How To Crochet An Octopus For A Preemie
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, find out all you need to know about how to crochet an octopus for a preemie.
Recently I read about the wonderful people who are 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).
Weekly news, free patterns, tutorials, and more.
So, what do octopuses have to do with preemies?
“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.”
Image via Poole Hospital.
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.”
Additionally, Poole Hospital in Dorset, England, has read about the idea and started not only doing it but also spreading the news of the wonderful effect the octopuses have 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. ”
Image via Bournemouth Echo.
Crochet Octopus Donations
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.
Image from cells4life.com
Crochet An Octopus Toy To Give Comfort To Premature Babies
This amazing idea of giving preemies a crochet octopus originally started in Denmark where doctors observed premature babies with their crocheted octos.
The babies that cuddled their octopus had overall health improvements with their breathing, regular heartbeat, strong oxygen blood levels, and were less bothered by the various monitors and IVs.
To most people’s surprise, the crochet octos had a calming effect on the babies.
Image via Poole Hospital.
Calling All Crocheters
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.”
Image Source – Tiny Babies
Octopus Crochet Pattern (UK Terms)
This pattern is from the website Octopus For A Preemie UK where you will find many free octopus crochet patterns in both US and UK terms and information on how to donate your finished creations.
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.
Image Source – Kidspot
Make A Crochet Octopus For Premature Babies
Please note >
**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.
**Do not make these to give to other babies or young children as the tentacles may pose as a choking hazard.
Please use common sense when making and giving these octos.**
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 how to make the twirly octopus legs.
You may also like this Crochet Octopus Pattern.
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.
Materials
- Cotton yarn - it has to be 100% cotton!
- 4ply cotton is recommended.
Tools
- Crochet hook size 2mm (US 0) and 3mm (US C/2), use 3mm for tentacles (optional).
- Stuffing: Fibre 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.
Instructions
Body >
Working in continuous rounds: Using a 2mm hook.
- 1 st round: 6 sc in a magic ring
- 2 nd round: 2 sc in each st (12 sts)
- 3 rd round: *1 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (18 sts)
- 4 th round: *2 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (24 sts)
- 5th round: *3 sc, 1 inc* x6 (30 sts)
- 6 th round: *4 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (36 sts)
- 7 th round : *5 sc, 1 inc* x 6 (42sts)
- 8 th – 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 Octopus firmly.
Make a bottom and attach the bottom using round 29 >
29th round: work 1dc in each st around (16sts) change to 3mm hook if wishing thicker tentacles, stay with 2mm 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 3mm hook if wishing thicker tentacles, stay with 2mm 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 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 3mm hook if wishing thicker tentacles, stay with 2mm 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 body using decrease.
Bottom >
- 1 st round: 5 sc in a magic ring.
- 2 nd round: 2 sc in each stitch (10 stitches).
- 3 rd round: *1sc, 1inc* x 5 (15 stitches) End with a sl st, cut the yarn but leave enough to sew on to the body.
Assembling the octo: Embroider eyes and mouth in your preferred design.
Notes
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 *…* – repeat the next 2 sc together
The size of the finished octopus >
Head MUST have a min diameter of 3.5 cm and a length of 3.5 – 8cm from top to bottom when stuffed.
Tentacles: Head length 3.5 – 5cm: 10 – 16cm tentacles / Head length 5 – 8cm: 16 – 22cm tentacles.
Stuff the body firmly, but not solid.
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 as a choking hazard. Please use common sense when making and giving these octos.**
Here are some of the most FAQ from the Crochet Octopus For A Preemie Website - you can read more here.
- What kind of yarn can I use for making the octopuses?
The hospitals only accept octopuses made with 100% cotton yarn (the best choice is 120-180 meters/50 gram) – if an octopus is made with acrylic yarn little fibres might appear which could get into the children’s eyes and mouth and cause harm.
- Is my octopus too big or too small?
The octopuses should be smaller than we could think. Premature babies very often lie among different tubes and equipment in small incubators which is why the octopus comforters have to be so small.
The size of the octopus’s head should be 3.5-8cm long and have a minimum diameter of 3.5cm.
Tentacles should be 10-16cm long for octopuses with heads 3.5-5cm long and 16-22cm long for octopuses with heads 5-8cm long.
- What type of filling should be used?
Synthetic filling (silicone ball) which can be washed in 60⁰C. Stuffing octopuses with cotton-wool or ends of yarn are 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 safe eyes, buttons or beads safe?
We recommend crochet or embroidered eyes or leaving the faces blank.
Do not use any safe eyes or buttons etc.
Who is responsible for washing the octopuses?
Every mom gets the instruction of how the octopus should be washed (60⁰C using antiallergic washing liquid). The person making the octopus does not have to wash it.
- What to do when tentacles are not twisted much?
It does not matter how much tentacles are twisted.
Moreover, it is better when tentacles are twisted only a little bit otherwise it can be too thick for little fingers to catch.
For the safety reasons, it is very important the stretched tentacles are not longer than 22cm.
- Are there any colours which I should avoid?
We ask that you avoid making octopuses out of solid red or black colours, as red can be mistaken for blood or make it difficult for nurses to see whether babies are bleeding and black can overstimulate the babies.
- Is my octopus crocheted too loose or too tightly?
It is very important not to crochet too loose not to lose the filling.
The stitch should not create any little holes especially after stuffing the octopus.
Every part of the octopus should be firmly sewn.
Any loose yarn ends should not be visible.
More Crochet Octopus Free Patterns
Below are free crochet patterns that will help to get you 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.
Are you going to make one or more of these to send?
Let me know in the comments below.
