Ring, Ring! Say Hello to Ringo, Your New Crochet Friend

A Free Amigurumi Pattern for a Charming Retro Rotary Phone

I still remember the heavy, satisfying clunk of the receiver on my Nonna’s old rotary phone. The whirring sound of the dial was the soundtrack to my childhood afternoons, a sound that meant a chat with a friend was just a few spins away. I wanted to capture that feeling, that little piece of tangible history, in yarn. And so, Ringo was born! He’s a little nod to a slower time, a time of tangled cords and real, patient conversations. This pattern is for my fellow nostalgia lovers. It's a bit of an intermediate project, but every stitch is filled with so much character, I promise you'll have a smile on your face the whole time. He’s a bit more complex than some of my simpler projects like my beginner-friendly tomato friend, Rosso, but he's just as lovable and makes the perfect quirky desk buddy.

What You'll Need to Call Ringo to Life

To get started on your own little hotline, you'll need a few things from your stash. Nothing too fancy! I used worsted weight yarn because I love the sturdy feel it gives amigurumi, but feel free to experiment. Imagine Ringo in a bright sunshine yellow, a classic black, or even a fun pastel pink! Here's the full list: Main Color Worsted Weight Yarn (for the body and handset), Accent Color Worsted Weight Yarn (for the dial and cord), a 3.5mm (E) crochet hook, a pair of 8mm safety eyes, fluffy Polyester Fiberfill for stuffing, a trusty Tapestry Needle, Scissors, and of course, Stitch Markers (they're your best friend!).

A Note on Size

Using the recommended yarn and hook size, your finished Ringo will be approximately 18-20cm tall. He's the perfect size to sit on a shelf or desk and keep you company. Don't worry too much about hitting an exact gauge; the most important thing for amigurumi is that your stitches are tight enough so the stuffing doesn't peek through.

Abbreviations

• 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
• ch: Chain
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• [...]: Repeat instructions in brackets as directed
• (...): Stitch count at the end of the round

Pattern

Assembly

Now for my favorite part – watching it all come together! Take a deep breath, put on some good music, and let's give Ringo his personality.

1. Attach the Dial: Pin the rotary dial to the center of the phone's face, right below the eyes. Use the long tail to sew it securely in place.
2. Add Dial Details: Using a strand of black yarn or embroidery floss, stitch a small circle or a 'stopper' piece near the edge of the dial to mimic a real rotary phone.
3. Attach the Handset: Position the handset on top of the main body, slightly angled. Use the long tail from the handset to sew it firmly in place. You might need a few extra stitches to make sure it's stable.
4. Attach the Feet: Sew the four little feet to the bottom of the phone body, positioning them evenly so Ringo can stand up straight. Getting the pieces placed just right is key to personality, a lesson I really learned while making the tiny details on my Frida Kahlo doll pattern.
5. Connect the Cord: Sew one end of the curly cord to the side of the main body and the other end to the side of the handset. Let it hang in a natural, loopy way.
6. Finishing Touches: Add a little smile with black embroidery thread if you like! Weave in any remaining ends, and you're done! You've crocheted a little piece of the past.

Pro Tips

• Stuff as you go! For pieces like the main body, it's so much easier to stuff firmly as you work your decrease rounds rather than trying to cram it all in at the end.
• The Invisible Decrease: To make your decreases nearly invisible, try the invisible decrease method (working in the front loops only). It creates a much smoother finish on amigurumi.
• Don't Skip the Stitch Marker: Seriously, it's a lifesaver for working in continuous rounds. Place it in the first stitch of every round so you never lose your place.
• Get Creative: Don't be afraid to change the colors! A pastel rainbow phone? A sleek, modern gray one? The options are endless. If you want more inspiration for adding unique character, check out the charming details on my Faithful Friend classic dog amigurumi.

About the Author

Clara Miliano finds joy in turning skeins of yarn into cherished memories. She believes every stitch tells a story and loves sharing her nostalgic, heartfelt creations with the world.