Whirly the Wonderspin: Free Spinning Amigurumi Pattern

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Whirly the Wonderspin: The Amigurumi Windmill That Actually Moves (Free Pattern)

A playful, interactive amigurumi pattern that actually moves!

There is something undeniably magical about a toy that moves. I remember running through my grandmother’s garden with a plastic pinwheel, watching the colors blur together into a happy streak of motion. That childhood memory was the exact spark for Whirly. I didn’t just want to crochet a windmill; I wanted to build one that actually spins!

This project was a bit of an engineering challenge for me (I may have frogged the roof three times to get the angle right!), but the result is a whimsical, interactive piece that brings so much joy. Whether you're making this for a nursery shelf or adding it to a farm-themed playset, Whirly is ready to catch the breeze of your imagination. Grab your hook, and let's make some magic happen!

Whirly the Wonderspin amigurumi windmill toy standing in a garden setting

Chasing the Wind: The Inspiration Behind Whirly

A sturdy yarn structure for the body was essential to support the moving parts without sagging. I went with a crisp DK cotton because it holds its shape beautifully and gives that high-definition stitch look we all love. For the blades, I wanted colors that popped—Teal and Yellow against the classic Red roof felt playful and vintage all at once. If you love farm-themed makes, Whirly fits right in with friends like Henri the French Rooster or even Rosso the Tomato for a full garden scene.

Close up detail of the teal and yellow crochet windmill blades

Engineering with Yarn: Making it Move

The tricky part was the 'spin'. I didn't want complex hardware, just something simple that a crafter would have in their stash. The secret? A large button or a plastic safety joint! By sandwiching the mechanism between the hub and the roof, we allow Whirly's face to rotate freely. It turns a static decoration into a fidget-friendly toy that you won't be able to stop spinning.

Abbreviations

  • MR or MC: Magic Ring
  • sc: Single Crochet
  • inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
  • dec: Decrease (sc 2 together)
  • BLO: Back Loop Only
  • FO: Fasten Off
Materials needed for the pattern including yarn, hook, and buttons

Click the button below to view the free pattern:

Assembly Instructions

  • 1. Stiffen the Blades: If you made double layers, insert a piece of plastic canvas or heavy cardstock cut to shape before crocheting them shut. This keeps them perky!

  • 2. The Mechanism: Sew the four blades onto the 'Hub' (Nose) at 90-degree angles. Now, take a long strand of strong yarn (or dental floss!). Thread it through the center of the Hub, then through a large button, then through the front of the Roof, and finally secure it inside the Roof with another button or knot. The Hub should rotate freely against the Roof.

  • 3. Attach Roof to Tower: Once the spinning mechanism is secure, stuff the Roof lightly and sew it onto the top of the Tower.

  • 4. Details: Embroider a little door and windows on the white Tower using Brown yarn. I gave mine a little arched door for extra cuteness.

  • 5. Testing: Give it a flick! If it wobbles, tighten the connection between the Hub and Roof slightly.

Finished Whirly the Windmill toy placed on a shelf with other farm amigurumi

Pro Tips for Success

  • Weight it down: Since the head (with the blades) can be heavy, use a small bag of rice or poly-pellets in the base of the Tower to prevent Whirly from tipping over.

  • Smooth Spin: Place a small plastic washer (cut from a milk jug) between the Hub and the Roof to reduce friction for a better spin.

  • Door Detail: Use surface slip stitches to outline the door for a cleaner finish.

About the Author

Alessandra Soti is a fiber artist who sees a story in every skein. She loves creating interactive crochet that brings out the inner child in everyone.