The octopus is a fast, friendly amigurumi: a stuffed round head and eight legs, with no fiddly assembly beyond attaching the legs. Because you make the same leg eight times, an octopus builds your speed and your decrease rhythm quickly, which is why it is such a popular early make.
Two versions dominate. The reversible octopus flips inside out between a happy face and a grumpy one, mostly two heads joined back to back. The preemie comfort octopus has curled tentacles said to soothe babies in neonatal care, and it must follow a registered charity's exact safety pattern, including yarn, size, and tentacle length. For that use, never improvise.
What you need
- Yarn
- Cotton or worsted (CYC 4) with a 3.0 to 3.5 mm hook. About 100 yards. A comfort octopus must use the charity-specified yarn.
- Skill
- Beginner. The head is one sphere and the legs repeat, so it is great decrease practice.
Octopus projects to make
- 1Classic octopus. A stuffed head with eight curled chain legs. Teaches the head sphere and repeated legs.
- 2Reversible mood octopus. Two heads joined so it flips between two faces. Teaches joining two pieces cleanly.
- 3Mini octopus. A keychain-sized version in fine yarn. Fast and giftable.
- 4Preemie comfort octopus. Made to a charity safety spec for neonatal units. Follow the official pattern exactly.
Where to find free octopus patterns
For a comfort octopus, use the official pattern from the relevant preemie charity, since the safety spec matters. For decorative octopuses, 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.