Quick, Cute, and Curly: How to Crochet a Mini Octopus Amigurumi
How to Crochet a Cute Mini Octopus: Free Step-by-Step Amigurumi Pattern
Looking for a quick, charming crochet project? This mini octopus amigurumi pattern is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. With its expressive asymmetrical eyes, curly tentacles, and top bow, this adorable sea creature makes a fantastic keychain, bag charm, desk buddy, or handmade gift. The body and tentacles are worked as a single piece, reducing the amount of sewing required!
Skill Level & Project Overview
- Skill Level: Easy / Intermediate
- Finished Size: Approximately 2 to 2.5 inches tall (depending on yarn weight and hook size)
- Language & Terms: Standard US Crochet Terms
- Construction: Worked in continuous spirals unless specified otherwise
Materials & Tools Needed
To make this adorable crochet octopus, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Fine / Sport weight or Lace cotton yarn (such as 100% mercerized cotton yarn, ~25g / 150m). You will need main color (blue/ocean shade), white (for eyes), green (for bow), and a scrap of black yarn/thread for embroidery.
- Crochet Hook: 1.25 mm hook (or a hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn thickness).
- Eyes: 3 mm black safety eyes, black beads, small buttons, or black embroidery floss.
- Fiberfill Stuffing: Polyester stuffing to fill the head.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and pins for positioning.
- Optional Cosmetics: Dry or oil pastel (or pink blush) and a small brush for adding soft rosy cheeks.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
- ch: Chain stitch
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Single crochet increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
- sl st: Slip stitch
- FLO: Front loops only
- BLO: Back loops only
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- (…) * n: Repeat instructions in parentheses n times
- […]: Total stitch count at the end of the round
Step-by-Step Octopus Pattern Instructions
Head and Main Body
Worked in a continuous spiral using main body color yarn. Stuff firmly as you go.
Round 1: 6 sc into a MR [6]
Round 2: 6 inc [12]
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) * 6 [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) * 6 [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) * 6 [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) * 6 [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) * 6 [42]
Round 8: (6 sc, inc) * 6 [48]
Rounds 9–13 (5 rounds): 48 sc [48]
Round 14: (6 sc, dec) * 6 [42]
Rounds 15–18 (4 rounds): 42 sc [42]
Round 19: (5 sc, dec) * 6 [36]
Rounds 20–22 (3 rounds): 36 sc [36]
Round 23: (4 sc, dec) * 6 [30]
Round 24: 30 sc [30]
Round 25: (4 sc, dec) * 5 [25]
Round 26: 25 sc [25]
Round 27: (3 sc, dec) * 5 [20]
Do not fasten off or cut the yarn. Continue directly to the tentacles.
Tentacles (Curly Legs)
The tentacles are worked into the Front Loops Only (FLO) of Round 27 while spacing them around the body. Stuff the body with fiberfill before or right after completing the legs.
How to work 1 Tentacle: Chain 42. Starting in the 2nd chain from hook, work 2 to 3 sc into each chain across back to the base. The chain will naturally curl into a spiral.
Spacing the 8 Tentacles in Round 27 (Worked in FLO):
- Make Tentacle 1, sc in next st
- Make Tentacle 2, sc in next 2 sts
- Make Tentacle 3, sc in next st
- Make Tentacle 4, sc in next 2 sts
- Make Tentacle 5, sc in next st
- Make Tentacle 6, sc in next 2 sts
- Make Tentacle 7, sc in next st
- Make Tentacle 8, sc in next 2 sts
This accounts for all 20 front loops of Round 27. Do not cut yarn; proceed to close the bottom base.
Bottom Base Closure
Pause to firmly stuff the octopus head with fiberfill. Now close the bottom opening working in the unworked Back Loops Only (BLO) of Round 27 behind the tentacles.
Round 28 (in BLO): (2 sc, dec) * 5 [15]
Round 29: (1 sc, dec) * 5 [10]
Round 30: 5 dec [5]
Cut the yarn leaving a short tail. Thread the tail through the front loops of the remaining 5 stitches using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the hole securely, and weave in the yarn end.
Crochet Eye Backings (Asymmetrical)
Using white yarn, make two distinct eye circles to give the octopus its funny, playful expression.
Larger Eye Circle
Round 1: 6 sc into a MR [6]
Round 2: 6 inc [12]
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) * 6 [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) * 6 [24]
Round 5: 24 sl st around [24]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Smaller Eye Circle
Round 1: 6 sc into a MR [6]
Round 2: 6 inc [12]
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) * 6 [18]
Round 4: 18 sl st around [18]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Pupils (Optional Crochet Version)
If you are not using 3mm black beads or safety eyes, crochet pupils using black yarn:
Round 1: 6 sc into a MR [6]. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Top Bow Accessory
Using green yarn, make a classic accent bow to pin on top of the head.
- Bow Rectangle: Chain 16. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc across [15]. Turn, ch 1, sc across [15]. Repeat for 6 rows total. Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Assembly: Pinch the center of the rectangle to form a bow shape. Wrap a matching strand of yarn tightly around the center several times and knot securely on the back. Leave a tail for sewing.
Assembly & Final Details
- Attach the Eyes: Pin the white eye circles side-by-side onto the upper front of the octopus head. Place them slightly overlapping or right next to each other. Sew them down firmly using their yarn tails.
- Attach the Pupils: Secure black 3mm beads, safety eyes, or crocheted pupils onto the white eye circles, positioning them slightly off-center for a quirky look.
- Embroider Facial Details: Using thin black thread/floss, embroider small arched eyebrows above the eyes and a cheeky curved mouth underneath.
- Attach the Bow: Sew the green bow near the top right or top left side of the head.
- Rosy Cheeks (Optional): Apply a small amount of dry pink pastel blush or cosmetics with a brush under the eyes to give your octopus warm, glowing cheeks.
Helpful Amigurumi Tips
- Tension: Keep your stitches tight so that the polyester fiberfill stuffing does not show through the fabric.
- Curling Tentacles: Placing 2 to 3 single crochets into every chain stitch ensures that the tentacles curl naturally without needing internal wire or extra shaping.
- Personalization: Experiment with different yarn colors, add a key ring attachment to the top, or swap the bow for a little mini hat!
