Beginner Amigurumi Octopus Plush Toy Pattern

This adorable amigurumi octopus crochet pattern beginner easy project creates a cuddly sea friend perfect for first-time toy makers

🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 3-4 hours
Hook
🪡 E / 3.5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 80 yards
Finished Size
📏 5 inches tall
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 20 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Beginner Amigurumi Octopus Plush Toy Pattern is a free Beginner-level amigurumi pattern with a E / 3.5mm hook . Estimated time: 3-4 hours. Finished size: 5 inches tall. You'll need approximately approximately 80 yards of yarn.

18 steps across 4 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

Worsted weight yarn
80 yards in main color, small amounts of black and white for eyes
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Crochet hook
Size E/3.5mm
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Polyester fiberfill
Approximately 1-2 ounces for stuffing
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Yarn needle
For sewing and weaving in ends
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Stitch marker
To mark beginning of rounds
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Safety eyes
9mm or 12mm, optional alternative to embroidered eyes
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📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
inc — increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec — invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
MR — magic ring

📌 Before You Begin

💡

Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Do not join rounds or turn.

💡

Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

💡

Stuff the head firmly as you go, before the opening becomes too small.

💡

The tentacles will naturally curl if you work them tightly. For extra curl, gently stretch each leg after completing.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Do not fasten off. Continue directly to tentacles from Round 18.
  1. Round 1
    MR, 6 sc into ring, pull tight (6 sts)
  2. Round 2
    Inc in each st around (12 sts)
  3. Round 3
    [Sc 1, inc] repeat 6 times (18 sts)
  4. Round 4
    [Sc 2, inc] repeat 6 times (24 sts)
  5. Round 5
    [Sc 3, inc] repeat 6 times (30 sts)
  6. Round 6
    [Sc 4, inc] repeat 6 times (36 sts)
  7. Rounds 7-14
    Sc in each st around (36 sts). Work 8 rounds even.
  8. Round 15
    [Sc 4, dec] repeat 6 times (30 sts)
  9. Round 16
    [Sc 3, dec] repeat 6 times (24 sts)
  10. Round 17
    [Sc 2, dec] repeat 6 times (18 sts). Begin stuffing head firmly.
  11. Round 18
    [Sc 1, dec] repeat 6 times (12 sts). Add more stuffing if needed.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Work the chain stitches tightly to create natural curl. For more defined curls, work with smaller hook tension or gently twist each tentacle after completion.
  1. Tentacle 1
    From Round 18, ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (11 sc), sl st into next st on head (1 st). This attaches the first tentacle.
  2. Tentacles 2-7
    Skip 1 st on head, [ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (11 sc), sl st into next st on head, skip 1 st on head] repeat 6 more times. You will have 8 tentacles evenly spaced.
  3. Tentacle 8
    Ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (11 sc), sl st into first tentacle base to close round. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Position eyes before stuffing is complete so you can adjust placement easily.
  1. Option 1: Safety Eyes
    Insert 9mm or 12mm safety eyes between Rounds 9 and 10 of the head, approximately 6 sts apart. Secure backing washers on the inside before stuffing completely.
  2. Option 2: Embroidered Eyes
    With white yarn, make a small circle of satin stitches between Rounds 9 and 10, approximately 6-8 sts apart. With black yarn, add a smaller circle in the center of each white eye for pupils.
Row counter:
  1. Smile
    Using black yarn and yarn needle, embroider a simple curved smile between Rounds 12-13, centered below the eyes. Use backstitch or straight stitches.
  2. Cheeks
    With pink yarn, make small circles of satin stitches on Rounds 11-12, positioned to the outer sides of each eye for a blushing effect.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all loose ends securely using the yarn needle. Use the long tail from fastening off to close any gaps at the base of the tentacles where they attach to the head. Gently shape the head with your hands to ensure even stuffing distribution. To enhance the tentacle curl, hold each leg at the base and gently pull or twist. The single crochet worked tightly will cause natural spiraling. You can also dampen the tentacles slightly with water and wrap them around a pencil, letting them dry to set the curl shape more permanently. Block the finished octopus lightly if desired by misting with water and allowing to air dry.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent if needed. Do not machine wash or dry. Squeeze excess water gently without wringing and reshape while damp. Lay flat to air dry completely. If using safety eyes, ensure they remain secure and check regularly if giving to young children. Keep away from heat sources to prevent yarn damage. Spot clean when possible to maintain shape and extend the life of your amigurumi octopus.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 80 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, sc, inc, dec. Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 3-4 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Stuff as you go for body parts that are hard to reach once closed. Use polyester fiberfill and pack it firmly — softly stuffed amigurumi go floppy quickly. For tiny limbs, use the blunt end of your crochet hook or an unsharpened pencil to push stuffing in. When sewing pieces together, use the same yarn and a tapestry needle with long stitches that you can tighten to control position.
For this pattern, gauge is "20 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent if needed. Do not machine wash or dry. Squeeze excess water gently without wringing and reshape while damp. Lay flat to air dry completely. If using safety eyes, ensure they remain secure and check regularly if giving to young children. Keep away from heat sources to prevent yarn damage. Spot clean when possible to maintain shape and extend the life of your amigurumi octopus. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.