Free crochet pattern
Mini crochet octopus with curly tentacles
This mini octopus has a small stuffed head worked in single crochet and eight curly tentacles made in one round, each a short chain packed with two single crochet per chain so it spirals naturally. A separate base circle closes the bottom. It uses about 30 yards of worsted yarn.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated · Editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Easy |
| Yarn weight | Medium (#4) |
| Yardage | 25–35 yd (23–32 m) |
| Hook | 3.5 mm |
| Gauge | Rounds 1–4 measure 1.75 in (4.5 cm) across. |
| Finished size | About 3.5 in (9 cm) tall including tentacles |
| Time | about 1.5 hours |
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn, about 30 yd / 27 m
- Black yarn or two 6 mm safety eyes
- 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook
- Fibrefill, stitch marker, tapestry needle
Yarn Kit & Substitution Options
This pattern calls for 35 yards of weight #4 yarn. Select a suggested yarn to see required skeins and estimated cost:
Caron Simply Soft · 100% Acrylic
315 yds per skein · High-yield yardage, silky no-scratch texture
1 skeins required
approx. $$5.49 total
Abbreviations (US terms)
- magic ring
- single crochet
- increase
- decrease
- front loop only
- chain
- slip stitch
- stitch
- stitches
- repeat
- round
- place marker
- fasten off
Notes before you start
- Work the head in a continuous spiral.
- Round 11 is worked into front loops only so the back loops remain for attaching the base.
Row progress: 0 of 11 done (0%)
Head
0 of 9 done- Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)Mark row complete
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)Mark row complete
- Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, inc; rep from * around. (18)Mark row complete
- Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc; rep from * around. (24)Mark row complete
- Rnds 5–9: Sc in each st around. (24)Mark row complete
- Insert safety eyes between Rnds 7 and 8, 4 sts apart.Mark row complete
- Rnd 10: *Sc in next st, dec; rep from * around. (16) Stuff firmly.Mark row complete
- Rnd 11 (tentacles): Working in front loops only, *ch 16, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch, sl st in flo of next 2 sts; rep from * 7 more times. (8 tentacles of 30 sc each)Mark row complete
- Fasten off.Mark row complete
Base
0 of 2 done- Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 8 sc in ring. (8)Mark row complete
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (16) Fasten off with a long tail.Mark row complete
Working on:
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
Finishing
- Top up the stuffing, then sew the base to the unworked back loops of Rnd 10, matching 16 sts to 16 sts.
- Embroider eyes if not using safety eyes, and a small smile.
- Twist each tentacle to encourage the curl.
Errata
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Frequently asked questions
Why don't my tentacles curl?
Curl comes from packing 2 sc into each chain. Make sure you are not skipping chains, and twist the tentacles once finished.
Can I make an octopus for a premature baby?
Octopus toys for neonatal units have specific rules on yarn, tentacle length and stitch tension. Check your local hospital's guidance before donating.
