How to Crochet a Cute Octopus

In crochet, even a creepy octopus can become cute.

One of the best things about making soft sculpture items in crochet is that you can make your projects as realistic - or as fantastic - as you want. A real octopus may be slightly creepy looking, but you can crochet a cute one with curlicue tentacles in any color you like. Now you can be under the sea in your very own octopus' garden.

Things You'll Need

• Size G crochet hook
• Approx. 3.5 oz of yarn in desired color
• Black embroidery thread and needle

Instructions

Body

1. Start at the top of the creature's head, and work in continuous rounds. For round one chain two and make six single crochet stitches in the first chain.

2. Make two single crochet stitches in each stitch, all the way around for round two.

3. Single crochet in each stitch, all the way around for rounds three through nine:

4. Single crochet in first stitch for round 10, then single crochet the next two stitches together, all the way around.

5. Stuff and single crochet two stitches together all the way around until the opening is closed.

6. Embroider eyes and a smiling mouth on one side of the octopus' body.

Tentacles

1. For each of eight tentacles chain 30. In the third chain from the crochet hook, make nine double crochet stitches.

2. Chain three, then slip stitch in the same chain where you made the double crochet stitches.

3. Chain two. Make two half-double crochet stitches in the next stitch, then make three half-double crochet stitches all the way to the last chain.

4. In the last chain, make two half-double crochet stitches, chain two, and slip stitch in the same chain.

5. Fasten it off, leaving a long yarn tail to sew each tentacle to the underside of the octopus.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're making the octopus for older children, or an adult, you can use buttons for eyes.

• Babies can choke on small items such as buttons, so be sure to embroider facial details if you're making the octopus for children under three years old.

References

• Dust Bunnies: Crochet - Worms