Spooky Crochet Python Pattern: Sleeping on Treasure Tutorial

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Python Pattern

Note: This pattern uses US crochet terminology. UK/Commonwealth terms: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr, tr = dtr.

Working on this unique crochet-python-pattern-free is an absolute joy for creators who love fantasy and adventure themes. Unlike standard animal amigurumi, this design features a textured python coiled neatly and sleeping soundly on top of a classic pirate treasure chest. It makes a beautiful display piece for libraries, desks, or a child’s playroom.

This tutorial is suitable for intermediate crocheters. You will practice crocheting a long, tapered tube with color changes to create realistic snake scales, as well as a structured rectangular box for the treasure chest. Grab your materials and let’s start crafting!

This project is also a wonderful conversation starter. The contrasting green snake scales standing out against the golden treasure coins and wooden-textured chest creates a stunning visually rich display. If you enjoy fantasy gaming or miniature dioramas, this sleeping python will fit right in.

Materials and Tools You Will Need

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn. Colors: Emerald Green and Olive Green (for the python body), Bright Gold (for the coins), Brown (for the treasure chest), and Dark Grey/Black (for chest bands and locks). Cotton yarn is highly recommended for the chest to keep the walls stiff, while soft acrylic is excellent for the snake.
Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm hook to maintain tight tension.
Safety Eyes: 6 mm black safety eyes (optional, since the python is sleeping, you can simply embroider closed eyelids with black thread).
Fiberfill Stuffing: Polyester stuffing for the python body and coins.
Cardboard Plastic Canvas: To reinforce the flat walls of the treasure chest so it retains its rectangular shape.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and structural sewing.
Scissors and Stitch Markers.
Crafting Wire (optional): If you want the python’s body to be fully poseable.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR – Magic Ring
ch – Chain
sc – Single Crochet
hdc – Half Double Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
dec – Decrease (invisible decrease recommended)
sl st – Slip Stitch
BLO – Back Loop Only
FLO – Front Loop Only

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

1. The Sleeping Python

Using Emerald Green yarn. Work in continuous rounds. We will alternate colors between Emerald and Olive every 2 rounds to create a striped scale effect.

Round 1: 6 sc in a Magic Ring (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around (12)
Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18)
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] x 6 (24)
Round 5–8: sc in each st around (24). Embroider two small curved sleeping lines for the eyes on Round 6.
Round 9: [sc 2, dec] x 6 (18)
Round 10–60: sc in each st around (18). Stuff the body lightly with fiberfill as you crochet along. Do not stuff too tightly, or the snake will not bend easily.
Round 61: [sc 4, dec] x 3 (15)
Round 62–90: sc in each st around (15)
Round 91: [sc 3, dec] x 3 (12)
Round 92–110: sc in each st around (12)
Round 111: [sc 2, dec] x 3 (9)
Round 112–120: sc in each st around (9)
Round 121: dec x 4, sc (5). Fasten off and weave in the tail.

2. The Treasure Chest

Using Brown yarn. We will work in rows to create six flat rectangular panels, then assemble them around cardboard inserts.

Front & Back Panels (make 2): Ch 21. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc across (20 sc), ch 1, turn. Row 2–12: sc in each st across (20), ch 1, turn. Fasten off.

Side Panels (make 2): Ch 11. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch, sc across (10 sc), ch 1, turn. Row 2–12: sc in each st across (10). Fasten off.

Bottom & Lid Panels (make 2): Ch 21. Row 1–10: sc in each st (20). Fasten off.

3. Gold Coins Pile

Using Bright Gold yarn. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Round 2: inc x 6 (12). Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18). Round 4: [sc 2, inc] x 6 (24). Round 5: [sc 3, inc] x 6 (30). Fasten off. Make 3 of these flat circles to stack together to represent the golden treasure spilling from the chest.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

First, assemble the treasure chest. Cut panels of cardboard slightly smaller than the crocheted panels. Sandwich the cardboard between the crochet pieces and join them by working sc stitches through both layers along the edges. Use black yarn to embroider vertical metal bands and a lock on the front panel.

Attach the lid to the back of the chest box, leaving it slightly open. Arrange the golden coins inside the opening, allowing some to overflow, and sew them down securely.

Coil the python body into a neat spiral, securing the coils with a few hidden stitches using green yarn. Position the coiled python resting comfortably on top of the chest lid and the golden coins, then sew the snake securely to the lid and coins.

Expert Tips for a Professional Finish

When stuffing the snake’s body, make sure to insert the fiberfill in small clumps. If you overstuff, the body will become stiff and lose its organic coiled shape. You can insert a thin, bendable crafting wire wrapped in fiberfill inside the snake body before closing it to make the python fully poseable.

Care and Cleaning

Keep your amigurumi clean by dusting it periodically with a dry, clean brush. If it gets dirty, spot clean the affected area using a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the treasure chest in water, as the cardboard inside will dissolve and lose its stiffness. If you used plastic canvas instead, you may hand wash the entire piece in cold water.