Crochet an Amigurumi Octopus | Blog
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Tools and Equipment
Tools and equipment required to crochet an octopus are nearly the same for any crochet project, with the added benefit of stuffing.
Amigurumi Octopus Designs
When you're crocheting something like an octopus, it's important to follow a pattern. Wrongly placed stitches could result in your octopus appearing more like a squid , or a jellyfish, and nobody wants to look like that! Patterns will tell you which stitches to use and when, as well as everything required. The patterns are usually abbreviated using code or symbol, so make sure you are familiar with the pattern before diving into.
Crochet Hook
Yarn
Stuffing
The crocheted "skin" of the octopus. However, it will need to be filled with something. This can be fabric or scrap yarn or polyester stuffing bought from an online craft store.
Other Supplies
Other supplies you'll find useful while learning to crochet an octopus include:
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Darning needle
- Embroidery thread
- Beads, buttons, or even studs for eyes (optional as these can also be embroided)
How to crochet an Amigurumi Octopus
Step 1: Cast On
Beginning your crocheting project by making the very first stitch. Cast on the numbers and types of stitches specified in the pattern. At first it is best to create a circle of stitches.
Step 2. Increase the stitching
Growing is the process of expanding the number of stitches the pattern is working. Your pattern will require the increase or decrease of your stitches at certain points as this gives the octopus-like shape. Make sure you follow these directions attentively. Use the stitch marker when you'd like to make it easier to make a count of the stitches as they go about.
Step 3: Reduce the stitching
To close up the body of the Octopus, you'll have to lower the number of stitches. Again, you'll want to follow the directions on the pattern.
If you're looking to put on eye studs, this is the moment to add them since you'll soon have to close off the head and will not have access to the interior.
Step 4: Stuff the Octopus" Head
If you've only got one small gap fill the octopus's head with filling. Stuff it firmly but not so tightly that the filling spills through the gaps between the crochet stitches.
Step 5: Continue to decrease and Close the Head
After stuffing the head Continue with the increases to ensure that the hole is sealed down. Close the hole in the middle which remains by knotting the yarn and cutting the ends off. Put the remainder of the length of yarn inside the ball of crochet stuffed the thickness of a darning needle knitting needle to ensure it does not appear.
Step 6. Crochet the Tentacles
Octopuses have eight tentacles, so you'll need to crochet eight pieces of separate pieces that you stitch on the body. In this process, you may want to choose a different colored yarn than for the body. Follow your pattern's instructions for the number of stitches to make per tentacle. Once you've stitched the tentacle, leave a two inches (that is, don't cut at a distance from the top of your tentacle) because you'll require to use this in the future.
Once you've completed a tentacle, it may be tightly curled. Just pull on either end gently to unfurl it; you'll want it to be flexible but not overly wrapped.
Repeat this procedure until you have eight tentacles.
Step 7: Attach the Tentacles to the Body
To attach the tentacles to the body, insert your hook at the point that you would like the tentacles to join. Taking a tail of yarn from the end of the tentacle, wrap it around your hook and then pull it across the fabric of the body. The same process is done using the second end of the yarn. Tie the two ends together to secure the tentacle on the body. Bring the ends that are loose toward the center of your body with a darning needle, so they don't show.
Repeat this for each of the tentacles and spread them evenly around the body.
Step 8: Sew the Face
Make your beloved amigurumi octopus come to life by embroidering the face. Choose the right embroidery thread to contrast against the yarn's color. Attach it to a darning needle and stitch eyes as well as mouth. Your cute little creature can now swim!
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