Green (e.g., Schachenmayr Catania in Apple Green)
- 3.0mm crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- mr
- magic ring
- sc
- single crochet
- inc
- increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec
- decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- sl st
- slip stitch
- FO
- fasten off
Complete Pattern Instructions
Chili Pepper Body (in Red yarn)
Work in a continuous spiral. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
R1: Start with 4 sc in a mr (4)
R2: [sc in next st, inc] x2 (6)
R3: sc in all 6 sts (6)
R4: [sc in next 2 sts, inc] x2 (8)
R5: sc in all 8 sts (8)
R6: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] x2 (10)
R7-8 (2 rounds): sc in all 10 sts (10)
R9: [sc in next 4 sts, inc] x2 (12)
R10-12 (3 rounds): sc in all 12 sts (12)
R13: [sc in next 5 sts, inc] x2 (14)
R14-18 (5 rounds): sc in all 14 sts (14)
Start stuffing the pepper. Continue to stuff as you go.
R19: [sc in next 5 sts, dec] x2 (12)
R20: sc in all 12 sts (12)
R21: [sc in next 4 sts, dec] x2 (10)
R22: [sc in next 3 sts, dec] x2 (8)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Stem (in Green yarn)
R1: Start with 6 sc in a mr (6)
R2: inc in all 6 sts (12)
R3: In back loops only, sc in all 12 sts (12)
R4-5 (2 rounds): sc in all 12 sts (12)
R6: [sc in next 2 sts, dec] x3 (9)
sl st to the first st to close. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Hanging Loop (in Green yarn)
ch 20. FO, leaving tails at both ends.
Assembly
- Finish stuffing the red chili pepper body firmly. Use the tail to weave through the final 8 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end.
- Lightly stuff the green stem.
- Take the green hanging loop and thread the two ends through the center top of the stem, from the outside to the inside. Tie a secure knot inside the stem to fix the loop in place.
- Place the green stem on top of the red pepper, ensuring it's centered. Use the long tail from the stem to sew it securely to the pepper body.
- Weave in any remaining ends. Your Lucky Peperoncino is complete!
Pro Tips
- Use a stitch marker! Working in a spiral can be confusing, and a marker is a lifesaver.
- Stuff firmly but don't overdo it. You want a solid shape without the stitches stretching apart.
- To get the characteristic curve of the pepper, you can gently bend it into shape after it's fully stuffed and sewn.
- When sewing the stem to the body, go through the stitches of both pieces twice to make sure it's extra secure, especially if it's going on a keychain.
- Don't be afraid to make the hanging loop longer or shorter depending on where you plan to hang your charm.
- Make a few at once! They are great for last-minute gifts.
- A tiny drop of fabric stiffener inside the very tip can help it keep a sharp point.