Tiny Octopus

Materials Needed & Measurements:

  • Yarn: Use light worsted weight yarn in your preferred colors for the body and accents.
  • Crochet Hook: Size E (3.5 mm) hook works well for this pattern.
  • Eyes: 8mm safety eyes, or use black yarn to create crocheted eyes if preferred.
  • Additional Supplies:
    • Scissors
    • Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving ends.
  • Gauge: Tension should be tight to prevent gaps. Adjust hook size if necessary.
  • Finished Size: Approximately 3 inches tall (including legs).

Abbreviations:

  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • inc = increase
  • dec = decrease
  • sc2tog = single crochet 2 together
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • mc = magic circle

Stitching Instructions for Making Tiny Octopus Pattern:

Body of the Octopus (Make 1):

  • Magic Circle: Start with a magic circle (mc). This will give you a tight center that can be pulled closed.
    • Work 6 sc into the magic circle. Pull the loose end of the yarn to tighten the loop and close it securely.
    • (6 stitches)
  • Round 2 (Increase round): Work 2 sc into each stitch around. This will increase the stitch count by 6.
    • (12 stitches)
  • Round 3 (Increase round): Sc in the first stitch, then work 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat this around the round.
    • (18 stitches)
  • Round 4 (Increase round): Sc in the first 2 stitches, then work 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat this around.
    • (24 stitches)
  • Rounds 5-7 (No increase, no decrease): Work 1 sc in each stitch around for 3 rounds. This is the portion where the octopus body starts to form and maintain its shape.
    • (24 stitches each round)
  • Round 8 (Decrease round): Sc in the next 2 stitches, then decrease (sc2tog). Repeat this pattern around.
    • (18 stitches)
  • Round 9 (Decrease round): Sc in the next stitch, then decrease (sc2tog). Repeat this pattern around.
    • (12 stitches)
  • Round 10 (Decrease round): Work a decrease (sc2tog) around the entire round.
    • (6 stitches)
  • Finish off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the body lightly with fiberfill before closing. Pull the remaining yarn through the last 6 stitches using a tapestry needle, then pull tightly to close the hole.
    • Weave in any loose ends.

Octopus Legs (Make 8):

  • Magic Circle: Start with a magic circle.
    • Work 6 sc into the magic circle. Pull tight to close.
    • (6 stitches)
  • Round 2 (Increase round): Work 2 sc into each stitch around.
    • (12 stitches)
  • Rounds 3-6 (Straight leg): Work 1 sc in each stitch around for 4 rounds.
    • (12 stitches each round)
  • Round 7 (Decrease round): Sc in the next stitch, then decrease (sc2tog). Repeat this around.
    • (8 stitches)
  • Finish off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the legs with fiberfill, then sew them onto the body. Repeat for all 8 legs.

Assembly of the Octopus:

  • Attaching the Legs: Start by evenly spacing the 8 legs around the bottom of the body. Using the long tail left on each leg, sew them securely to the base of the body. For the best look, space them out so the legs are arranged symmetrically.
  • Placing the Eyes:
    • For Safety Eyes: Position the 8mm safety eyes near the center of the head. Use a tapestry needle to insert them into the body. Ensure they are placed symmetrically and that they are secured tightly.
    • For Crocheted Eyes: Make small crocheted eyes by working a magic circle and creating 6 sc in the circle. Pull tight and finish off, leaving a long tail to sew the eyes onto the head. Attach them symmetrically near the center of the face.
  • Finishing Touches:
    • Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle.
    • Check for any loose parts or unsecured stitches.
    • Optionally, use a small amount of blush or paint to give the octopus a cute facial expression if you’d like.

Final Tips:

  • Stuffing: Be careful not to overstuff the body, as you want the octopus to have a soft, flexible texture. Light stuffing will help maintain a cuddly look.
  • Customization: You can create a variety of octopuses by experimenting with different yarn colors and making adjustments to the size of the eyes or the length of the legs.
  • Extra Decorations: Add little embellishments like small crochet flowers or bows to personalize your octopus!

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