🍊💚 Welcome! In today’s tutorial, I’m turning an AI-generated image into a real, squishy macaron plushie — complete with whipped topping, bold citrus colors, and lots of personality!
🍊🧁 Whether you’re looking for a fun amigurumi project or just love food-themed plushies, this pattern is free, beginner-friendly, and includes a full step-by-step video.
🍊 Video Tutorial 🎥
Prefer to follow along step-by-step? 🎥
Watch the full video tutorial below and crochet your own Citrus Whip Macaron Plushie with me!
In this video, I walk you through how I turned an AI-generated image into a real plushie — and how I took notes along the way to create a FREE pattern just for you. ✨
👉 Grab your yarn, hook, and let’s crochet it together!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Project
✅ Beginner-Friendly – Uses simple shaping, basic stitches, and zero sewing for most versions!
🎨 Bright + Bold Colors – Mix citrus tones like orange, lime, or pink to make it extra fun.
🧵 Stash-Buster Friendly – A great way to use small amounts of colorful yarn scraps.
🎁 Giftable & Collectible – Makes a perfect party favor, toy shelf cutie, or desk companion!
🔁 AI vs. Me Series – Based on an original AI image and adapted into a real crochet plushie.
😍 Expressive Details – Add faces, whipped topping, and fun extras like a tongue or bow!
✨ Inspiration Behind the Design
I wanted to create something playful, expressive, and totally gift-worthy — and this citrus-themed macaron plushie was originally generated by AI as part of my AI vs. Me crochet challenge. I loved the concept so much, I decided to bring it to life with bold yarn colors and sweet stitched details.
As I recreated the plush, I made two styles: one using regular stitches and one using BLO (Back Loop Only) for a cleaner, modern look.
💡 Tip: Try adding whipped cream swirls, winking eyes, or a second color shell to customize your macaron plushie!
🧵 Materials You’ll Need
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting YarnCreationIdeas! 💛
🧶 Yarn
🍑 Baby Yarn #3 Acrylic – Used for cheeks and tongue
👉 Buy on Amazon🍊 The Woobles Easy Peasy Yarn #4
🧊 Lion Brand Yarn Turbo – Color: White
👉 Buy⚫ Yarn Bee Fundamental Cotton – Color: Black
👉 Buy
🧰 Tools
🧵 Clover Hook – 4.0 mm (Purple)
👉 Buy🪡 Clover Hook – 2.75 mm (Yellow)
👉 Buy🌈 Clover Hook Set
👉 Buy🧷 Stitch Markers – Clover
👉 Buy
🪡 Finishing Tools
🪡 Clover Needles
👉 Buy👁️🗨️ Large Eye Needles
👉 Buy🌀 Yarn Holder / Spinner
👉 Buy☁️ Polyfill Stuffing
👉 Buy
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🧵 Stitch Abbreviations (US & UK)
| Abbreviation | US Term | UK Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | Chain | Foundation or turning stitch |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | Slip Stitch | Join or move without height |
| sc | Single Crochet | Double Crochet | Short, tight stitch |
| dc | Double Crochet | Treble Crochet | Taller stitch with one yarn over |
| tr | Treble Crochet | Double Treble Crochet | Very tall stitch with two yarn overs |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet | Half Treble Crochet | Mid-height stitch with one yarn over |
| inc | Increase | Increase | Two stitches in one stitch |
| dec | Decrease | Decrease | Two stitches worked together |
| FO | Fasten Off | Fasten Off | Cut and secure yarn |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) | Stitch(es) | General stitch reference |
| BLO | Back Loop Only | Back Loop Only | Work into back loop for texture |
| STACKED SC | Stacked Single Crochet | Stacked Double Crochet (UK) | Used in place of a turning chain |
✂️ Tip: You can screenshot or print this Stitch Abbreviations Chart to keep next to your workspace. It’s especially handy if you’re switching between US and UK terms or learning new stitch names!
🧶 Skill Level
✅ Level: Beginner to Confident Beginner
✅✅⚪️⚪️⚪️
This project is great for newer crocheters who know how to work in the round and feel comfortable changing colors. The shaping is simple, and you’ll practice techniques like invisible decreases and optional back loop stitches for structure and style.
✔️ Techniques Used:
Magic Ring (MR)
Single Crochet (SC)
Invisible Decrease (INV DEC)
Slip Stitch (SL ST)
Back Loop Only (BLO – optional)
Color Changes – to switch yarns between shell, filling, and topping
🎨 Swapping colors between layers gives the macaron its bold, playful look!
💡 If you’re comfortable with simple shaping and basic amigurumi rounds, you’ll love this plushie project!
✨ Citrus Whip Macaron Plushie – Free Pattern Instructions
🧶 Yarn: Medium Weight (#4) & Light Weight (#3)
🪝 Hooks: 4.0 mm & 2.75 mm
📏 Finished Size: Approx. 4” tall x 6” wide
🔁 Note: Worked in a continuous spiral – do not join rounds unless noted
🟠 Macaron Base (Start in Orange)
Round 1: MR, 8 SC (8)
Round 2: INC in each st around (16)
Round 3: (1 INC, 1 SC) x 8 = (24)
Round 4: (2 SC, 1 INC) x 8 = (32)
Round 5: (1 INC, 3 SC) x 8 = (40)
Rounds 6–8: SC in each st (40)
Change color to Beige
Round 9: BLO SC in each st (40)
Rounds 10–14: SC in each st (40)
💡 Add a decorative row of Slip Stitch just after the color change (Row 9) to create a defined macaron edge.
🟩 Top Macaron Shell (Green)
Round 1: MR, 8 SC (8)
Round 2: INC in each st (16)
Round 3: (1 INC, 1 SC) x 8 = (24)
Round 4: (2 SC, 1 INC) x 8 = (32)
Round 5: (1 INC, 3 SC) x 8 = (40)
Rounds 6–8: SC in each st (40)
✅ Attach this shell to the beige layer at the top of the base macaron before adding the Smiling Macaron Cap on top.
This helps close the macaron completely and gives it the classic filled sandwich look.
🧁 Smiling Macaron Cap (Top in Orange)
Round 1: MR, 6 SC (6)
Round 2: INC in each st (12)
Round 3: (1 INC, 1 SC) x 6 = (18)
Round 4: (2 SC, 1 INC) x 6 = (24)
Round 5: (1 INC, 3 SC) x 6 = (30)
Round 6: (4 SC, 1 INC) x 6 = (36)
Round 7: (1 INC, 5 SC) x 6 = (42)
Round 8: 2 SC, (1 INC, 6 SC) x 5, 1 INC, 4 SC = (48)
Round 9: (7 SC, 1 INC) x 6 = (54)
Rounds 10–12: SC in each st (54)
Begin staggered decreases:
Round 13: (7 SC, INV DEC) x 6 = (48)
Round 14: (4 SC, INV DEC) x 8 = (40)
Mark center of the face = 20 stitches. Begin adding facial features.
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😄 Facial Features (Details)
Eyes:
Left Eye (Large) (Make 2):
MR, 6 SC
6 INC (12 SC)
(1 SC, 1 INC) around = (18 SC)
Embroider a small white stitch on top for highlight
Right Eye (Small):
MR, 4 SC
CH 3 on both sides for a rounded eyelid look
Mouth:
Free-form embroidery
Use black yarn
Add a pink tongue: CH 5 + CH 2, work 5 DC into foundation CH, attach
Cheeks:
Make 4 pink circles: MR, 6 SC
🍥 Whipped Cream Toppers
Small Swirl:
MR, 6 SC
(1 INC, 1 SC)
Work spiral slip stitches in BLO to shape the swirl
Large Swirl:
MR, 6 SC
Round 2: 6 INC = (12)
Round 3: 12 SC
Round 4: 12 SC
Round 5: (4 SC, 1 DEC, 4 SC, 1 DC)
Round 6: 10 SC
🧷 Assembly Instructions
🔄 Join the Top Green Shell to the Beige Layer
Once you’ve completed the beige rounds (Round 14 of the base), align and stitch the green top shell onto the beige layer. Use whip stitch or single crochet to join — this closes the macaron “filling.”😊 Attach the Smiling Macaron Cap
Place the smiling orange cap (with face details) on top of the closed green shell. Lightly stuff the macaron if desired before stitching the cap into place.🍥 Add the Whipped Cream Details
Stitch the small and large white swirls onto the top of the Smiling Cap. You can sew them flat or give them dimension by shaping them upward.👁️ Position & Attach Facial Features
Use your tapestry needle to place and sew on the eyes, cheeks, and tongue as described in the pattern. Use safety eyes or embroidery depending on preference.✨ Finishing Touches
Weave in all ends securely, shape your plushie gently with your hands, and fluff any whipped details. Your macaron is now complete!
📌 Pattern Terms of Use & License
✅ You are welcome to sell finished products made from this pattern — handmade with love is always appreciated!
❌ You may not sell, reproduce, or redistribute the pattern itself in any form, whether digital or printed.
📄 For kits, workshops, or mass production, please contact me directly to request permission.
😄 If you share your finished Citrus Whip Macaron Plushie, I’d love to see it!
Please credit:
👉 YarnCreationIdeas.com
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