The crochet jellyfish is one of the most loved quick makes, thanks to its bell-shaped head and long curling tentacles. The bell is a simple sphere or dome. The magic is in the tentacles: you make a long chain, then work several stitches into each chain on the way back, which forces the strand to spiral on its own.
Jellyfish are popular as nursery decorations and preemie comfort toys, where the curly tentacles are said to remind babies of the womb. For that use, follow safety guidance on yarn and tentacle length from a reputable charity pattern.
What you need
- Yarn
- Cotton or worsted (CYC 4) with a 3.0 to 3.5 mm hook. A little stuffing for the bell.
- Skill
- Easy. If you can make a small dome and a chain, the curling tentacle does the rest.
Jellyfish projects to make
- 1Classic curly jellyfish. A stuffed bell with spiraling chain tentacles. Teaches the curling-chain technique.
- 2Mini jellyfish garland. Several tiny jellyfish strung together. A fast decorative make.
- 3Rainbow jellyfish. Color-change tentacles. Teaches joining new colors in a chain.
- 4Comfort jellyfish. Made to a charity safety spec for preemies. Follow the official pattern exactly.
Where to find free jellyfish patterns
For comfort jellyfish, use the official pattern from the relevant preemie charity, since safety specs matter. For decorative jellyfish, Ravelry and amigurumi blogs have many free versions. Search the project plus "free crochet pattern".
Stitches you will use
- Single CrochetUS: sc / UK: dc
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: ch
- Slip StitchUS: sl st / UK: ss
Looking for more? See all crochet amigurumi patterns.