Crochet octopus patterns are not only fun to make, but they’re also fairly quick projects that babies absolutely love! And while this list of free octopus patterns does include some great ideas for babies, you’ll find a wide range of adorable octopus projects for older kids too.
Keep reading to see our collection of adorable octopus patterns, from crochet octopus pillows and puzzles to squishy octopus plushies.
Free Crochet Octopus Patterns
Crochet octopuses are cuddly, silly, and fun! For real, who doesn’t love a tentacled friend?
This list has something for everyone who has an appreciation for these beautiful and unique sea creatures:
- small, amigurumi crochet octopus patterns of all types
- themed octopuses
- octopus decor
- and an octopus so tiny it can fit on your fingertip
So get ready to dive in for some free crochet octopus patterns!
17 Free Crochet Octopus Patterns
Enjoy these free crochet octopus patterns for your next work-in-progress!
Crochet Octopus For Preemies
This realistic crochet octopus pattern features a slightly oval-shaped head that’s similar to the shape of a real octopus. It’s made with a magic ring, chain stitches, single crochets, and the slip stitch. Preemies (and all babies!) will love grabbing onto the comforting and delightful tentacles of this soft octopus pattern.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton
Octopus Cupcake Amigurumi Pattern
Could this tiny, cupcake-themed octopus get any cuter?! This little creature is made with popcorn stitch tentacles. With the variety of colors in each octopus, this project makes a great stash buster!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Yarn Art Jeans
Octopus Squish
Crocheted with super bulky blanket yarn and filled with a microbead pillow ball, this octopus is just as squishy and lovable as can be! If you wish, you can definitely replace the pillow ball with fiberfill. This smiley octopus friend measures approximately 10” around, not including the tentacles.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Blanket Yarn
Amigurumi Octopus Baby Toy
Babies love playing with octopus toys, and this pattern even includes the option to add a rattle for some extra sounds and fun! Enjoy the fun and colorful tentacles with their added accent color! This pattern includes a video tutorial to walk you through the steps.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Reversible Octopus 2 in 1
Check out this fun, reversible octopus option! Choose your favorite colors for this unique octopus pattern that can flip back and forth. After making each side of your octopus, you’ll stuff the inside while sewing the edges together.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Yarn Art Jeans
The Color Octopus
This tiny little octopus can be crocheted in around an hour! Check out all of the feelings that can be displayed with these octopus pals by changing the color and adjusting the facial features. With this quick project, you can easily make an octopus for every emotion!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
Dumbo Octopus Amigurumi Pattern
You can just picture these adorable little octopus creatures floating around in the sea! This pattern is quick and easy to make and would be perfect as a token gift. You’ll want to know how to crochet in the round and single crochet for this pattern.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Olive the Crochet Octopus Puzzle
This octopus puzzle isn’t too tricky to make, and it’s perfect for kids! While the tentacles can be enjoyed even by the littlest ages, the puzzle - made with 3 separate segments - is fun for toddlers and children to explore and put together. Even beginners can make this pattern, as long as you know how to work in the round, increase, and decrease.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Giant Squishy Octopus
This giant octopus pillow is squishy, soft, and perfect for cuddling! To stuff it, you’ll need about 50 oz of polyfill. This large crochet octopus pattern is worked in the round, with the body made first, then the legs.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Blanket Yarn
Carolina the Octopus
Meet Carolina - the most merry, delightful octopus around! Her tentacles are made with the easy french-knot embroidery technique, giving them a fun and unique texture. This cute, beginner pattern measures approximately 4” x 3” when finished.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Giant Plush Octopus
This super soft octopus is sure to be snuggled and enjoyed! You can make this beginner pattern in all one color, or use multiple colors for the tentacles. You’ll work your octopus body in a spiral and then add those smiley, embroidered eyes!
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby
Icecream Octopus
Celebrate summer with this cute and colorful octopus ice cream cone! It’s worked in the round and includes simple, step-by-step instructions. This tiny little creature would be perfect for a small gift or for decorating!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Amigurumi Octopus
This cuddly octopus is squishy and lovable all the way down to his tentacles! This amigurumi octopus is unique with his stuffed tentacles that are also sprinkled with french-knot “suckers”. Little ones will love to be tickled and played with with this handmade octopus toy!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: DMC Natura Just Cotton
Free Crochet Octopus Pattern
No sewing is required for this soft and playful octopus! Its multicolored tentacles are not only enjoyable for kids and babies to explore, but they’re also great for using up extra bits of yarn. This 4” x 6.5” octopus pattern is ideal for comfortable beginners.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Yarn Art Jeans
Tiny Octopus
This itty bitty octopus can fit right on your fingertip! For the tiniest octopus project, use embroidery thread or sewing thread. Or, try crochet thread if you want something a little bigger and easier to work with. Crocheting with thread can be a challenge!
Yarn weight: Thread
Suggested yarn: Kirov Yarn Mills Mouline
Crochet Amigurumi Octopus
This cute and simple pattern includes both a video and a step-by-step written tutorial. It’s worked in continuous rounds and uses single crochets, double crochets, and half double crochets.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
Lily Sugar'n Cream Octavia the Octopus
With big, sleepy eyes and colorful tentacles, Octavia makes a sweet project for decor or for play! She measures approximately 7” tall and can be made in any creative color combination that you like best!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Crocheting Octopus Toys for Preemies in the NICU
But did you know that crochet octopuses are more than just cuddly toys? Crochet octopus toys are also used to comfort preemies in the NICU. These crochet toys help little ones regulate their breathing and grab onto the tentacles instead of their tubes and equipment. It’s pretty amazing what a little crocheting can do!
Are these octopus patterns beginner-friendly?
Most of the patterns on this list can be made by crochet beginners who have some experience with basic stitches, casting on, binding off, increases and decreases, and crocheting in the round. Just a few patterns included contain more difficult techniques – these would be an excellent choice for intermediate crocheters.
So, even if you haven’t been crocheting for long, don’t be afraid to dive into the fun of crocheting octopus patterns!
Supplies You’ll Need for Crocheting Octopus Patterns
Here are some supplies you’ll need to collect in order to make your crochet octopus pattern. Remember that every pattern is a little bit different, so you’ll want to carefully read through the supplies list in your specific pattern to ensure you have everything you need.
- Yarn
- Crochet hook (for amigurumi, you’ll likely need a hook a couple of sizes smaller than you’d normally use)
- Other notions (tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, toy stuffing/polyfill, etc.)
- Safety eyes (Please keep in mind that safety eyes do present a choking hazard for children under 3. Embroidered eyes and facial features are the best choice for little ones.)
What is the best yarn for crocheted octopus patterns?
For amigurumi octopus patterns, DK or worsted-weight yarn is the most common option. Cotton is a good choice since it shows the stitch definition well. However, nearly any fiber content will do.
Some of our favorite yarn choices for crochet octopus patterns include Lion Brand Coboo, Red Heart With Love, and Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK.
To make the process quicker for you, we’ve included recommended yarns for each pattern below. Be sure to check your pattern to see how much yarn you’ll need. Many of the designs in this list are also great stash busters, so feel free to use what you have on hand!
Amigurumi Techniques to Know for Crocheting an Octopus
Read through your pattern before getting started to make sure you are familiar with all the needed techniques. If not, check out one of the helpful tutorials below! These are some of the most commonly used techniques for crocheting octopus patterns and amigurumi.
- Magic circle
- Single crochet
- Single crochet increase and decrease
- Double crochet
- Half double crochet
- French knot embroidery technique
- Changing colors in crochet
- Weaving in ends
Tips for Crocheting Octopus Amigurumi
Here are some helpful tips for crocheting amigurumi octopus patterns:
Use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds.
Most crocheted octopus amigurumi patterns are worked in the round. Using stitch markers is an easy way to keep track of your rounds while you work, without having to think too hard about which round you’re on!
Stuff your octopus firmly, but not too tightly.
When stuffing your amigurumi octopus, use enough stuffing so that it’s not saggy, but avoid using too much. It’s easy to overstuff your octopus, leading to a toy that’s more stiff than cuddly.
Sew the parts together securely.
When piecing your octopus together, be sure to take the time to stitch securely. If you’re giving your octopus as a gift to a little one, keep in mind that babies and kids are not always gentle with stuffed toys. It’s best to sew a little bit more securely than you think is necessary in order to avoid losing tentacles or other pieces of your octopus.
Embroider the eyes on your octopus for small children.
While safety eyes sound safe, they can easily be a choking hazard if they’re pulled off or fall off your amigurumi. If your amigurumi octopus will be going to a home that has children aged 3 or under, it’s safest to embroider the eyes instead.
More Crochet Patterns
If you love to crochet, you may be interested in these related pattern collections.
- 17 Adorable (and Free!) Crochet Bunny Patterns
- 25 Easy Crochet Animal Patterns for Beginners
- How to Crochet a Mushroom + Free Pattern
- 27 Free Crochet Dinosaur Patterns To Roar About
- 30 Free Easy Crochet Flower Patterns (plus ideas to use them!)
- 12 Free Crochet Bee Patterns
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