Free Crochet Octopus Pattern

Looking for the perfect sleepover buddy for your child? Say hello to Sir Tentacles, the crochet octopus 🐙. He’s soft, squiggly and yours to make with our free crochet pattern!

My daughter has been asking me to make her an octopus softie she can take with her on sleepovers. So this little travelling octopus, Sir Tentacles, is the Crochet Octopus Pattern I’ve come up with. Just in case any of you need a little squiggly crochet octopus too, the pattern is written out for free below.

PIN now, to make later ↓

Sir Tentacles the Free Crochet Octopus Pattern

Supplies

• Yarn: Scheepjes Soft Fun (Denim Yarn). 1.76 oz (50 g) and 153 yds (140 m). 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic. DK Weight Yarn [3]. Scheepjes Stone Washed – River Washed Colour Pack. 0.35 oz (10 g)  and 28 yds (26 m). 78% cotton, 22% acrylic. Sport Weight Yarn [2]. 
• Colors: 1 skein in Purple (Color: 515) Scheepjes Soft Fun Denim and 1 skein in Beryl (Color: 833)  Scheepjes Stone Washed
• Hook: 3.75 mm (F). Furls Blue Odyssey 
• Finished Project Yardage: Octopus: Scheepjes Soft Fun: 1.02 oz (29 g) and 89 yds (81 m). Scheepjes Stone Washed: 0.63 oz (18 g) and 51 yds (47 m).
• Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker, Poly-Fil, 12 mm black safety eyes (x2)

Difficulty Level

• Easy

Finished Size

• Octopus measures approximately 3.5 inches tall X 3.5 inches wide not including tentacles.
• Tentacles are approximately 6 inches in length.

Gauge

• Approximately 5 rows per 1 inch and 5 sts per 1 inch (worked in rounds of sc)

You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute if your gauge is different, the finished size, and amount of yarn used for your project will also be different.

Abbreviations

Our Crochet Translation Project offers translations in many languages.
Check out the Basic Crochet Terms in 10 languages here.

US Terminology used

• BL – back loop
• CC – contrast color (Beryl – yellow)
• ch – chain
• DMR – double magic ring
• FL – front loop
• MC – main color (Color: 515 – purple)
• R – round
• sc -single crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together
• sk – skip
• sl st – slip stitch
• st/sts – stitch/stitches
• * to **– Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain multiple instructions.
• [ ] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
• ( ) – important notes AND sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch, or space

Helpful Tutorials

• Stitch Anatomy
• Quick Stitch Guide 
• Simple Closing Method for Hats
• Whip Stitch
• Invisible Join
• Standing Single Crochet
• Double Magic Ring

Notes:

• Do not slip stitch to join at the end of rounds unless specified.
• When you work the sc2tog decreases work under the front loop only (it makes the stitch less thick).
• This project is worked in continuous rounds. You will need to use a stitch marker so you do not lose your place.
• NOTE: R27 is DIFFERENT from all the other decrease rounds. You will be decreasing 8 times to allow the round to reach 16 stitches. All the other rounds we decrease only 6 times.
• PRO TIP: If you want your octopus to be rounder, stagger your decreases (where you sc2tog) and increases (where you work 2 sts in one stitch). By varying where you make the increases and decreases they are less noticeable and will give you a much more rounded shape. Try not to lump them all together in a round, but space them out around the round. Try not to work them directly into an increase or decrease stitch you worked in a previous round. This will make Sir Tentacles smoother, like a ball.
• I usually join with a standing st. If you prefer a sl st join and a turning chain, feel free to substitute if you are using a CC yarn.
• Ad-Free PDF is available to purchase from Ravelry

Free Crochet Octopus Pattern

This project is crocheted in one piece, beginning at the top of the head and working in continuous rounds to the tentacles.

Crochet Octopus Pattern – Head

Using your 3.75 mm (F) hook (or size required for gauge):

R1: With MC: DMR: 6 sc. [6 sc]

R2: 2 sc in each st around. [12 sc]

R3: 1 sc in each st around. [12 sc]

R4: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. [18 sc]

R5: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [24 sc]

R6: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [30 sc]

R7: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [36 sc]

R8: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 5 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [42 sc]

R9: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 6 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [48 sc]

R10: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 7 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [54 sc]

R11: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [60 sc]

R12-R20: 1 sc in each st around. [24 sc]

R21: *Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [54 sc]

R22: *Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 7 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [48 sc]

R23: *Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 6 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [42 sc]

R24: *Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 5 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [36 sc]

R25: *Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [30 sc]

Place the safety eyes in position
Stuff Sir. Tentacles the Crochet Octopus’ body with Poly Fil. Do not overstuff.

TIP: when using Poly Fil, try to use large sized pieces. If you break the pieces too small it can make your finished project lumpy – so larger pieces are better.

R26: *Sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [24 sc]

R27:  *Sc2tog, 1 sc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. [16 sc]

Do not finish off. 

Crochet Octopus Pattern – Tentacles

If you are making a single color octopus it is super easy to make the tentacles! The 2-color option is a little bit more involved but not difficult. Choose which option you prefer and follow the instructions below.

Single Color Tentacles

R1: *1 sc in the next st, ch 40, sk 2 ch and work 3 hdc in the third ch from the hook and 3 hdc in each rem ch across until you reach the octopus’ head. 1 sc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. [8 tentacles, 16 sc]

Finish off leaving a 10 to 12-inch tail of yarn for closing the Octopus. Proceed to the finishing instructions.

Alternating Color Tentacles (pictured)

Part 1: 

Continue working with your MC yarn.

R1: *1 sc in the FL of the next st, ch 40, sk 2 ch and work 3 hdc in the third ch from the hook and 3 hdc in each rem ch across until you reach the octopus’ head. 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. [4 tentacles, 16 sc]

Finish off MC leaving a 10 to 12-inch tail of yarn for closing the Octopus. Proceed to Part 2 of Alternating Color Tentacles below. 

Part 2:

This section is worked with your CC yarn.

Push the first 4 tentacles to the outside of the project and work behind Part 1. 

NOTE: The BL of the next st from R27 is the stitch you worked 1 sc in the FL in Part 1, R1 of the Tentacles. There are 4 of these (one for each of the Purple MC Tentacles). If you can’t find the stitch, simply chain 1 and skip it when you reach this part of the instructions. You can join instead in BL of the stitch before the tentacle.

R2: Join your CC yarn in the rem BL of the stitch in R27 where you already worked the first sc from Part 1 in the FL. *1 sc in the BL of the next stitch from R27 (see note above). 1 sc in the BL of the next 2 sts from R1. Ch 40, sk 2 ch and work 3 hdc in the third ch from the hook and 3 hdc in each rem ch across until you reach the octopus’ head. 1 sc in the BL of the next st from R1**. Work from * to ** around. [4 tentacles 16 sc]

Finish off CC leaving a 10 to 12-inch tail of yarn for closing the Octopus. Proceed to the finishing instructions.

Finishing Instructions

• Stuff Sir. Tentacles the Crochet Octopus’ body with a bit more Poly Fil. Do not overstuff.
• Follow the instructions below for your version (single color or multi color tentacles) of Sir Tentacles.

OPTION 1: Sir Tentacles with Single Color Tentacles

• Thread your MC yarn on a needle and weave it through the FL of each sc you made in R1 of the Tentacle Section.
• Push the tentacles toward the outside of the Octopus Body as you work (try not to get them twisted into the cinched section). 
• Pull to tighten and close the last round of stitches.

To see this technique (weaving) demonstrated please visit this post: Closing Method

• Before you weave this end in completely, flip your octopus right-side up and see if you like where the legs are positioned.
• If you want them to be closer to the body at the bottom, sew the legs to the octopus body using small stitches.
• I did this by working into 2 of the hdc stitches closest to the octopus body for each tentacle. 

• Weave in your ends securely.
• If you would like to make the small star stitches by Sir Tentacles eye, please choose a CC yarn and handstitch the stars using this image as a guide.
• Trim any polyfil that sneaks through when you make the small star stitches.

OPTION 2: Sir Tentacles with Alternating Color Tentacles

• Take your CC yarn end and thread it on a needle. You will be weaving this needle through the FL of each sc st you made in CC yarn and then cinching it closed.
• Push the tentacles toward the outside of the Octopus Body as you work (try not to get them twisted into the cinched section). 

To see this technique (weaving) demonstrated please visit this post: Closing Method

• If you do not want to make the star stitches near the eye of the octopus, you can weave in your CC yarn ends.
• If you do, thread the long CC yarn end up the inside of the octopus to the eye and create the small stars as shown in the following image: 

• Trim any polyfil that sneaks through when you make the small star stitches.
• Once complete weave in the yarn end securely.
• Next take your MC yarn end and repeat the same technique, weaving it through the FL of the MC sc stitches you made. Cinch to tighten. 

To see this technique (weaving) demonstrated please visit this post: Closing Method

• Before you weave this end in completely, flip your octopus right-side up and see if you like where the legs are positioned. If you want them to be closer to the body at the bottom, sew the legs to the octopus body using small stitches. I did this by working into 2 of the hdc stitches closest to the octopus body for each tentacle. 
• Weave in any remaining ends.

Did you remember to make your Ravelry Project Page? (How to Make a Ravelry Project Page.)

Make your project page on Ravelry here: Sir Tentacles the Octopus

#crochetpattern #crochetoctopus #amigurumi #scheepjes #freepattern #crochettoy #crochet

Socials

Unleash your inner craftiness with our incredible Crochet Octopus Pattern. Created for a child’s love for cuddly companions, this unique design turns into ‘Sir Tentacles’, your little one’s traveling buddy for sleepovers. Get your hands on this squiggly crochet octopus pattern – it’s available for free!

Meet Sir Tentacles! 🐙 The most squiggly, cuddly crochet octopus ever! Your kids will love taking him for sleepovers. Grab your free pattern now. #CrochetLovers #MotherDaughterProject

Looking for the perfect sleepover buddy for your child? Say hello to Sir Tentacles, the crochet octopus 🐙. He’s soft, squiggly and yours to make with our free crochet pattern!