Free Crochet Octopus For Preemies Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Suggest Yarn: Baby Yarn(soft and safe for preemies).
• Crochet Hook: Size E (3.50 mm).
• Hypoallergenic Fiberfill (for stuffing).
• Stitch Marker (to mark the first stitch of each round).
• Yarn Needle (for weaving in ends).

Stitches Used:

• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Slst: Slip Stitch
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Sc2tog: Single Crochet Two Together (decrease)

Stitching Instructions for Making Crochet Octopus For Preemies Pattern:

Body of the Octopus

• Create a Magic Ring:
  • Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a loop.
  • Insert the hook into the loop, pull up a loop, and chain (ch) 1 to secure.
  • Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring. (6 stitches total)
  • Pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the ring.
• Round 2 (Increase):
  • Work 2 sc into each stitch around. (12 stitches total)
• Round 3 (Increase):
  • Alternate: 1 sc in the first stitch, then 2 sc in the next stitch.
  • Repeat this pattern around. (18 stitches total)
• Round 4 (Increase):
  • Alternate: 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch.
  • Repeat this pattern around. (24 stitches total)
• Round 5 (Increase):
  • Alternate: 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch.
  • Repeat this pattern around. (30 stitches total)
• Rounds 6-10 (Build Height):
  • Work 1 sc in each stitch around for 5 rounds. (30 stitches per round)
• Shape the Bottom:
  • Begin gradual decreases to form the rounded base.
  • Round 11: Alternate 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then sc2tog (single crochet two together). (24 stitches total)
  • Round 12: Alternate 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then sc2tog. (18 stitches total)

Tentacles of the Octopus

• Attach Yarn to the Base: With the body upside down, attach yarn to the bottom edge using a slip stitch (slst).
• Create Tentacles:
  • Chain (ch) 40 for the first tentacle.
  • Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 2 sc into each chain stitch back toward the body. This creates a spiral effect.
• Secure Tentacle: Slip stitch into the next stitch on the base of the body to secure the tentacle.
• Repeat for Additional Tentacles: Continue creating 8 tentacles around the base. Space them evenly to ensure a balanced look.

Stuffing and Closing the Body

• Stuff the Body: Fill the octopus body with hypoallergenic fiberfill. Use small amounts at a time to avoid lumps. The body should be firm but not overly packed.
• Close the Body:
  • Continue decreasing the stitch count:
    • Round 13: Alternate 1 sc in the next stitch, then sc2tog. (12 stitches total)
    • Round 14: Work sc2tog around. (6 stitches total)
• Finish Closing: Use a yarn needle to thread the tail through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close and secure.

Optional Face Embroidery

• Use embroidery thread or a contrasting yarn color to stitch simple eyes and a mouth.
• Avoid using beads, buttons, or small parts for safety.

Safety Checks and Finishing Touches

• Secure Ends: Ensure all loose yarn ends are tightly woven in and trimmed.
• Double-Check Materials: Verify that all materials used are hypoallergenic and safe for babies.
• Wash Before Use: Handwash the octopus with baby-safe detergent and allow it to air dry.

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