Crochet Octopus For Preemies
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A is fun to make and offers comfort to babies! Maybe you want to an for , one for a young child or make an for yourself!
Let’s be honest here.. weaving fingers into those curly tentacles is delightful. Even if you’re NOT a .
My venture into started with a news article about a father in Denmark who asked for a for his . Hospital staff observed that the premature babies grasped the curly tentacles of the instead of pulling at their tubes. The theory is that the curly tentacles mimic the and comfort the ! What an amazing thought ~ that yarn and hook can lead to comfort for a premature baby!
It touched my heart. But of course, at the time I couldn’t find an that was made just the way I like. I’m not a fan of sewing on extra pieces when I can something on instead. I also like a round head, but acknowledge that an really should have a slight oval shape as a nod to a real .
So my version has a slightly oblong head and a clever construction for attaching the tentacles. This well loved has been viewed more than 600,000 times in the 2 years since it’s debut. It is a well loved and easy to follow .
Essentials
If this crochet is your first time working an , here are a few tips to get you started with this free crochet pattern:
Start with a (also called a ) to make your starting stitches nice and tight. Wondering how magic rings work? Be sure to check out my magic ring tutorial!
The octopus free pattern is worked mostly in single crochet. You’ll also need to know the chain stitch, and sl st (slip stitch). And of course, you will need stuffing and a tapestry needle to finish off your crochet octopus.
If you know how to and you’ll be well on your way to making this . Amigurumi are worked in continuous rounds which can make it hard to keep track of your rows. That’s why I always use a stitch markerson the last in a row.
I love that there are not a bunch of octopus body pieces in this cute crochet octopus pattern; there is no fastening off and attaching separate crochet curlicue tentacles. The pattern is worked in one piece, starting at the top of the head.
Other crocheters will use the stitch marker in the first single crochet stitch of the row. Or use a scrap piece of contrasting color wedged between the first and last of the row to keep track. It is really easy to lose your place, so pick a way of tracking each row and be consistent.
If you are making this crochet octopus with intentions of donating it, you should contact your particular hospital to get their requirements. Every hospital is different and has different rules for donated items.
How Do You Embroider An Face?
Finishing touches are so important to an adorable baby octopus amigurumi. The first thing to consider is safety. While I love the look of a pair of safety eyes on amigurumi, they might not be the best choice for a premature baby or very young children. Always consider safety when making handmade toys for babies and children. Its best to supervise play to avoid any choking hazards.
Embroidered features made out of simple stitches are just as lovely and a great alternative to safety eyes. Use embroider needles and floss or choose a contrasting or dark yarn and use french knots and back stitches to make eyes and a mouth, if desired. Or make sleepy eyes with simple straight stitches.
Crochet Octopus Pattern
Here is what you will need:
- US C2/2.50 mm crochet hook (Did you know you can purchase my go-to hooks on Amazon?)
- 3.5 oz Worsted weight cotton yarn. I used ‘I Love this Cotton’ worsted weight yarn by Hobby Lobby in a turquoise yarn color and a variegated yarn
- 9 mm safety eyes
- tapestry needle and scissors
A small hook produces a tight finished product and no stuffing will show through the stitches (and no small holes for tiny fingers to slip into). The tentacles are just the right length–long enough to be fun, but not too long for an octopus for preemies!
With worsted weight cotton yarn and a C hook, make a magic ring.
R1: 6 sc into ring (6 st)
R2: 2 sc in ea st around (12 st)
R3: *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around (18 st)
R4: *sc in next 2 st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around (24 st)
R5: *sc in next 3 st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around (30 st)
R6: *sc in next 4 st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around (36 st)
R7-12: sc around (36 st)
R13: *sc in next 4 st, sc 2 tog, repeat from * around (30 st)
R14: sc around (30 st)
If you are using safety eyes, now is the time to attach them. Using 9mm safety eyes, attach between rows 12 & 13, allowing approximately 5 stitches in between, or whatever distance looks good to you. If you are embroidering the eyes for an octopus for a small child, do so after the octopus is stuffed and completed.
R15: *sc in next 3 st, sc 2 tog, repeat from * around (24 st)
R16: sc around (24 st)
R17: *sc in next 2 st, sc 2 tog, repeat from * around. (18 st)
R18: *sc in next st, sc 2 tog, repeat from * around (12 st)
Stuff the octopus. Now you will work the next row in the front loop only. Later you will come back through on the underside to grab those back loops and finish off the octopus. (Read here to learn about stitch parts.)
R19: working in the front loop only, *sc in the next st, sc 2 tog, repeat from * around (8 st).
Now comes the fun part: Making the tentacles for our ! I love this part best because it starts with a long chain stitch and then you make that chain stitch curl! So fun!
Make the tentacles as follows:
*ch 50. sc in the 2nd ch from hook. 2 sc in ea chain across. When back to the body, sl st in the next stitch. Repeat from * 7 more times to make a total of 8 tentacles.
Arrange the octopus so that the tentacles are overlapping the body/head and the open end is up towards you. You will be working in the free loops from row 19 which are now on the underside of your octopus. They can be a bit difficult to see, so just do your best and sc 2 together around. Fasten off yarn and then weave the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
Crochet Octopus Frequently Asked Questions
This crochet octopus is one of the most favorite of all crochet patterns. It is just so fun and fast to make. And it’s the kind of gift that warms your heart-spreading love out into the world! Over the years, readers have reached out with questions so here’s a little FAQ to help you out on your crochet octopus journey!
What kind of yarn can you use for making the octopuses? I really like using 100% cotton worsted weight yarn for my crochet octopus. I like the crisp stitches and it’s an easy material for babies. If that’s not important to you or if you are crocheting your octopus for an older child (or even yourself) you might enjoy a different yarn fiber.
How to crochet an octopus? If you’re wondering how to crochet an octopus step by step, this post is perfect for you. Just follow the directions, one step at a time and you will have a darling little crochet octopus when you are done! Be sure to follow the links if you get stuck on a particular crochet stitch and you’re new to pattern reading, be sure to learn how with my How to read a crochet pattern post.
Is the crochet octopus at a beginner skill level? A crochet octopus requires a little bit of an advanced experience skill level. If you’re a beginner with a little bit of experience and are ready to work in the round, work increases and decreases and keep track of your rows, this is a great small project to take your crochet to the intermediate skill level! Just remember to take extra time as you need and be patient with yourself and the cutest crochet octopus will emerge from your hook!
How do you crochet a magic ring? You might notice that my amigurumi patterns all start with a magic ring. That’s because a crochet magic circle (aka magic ring) enables you to pull that starting row really tight. Be sure to read my How to Crochet a Magic Ring Post for step by step directions. Readers tell me it really helped them understand how to work this technique.
How do you crochet an octopus tentacles? Or how do you crochet octopus legs? The octopus tentacles is basically a long string of crochet chain stitches to start and then 2 single crochet stitches into each chain stitch.
What to do when tentacles are not twisted much? This is a great question. For some people 2 stitches into each chain using the same yarn and hook size as in the pattern creates the same twisted tentacle look as I achieved. But for others, the tentacle pieces are too loose and looks more like wavy spiral crocheting on leg. This is because we all crochet differently. You might crochet tighter or looser than I do. Or you could have chosen a different yarn and hook combination. In any case, this is an easy fix. Simply add ONE MORE stitch to each chain stitch (So THREE single crochet stitches instead of two).
Can you make this pattern out of different yarn? Yes, you certainly can! You can make a cute baby octopus plushies out of bulky blanket yarn like Bernat Blanket Super Bulky 6 yarn, Bernat Pipsqueak Extra Soft Bulky Weight Yarn or another bulky yarn weight. You can also go smaller than a worsted weight 4 yarn, such as a DK weight yarn or even thread. If using a different weight yarn, just adjust the hook size for the yarn. Be sure to also allow for additional yarn if going bigger as a larger octopus will take more yarn.
This is an excellent scrap yarn project perfect for a baby birthday gift or cute baby shower gifts. Remember, though, if you are gifting toys to babies to embroider black yarn eyes (or other contrasting favorite yarn colors). Just pick your favorite color of yarn and your cuddliest baby gift is a few moments away!
How do you crochet small animals? Maybe this adventure into crocheting an octopus has you excited about crocheting even more crochet dolls and toys! I love crocheting amigurumi so much that I wrote an entire amigurumi ebook! Or if you just want to dip your toe into the crochet toy pool, you might enjoy my free Amigurumi Secrets with this tip sheet for my newsletter subscribers:
More Free Baby Crochet Patterns
If you love this Crochet Octopus pattern, you might also like to check out these other patterns for babies. You can find all our Baby Crochet Patterns here.
1. Hippo Rattle // 2. Friendly Crochet Spider // 3. Snowman Octopus
Explore Even More Crochet Patterns
Do you love crochet as much as I do? I think you’re going to love these other free crochet patterns:
- Easy Crochet Hat
- Crochet Heart
- Crochet Bee
- Easy Crochet Dishcloth
- Crochet Cat Sweater
- Men’s Crochet Beanie
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making the Crochet Octopus Pattern I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @crochet365knittoo. If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Crochet 365 Knit Too Facebook page or pop over to the Crochet365KnitToo Club and share a photo! I’d love to see your work!
I am a member of the UK branch and safety eyes are a definite no no. Please can you not recommend using them as they are a safety issue for premature babies according to trading standards.
Thank you.
I’ve revised the post to reflect the concerns about safety eyes.
Please note that when donating any item, one should contact the local hospital directly for their specifications. My local hospital, for instance, prefers the octopus unstuffed. And some of the “standards” set by various groups are not always necessary. It’s always best to contact your own local hospital or group and then make something that fits their standards.
These are adorable, Cheryl. How large are they and could they be made larger (for older children) by doubling worsted weight yarn and a larger hook? Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks!
HI Becky, I gifted one of the octopus and the other is in my office at work (and I’m home at the moment). I’d guess the head is about 3-4″ tall from top to bottom. You certainly could make it bigger by doubling the worsted weight yarn or using bulky yarn–both with a larger hook size. You also could work a few more rounds of increases before working even (and then decreasing). I’d probably separate the extra rows of decreases with a row of single crochet, so the bottom half of the octopus is more oval shaped. And then just decide if you want to add some chains for the octopus legs. Good luck!
Can I ask why you use cotton yarn for these? Would wool be OK too?
Cotton yarn is recommended because it can withstand the high temps to sterilize things in a hospital. If you are making the octopus to donate, you should contact the hospital to get their specifications. If you are not making the octopus to donate, then you have more wiggle room to make it out of any yarn you want.
That makes sense, thanks!
Hello,
I am trying to crochet it, but having some problems. When i finish 6 stitches, do i have to do a slip stitch at the end. then when i go to next row, do i have make one chain?
This is beautiful and i love it.
The octopus is worked in the round. What that means is that you work continuously; you do NOT slip stitch, chain 1, etc. Instead, just continue the next row by sc into the next stitch. I usually use a small scrap piece of yarn or a stitch marker to mark each round.
Thank you for the pattern and easy to follow instructions.
This pattern is fantastic! I’m a beginner, only made three other projects before this and learned to crochet less than two weeks ago. This was so easy to follow. My yarn was very chunky and I used 9mm needles but it still looked really good just following along as written. Thank you for sharing this, being able to complete something this adorable just made my day.
I am glad you were able to work the pattern! Congratulations on your new hobby! 🙂
Im having issues with the tentacles. Mine curled fine. No where as spiral as this but are curly. But they are super lonf compared to the head. I did the ch 50. And 2 sc in each st after the first part. Just didnt wanna spiral up lole this.
I’m wondering if your chain is looser than my chain. You could try chaining tighter or use a smaller hook.
OMG! I loved the picture when I got the email. So today, I crocheted it….I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.
By the way, I usually don’t like stuffed animals but for some reason I wanted to make it. When I finished it, I realized I have to keep it. I did not put a face on it.
Will you please clarify? Row 19 working front loop only. Is this the loop toward me on the right side or away from me on the wrong side? Also, I ended up with 9 stitches even after ripping and redoing. I’m not sure how. Thanks so much. This is a really cute design.
I”m glad you like the design. Good catch on the stitch count on row 19. It should be ‘sc in next st, sc 2 tog’ around. That will give you 8 stitches at the end of the row. (I revised the pattern). When you work in the front loop, it is the loop towards you. Here is a post that explains the stitch parts: http://www.crochet365knittoo.com/parts-crochet-stitch/ Hope that helps!
Thanks!
Your pattern calls for a c2/2:50 hook. I looked at your set on Amazon and there is only a 2.75 hook. And do I look for a steel or aluminum hook? I never knew there was a difference in the smaller hook! Help please! Thank you!
Hi Cheryl,
I love these!!! Going to make one for my 4 month old granddaughter as soon as I can get some cotton yarn. Thank you so much for sharing it!!! ??
Sue
Ohio, USA