Free Giant Squishy Octopus Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Crochet Hook: Size L (8mm).
• Yarn:
  • Main Color: Approximately 21 oz of bulky weight yarn.
  • Accent Color (e.g., white): Approximately 10.5 oz of bulky weight yarn. (A smaller amount may suffice, depending on design.)
• Safety Eyes: 30mm size (1 pair).
• Worsted Weight Yarn: A small amount of black yarn for stitching details, such as the mouth.
• Yarn Needle: For sewing pieces and weaving in ends.
• Stuffing: Approximately 50 oz of polyester fiberfill or similar stuffing material.

Measurements:

• Body Diameter (before stuffing): ~14 inches (may vary based on tension).
• Tentacle Length: ~10 inches each.
• Overall Height (stuffed): ~18–20 inches, depending on stuffing density.

Abbreviations (US Terminology):

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• FO: fasten off

Stitching Instructions for Making Giant Squishy Octopus Pattern:

Body Instructions

• Top of the Body:
  • Begin with a magic circle (or ch 2 and work into the first chain).
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic circle. (6 sts)
  • Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
  • Round 3: 1 sc, inc repeat around. (18 sts)
  • Round 4: 2 sc, inc repeat around. (24 sts)
  • Continue in this increasing pattern, adding 1 more sc between each inc in every round:
    • Round 5: 3 sc, inc (30 sts)
    • Round 6: 4 sc, inc (36 sts)
    • Keep increasing until you reach 96 sts in a round.
• Middle of the Body: Once you have 96 sts, work 1 sc in each stitch for 15 rounds (or more if you want a taller octopus). This forms the sides of the body.
• Bottom of the Body:
  • Begin decreasing to close the body:
    • Round 1: 14 sc, dec repeat around.
    • Round 2: 13 sc, dec repeat around.
    • Continue in this pattern, decreasing 1 sc between each dec until only 6 sts remain.
  • Stuff the body with polyester fiberfill firmly before closing.
  • Use a yarn needle to sew the opening shut and weave in the end.

Tentacles Instructions (Make 8)

• Tentacle Base:
  • Ch 41 (or desired length; longer chains make longer tentacles).
  • Row 1: Starting in the second ch from the hook, work 3 sc in each chain across.
    • The tentacle will curl naturally as you work.
• Tentacle Curling: After finishing, FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
• Attach Tentacles:
  • Evenly space and sew the 8 tentacles around the bottom of the body.
  • Use a yarn needle and the long tail of each tentacle to secure them firmly to the body.

Face (Optional)

• Eyes:
  • Attach safety eyes securely to the front of the body, spacing them evenly.
  • Place the eyes approximately halfway up the height of the body or adjust based on your preference.
• Mouth: Use black yarn and a yarn needle to stitch a smile or desired facial expression between the eyes.

Decorative Spots (Optional):

• Small Spots:
  • Start with a magic circle.
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the circle.
  • FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
• Large Spots:
  • Start with a magic circle.
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the circle.
  • Round 2: 1 sc, inc repeat around. (9 sts)
  • FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
• Attach Spots: Sew the spots onto the body in desired locations using the long tails.

Final Assembly

• Stuffing and Shaping:
  • Stuff the body firmly with polyester fiberfill, adjusting the density to achieve the desired squishiness.
  • Make sure the body’s shape is round and even.
• Tentacle Arrangement:
  • Adjust the tentacles to curl naturally.
  • Ensure they are evenly spaced around the body for symmetry.
• Check Attachments: Double-check all elements (eyes, mouth, tentacles, spots) to ensure they are securely attached.

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