Make your own jars of Emperor’s Smile and sneak them into the Cloud Recesses. Just don’t let anyone catch you.

Based on an important plot element in the popular Danmei novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, this quick project can be used as a bag charm or a standalone plushie. Will yield an approximately 9cm tall plushie when made with DK yarn and a 3.0mm hook. If you want to try making this with DK cotton such as Ricorumi or Sirdar Happy, you may have to adjust your hook size as these yarns work up tighter than acrylic.

The embroidered applique on the front is fiddly to make, but it’s worth it, promise!

The Mandarin sentences in the pattern are lyrics from some of my favourite songs associated with the franchise.

Nope, I’m not obsessed with this story, no sir.

Oh, who am I kidding? It’s a great story and I’m a romantic at heart.

Stitches used: slst, dc, invdec (invisible decrease), htr, tr, magic ring, BLO, FLO.

Update (24/10/2026): Fixed the pattern in Round 7 of the lid, and included a size adjustment for the label applique if you are using DK cotton. Please re-download if you grabbed the pattern before this date. Sowwy!