How To Crochet An Octopus For A Preemie + Free Printable Pattern
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, learn how to crochet an octopus for a preemie and grab your free printable pattern.
Recently, I read about the wonderful people volunteering to crochet octopuses for preemies.
This is an ongoing project, where many more toys are needed across the globe.
More Volunteers are needed to crochet small octopuses for local Newborn Infant Care Units (NICU), where donations can be given to your local hospital.
Why Crochet Octopuses Comfort Premature Babies
The positive qualities of crocheted octopuses
Crocheted octopuses have become cherished companions for premature babies due to their unique ability to provide comfort and reassurance.
How octopus tentacles mimic the umbilical cord
Their soft, textured arms replicate the familiar sensation babies experience in the womb, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Promoting better breathing and physical wellbeing
Hospitals worldwide have recognized these handmade toys for their role in calming preemies, stabilizing their breathing patterns, and enhancing overall well-being during the critical early weeks of life.
These thoughtfully crafted octopuses not only offer emotional support but also serve as a gentle introduction to sensory exploration.
“The purpose of the crocheted octopuses is to promote comfort and development for the pre-term babies while in the hospital.
The tentacles of the soft octos mimic the feel of the umbilical cord in their tiny hands and have been found to soothe the babies and help prevent them from pulling on wires and tubes.”
— Octopus for a Preemie-US Project Ambassador Randi Palm of Lonsdale
A popular project since 2013
This project has been popular in Europe since 2013; it has recently started to take fruition in the United States.
“Since this is so new we are in desperate need of people to crochet our little octopuses, all of them would stay local.”
— Octopus for a Preemie-US Project Ambassador Randi Palm of Lonsdale
Additionally, Poole Hospital in Dorset, England, has read about the idea and started not only doing it but also spreading the news of the octopuses’ wonderful effect on preemies.
“It’s incredible that something so simple can comfort a baby and help them feel better. We’re very grateful for all donations and we’re sure the families who use our service will be too. ”
— Daniel Lockyer, the neonatal services matron at Poole Hospital.
Donate Your Crochet Octopus To Your Local NICU
If you would like to get involved and receive more information on specifics for crocheting an Octopus for a Preemie, take a look at the Facebook pages below.
Facebook pages have also been set up at Octopus for a Preemie – (US) / Octopus for a preemie (UK).
Please check that your octos will meet the requirements before you start crocheting.
How Crochet Octopus Toys Give Comfort To Preemies
This amazing idea of giving preemies a crocheted octopus originally started in Denmark, where doctors observed premature babies with their crocheted octopus.
The little patients who cuddled their octopus had overall health improvements during the first days of life, with better breathing, regular heartbeats, and higher levels of oxygen.
Plus, they were less bothered by the various monitors and IVs.
To most people’s surprise, the crochet toys had a calming effect on the babies, as they helped them to de-stress.
About The Danish Octo Project: Crochet For A Cause
It started in Denmark, where since 2013, more than 40.000 octopi have been donated to preemie babies.
The organization has also exceeded all expectations, became a worldwide project, and now runs in over 40 countries.
Calling All Crocheters: Join the Octopus Initiative
One of the moms whose twin girls were given octos had this to say…
“One of the nurses brought in the octopus and explained the idea.
The girls absolutely love them. When they are asleep they hold onto the tentacles tightly.
Normally they would be in the womb and would play with the umbilical cord so the octopuses make them feel grounded and safe.”
— Kat Smith
If you’re an avid crocheter and feel inspired to make an octopus for a baby in need the hospitals that are taking donations would love your assistance as it’s their goal to give every premature baby an octopus of their very own.
Where To Find The Best Octopus Crochet Patterns
The official pattern is on the website Octopus For A Preemie UK.
This is where you will find many free octopus crochet patterns in both US and UK terms and information on how to donate your finished creations to your local nicu.
If you’re a crocheter and feel inspired to make an octopus companion for a baby in need, the hospitals taking donations would love your assistance.
Their goal is to give every premature baby an octopus of their own.
Pattern Notes
**Please be aware that the octos featured in this post should meet the standards required by the people campaigning.**
For further information, please visit >>
Facebook page at Octopus for a Preemie – (US) / Octopus for a preemie (UK).
Check out the requirements for donations and other information there.
Free Printable: The Octopus Crochet Pattern Instructions
Skill Level – Advanced Beginner
The pattern is fairly straightforward, so even if you are new to crochet, you can still make one.
Throughout the process, you will learn how to crochet a circle in a spiral, decrease stitches, and create twirly octopus legs.
Additionally, if you want extra guidance, you may also like this Free Crochet Octopus Pattern (+ Video Tutorial), which provides step-by-step instructions.
How To Crochet An Octopus For A Preemie
If you’re a crocheter and feel inspired to make an octopus for a baby in need the hospitals that are taking donations would love your assistance as it’s their goal to give every premature baby an octopus of their very own.
Amigurumi patterns are popular for crocheted octopus toys with curly tentacles.
Materials
- Cotton yarn - it has to be 100% cotton!
- 4-Ply cotton is recommended.
Tools
- Crochet hook size 2 mm (US 0) and 3 mm (US size C/2), use 3 mm for tentacles (optional).
- Stuffing: Polyfil or Fiber filling – has to be washable at 60 degrees Celsius, we recommend “supreme toy filling” which can be bought on eBay and Amazon.
- Tapestry needle, to embroider the face, and to use it to sew on the bottom.
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Thread
- Scissors
Instructions
Body >
Working in continuous rounds: Using a 2 mm hook.
- 1st round: 6 sc in a magic ring (or magic circl
- 2nd round: 2 sc in each st (12 sts)
- 3 rd 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* x6 (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, 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)
There are 3 ways to finish the Octopus >
1. The first way to finish the octopus > (recommended for beginners)
Fill the Octopus firmly.
Make a bottom and attach the bottom base using round 29 >
29th round: work 1dc in each st around (16sts) change to the 3 mm hook if wishing thicker tentacles, and stay with 2 mm if wanting 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 the next st of the body.
1sc and then chain again.
2. The second way to finish the octopus >
On round 28 change to the 3 mm hook if wishing thicker tentacles, and stay with 2 mm if wanting slim ones.
This is where the tentacles start – to make tentacles use only the front loops of each of the stitches:
*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 the next st of the body.
1sc and then around 50 chains again.
Make the bottom and sew to the body using the back loops stitches and the same yarn.
3. The third way to finish the octopus >
On round 28 change to a 3 mm hook if wishing thicker tentacles, stay with 2 mm if wanting slim ones.
This is where the tentacles start – to make tentacles use only the front loops of each of the stitches:
*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 the next st of the body.
1sc and then around 50 chains again.
29th round: close the body using decrease.
Bottom >
- 1st round: 5 sc in a magic ring.
- 2nd round: 2 sc in each stitch (10 stitches).
- 3rd round: *1sc, 1inc* x 5 (15 stitches) End with a sl st, cut the yarn but leave enough to sew onto the body.
Assembling the octo:
Embroider eyes and mouth in your preferred design.
Notes
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- sc – single crochet stitch
- st – stitch
- sts – stitches
- ch – chain
- inc – 2 sc in 1 stitch to increase
- sl st – slip stitch
- dec – decrease by crocheting *…* – repeat the next 2 sc together
The size of the finished octopus >
The head MUST have a min diameter of 3.5 cm and a length of 3.5 – 8 cm from top to bottom when stuffed.
Tentacles of the octopus: Head length 3.5 – 5cm: 10 – 16 cm tentacles / Head length 5 – 8 cm: 16 – 22 cm tentacles.
Stuff the body firmly, but not solid.
It must have a little spring to it.
Please note >
**Please be aware that the octos featured in this post should meet the standards required by the people campaigning.**
**Do not make these to give to other babies or young children, as the tentacles may pose a choking hazard.
Please use common sense when making and giving these octos.**
FAQs: Crocheting Octopuses For Premature Babies
What kind of yarn can I use to make the octopuses?
Hospitals strictly accept octopuses made with 100% cotton yarn, preferably in the range of 120-180 meters per 50 grams.
This is because cotton is durable, safe, and easy to sanitize.
On the other hand, using acrylic yarn is not recommended, as tiny fibers may shed over time.
Consequently, these fibers could get into a baby’s eyes or mouth, potentially causing harm.
Is my octopus too big or too small?
Octopuses should be smaller than one might expect.
This is particularly important because premature babies often lie among various tubes and medical equipment inside small incubators.
For this reason, octopus comforters need to be compact enough to fit safely within these limited spaces.
The size of the octopus’s head should be 3.5-8 cm long and have a minimum diameter of 3.5 cm.
Tentacles should be 10-16 cm long for octopuses with heads 3.5-5 cm long and 16-22 cm long for octopuses with heads 5-8 cm long.
What type of filling should be used?
Synthetic filling (silicone ball) can be washed at 60⁰C.
Stuffing octopuses with cotton wool or ends of yarn is not accepted (this type of filling forms lumps after washing).
Remember to stuff the octopus full so that it saves its shape after washing.
Is using safety eyes, buttons, or beads safe?
We recommend crocheting or embroidered eyes or leaving the faces blank.
Do not use any safe eyes or buttons.
Who is responsible for washing the octopus?
Every mom receives instructions on how to properly wash the octopus, specifically at 60⁰C, using an antiallergic washing liquid.
Meanwhile, the person making the octopus does not need to wash it before donating.
What do you do when the tentacles are not twisted much?
It does not matter how many tentacles are twisted.
In fact, it is preferable when the tentacles are only slightly twisted; otherwise, they may become too thick for little fingers to grasp.
Additionally, for safety reasons, the stretched tentacles must not be longer than 22 cm.
Are there any colors I should avoid?
Yes, certain colors should be avoided.
Specifically, solid red and black are not recommended.
This is because red can be mistaken for blood or make it difficult for nurses to detect bleeding, while black may overstimulate the babies.
Is my octopus crocheted too loose or too tightly?
It is essential to maintain the right tension when crocheting. If the stitches are too loose, the filling may escape.
Moreover, the stitches should not form any small holes, especially after stuffing the octopus.
To ensure durability, every part of the octopus must be firmly sewn, and in addition, no loose yarn ends should be visible.
More Free Crochet Octopus Patterns You’ll Love
Below are free crochet patterns that will help you get started!
1. A wonderful free octopus crochet pattern from mynomadhome.com.
2. The image below is from the Octopus For A Preemie US Facebook Page.
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I can’t wait to start making these and get in touch with where I can donate them. My best friend from Highschool delivered her daughter at 27 weeks and I spent some time with them in the NICU. It’s an unbelievable place that I would love to be able to give each and every baby a little love. If this is how I can do it, I’m ALL FOR IT!!!! Thank you for sharing this free pattern and the information!
Hi Diane, thank you for reading the post, I hope you enjoy making the octos! 🙂
What a unique and wonderful idea. My grandkids (twins) were 32 week preemies. They get great care in the NICU.
Hi my name is DeeDee and I would love to start making these. This is such a fantastic idea. How do I find out where the nearest place to donate these. I live in southern California
Hello! You can contact Octopus for a Preemie-US Project Ambassador Randi Palm of Lonsdale by calling 612-232-0111 (in the US) or email her at randi56071@yahoo.com for more information. Facebook pages have also been set up at Octopus for a Preemie – (US) https://www.facebook.com/octoforapreemieus/ where you can get in touch and find out more information. Thanks for reading 🙂
I think this is a fantastic project and would like to make some octopus for babies. one question is you say not to fill with wool filling and we can’t use acrylic so what do we use and where to find it please?
Hello DeAnna,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I’m really glad you like the project and want to make some octopuses for babies—they’re such a thoughtful and comforting gift. 💛
You’re absolutely right to check about the filling.
For safety reasons, especially when making toys for preemies or newborns, it’s best to use hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill rather than wool or acrylic stuffing.
Look for fiberfill that’s specifically labeled as safe for baby toys and machine washable.
You can usually find this type of filling in craft stores, fabric shops, or online—just search for baby-safe toy stuffing or hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill.
A few popular options include brands like Hobbyfill, Fairfield Poly-Fil, or Hemline Toy Stuffing, depending on your location.
If you’re planning to donate them to a hospital, it’s also a good idea to check if they have any specific requirements for materials.
Happy crocheting!
Hello, my name isCarlene. My first grandson started his life in the NICU at Storment-Vail hospital in Topeka Kansas, I wish I would have known about this. I have begun crocheting these octopus and I would like to know where I can donate them. I live in Leavenworth, Ks. These are very easy and fun to make.
Hello,
If you would like to get involved and receive more information on specifics for crocheting an Octopus for a Preemie, contact Octopus for a Preemie-US Project Ambassador Randi Palm of Lonsdale by calling 612-232-0111 (in the US) or email her at randi56071@yahoo.com. Facebook pages have also been set up at Octopus for a Preemie – (US) / Octopus for a preemie (UK).
There is also a list of hospitals in the US taking donations on this blog;
https://abeautifulfriendship.blog/2017/03/01/octopus-for-a-premie-usa/
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Hi Louise,
love the project and I did one , and try to do more while improving the technique.
I love octopuses as I dive close to them in Maldives once, and the idea that they could also help
prematures somehow it looks fantastic!
I do not usually write comments, but my name is Thelma so I need to let you know that I am
here in London, crocheting octopuses !
thanks and best regards
Hi there, Thelma! Thank you so much for your comment, I am really happy that you wanted to leave a note here. I too am trying to improve my crochet knowledge, I am a beginner really and looking to get better this year. I want to master that popcorn/bobble stitch next, as my sister in law uses it all of the time to make chic little evening bags. I hope that London is treating you well and thank you for reading and getting involved with the octos for preemies project 🙂
If you live in the UK go to the UK Facebook page where you will be put in touch with the coordinator for your local hospital. They can also give you all the help and advice you need
https://www.facebook.com/groups/octopusforapreemie/
It would be very helpful to post exact patterns that include the standards for these preemie octopuses!
Hello, you can find all of the information you need (if you need more) on the official Facebook page here – https://www.facebook.com/octoforapreemieus/
Thanks for reading!
Hi I’m going to try crochet this. Haven’t followed a crochet pattern before. I’m very much the amature at this.
Hello! It is a really easy pattern to follow, and if you need help with any of the abbreviations, here is a list – https://www.handylittleme.com/crochet-abbreviations/. There are also a couple of videos in the post to help, from doing a single crochet decrease to making the legs. Hope that helps, thanks for reading 🙂
Making one now for my new great nephew who was born at 32 weeks on Christmas Day! I recall reading somewhere about them being washed in hot water. Are they washed before giving them to them babies?
Hello, I can’t find that information on the website – but you can contact them here and ask about the requirements – http://octopusforapreemie.com/get-involved/
Thanks so much for reading and I hope that helps! 🙂
These are very cute, and the idea is nice. My twins were born in week 32, so when we got home from the hospital I researched the opportunity to give something back to the hospital. I like to crochet, so this would have been great. But I was told that they don’t accept these because of hygiene and the risk of illness. Everything the children have needs to be washed daily, including toys, and they can’t help with that at the hospital. So if someone sends these anyways they save them in a box and give them to the children when they can go home instead. I live in Sweden.
Hello, thank you for sharing your own experience and leaving a comment, I would advise anyone who is making an Octo to donate to check all the requirements from the people who are campaigning or call their local hospital to see if they accept the donations. Thanks for visiting the blog 🙂
Friends have twin girls. Lost one at 22 weeks and the second was born at 23 weeks 5 days. 1 lb 10 oz.. gabe them an octopus. It is a bit bigger than her at the moment. The nurses have pit it in the incubator but away from where she can get to it for the moment. Almost 2 weeks old (25 weeks 3.days gestation), She has now opened 1 eye and weighs 1lb 13ozs. So tiny they didn’t have a cap small enough so one of the nurses knit one for her. Have a couple more for them.