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Crochet the OCTOPUS SQUISH in 20 minutes! · Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern


If you're looking for that quick, easy, NO-SEW amigurumi to crochet in just 20 minutes, you've come to the right place. This one’s a real crowd-pleaser as it’s an adorable instant-gratification project that can be great for children gifting on birthdays or as a craft fair product. Moreover, it can be a perfect present and entertainer for kids during long road trips in family minivans for rent. You're going to want to make one of each color!


    Links


    The Octopus Squish's design features a round body and eight chubby little tentacles that can be pulled down to appear jellyfish-like, or curved upwards cutely for sitting.  I'm kind of obsessed with their tiny tentacles, though I'm not really sure how functional they are for surviving in the wild.  However, I think these pocket octos will fare pretty well as kawaii (cute) desk-mates, keychain charms, ornaments, or emotional support squishes!



    No sewing involved?!

    Yep, you heard right.  It's a no-sew project, meaning this octopus is crocheted entirely in one piece.  While I have a whole blog post on tips for sewing amigurumi pieces together, I'll be honest and say that I definitely still prefer NOT having to sew!


    How can they be used?

    This pocket-sized plush can be used for therapy as a sensory fidget toy or stress ball for people with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. The Octopus Squish makes a great friend!  They can also serve as fun kids toys or nursery decor, and are great for selling at craft fairs.  Who wouldn't want to stock up for markets with 20-minute makes?!

     


    Making them as Valentine gifts?

    If you're making these for Valentine's Day, you can also grab my set of FREE printable gift tags to attach to your octopus! It'll make such a sweet present. 


    Additionally, if you want an even smaller and faster octopus, try my free Baby Octopus pattern (also includes video tutorial), which takes only 10 minutes



    How can you customize them? 

    You can use any yarn fiber, from cotton to chenille velvet, to create different textures…or any weight to create different sizes. Hold yarn doubled to make an extra big Octopus!  This project looks great in all different yarn colors, including solids, ombre, self-striping, and variegated yarn. Customization is easy by adding crocheted appliques, bows, beads, buttons, eyes/facial features, and more.


    For those of you who want to use these sparkly, cartoon (or anime) inspired eyes, you can get them on Amazon here:



    Yarn used

    To make your Octopus Squish a true SQUISH, you've gotta go with some soft chunky yarn and a large (5mm) hook.  I would say that it looks great with blanket yarn, polyester, chenille, or velvet yarn, though you can use other types of fibers too!  The SQUISHY samples were created with Hobbii's Baby Snuggle Yarn, perfect for a soft and cuddly toy.  I'm a big fan of this yarn after having worked with a variety of similar yarns from different brands, and can safely say that it's my new favorite yarn for amigurumi.  If you'd like, check out my Baby Snuggle Yarn Review for more information! 


    Of course, you can also use "regular" worsted weight yarn as well, to create a small baby for your Octopus Squish.  They would make fantastic keychains!  The little, blue one above is made with medium weight "4" yarn and a 2.75mm crochet hook.


    PDF Pattern

    The PDF pattern is printable, ad-free, easy to read, includes photo references, and helps support Sweet Softies! (If you enjoy my free patterns, you can consider it as a donation to me when you buy one of my pattern PDFs! It allows me to maintain my blog and continue sharing more free patterns.)

    Bonus: The Octopus Squish PDF pattern includes a modification for chubby tentacles! 

    You can get the PDF pattern from my storeRavelry, or Etsy.





    Octopus Squish

    Free Crochet Pattern


    Terms of Use & Copyright Notice © 2022 Sweet Softies (www.sweetsofties.com). You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but you must credit Sweet Softies as the owner/creator of this pattern by linking to my website (www.sweetsofties.com). No wholesale. You may not translate, copy, alter, or sell my patterns in part or in whole in any way. My patterns may not be used in video tutorials or teaching online classes. My patterns may be used in teaching in-person classes ONLY with written consent from me. You may link to this pattern but you may not copy any part of the pattern instructions on other websites.

    Crochet Pattern Information


    Size:

    Height: 2 inches (5 cm)


    Level of Difficulty:

    ★☆☆☆☆ Beginner/Easy. Requires familiarity with stitches used (below).


    Stitches/Terms Used:

    • FO = fasten off
    • ch = chain
    • sl st = slip stitch
    • sc = single crochet
    • inc = increase (insert 2 sc in same st)
    • dec = decrease (sc 2 sts together)
    • BLO = back loops only
    • FLO = front loops only


    Materials:

    • Hobbii Baby Snuggle (super bulky “6”) yarn in desired color
    • Black embroidery thread for sewing details
    • 9mm plastic safety eyes (x2)
    • 5mm crochet hook
    • Stuffing
    • Yarn needle
    • Scissors 



    Crochet Instructions


    Notes (read before beginning):

    • A complete video tutorial for this pattern is available.
    • If you'd like to support me as a designer, you can get the PDF pattern from my shop!


    Special Stitch(es):

    Tentacle: ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next st, sc in next st.

    (Chubbier tentacle option: ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each of next 2 sts.)


    Let's Begin!

    R1: Ch 2 and insert 8 sc in the 2nd ch from hook. (8)

    R2: Inc around. (16)

    R3: (Sc, inc) x 8. (24)

    R4-R7: Sc around. (24)

    R8: (Sc, dec) x 8. (16)

    R9 (tentacle round): Work in FLO this entire round. Sl st into the first front loop. Make a tentacle, then sl st in front loop of next st. *(Make a tentacle, insert hook into front loop of next st, and insert hook into front loop of the stitch after. YO, pull through all 3 loops on the hook.) *Repeat around, creating a total of 8 tentacles.

    Insert plastic safety eyes (9mm for super bulky yarn, 6mm for medium weight yarn) between R5-R6. Space them about 4-5 sts apart depending on personal preference. If desired, use black yarn and a yarn needle to sew eyelashes and a mouth. Stuff the body as you close up the bottom in the last two rounds.

    R10: Work in the unworked back loops from R8. Dec around. (8)

    R11: Dec around. (4)

    FO with a long tail for sewing the hole shut.


    Congratulations on finishing your OCTOPUS SQUISH!




    Video Tutorial 

    Ready to crochet along with me?  Let's make the Octopus Squish together!  I demonstrate using 100% acrylic worsted weight yarn because the stitches are easier to see on video than chunky velvet yarn. 





    Thank you for reading, and hope you had a fun time crocheting this project!  If you'd like to help out my blog, feel free to check out my post, "5 Ways to Support my Blog!"

    You might like my other designs if you enjoyed this one!  Simply click on the image below for the pattern, or check out all my free patterns here.

      




    I'd love to see your finished work from my designs!  Here are links for sharing photos of your creations: 


    As always, you are more than welcome to SHARE this post with any fellow crocheters who'd like to try this pattern!  Thank you for reading, and I wish you all a wonderful day!

    Best wishes,