Crochet Baby Octopus

Introduction:

Welcome to our latest crochet adventure! Today, we’re sharing a delightful pattern for creating your very own crocheted baby octopus amigurumi. These little cephalopods are incredibly cute and surprisingly simple to make, making them a perfect project for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Whether you’re making a gift for a new baby, a toy for a child, or a charming decoration for your home, this baby octopus is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Materials:

  • Worsted weight yarn in your chosen color(s) (approximately 50-70 yards total)

  • Size G (4.0mm) crochet hook (or size to achieve gauge)

  • Safety eyes (8mm or 10mm)

  • Poly-fil or other stuffing material

  • Yarn needle

  • Scissors

  • Stitch marker (optional but highly recommended)

Abbreviations (US Terms):

  • ch: chain

  • sc: single crochet

  • inc: single crochet increase (2 single crochets in one stitch)

  • dec: single crochet decrease (2 single crochets worked together)

  • sl st: slip stitch

  • st(s): stitch(es)

Gauge:

  • 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) (Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is.)

Finished Size:

  • Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) tall

Instructions:

Head (Make 1):

  • Round 1: Begin with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

  • Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

  • Round 3: Sc in the next st, inc repeat around. (18 sts)

  • Round 4: Sc in the next 2 sts, inc repeat around. (24 sts)

  • Round 5: Sc in the next 3 sts, inc repeat around. (30 sts)

  • Round 6: Sc in the next 4 sts, inc repeat around. (36 sts)

  • Rounds 7-14: Sc in each st around. (36 sts per round)

    • Tip: This is a good time to install the safety eyes. Place them between rounds 10 and 11, with about 6-7 stitches between them. Secure the backings firmly.

  • Round 15: Sc in the next 4 sts, dec repeat around. (30 sts)

  • Round 16: Sc in the next 3 sts, dec repeat around. (24 sts)

  • Round 17: Sc in the next 2 sts, dec repeat around. (18 sts)

  • Tip: Start stuffing the head. Continue stuffing as you work the final rounds.

  • Round 18: Sc in the next st, dec repeat around. (12 sts)

  • Round 19: Dec in each st around. (6 sts)

  • Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a short tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull to close the hole. Secure and weave in all ends.

Tentacles (Make 8):

  • Row 1: Join yarn with a sl st to any stitch on the bottom edge of the head. Ch 12.

  • Row 2: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each remaining ch across. (11 sc)

  • Finish: Sl st to the same stitch on the head where you joined the yarn. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.

  • Repeat: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 seven more times, spaced evenly around the bottom edge of the head. There should be a total of 8 tentacles.

Assembly:

  • Secure Tentacles: Thread the yarn tail from each tentacle onto a yarn needle. Fold the tentacle slightly up towards the head and sew it securely to the base of the head. This will help the tentacles curl upwards. Weave in all loose ends.

  • Add Final Touches (Optional): You can dress up your baby octopus even more! Add a tiny crocheted bow or hat, or use a small bit of black yarn to embroider a little smile onto the face.