12 Crochet Octopus Free Patterns
A crochet octopus is cute, squishy and a lot of fun to make. With a round head and eight wiggly legs, it is a great toy for kids, a sweet baby gift and a perfect bag charm when you make it small.
We opened and checked all 12 free patterns in this list. You will find tiny no-sew octopuses, a textured wheat stitch octopus, a chunky squish and a sweet pattern made for preemies. Each one shows skill level, yarn and hook, so you can choose in a minute.
Crochet Octopus Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Crochet hook set (2 mm to 8 mm)
- Cotton or acrylic amigurumi yarn
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Safety eyes (6 mm to 12 mm)
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Small sharp scissors
1. Bubbles the Octopus (No-Sew)
Photo: Mariska Vos-Bolman / DIY Fluffies
Bubbles is a tiny no-sew octopus, about 2 inches in cotton or about 5 inches in chenille. It uses only single crochet, increases and decreases, and there is a video tutorial. The designer calls it an easy small beginner project, which makes it a great first octopus.
- Designer: Mariska Vos-Bolman / DIY Fluffies
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Sport cotton (#2) or super bulky chenille (#6)
- Hook: 2.5 mm (B/1) or 5 mm (H/8)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Free Crochet Octopus by Cuddly Stitches
Photo: Petra Salisbury / Cuddly Stitches Craft
This octopus is about 4 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide, and the sample uses five bright colors. It uses back loop rounds plus double and triple crochet. It only needs beginner skills.
- Designer: Petra Salisbury / Cuddly Stitches Craft
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Sport (#2)
- Hook: 2.5 mm (B/1)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Mini Octopus
Photo: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
This 3.5-inch octopus only needs single crochet, increases and decreases, so it is very beginner friendly. The sample uses a rainbow cotton yarn, which gives it fun color changes with no extra work. A video tutorial is included.
- Designer: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Chubby Octopus
Photo: Robin / Hooked by Robin
This round, chubby octopus is made from one 100 g ball of chunky yarn. Photos show each step: working the legs, the decrease over the gaps between them and the embroidered face.
- Designer: Robin / Hooked by Robin
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Chunky (see pattern)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. 10-Minute Baby Octopus
Photo: Jade / Sweet Softies
At only 1.5 inches tall, this baby octopus is one of the fastest makes in this list. It uses super bulky plush yarn, so each stitch counts. Make a handful for party favors, keychains or little pocket friends.
- Designer: Jade / Sweet Softies
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Pearl the Flapjack Octopus
Photo: AmiguWorld
The flapjack octopus is a real deep-sea animal with a flat, round body and little ear fins. This pink and pale yellow version captures that cute shape. It uses front and back loop stitches plus double crochet for shaping.
- Designer: AmiguWorld
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Mini No-Sew Crochet Octopus
Photo: Repeat Crafter Me
This 3 by 3 inch octopus uses Bernat Maker Splash, a tubular cotton blend yarn, and an H hook. It is no-sew, so there are no parts to attach. The designer also made a Santa hat version for Christmas ornaments.
- Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bernat Maker Splash (see pattern)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Octopus Amigurumi by StringyDingDing
Photo: StringyDingDing
The designer calls this a very simple octopus pattern for beginners. It uses worsted yarn in any color and a 5 mm hook, so it goes fast. Lots of readers have shared photos of their finished octopuses in the comments.
- Designer: StringyDingDing
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Octopus Squish
Photo: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
This big, soft octopus is about 10 inches around, not counting the tentacles. It is worked in a spiral of half double crochet with Bernat Blanket yarn, in light teal and white. It is a cozy pillow-like toy that kids love to hug.
- Designer: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Hook: 7 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. No-Sew Baby Octopus
Photo: Ana / Little Crochet Farm
This tiny octopus is about 2 inches tall and made in two colors of cotton with a 2 mm hook. It is no-sew, and the designer says it is easy to make and a good option for beginners. Perfect as a keychain or a bag charm.
- Designer: Ana / Little Crochet Farm
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK or sport cotton (see pattern)
- Hook: 2 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Wheat Stitch Octopus
Photo: Briana Kepner / Briana K Designs
The wheat stitch gives this octopus a pretty, braided texture, and puff stitches add more interest. It is no-sew and about 4.5 by 4 inches. The sample uses about 80 yards of red yarn. The full pattern is free on the blog after an email sign-up.
- Designer: Briana Kepner / Briana K Designs
- Skill level: Easy (rated advanced beginner)
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free on the blog (email unlock) + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Crochet Octopus for Preemies
Photo: Cheryl Bennett / Crochet 365 Knit Too
This pattern was made for preemie octopuses, a popular charity project. It uses worsted cotton and a small 2.5 mm hook for tight stitches. The head is about 3 to 4 inches tall. If you donate, always check your hospital’s own rules first.
- Designer: Cheryl Bennett / Crochet 365 Knit Too
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted cotton (#4)
- Hook: 2.5 mm (C-2)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Total beginner? Start with #3 or #8. Both use simple stitches.
- Want it done today? #5 is a 10-minute make.
- Need a keychain or bag charm? Try #1 in cotton or #10.
- Want a big hug toy? #9 is soft, chunky and fast.
- Love texture? #11 uses the wheat stitch and puff stitches.
FAQ
How many legs should a crochet octopus have?
A real octopus has eight arms, and many patterns stick with eight. Some designers use fewer on tiny versions to keep them simple and cute. If a pattern is for a preemie program, follow that program’s rules on leg count and length, since many have set limits.
What yarn is best for a crochet octopus?
Cotton is a top pick. It holds its shape, washes well and gives clear stitches, which is why preemie programs often ask for it. For a soft cuddle toy, try plush or blanket yarn like #5 or #9. Acrylic worsted is a cheap and easy middle ground.
How do you make octopus tentacles curly?
Most curly legs come from working several stitches into each chain. Start with a chain, then work two or three stitches into each one going back. The extra stitches push the leg into a spiral. Taller stitches and more stitches per chain make a tighter curl.
Pick an octopus, grab a bright yarn and enjoy every wiggly leg.