Cute Crochet Octopus Pattern For Beginners
This adorable crochet octopus amigurumi is soft, squishy, and full of personality. With its rounded body, curly popcorn legs, and tiny embroidered smile, this little sea creature makes a perfect handmade gift, desk decoration, nursery toy, or cute keychain accessory.
The pattern is worked in continuous rounds and uses simple shaping techniques to create a neat and polished finish. You can make your octopus in pastel shades, bright rainbow colors, or classic ocean-inspired tones to give each one its own unique charm.

Materials Needed

- DK weight cotton yarn
- 2.5 mm crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- 5 mm safety eyes
- Black embroidery thread
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional key ring or hanging loop
Skill Level
Intermediate
You should know:
- Magic ring
- Single crochet
- Increases
- Invisible decreases
- Popcorn stitch
- Basic amigurumi assembly
Crochet Abbreviations
- MR = magic ring
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase
- dec = invisible decrease
- dc = double crochet
- st = stitch
- rep = repeat
- POP = popcorn stitch
Crochet Octopus Instructions
Step 1: Create The Magic Ring

Begin with a magic ring.
Chain 1.
Work:
- 6 sc into the ring
Pull tight to close.
(6 stitches)
Step 2: Increase The Base
Work:
- 2 sc in every stitch around
(12 stitches)
This forms the rounded top of the octopus head.
Step 3: Continue Increasing

Round 3:
- 1 sc, 1 inc around
(18 stitches)
Round 4:
- 2 sc, 1 inc around
(24 stitches)
Round 5:
- 3 sc, 1 inc around
(30 stitches)
Round 6:
- 4 sc, 1 inc around
(36 stitches)
The body should now look evenly rounded.
Step 4: Build The Head Shape
Rounds 7–12:
- 1 sc in every stitch around
(36 stitches each round)
Continue using your stitch marker to track rounds.
Step 5: Shape The Bottom
Round 13:
- 1 sc, invisible decrease
Repeat around.
(24 stitches)
This begins tapering the body inward.
Step 6: Add The Eyes
Insert safety eyes:
- Between rounds 3 and 4
- Leave about 4 stitches between them
You can also embroider sleepy eyes for a kawaii look.
Step 7: Stuff The Body
Fill the octopus firmly with fiberfill.
Avoid overstuffing so the shape stays soft and rounded.
Step 8: Crochet The Tentacles
Create the popcorn leg round.
Pattern:
- 2 sc
- 1 popcorn stitch
Repeat around 8 times.
Popcorn Stitch
In the same stitch:
- Work 8 dc
- Remove hook from loop
- Insert hook into first dc
- Grab dropped loop
- Pull through
This creates chunky curly tentacles.
Step 9: Final Closing Round

Work invisible decreases around until:
- 8 stitches remain
Fasten off with a long yarn tail.
Use a yarn needle to close the opening neatly.
Step 10: Add The Finishing Details
Mouth
Use black embroidery thread to stitch a tiny smile between the eyes.
Hanging Loop
Chain 30 and attach to the top if turning it into:
- Keychain
- Backpack charm
- Hanging plushie
Helpful Tips
- Keep stitches tight for clean amigurumi shaping
- Use cotton yarn for better stitch definition
- Always move the stitch marker each round
- Shape the popcorn stitches with your fingers after finishing
- Softer stuffing creates a squishier plush
Customization Ideas
You can personalize your octopus with:
- Rainbow yarn
- Pastel shades
- Tiny blush cheeks
- Bow accessories
- Different eye styles
- Mini keychain size
- Jumbo plush version