Free Crochet Octopus Pattern (+ Video Tutorial)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a free crochet octopus pattern.
This little octopus project is a great way to use up leftover yarns in your yarn stash.
It is also a really fun project that can help you to learn new crochet stitches and techniques.
Please scroll down to view the free pattern or grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.
An Easy Level Crochet Pattern
The pattern is fairly straight forward and even if you are new to crochet, you will be able to make one.
The pattern will help you to crochet a circle, decrease and make the curly tentacles (twirly crochet octopus legs).
There is a video tutorial showing you how to make octopus legs.
You can view the video tutorial on my YouTube channel here.
How Long Does It Take To Crochet An Octopus?
The time it takes to crochet an octopus can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the pattern, your crocheting speed, your experience level, and the size of the octopus you want to make.
For a simple and small amigurumi octopus, it might take a few hours to complete.
This assumes you have some basic crochet skills and are familiar with making amigurumi patterns.
For more intricate and larger octopus designs, it could take several hours or even a few days to complete, especially if you’re a beginner or if the pattern includes more complex stitches and details.
Keep in mind that crocheting can be a relaxing and enjoyable process, and the time spent creating your octopus can be just as rewarding as the finished product.
If you’re making an octopus as a gift or for a specific event, it’s always a good idea to start well in advance to allow enough time to complete the project without rushing.
Ultimately, the time it takes to crochet an octopus is unique to each individual and their particular crocheting skills and circumstances.
Enjoy the process, take your time, and have fun bringing your cute amigurumi octopuses to life!
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This pattern is great for any advanced beginners.
- You should be comfortable making a slip knot (how to make a slip knot (step by step)) and creating a chain (how to start a crochet chain).
- You should be comfortable working single crochet (how to single crochet (SC)).
- You should be comfortable making a single crochet decrease (how to make a single crochet decrease).
- You should also be comfortable reading crochet patterns (how to read crochet patterns for beginners).
- And understanding crochet abbreviations and terms (US + UK).
Free Crochet Octopus Pattern
Purchase the inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
Notes
If this Octopus is to be given as a toy, you must make sure the eyes are secure and safe, you can stitch them on or use safety eyes.
This is a great gift for kids as who doesn’t love these lovely creatures?!
They can bring a lot of comfort to little ones as they can hold onto the legs with small hands.
You may also like this post that has information and features octopus crochet patterns for premature babies. – How To Crochet An Octopus For A Preemie.
Copyright Info
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C please read my Terms of Use.
Skill Level – Easy
Size –
- Length = 10 inches
- Width = 4 inches (the body/head)
Gauge – 12 sts and 10 rounds in 2 inches
The Supplies You Need…
Yarn
- 1 skein of 4-ply/superfine/fingering cotton yarn
- For the green Octopus with white eyes – 4-ply cotton.
- For the multicolored octopus – a self-striping 4-ply yarn – Alize Bahar Batik (available from Yarn Street).
- Super Fine 01 weight
- Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)
Hooks
- Crochet hook size 2 mm (US 0).
- Crochet hook size 3 mm (US C/2), use 3 mm for tentacles (optional).
- You can of course experiment with the hook size and yarn weight.
Notions
- Tape measure
- Darning needle/yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
Other Materials
Abbreviations / Crochet Abbreviations And Terms (US + UK) List
The pattern is written using US crochet terms and abbreviations.
- sc – single crochet
- st – stitch
- sts – stitches
- ch – chain –
- inc – 2 sc in 1 stitch to increase
- sl st – slip stitch
- dec – decrease by crocheting the next 2 sc together
Pattern Instructions
Body >
Working in continuous rounds: Using a 2mm hook.
- 1st round: 6 sc in a magic ring
- 2nd round: 2 sc in each st (12 sts)
- 3rd round: *1 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (18 sts)
- 4th round: *2 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (24 sts)
- 5th round: *3 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (30 sts)
- 6th round: *4 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (36 sts)
- 7th round : *5 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (42sts)
- 8th – 16th round: 1 sc in each st (42 sts)
- 17th round: *5 sc, 1 dec* x 6 (36 sts)
- 18th – 19th round: 1 sc in each st (36 sts)
- 20th round: *4 sc, 1 dec* x 6 (30 sts)
- 21st – 22nd round: 1 sc in each st (30 sts)
- 23rd round: *3 sc, 1 dec* x 6 (24 sts)
- 24th – 25th round: 1 sc in each st (24 sts) Start stuffing the body, you will fill it completely later.
- 26th round: *2 sc, 1 dec* x 6 (18 sts)
- 27th round: *7 sc, 1 dec* x 2 (16 sts)
- 28th round: 1 sc in each st (16 sts)
Bottom >
1st round: 5 sc in a magic ring
2nd round: 2 sc in each stitch (10 stitches)
3rd round: *1 sc, 1 inc* x 5 (15 stitches) End with a sl st, cut the yarn but leave enough to sew onto the body.
Finishing + The Legs >
- Fill the Octopus firmly with the stuffing.
- Attach the bottom using round 29 >
- 29th round: work 1 dc in each st around (16sts)
- Change to a 3mm hook if you want to have thicker tentacles, stay with 2mm if you want slim ones.
This is where the tentacles start:
- *1 sc, chain around 50 – chain until you have a 22cm long chain, turn, 2 sc in each chain, make sure to use the top loop for the tentacle to curl.
- 1 sc in next st of the body.
- 1 sc and then chain again.
The Eyes + Face >
Embroider eyes and mouth in your preferred design.
For the circle eyes – Make 2
- With your yarn – ch 4 and ss to join in a ring.
- Round 1 – dc 12 times into the ring.
- Round 2 – dc twice into every st.
- Round 3 – *dc twice into 1st st, dc into next st* rep from * to *.
- Round 4 – *dc twice into 1st st, dc, dc* rep from * to *.
- Round 5 – *dc twice into 1st st, dc, dc, dc* rep from * to *.
- Cut yarn and sew in any loose ends.
Stitch the eyes onto the body – where you want them to go and with a different colored yarn stitch into the middle of the eye from the centre out 8 times.
Then stitch a mouth onto the face – in a smile – using three to four stitches using a dark color like grey or black thread or yarn.
See more patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the octopus, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
You can also find me on Ravelry, Etsy, and Pinterest.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy crocheting!
