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Step-by-Step
Crochet
AmigurumiMini octopus amigurumi crochet pattern with plush tentacles
A small blue octopus plush worked top-down in single crochet with eight curled tentacles.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4-6 hours
- Hook
- 4.5 mm
- Yarn
- Super Bulky
Pattern highlights
- Start the head with a magic ring and build outward through a series of increase rounds.
- Continue the body in continuous rounds, letting the stitch count grow until the shaping evens out.
- Stuff the body as you go so the shape holds before closing the last rounds.
- Set the tentacles aside and chain eight separate strips, working two single crochets into each chain.
- Let the tentacles curl naturally once fastened off, then arrange them around the body's base.
- Sew each tentacle in place using the long tails left from fastening off.
- Add the eyes toward the front of the head for the finished expression.
About This Pattern
Sea creatures earn a permanent spot in any plush collection, and this octopus is the kind of piece I'd reach for first. It's small, it's blue, and it has eight tentacles instead of the usual two arms. That alone makes it stand out on a shelf of amigurumi rounds and increases.
The build is straightforward single crochet worked in continuous rounds, no joining, no turning. The head and body come from one spiral piece, shaped entirely through increases. The tentacles are separate flat strips worked in rows of 2 sc per chain, which gives them their curl.
What comes out the other end is a rounded, top-heavy little toy with a soft chenille-style surface. The plush yarn does a lot of the visual work, smoothing over any stitch unevenness. It's a quick, forgiving project with a satisfying, huggable result.
Worth knowing
I like projects where the shaping does the talking, and this one leans hard on increases. Round 2 doubles the stitch count, then each following round spaces out the increases further, which is the whole secret to a rounded head. The tentacles are a nice change of pace: flat, chained, worked in simple rows instead of rounds. Watching them curl on their own after fastening off is a small, pleasing surprise. The plush yarn forgives a lot, so if your tension wobbles, nobody will know. It's a compact make with two distinct techniques in one small toy, and that variety keeps it from feeling repetitive.
Common mistakes
- Losing track of the round start Plush yarn hides stitch definition, so keep the stitch marker in the first stitch and move it every round.
- Overstuffing the body Add stuffing in small amounts and check the shape as you go; too much stretches the fabric and flattens the roundness.
- Uneven tentacle length Chain the same length for all eight tentacles before working the 2 sc increase row.
- Tentacles sewn in a clump Space them evenly around the bottom edge rather than bunching several together.
- Skipping a long sewing tail Leave enough tail on each tentacle when fastening off, since it's what attaches the piece later.
Intermediate
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The kit
- Super bulky plush yarn in blue or your preferred color, approximately 80 yards (73 meters).
- Small amount of matching yarn for sewing pieces.
- 4.5 mm crochet hook.
- Fiberfill stuffing.
- Stitch marker.
- Yarn needle.
- Plastic safety eyes or embroidery thread for baby-safe features.
Main Octopus Body
Round 1Make MR, crochet 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
Round 2Inc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3(Sc in next stitch, inc) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Round 4(Sc in next 2 stitches, inc) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Round 5(Sc in next 3 stitches, inc) repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Round 6to 11: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)
Round 12(Sc in next 3 stitches, dec) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Round 13(Sc in next 2 stitches, dec) repeat 6 times. (18 sts) Insert safety eyes between rounds 8 and 9, approximately 7 stitches apart. Begin adding stuffing before closing the body.
Round 14(Sc in next stitch, dec) repeat 6 times. (12 sts)
Round 15Dec around. (6 sts) FO, leaving a yarn tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull closed, and weave in the end.
Tentacles
Make 8 tentacles using the following instructions: Chain 10.
Starting in the second chain from hook, work 2 sc in each chain across.
Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.
The tentacles will naturally curl slightly because of the increased stitches. Arrange them evenly around the bottom edge of the body.
Assembly
Step 1After assembly, gently shape the octopus by adjusting the stuffing inside the body. Avoid overfilling because too much stuffing can stretch the crochet fabric and change the rounded appearance.
Step 2For care, spot cleaning is recommended for plush yarn toys. If washing is necessary, use gentle handling and allow the toy to air dry completely while reshaping the body.
Finishing
- Weave in the starting tail from the magic ring and any loose ends along the body.
- Stuff the head and body gradually while shaping it, avoiding overfilling as the pattern notes advise.
- Sew the eight tentacles evenly around the base using their long tails, then close any remaining gaps.
Why it works
The body starts with a magic ring and increases every stitch in round 2, doubling the count immediately.
Each later round spaces the increases one stitch further apart, which is how the head rounds out gradually.
The tentacles are worked flat in chained rows rather than in the round, since they don't need a hollow interior.
What it becomes
- A shelf plush for a nursery or playroom, paired with other soft sea-themed toys.
- A handmade gift for someone who collects small amigurumi animals.
- A desk or bag charm when made in a smaller yarn weight, as the notes suggest.
Original pattern: https://duniarecipe.com/cute-mini-octopus-crochet-pattern-easy-amigurumi-plush-toy-tutorial/
FAQ
Can I use regular worsted yarn instead of plush yarn?
Yes, the notes mention sizing up or down by changing yarn weight and hook size. A smoother yarn will show stitch definition more, so expect a different look.
Do the tentacles need stuffing?
The pattern doesn't call for stuffing them. They're worked flat and get their shape from the increase row and natural curl.
Is a stitch marker really necessary?
I'd say yes here. The source notes that plush yarn makes the round's start hard to see, so the marker saves real frustration.
What eyes work best for a baby-safe version?
The materials list embroidery thread as the safety alternative to plastic safety eyes. Stitch them on securely toward the front of the head for the right expression.