Create a colorful crochet betta fish with beautiful flowing fins! This easy-to-follow crochet pattern is perfect for colorful amigurumi, home décor, gifts, and fish lovers.
6
Crochet Betta Fish Free Pattern
This adorable crochet betta fish is inspired by the elegant shape and dramatic flowing fins of a Siamese fighting fish. The body is crocheted in the round, while the large decorative fins are worked separately and attached afterward.
The best part of this project is that you can experiment with different yarn colors to create your own beautiful collection of betta fish!
Use contrasting colors for the fins to recreate the colorful striped effect shown in the photos.
Skill Level
Intermediate
The body is relatively simple, but the large ruffled fins require some basic increases and decreases.
Materials
- Worsted-weight cotton yarn in your main color
- Small amounts of contrasting yarn colors
- 2 black safety eyes, approximately 8–10 mm
- Crochet hook suitable for your yarn
- Polyester fiberfill
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
Suggested Color Combinations
Try combinations such as:
- Purple + pink + blue
- Orange + yellow + white
- Green + blue
- Red + turquoise
- Pink + white
You can also use several colors in the fins for a striped, multicolored effect.
Crochet Abbreviations – US Terms
- MR – Magic ring
- ch – Chain
- sc – Single crochet
- hdc – Half double crochet
- dc – Double crochet
- tr – Treble crochet
- sl st – Slip stitch
- inc – Increase
- dec – Decrease
- st – Stitch
- FO – Fasten off
Finished size: approximately 7–9 inches (18–23 cm), depending on yarn and hook size.
Part 1 – Crochet Fish Body
The body is worked continuously in the round.
Round 1
Make a magic ring.
6 sc into the magic ring.
(6)
Round 2
2 sc in each stitch around.
(12)
Round 3
1 sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch.
Repeat around.
(18)
Round 4
2 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch.
Repeat around.
(24)
Round 5
1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch.
Repeat around.
(30)
Rounds 6–10
Sc in each stitch around.
(30)
The body should now begin to form an oval shape.
Round 11
Sc in next 3 stitches, sc2tog.
Repeat around.
(24)
Round 12
Sc in each stitch around.
(24)
Round 13
Sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog.
Repeat around.
(18)
Begin stuffing the body firmly but do not overfill it.
Round 14
Sc in next stitch, sc2tog.
Repeat around.
(12)
Round 15
Sc2tog around.
(6)
Add a little more stuffing if necessary.
Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Close the remaining opening and weave in the end.
Part 2 – Fish Face
Attach the safety eyes between approximately Rounds 7 and 9, leaving several stitches between them.
For a more expressive betta fish, position the eyes slightly toward the front of the body.
You can also embroider a tiny mouth using black yarn.
Part 3 – Large Tail Fin
The spectacular tail is what gives this crochet fish its characteristic betta appearance.
Work the tail flat using the main color.
Row 1
Ch 2.
Work 5 hdc into the second chain from the hook.
Turn.
(5)
Row 2
Ch 2.
2 hdc in each stitch across.
Turn.
(10)
Row 3
Ch 2.
1 hdc in next stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch.
Repeat across.
Turn.
(15)
Row 4
Ch 2.
1 hdc in next 2 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch.
Repeat across.
Turn.
(20)
Row 5
Ch 2.
1 hdc in next 3 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch.
Repeat across.
Turn.
(25)
Row 6
Ch 2.
Work 2 hdc in every stitch across.
Turn.
(50)
This creates a wide fan shape.
Creating the Ruffled Edge
For the characteristic wavy betta-fish tail, work along the outer edge:
sl st in next stitch, sc in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, sc in next stitch.
Repeat this sequence around the curved edge.
Fasten off.
Tip for a Multicolored Tail
For the striped appearance in the photograph, change colors every 1–2 rows.
For example:
Purple → Pink → Purple → Blue
or
Red → Turquoise → Red → Turquoise
This creates beautiful contrasting stripes without needing a complicated stitch pattern.
Part 4 – Dorsal Fin
The dorsal fin sits on top of the fish’s body.
Row 1
Ch 2.
Work 6 hdc into the second chain from the hook.
Turn.
Row 2
Ch 2.
2 hdc in each stitch across.
(12)
Row 3
Ch 2.
1 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch.
Repeat across.
(18)
Row 4
Ch 2.
Work 1 hdc in each stitch across.
Fasten off.
Add a decorative scalloped edge using:
sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc
along the outer edge.
Part 5 – Bottom Fin
Make the lower fin in the same way as the dorsal fin, but make it slightly smaller.
Row 1
Ch 2.
5 hdc into the second chain from the hook.
Row 2
2 hdc in each stitch across.
Row 3
1 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch.
Repeat across.
Row 4
Hdc in each stitch across.
Finish with a scalloped border.
Part 6 – Side Fins
Make two side fins.
Row 1
Ch 5.
Starting in the second chain from the hook:
sc, hdc, dc, 4 dc in the last chain.
Continue working along the opposite side of the chain.
sc, hdc, sl st.
Fasten off.
Add a contrasting color around the edge using single crochet.
Part 7 – Finishing the Crochet Betta Fish
Now it’s time to assemble your fish!
Place the large tail fin at the back of the body and sew it securely in place.
Attach the dorsal fin along the top of the body.
Attach the bottom fin underneath the body.
Finally, sew one side fin to each side of the fish.
Use the photographs as a guide for positioning the fins.
Important
Sew the fins securely, especially if the fish will be used as a toy.
For a decorative piece, you can make the fins even larger to create a dramatic flowing effect.
How to Make the Fins Look Extra Ruffled
The secret to getting that beautiful flowing betta-fish fin effect is using several increases along the outer edge.
If you want an even fuller appearance, work:
2–3 stitches into the same stitch
in selected sections of the border.
This makes the fabric naturally curl and wave.
You can also use a slightly larger crochet hook for the fins than for the body. This gives them a softer and more delicate drape.
Color Ideas for Your Crochet Betta Fish
One of the most fun things about this project is choosing the colors.
Purple Betta Fish
Main color: purple
Fin colors: pink + blue
Orange Betta Fish
Main color: yellow
Fin colors: orange + white
Blue and Green Betta Fish
Main color: turquoise
Fin colors: green + royal blue
Red Betta Fish
Main color: burgundy or red
Fin colors: turquoise + red
Pink Betta Fish
Main color: pink
Fin colors: white + hot pink
Crochet Betta Fish Pattern Tips
For a more realistic-looking fish, keep the body relatively compact and make the fins much larger.
The tail should be the largest fin, while the dorsal and bottom fins can be slightly smaller.
For the colorful striped effect, don’t be afraid to use several yarn colors. Alternating two contrasting colors every row can create a gorgeous effect.
You can also gently shape the fins with your fingers after crocheting to give them a more natural flowing appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is best for a crochet betta fish?
Cotton yarn is an excellent choice because it produces defined stitches and holds the shape of the fins well. Worsted-weight or medium-weight yarn works particularly well.
Can I make this crochet fish bigger?
Yes! Use thicker yarn and a larger crochet hook to create a larger fish. You can also increase the number of rounds in the body.
Can beginners make this crochet fish?
The body is beginner-friendly, but the decorative fins involve increases, decreases, and shaping. If you are new to crochet, I recommend practicing the fin before making the complete fish.
Can I use different colors?
Absolutely! Betta fish are known for their beautiful colors, so this pattern is perfect for experimenting with different yarn combinations.
Free Crochet Betta Fish Pattern
This crochet betta fish pattern is a fun project for crocheters who love colorful amigurumi and realistic-looking crochet animals. The combination of the rounded body and oversized ruffled fins creates an eye-catching decoration that can be customized in countless colors.
Make a whole collection of crochet Siamese fighting fish using different color combinations and fin patterns!
Pin this pattern and save it for your next crochet project! 🧶🐟
