For those of you scrambling to make last-minute Valentine's Day gifts for your kiddo's class, I have the PERFECT pattern for you! Imagine being able to whip one gift up in just 10 minutes!
This sweet, mini octopus has a round and squishy body, along with eight chubby little tentacles!
About the Pattern
- Super fast to work up (only 10 minutes!)
- Easy and beginner-friendly
- Includes a step-by-step video tutorial
- No sewing needed
- Stashbuster project; great for using up leftover yarn scraps
- Tiny and cute at only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in height
Make the Big Version
Want to crochet an entire octopus family? Try making the bigger version as a "parent"! Both are free on my blog as written patterns, as well as video tutorials on my YouTube channel. They are slightly different depending on the type of tentacles you'd like.
- Octobuddy has chubbier, rounder tentacles
- Octopus Squish has thinner, curlier tentacles (pictured below in light pink)
Uses
- Toys for children
- Nursery decor for baby rooms
- Party favors for kids birthdays
- Valentine's Day gifts for an entire class of students
- Unisex, gender neutral present
- Keychain charm
- Selling at craft fairs or markets
- Therapy tool / sensory fidget toy / stress ball (for people with anxiety, ADHD, or autism)
Free Printable Gift Tags
This is for those who want to make these little guys with matching octopus-themed gift tags, perfect for Valentine's Day with a sweet pun in the message!
Customizations
You can use any yarn fiber, from cotton to chenille velvet, to create different textures…or any weight to create different sizes! 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.
Yarn
To make your flamingo exactly like mine, try going with some chunky chenille velvet yarn and a large (5mm) hook. I used Hobbii's Baby Snuggle Yarn and Honey Bunny Yarn. They're very similar in weight and feel, and are perfect for a soft and squishy amigurumi. For more information about the Baby Snuggle Yarn, feel free to check out my Baby Snuggle Yarn Review!
PDF Pattern
The PDF pattern is printable, ad-free, easy to read, includes free matching gift tag printables, 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.)
BABY OCTOPUS
Free Crochet Pattern
Terms of Use & Copyright Notice © 2023 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: 1.5 inches (3.8 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:
- Honey Bunny Yarn or Baby Snuggle Yarn (super bulky “6”)
- 5mm crochet hook
- 6mm plastic safety eyes (x2)
- Stuffing
- Scissors
- Optional: black embroidery thread for sewing details, like the eyes or mouth
Crochet Instructions
R2: Inc around. (16)
R3-R4: Sc around. (16)
R5: Dec around. (8)
R6 (tentacle round): Work in FLO this entire round. Ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st into the front loop of the same st. (Ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st into the front loop of the next st), repeat 7 times. This creates a total of 8 tentacles at the end of the round.
Add 6mm eyes between R3-R4, 2 sts apart (for a "baby"-like look) or 3 sts apart. Stuff the body before completely closing the bottom in the next round.
R7: Work in the unworked back loops created in R6. Dec around. (4)
Fasten off and weave in the ends. Congratulations on finishing!
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:
Best wishes,
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