Warning: Cuteness Overload! Get ready to hook a whole school of adorable, pocket-sized friends with this free mini octopus crochet pattern. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike, this project is fast, fun, and uses only a small amount of yarn. These little cephalopods make fantastic keychains, baby mobile decorations, or simply a cheerful desk companion. Dive in and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Mini Octopus Pattern

• Incredibly Fast: You can whip one up in under an hour, making it a perfect project for instant gratification.
• Beginner-Friendly: This pattern uses basic amigurumi stitches like the magic ring, single crochet, increases, and decreases. It’s a great way to practice your skills.
• Scrap Yarn Buster: It requires very little yarn, so it’s ideal for using up those leftover skeins from other projects.
• Super Giftable: Who wouldn’t love to receive one of these? Make them in a friend’s favorite color for a thoughtful, handmade gift.

Pattern Details

Skill Level

Easy / Beginner

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in any color. 100% cotton works well for a sturdy feel, while acrylic is soft and widely available.
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4) or 4.0mm (G-6) hook. Use a hook size that creates a tight fabric so the stuffing doesn’t show through.
• Safety Eyes: 6mm or 8mm black safety eyes (optional).
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Black Embroidery Floss: For embroidering the smile (optional).

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

• ch: chain
• MR: magic ring (or magic circle)
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: decrease (invisible decrease is recommended)
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• […] x…: repeat the instructions in brackets the given number of times
• (…): total number of stitches in the round

A Note on Preemie Octopuses: If you are crocheting for a “Octopus for a Preemie” charity, please follow their specific guidelines. They require 100% cotton yarn and strictly forbid safety eyes (all features must be embroidered) to ensure the safety of the infants. Please contact an official charity for their exact pattern and donation requirements.

Mini Octopus Crochet Pattern Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join or turn at the end of each round unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

Head / Body

(Using your main color yarn)

Round 1: Start with 6 sc in a MR. (6)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12)

Round 3: x 6. (18)

Round 4: x 6. (24)

Round 5: x 6. (30)

Round 6: x 6. (36)

Rounds 7-12 (6 rounds): sc in each st around. (36)

Now is a good time to add the face. Insert 6mm or 8mm safety eyes between Rounds 9 and 10, about 6-7 stitches apart. Using black embroidery floss, stitch a small, simple smile one round below and centered between the eyes.

Round 13: x 6. (30)

Round 14: x 6. (24)

Round 15: x 6. (18)

Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue to add stuffing as you close the opening.

Round 16: x 6. (12)

Round 17: dec x 6. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Using your yarn needle, weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Tentacles (Make 8)

The tentacles are worked directly onto the bottom of the octopus body. This avoids extra sewing!

1. Identify the bottom of your octopus. We will attach the tentacles along Round 15 (where we had 18 stitches). This gives a nice, even base.

2. Insert your hook into any stitch on Round 15, yarn over with your main color, and pull up a loop. Ch 1 to secure.

3. Ch 21.

4. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, work 2 sc in each ch back down to the base (you will have 40 sc in total). The extra stitches cause the tentacle to curl naturally.

5. When you reach the base, sl st into the next stitch on the octopus body (Round 15) to anchor the tentacle.

6. Sl st into the *next* stitch on the body to move over and prepare for the next tentacle.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 until you have made 8 tentacles. You may have to skip a stitch on the body here and there to space them out evenly. Don’t worry about perfect placement; they will look great!

After your 8th tentacle is anchored, fasten off and use your yarn needle to weave in any remaining ends securely.

Finishing Touches & Customization

• Keychain: Before closing the top of the head completely, attach a keychain ring through the MR at the very top.
• Blush: Use a small amount of pink yarn or even actual makeup blush to add rosy cheeks below the eyes for extra cuteness.
• Yarn Choice: Try a chenille or velvet yarn for a super soft, plushie version! You will need to adjust your hook size accordingly.

Congratulations on finishing your mini octopus! We’d love to see your creations. Share your finished project on social media and tag us so we can see your adorable new friend!