Hook a Squishy Baby Octopus: No-Sew Crochet Project!

ByEmila Lorein

Dive into your next favorite project with this absolutely adorable Squishy Baby Octopus pattern, generously provided for free by the talented designer All From Jade.

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and utterly charming make, you’ve found it. These little octopuses are crocheted in one piece—that’s right, no sewing required! They work up in a flash using bulky yarn, making them perfect for market prep, last-minute gifts, or just a delightful project to brighten your day.

Ready to create your own little stack of squish? Let’s get started!

Before You Begin: The Essentials

This pattern is perfect for beginners who are comfortable with the basic stitches.

  • Difficulty: Beginner ⭐⭐☆☆
  • Designer: All From Jade (Find her on Instagram and Facebook!)

What You’ll Need (Materials)

  • Yarn: #6 Bulky yarn (The pattern uses Premier Yarns – Parfait Chunky, but any similar yarn will work wonderfully).
  • Hook: 4.5mm crochet hook
  • Eyes: A pair of 12mm safety eyes
  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
  • Tools: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, sewing pins
  • Optional: A strand of pink yarn for rosy cheeks and some thin black yarn or embroidery floss for a smile.

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

Here are the terms you’ll see in the pattern. Don’t worry if some are new—the pattern includes tips for the special stitches!

  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • ch: chain
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • inc: increase (crochet 2 sc in the same stitch)
  • dec: invisible decrease (see tips below)
  • bo: bobble stitch (see tips below)
  • BLO: crochet in the back loops only
  • mr of n sc: magic ring with n number of single crochet stitches inside
  • pm: place a stitch marker
  • ( … ) x n: repeat the instructions in parentheses n times
  • (=#): total number of stitches in the round

Pro Tips from the Designer

  • Yarn Under Technique: This pattern uses the “yarn under” method for a tighter, neater stitch definition. To do this, insert your hook, then wrap the yarn under the hook (instead of over) to pull up a loop. Complete the stitch as usual (yarn over, pull through both loops).
  • Work in a Spiral: This project is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds or turn your work unless the pattern says to.
  • Use a Stitch Marker: Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go. This is your best friend for not losing your place!
  • Invisible Decrease (dec):
    1. Insert your hook into the front loop only of the first stitch.
    2. Insert your hook into the front loop only of the second stitch.
    3. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook.
    4. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
  • Bobble Stitch (bo):
    1. Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook).
    2. Repeat this 3 more times in the same stitch until you have 5 loops on your hook.
    3. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops at once to complete the bobble.

The Squishy Baby Octopus Pattern

The Head & Body

  • Round 1: mr of 8 sc (=8)
  • Round 2: 8 inc (=16)
  • Round 3: (3 sc, 1 inc) x4 (=20)
  • Rounds 4-7: 20 sc (=20) — That’s 4 full rounds of single crochet.
  • Round 8: (3 sc, 1 dec) x4 (=16)

Time to add the face! Secure the 12mm safety eyes between Rounds 5 and 6, with about 3 stitches of space between them.

  • Round 9: BLO: 16 sc (=16)
    • Important Note: In this round, place a stitch marker in the first front loop that you skipped. Do not remove it! This is where you will start the tentacles later.

Fasten off and leave a long yarn tail for closing. Stuff the head firmly with your fiberfill. Use the long tail and your yarn needle to weave through the front loops of the final 16 stitches, pull tight to close the opening, and hide the end.

The Tentacles (No-Sew Magic!)

Now, let’s bring your octopus to life!

Hold the head right-side up. Join a new piece of yarn into the marked front loop from Round 9 (you can remove the stitch marker now).

  • Tentacle Round: ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), *bo into the same st, sl st into the next 2 front loops*. Repeat the instructions between the asterisks *…* all the way around. You will make a total of 8 bobble-stitch tentacles.

PLEASE NOTE: The bobble stitch (bo) should always be made in the SAME stitch as the second slip stitch (sl st) from the previous repeat. This means you will make one bobble stitch for every two front loops.

Once you’ve completed all 8 tentacles, cut a short yarn tail. Tie the starting and ending tails together in a secure knot, and use your crochet hook or yarn needle to tuck the knot and tails inside the head.

Finishing Touches (Optional)

For an extra dash of cuteness, use your pink yarn to embroider a couple of small horizontal lines for cheeks just under the eyes. With your black embroidery floss, you can add a tiny, sweet smile between Rounds 5 and 6.

You Did It! Congratulations!

Your squishy baby octopus is complete! These little critters are so fun and addictive to make, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

Share your creations! All From Jade would love to see your finished octopuses. Share your photos on Instagram and use the hashtag #AllFromJade.

This pattern and all photos are the property of All From Jade. Copyright © 2023. This blog post is a transcribed version of the free pattern for easier reading. You may sell finished products made with this pattern, provided you credit All From Jade as the designer.

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