This tiny octopus is a quick way to practice shaping, decreasing, and attaching repeated details. The head uses the same 6-stitch circle logic as many amigurumi balls, and the tentacles are crocheted around the bottom edge.
Terms: This pattern uses US crochet terms. Work in continuous spiral rounds unless a step says to join. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round.
Safety note: Handmade toys require maker judgment. For items intended for babies or young children, avoid small detachable parts, use secure embroidery instead of loose pieces, and follow the toy-safety rules in your country.
Materials
- Cotton yarn in pale mint, lavender, coral, or ocean blue
- 2.75–3.5 mm hook for a tight fabric
- Stuffing, yarn needle, stitch marker
- Embroidery floss for eyes
Abbreviations
- MR = magic ring
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- inc = 2 sc in the next stitch
- dec = invisible single-crochet decrease
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- FO = fasten off
Construction
Make one rounded head. The lower edge closes to 12 stitches before the final decrease, giving you a clear circle where eight tentacles can be spaced. Embroider the face before closing completely if that is easier for you.
Round-by-round instructions
Head R1: 6 sc in MR. (6) R2: inc around. (12) R3: [1 sc, inc] x6. (18) R4: [2 sc, inc] x6. (24) R5-R8: sc around. (24) R9: [2 sc, dec] x6. (18) R10: [1 sc, dec] x6. (12) Stuff firmly. Tentacle round Working into the front loops of R10: [sl st in next st, ch 8, 2 sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch, sl st in next st] repeat until you have 8 tentacles spaced around the base. Close bottom R11: working remaining loops when accessible, dec around. (6) FO and close.
Stuffing and assembly
Arrange tentacles so they curl outward. Embroider two eyes between R6 and R7, about 4 stitches apart. Avoid plastic safety eyes if the octopus will be handled by small children; even safety eyes are not automatically suitable for every toy use.