How to Crochet a Fluffy Octopus
Grab your favorite yarn and get ready to crochet your very own fluffy octopus—from little keychains to soft plushies, this fun pattern is how it all started for me, and now it’s your turn!
I’ve always loved the idea of making cute little crochet animals, so I asked my mom to help me find a summer class, and that’s how I started learning amigurumi. My teacher was really kind and patient, and she suggested I try a simple octopus pattern. I’d only ever made scarves and a half-finished blanket, but this project felt way more fun.
My first octopus was a small keychain octopus made with thin yarn and a 2mm hook, which turned out adorable, but tricky! The stitches had to be super tight, and it took me a full day or two to finish. Now I use soft, chunky yarn to make plushie versions that are easier to work with and turn out big, fluffy, and huggable. For this project, depending on your crocheting experience, you might go faster or slower as everyone goes at their own pace. The best part? This pattern works with almost any yarn—so let’s jump in!
Step 1: Choosing your materials
First things first you need to find a hook appropriate to your yarn. I will be using alize velluto yarn and a 6.5mm hook. I use this certain yarn as it is what I think is the best yarn for my octopuses (you can choose whatever yarn you have or want for this project) and I suggest either going with the hook stated on the yarn or above or under the stated hook. Here is what you’ll need next:
A stitch marker. These are used to be able to identify what stitch or round you are on and in my opinion they are very helpful
A pair of safety eyes, the size of the eyes will be determined by what you see fit to your octopus. For example, I use 14mm eyes for my plushie octopus or 9mm eyes for my keychain octopuses
And finally, a pair of scissors to cut the yarn
To help for following abbreviations here is a page for crochet abbreviations
If you want to be able to have a fluffy octopus for reference while you create your own, or just want one without the hassle, you can buy or look at one of mine using the order form below. (It can help you see what it really looks like and be there for moral support as you start the next chapter of your crochet journey!)
Step 2: Pattern time!
I like to start with the body and tentacles of the octopus first as we want to get the hard part over first!
Body:
1) Magic ring (6stiches)
Place stitch marker on the stitch you are on after making the magic ring
2) Inc in each st (12stitches)
3) 1sc, Inc (18stiches)
4) 2sc, Inc (24stitches)
5) 3sc, Inc (30stitches)
Remove stitch marker after row 5 and start the tentacle on row 5’s last stitch
Tentacles (8 total):
23stich chain
1dc, Inc dc (alternate so that one stitch is single dc and the next is 2dc)
1sc into the stitch after the chain
3sc and start the next tentacle on the 3rd stitch
Cut the yarn once finished with tentacles and body and tie a knot
Sew the end of the knot into the body or tentacle
Head:
1) Magic ring (6stiches)
Place stitch marker on the stitch you are on after making the magic ring
2) Inc in each st (12stiches)
3) 1sc, Inc (18stitches)
4) 2sc, Inc (24stitches)
5) 3sc, Inc (30stitches)
6)- 11) Sc in each stitch (30 stitches)
Repeat rounds 6-11
Add safety eyes
After finishing the head you are going to keep your hook in the final stitch and with the same hook put the hook through a stitch in the body on the rounds, not in the tentacles. Make sure the body is right side up as when you are connecting your octopus. The magic rings extra string should be facing upwards.
Continue to single stitch your way until you are ⅓ of the way done, use your stuffing to stuff your octopus through the not yet stitched part.
Finish connecting the head to the body
Voila! You are done! You have completed a cute crochet octopus. Now you may be wondering, what do I do with it? Well there are many things you could do. You could make them for family, friends, or birthday gifts. Or you could do what I do and use your amazing skills to earn some money. I sell some of my crochet creations, and then I use those profits to help benefit people in need through the Lions Club International Foundation. Well you don’t need to do what I do as your creation is your own. I hope you enjoy your cute octopus and this pattern!
