Birthday Cake – Free Crochet Pattern

When I set out to design this amigurumi birthday cake, I wanted a project that was fast, fun, and stress-free, which is why I designed this birthday cake crochet pattern to be 100% no-sew! From the bottom of the base all the way up to the tip of the candle flame, the entire cake is worked continuously in one piece. With clever loop placements and textured stitches, you’ll create defined cake tiers and ruffled frosting as you go without ever picking up a yarn needle.

Whether you need quick birthday crochet ideas for party favors, a cute desk friend, or a sweet handmade keepsake, this project comes together in just a couple of hours.

At a Glance

• Required Skills: Magic ring, single crochet (SC), crocheting in back loops only, crocheting in front loops only, puff stitch, SC decrease (SC2tog, invisible decrease recommended).
• Yarn: This pattern can be made in any yarn weight! It is shown in medium (4) worsted weight yarn.
• Hook Size: The hook size that best suits your chosen yarn so that your stitches are tight and your stuffing will not show through. The crochet birthday cake shown was made with a 4.0mm (G) hook.
• Finished Size: Approximately 4.5″ tall.
• Expert Tips & Customizations: Get tips for the best amigurumi birthday cake, as well as creative customization ideas.

I would classify this birthday cake crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

Want to save this project for an upcoming birthday? You can pin this no-sew birthday cake on Pinterest or queue it on Ravelry so it’s ready when you need it!

Free Crochet Pattern for Birthday Cake

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
PUFF = puff stitch
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

PUFF (7 loop): Yarn over, insert hook into designated stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop (7 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook. Chain 1 to lock in place.

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

• Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
• This piece is worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
• Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
• Piece requires stuffing. Stuff as you work to ensure it is completely filled. Do not overstuff so that the piece keeps the desired shape. See Finishing for more details.
• See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

First Tier

Using color A (shown as pink):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R7: Working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R8-10: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

Using color B (shown as white):

R11: *PUFF in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (54 sts)

R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

Using color A (shown in pink):

R13: Working in the back loops only, *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R14: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R8 and R9 with 5 sts showing between each eye.

Fill with stuffing. Do not fasten off. Move on to Second Tier.

Second Tier

Using color C (shown as teal):

R15: Working in the front loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R16-17: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Using color B (shown as white):

R18: *PUFF in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

Using color C (shown as teal):

R20: Working in the back loops only, *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Do not fasten off. Move on to Candle.

Candle

Using color D (shown as purple):

R22: Working in the front loops only, *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R23-25: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R26: Working in the back loops only, *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Do not fasten off. Move on to Flame.

Flame

Using color E (shown as yellow):

R27: Working in the front loops only, *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R28: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R29: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R30: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R31: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of the front loops only of the remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Using color F (shown as black), embroider a smile that is 4 sts wide and 2 rounds high, over R7-8.

If you are using a plush yarn or have added too much stuffing, the tiers of your cake may not remain flat. To ensure that they keep the intended shape, add a strand of yarn from the top of the second tier, through the middle of the cake, and secure it to the base of the cake to encourage the layers to stay flat.

I hope you enjoyed making this free birthday cake crochet pattern! There’s nothing better than finishing a project and having zero pieces to sew together.

I would love to see your finished cakes! If you share your creation on social media, be sure to tag me @thenicolechase so I can see your work.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Birthday Cake

Designer Tips and Tricks

Crocheting a completely seamless, continuous piece is so rewarding, but a few small details can make a huge difference in your finished cake. Here are my top tips for the best result:

• Because this pattern is worked in continuous rounds, it’s easy to lose track of where your rounds begin. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep your stitch count accurate.
• Transitioning between cake tiers, frosting, and candle requires several color changes. Traditional color changes can leave a noticeable step in your stitches. To keep your color lines crisp and smooth around the entire cake, use my seamless color change method for crochet.
• To make sure your two-tiered cake stands upright, be sure to stuff firmly at the bottom to create a solid base. If you add too much stuffing, you may want to use a strand of yarn to hold your layers closer together to keep the top of the tiers flat.

Want to elevate your amigurumi skills even further? For more expert advice on the invisible decrease, preventing holes, tension, and more, check out my complete guide on amigurumi tips and tricks for beginners!

Birthday Cake Crochet Pattern Alterations & Variations

• If you want to turn this small accessory into a large, squishy plushie, swap out the worsted weight yarn for a chenille or plush yarn like Parfait Chunky. Make sure that you also size your hook size appropriately.
• While safety eyes and an embroidered smile give this cake a fun look, you can easily make a classic, realistic cake my omitting the safety eyes and facial embroidery.
• Don’t feel limited in your color selection! Use pastel yellow and mint for a fun baby shower decoration, or match colors to suit your favorite holiday for a fun decoration.

More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns You’ll Love

If you enjoyed making this no-sew cake, here are a few more popular free patterns to try next:

• Valentina the Valentine Giraffe – Looking for another seasonal project? This adorable holiday giraffe makes a sweet handmade gift!
• Fergus the Frog – Love fast, zero-assembly designs? Try this cute no-sew frog pattern for another seamless plushie.
• Ollie the Otter – Create a sweet, palm-sized water pal with this fun and detailed animal pattern.