Lovable Crochet Octopus: Free Soft Toy Pattern

Find pure joy in the adorable world of the free Crochet Soft & Cuddly Octopus, perfect for a delightful plush companion or a thoughtful gift.

Its design features charming tentacles and a sweet, smiling face that children and adults alike will adore. Not only a creative pastime, but the final product also serves multiple purposes: a soft toy for kids, a whimsical home décor piece, or a heartfelt handmade gift.

Crochet Squid & Octopus

This pattern guides you through crocheting a delightful and huggable octopus that appeals to crocheters of all levels. The soft texture of the yarn makes the octopus perfect for cuddling, bringing comfort and cheer to anyone who holds it. Each stitch brings you closer to a loveable companion, embodying warmth and creativity. This pattern turns simple yarn into a source of joy, making every moment spent on the project worthwhile.

Materials Needed:

• Category 4 yarn (color of your choice)
• Polyfill stuffing
• Two black safety eyes (or black yarn for eyes)
• Darning needle (if using yarn for eyes)
• 3.75 mm crochet hook
• Scissors

Pattern For Body:

Round 1:

• Create a magic ring and chain 1. Make 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Close the ring. Slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc to join.

In Round 2: 

• Chain 1. Make 2 sc in each stitch around for a total of 12 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 3:

• Chain 1. 1 sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the next (increase). Repeat – around for a total of 18 stitches. Join with a sl st.

Round 4:

• Chain 1. 2 sc, then an increase. Repeat – around for a total of 24 stitches. Join with a sl st.

For Rounds 5-6:

• Chain 1. Make 1 sc in each stitch around for 2 rounds, maintaining 24 stitches. Join each round with a sl st.

Round 7 (Increase Round):

• Chain 1. 3 sc, then an increase. Repeat – around for a total of 30 stitches. Join with a sl st.

Rounds 8-11:

• Chain 1. Make 1 sc in each stitch around for 4 rounds, maintaining 30 stitches. Join each round with a sl st.

Adding Eyes and Mouth:

• Place safety eyes between Rounds 7 and 8, spacing them about 5 stitches apart. If using yarn, sew on the eyes at this position.
• Sew the mouth using black yarn slightly below and between the eyes.

Bottom of Body (Working in Back Loops Only for the Next Round):

Next Round:

• Chain 1. 3 sc, then a decrease all around in the back loops only, to start forming the bottom of the squid, decreasing the stitch count to 24. Join with a sl st.

Following Round:

• Chain 1. 2 sc, then a decrease around (not in back loops), decreasing to 18 stitches. Join with a sl st.
• After this, stuff the body with polyfill before it gets too tight to fill.

Final Rounds:

• Continue decreasing over the next few rounds until you can close the bottom.
• Once you’re down to about 6 stitches, cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
• Use the darning needle to weave through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and secure the end.

Tentacles:

• Create a slip knot and attach it to the front loop left from the round where you worked in the back loops only.
• Chain 1 to secure it in place.
• In the same loop, make 1 single crochet, 1 double crochet, and 1 single crochet to form the first bump of the tentacle.
• Skip the next front loop, and in the following front loop, repeat step 3.
• Continue around, creating bumps for tentacles by skipping one loop between each set of 1 sc, 1 dc, and 1 sc.