Free Crochet Pattern: Mini Octopus
Did you know that an octopus’ tentacles are actually called arms? Apparently the term tentacles is reserved for squid and a few other invertebrates. But calling them ‘arms’ is way less fun, so we’ll stick with tentacles, lol. This free crochet pattern: mini octopus is super quick, easy, and the best part is, it’s NO SEW!
Something I hear all the time from amigurumi makers is how much they hate sewing on parts and I completely get it! It can be so frustrating when you can’t get parts to line up right, or worse, you sew them on and realize they’re crooked.
This easy and free mini pattern works up super fast and the only time you need to break out your tapestry needle is to weave in a few ends!
©2021 cbfiberworks. This pattern or it’s parts are not allowed to be redistributed, copied or resold. Any items handmade by you from this pattern may be sold, but please credit me (cbfiberworks) as the designer.
Free Crochet Pattern: Mini Octopus
If you want to download the ad-free, printable, pdf version of this pattern, it’s FREE in my Ravelry shop!
Project Materials
- Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton
- Color A: Buttercup (18yds)
- D/3-3.25mm hook
- Stitch markers (preferably the locking kind)
- Poly-fill
- Yarn/Darning Needle
- 7mm Safety eyes
- Scissors
Stitch Abbreviations
(**) – See Project Notes section
- MR – magic ring (**)
- Sc – single crochet (**)
- Sl st – slip stitch
- Inc – increase (**)
- Dec – decrease (**)
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Ch – chain
Project Notes
- Final dimensions: H: 2in. x W: 2in.
- This project is written in US terminology.
- The mini octopus is worked in the round and the tentacles are crocheted on rather than sewn.
- Unless otherwise specified, work in continuous rounds without using a slip stitch to join rows.
- Move stitch markers up every row as you go.
- Magic Ring: Create a magic ring and work the specified number of single crochet into it (ex. MR6 = 6sc into the ring).
- Single Crochet: Unless otherwise specified, this project uses the yarn under technique. Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn under, pull up a loop (2 loops on your hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops.
- Increase: work 2sc into the same stitch.
- Decrease: Unless otherwise specified, use the invisible decrease method. Insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch, then insert your hook into the front loop of the following stitch, yarn over and pull through the first loop (3 loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.
Pattern
Head
Use Color A.
Row 0: MR6 Place your stitch marker in the first st.
Row 1: inc 6 times. (12)
Row 2: [inc, sc] 6 times. (18)
Row 3: [sc, inc, sc] 6 times. (24)
Row 4: [inc, 3sc] 6 times. (30)
Rows 5-8: sc around. (30)
Row 9: [dec, 3sc] 6 times. (24)
Place safety eyes between Rows 6-7 with 6-7 stitches between them.
Row 10: [sc, dec, sc] 6 times. (18)
Start stuffing the head.
Row 11: [dec, sc] 6 times. (12)
Row 12: BLsc around. (12)
Row 13: dec 6 times. (6)
Fasten off and sew the remaining hole closed. Weave the remaining tail into the head.
Tentacles
Attach Color A in the last unworked front loop from Row 12 with a ch 1.
Tentacle 1: sc in the same st as the ch 1, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 2: sc in the next front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 3: sk the next front loop, sc in the following front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 4: sk the next front loop, sc in the following front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 5: sc in the next front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 6: sc in the next front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 7: sk the next front loop, sc in the following front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains. (13)
Tentacle 8: sc in the next front loop from Row 12, ch 5, in the second ch from the hook: 3sc, 3sc in each of the remaining 3 chains, sc in the last front loop from Row 12, sl st in the first sc from Tentacle 1. (13)
Fasten off and weave any remaining yarn tails into the body.
Customizations
Keychain or Ornament
This mini octopus makes a great little keychain or ornament.
Just use a scrap length of Color A to sew the keychain ring to the magic ring on top of the octopus’ head. To make it an ornament, use a scrap length of Color A and a tapestry needle to thread a loop through the magic ring on the top of the head and tie it off.
Sizing
If you use a worsted weight yarn and the hook recommended, your finished octopus will be about 2in x 2in.
You can make this project bigger or smaller by changing the weight of the yarn and using the appropriate hook.
You can also make the tentacles longer by adding chains. (Ex. ch 8 instead of ch 5)
Seasonal
This cute little octopus can be easily made festive by changing colors and adding a few embellishments. Check out this example below:
Wrap Up
Creating this mini octopus was spontaneous and fun. If you enjoyed this mini pattern, be sure to Pin it for later and share it with your friends!
How are you planning to customize your little octopus? Leave and comment or connect with me on social media @cbfiberworks.
Here’s some other free patterns available on my blog: