Looking for the best collection of crochet octopus patterns on the web? Find them all here! From amigurumi to c2c, we’ve got you covered.
I think that the octopus might just be my favorite sea creature. They are really quite adorable, and they are so smart too. I think a lot of people must share my opinion because when I was researching free crochet octopi patterns for this post I found a whole heck of a lot!
They are very popular to make for premature babies who have a stay in a neonatal intensive care unit. Studies have shown that “some babies in the NICU experienced better breathing and more regular heartbeats, leading to higher levels of oxygen in their blood.” Their little fingers grasp the little octopus tentacles and it is said that reminds them of the umbilical cord in the womb.
Crocheters of all skill levels can make these sweet toys to donate, give to a loved one, or keep for themselves. (Who doesn’t love a crochet octopus?)
How do you crochet an octopus? Well, all you really need is the head and the tentacles. But, of course, each of the designs we are featuring today puts its own spin on it. Stay tuned for crochet octopus patterns with bows, hats, spots, and more!
Is it hard to crochet an octopus? You’ll be happy to note that the majority of these free crochet octopus patterns can be made with just one stitch – the single crochet. That’s great news for beginner crocheters!
In addition to patterns for octopus stuffed animals, we also have a few other octopus-themed patterns that were just too cute to pass up. You can take your love of the octopus into the realm of crochet blanket making, crochet embellishments, crochet decorations, and more! Scroll down and see for yourself. I can’t wait to share all these wonderful and free crochet octopus toys with you all!
Tips for a Perfect Crocheted Octopus
The good news about crochet octopi is that most of them are easy! They require basic skills such as knowing how to make a magic ring (also called a magic circle), how to slip st (sl st), and usually just simple stitches like single crochet or double crochet. Of course, all of these patterns are different and are created by different designers, so you might find some that use different techniques, but they are usually worked in the round (abbreviated rnd), and some use a chain stitch instead of a magic ring.
Things you will need will be your yarn and crochet hook (of course!), a stitch marker or two for keeping track of where you are in your rounds, a yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) for attaching pieces and weaving in ends, and you will need some stuffing to give it the squish factor.
Best Yarn Options for a Crochet Octopus Pattern
Cotton yarn works especially well for these types of patterns, as it holds its shape well and can be washed when needed.
You will also see a lot of acrylics because they are so versatile, inexpensive, and easy to care for. If you go with a premium acrylic they also have a nice feel to them so the finished toy is soft enough for a baby.
**Please note that if you are making these for babies or young children please do NOT use safety eyes. These are small parts and you should embroider the eyes for safety reasons.
Now, on to our patterns!
25+ Free Octopus Crochet Patterns
Did you know that some hospitals accept preemie octopus donations made from octopus crochet patterns? The curly tentacles, crafted with care, mimic an umbilical cord and provide comfort to a premature baby in the intensive care unit. What a lovely way to support our most vulnerable population using these adorable and therapeutic crochet designs. I especially love the bright rainbow colors the designer used for the octopus pictured, showcasing the creative potential of octopus crochet patterns.
Designer: Crochet 365 Knit Too
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton (Aran Weight #4)
There are lots of different ways you can customize your projects when you make this fun and free crochet octopus pattern. This first one is so easy and cute - sew on a couple of crochet circles in a contrasting color for a fun speckled look. You can make this adorable design using just single crochet stitches.
Designer: The Emerald Stitch
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Aran Weight #4)
I never thought I’d hear the words “octopus” and “ice cream” in the same sentence, but here we are, thanks to the creative world of amigurumi octopus patterns! I gotta say, this octopus design, inspired by amigurumi techniques, is just too stinking cute. I love the rainbow-speckled yarn the designer chose for this crocheted octopus, showcasing the versatility of amigurumi octopus patterns. The ice cream cone and the cherry on top really help bring the design together, making it a unique and adorable creation.
Designer: Crafty Kitty Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Have you tried C2C crochet before? It’s a really neat technique that lets you build images one square at a time, creating a handmade masterpiece pixel by pixel, similar to how images appear on your electronic screens. This adorable square features a cute octopus crochet design, making it 1 out of 6 charming ocean animal square designs. When you bring all these handmade squares together, you can create a whole blanket, showcasing your skills and the delightful cute octopus crochet pattern!
Designer: Loveable Loops
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Have you seen these super cool reversible stuffed animals before? Beautifully crafted, they are actually way easier to make than you might think, especially when crocheting an octopus. Kids have an absolute blast switching them back and forth, and adults find them equally delightful! This beautiful design features two octopus designs in contrasting colors. I've also seen ones where one side is sad and the other is happy, showcasing the versatility of crocheting an octopus.
Designer: Katia Glebova
Yarn: Yarn Art Jeans (Sport Weight #3)
You can use all sorts of different kinds of yarn to make this free octopus crochet pattern! You can even use a combination of yarns as you can see from the adorable Sir Tentacles the Octopus pattern from Oombawka Design. What a great idea for using up scraps of yarn left over from other projects!
Designer: Oombawka Design
Yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed (Sport Weight #3)
Sometimes an accessory can transform an entire creation. A simple octopus design turns into a dapper gentleman with a top hat, a pirate squid with an eye patch, or a karate master with a sweatband. Beginner crocheters and visual learners will love the fact that this amigurumi pattern is available with both a video tutorial and a written pattern.
Designer: Club Crochet
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Solids & Denim (Aran Weight #4)
The party doesn’t start until the party octopus walks in! This octopus toy clearly knows how to have a good time and how to accessorize too. I love the little striped party hat with the pom pom. And I love the pennant flag too. There are so many options if you would like to make something for your octopus to hold with one of her many legs.
Designer: Erin May Crochet
Yarn: Big Twist Renewal (DK Weight #3)
Babies will adore the bright rainbow colors of this next octopus friend, crafted using a guide on how to crochet an octopus. It even features a wooden ring attached to the head, perfect for hanging above a crib or car seat. Plus, the wooden ring doubles as a teething toy for little ones. Is anyone expecting a baby soon? This could be the perfect handmade gift!
Designer: Halime Özel
Yarn: Scheepjes Softfun (DK Weight #3)
Velvet yarn has been a total trendsetter in the crochet world lately, making these large crochet octopus dolls extra snuggly, soft, and sweet! The curlicue tentacles and mixed colors add a charming touch while embroidering the face ensures safety from choking hazards. A large crochet octopus is perfect for cuddles and comfort!
Designer: Rebeka Szabó
Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby (Super Bulky Weight #6)
It is so nice to meet this dapper octopus gentleman. Just look at his cute little bowtie and cap! I really love how much character this little guy has. What a fun design! You can make this cute crochet octopus using just two stitches - single crochet and double crochet. This would make an excellent scrap yarn project, don’t you think?
Designer: Crochet Penguin
Yarn: (Medium Weight #4)
Enhance your projects with a touch of marine charm using this quick and cute baby octopus crochet applique pattern from Raffamusa Designs. Perfect for adding a whimsical element to blankets, bags, greeting cards, and more, this fun pattern shines in a variety of colors. So, dive in and enjoy creating your own baby octopus crochet embellishments!
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Solids (Sport Weight #3)
Add a small crochet blanket to a cute crochet octopus for a 2 1 blanket/stuffed animal combination that is sure to impress. Children are sure to love these snuggly security blankets. The octopus itself is made in the traditional amigurumi style using single crochet stitches. The blanket is made with shell stitches.
Designer: Coastal Crochet
Yarn: Stylecraft Special Double Knit (DK Weight #3)
Say hello to our next octopus friend. She is looking especially lovely today with her little hair bow. I really like how natural and realistic she looks with a good proportion of head size to tentacle length. My favorite part has to be the slight curling of her tentacles. It almost looks like she is moving!
Designer: Croby Patterns
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
Our next octopus friend looks like she gives great hugs! Soft and squishy blanket yarn is a great choice for super-sized crochet amigurumi patterns. All you need to know is one crochet stitch - the half double crochet. Can you tell what the tentacle suckers are made from? They are buttons! What a cute and clever idea.
Designer: Moogly
Yarn: Bernat Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6)
This free pattern for a crochet octopus applique measures 6 inches across! The large size of the applique makes it perfect for adding to clothing or blankets. The best part is that the design is worked all in one piece, so you’ll only have to bust out your sewing needle when you’re ready to attach the applique.
Designer: Nine Inspired
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
The next pattern on our list features an amigurumi mini octopus, one of the free crochet designs that's an absolute delight! These small-sized creations, topped with whipped cream and a cherry, charmingly resemble cupcakes. This adorable amigurumi mini octopus concept is honestly one of the cutest ideas for a birthday gift, and presenting it in a little cupcake box adds an extra special touch!
Designer: Paint It Colorful
Yarn: (Sport Weight #3)
Go big or go home with this large crochet octopus pattern, the next one in our series of free crochet designs. Crafted with super bulky blanket yarn and simple single crochet stitches, this giant octopus friend is a joy to make. You'll need two different colors of yarn and the largest pair of safety eyes you can find. Don't miss the designer's clever trick for seamlessly attaching the legs to the body, making this large crochet octopus pattern a must-try!
Designer: The Left-Handed Crocheter
Yarn: Bernat Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6)
This pretty pink octopus is attached to a chevron blanket made with double crochet and v-stitches. Just look how this lovey blanket mimics the waves of the ocean! My favorite part has to be the starfish on the octopus’ head. It’s like a hair bow, but cuter! These blanket and stuffed animal combinations make excellent gifts for babies and toddlers.
Designer: Be a Crafter
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Here’s an Ideal project for crocheting octopus enthusiasts: transform a Chinese lantern with matching colored crochet curlicue tentacles and a couple of eyes for an instant, adorable octopus decoration. This clever idea is perfect for ocean-themed parties, and the design only requires simple single and half double crochet stitches. Dive into crocheting octopus decorations and make your next event a splash!
Designer: Lisa Kingsley
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Say hello to our next smiley octopus friend from this octopus amigurumi pattern. The small size somehow makes him extra adorable, and I’m sure he’s quite quick to make too. Since he is about the size of a ball of yarn, I think he would make a fun and unconventional tree ornament using this octopus amigurumi pattern. You can make this design with just single and half-double crochet stitches.
Designer: The Friendly Red Fox
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
You can make this adorable baby octopus amigurumi with just single crochet stitches. The design features a contrasting color on the ends of the tentacles. This designer also has a very similar octopus pattern in a much larger size. Two great and free crochet octopus patterns for the price of one! (and that price is free!)
Designer: Whistle & Ivy
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
This recipe-style amigurumi octopus baby toy-free pattern walks you through how to make this cozy for any size phone. I think it could also easily be adapted for use as a tablet cover. This cozy not only looks adorable but also offers some protection against damage from spills or from dropping your phone. The bright green color should also make your phone easier to find!
Designer: Tiny Moon
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Just wow! The next one of our free crochet octopus patterns is stunningly realistic. Contrasting color on the tentacles is a nice substitute for making a million suckers (because nobody has time for that!). This octopus is made in the traditional amigurumi crochet style using basic stitches.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Solids & Denim (Worsted Weight #4)
This grumpy octopus coffee cup cozy is just so gosh darn relatable! (Seriously, that’s exactly how I look in the morning before I’ve had my caffeine) These funny cozies are also super functional. They will help keep your hands safe from hot coffee cups, and they will help keep single-use coffee cup sleeves out of landfills. It’s a win-win!
Designer: Twinkie Chan
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)
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Time to make all the crochet octopuses! The question now is, which free crochet octopus pattern will you choose to make first? Or have you found one outside this post that you’d like to share with your fellow crocheters and octopus lovers? Let’s hear it in the comments!
If this post made you smile, then pass it on. That way all your crochet friends can join in on the free crochet octopus pattern fun!
I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live.
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Click here for 25 MORE amigurumi patterns!
How to Crochet an Octopus for Preemies
Learn the basics of how a crochet octopus is constructed. See the individual patterns above for stitch counts and more details.
Materials
- Yarn of choice for octopus and to embroider eyes
Tools
- Crochet hook size appropriate for yarn chosen (check the label on your yarn for recommended hook size if you're unsure)
- Small amount of fiberfill for stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Safety eyes (if using - NOT for babies)
Instructions
- Begin at the top of the head with a magic ring.
- Increase in sc to the desired size for octopus head.
- Work even in sc until desired height of head.
- Decrease to make the head smaller.
- Stuff head and attach safety eyes if using (you can embroider eyes later if you like)
- Create tentacles with long chains and sc.
- Close hole in bottom of octopus.
- Weave in ends.
Notes
Each pattern for preemies above is a variation of this technique. See the individual pattern for stitch counts and specific instructions (many have videos!).
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
i will defiantly use one of these patterns for my shop!