24 Top Crochet Octopus Patterns: All Free Patterns

Octopus crochet patterns are some of the most popular crochet animals patterns on the internet – and for good reason! They’re easy to follow, make a cute and cuddly toy, and can be worked in various colors and textures, plus they are fun for all ages!

free crochet octoupus patterns

Below we’ve put together a collection of free patterns such as amigurumi octopus, appliqué octopus and much more for you to pick from. These cute octopus designs are great for everyone, from babies to adults!

Enjoy!

Free Octopus Crochet Patterns

If you want to try crocheting an octopus, there are various free octopus crochet patterns available online for all skill levels.

If you are a beginner crocheter, just be sure to choose an octopus pattern that is easy enough for beginners, and check the instructions carefully before starting.

Tips for Crocheting Amigurumi Octopus

As I mentioned earlier, some patterns are octopus amigurumi, which means you will need to know a few techniques as well as have a few supplies on hand if that is what you are going to crochet.

Stitches and Techniques for Crocheting Amigurumi Octopus Patterns

  1. Single Crochet: A beginner-friendly basic stitch that is most commonly used in Amigurumi patterns, as well as other types of amigurumi designs. Learn how to single crochet.
  2. Back Loop Single Crochet: A single crochet that is worked in the back of the v of the single crochet stitch. This technique can be used to create texture on an octopus and more. Learn how to back loop single crochet.
  3. Front Loop Single Crochet: Working in the front loop is very similar to the back loop technique, but you will be working in the front loop of the v of the single crochet or the part that is closest to you.
  4. Single Crochet Increase & Invisible Decrease: These methods create seamless transitions in an octopus toy when you’d like to make a leg go from bigger to smaller or vice versa.
  5. Magic Loop: The magic loop is a crochet technique that creates a closed, tight bottom of a circle. It can be used for hats, place mats, circles and these cute animals too! Learn more about the Magic loop (or circle) to use this method.
  6. Changing Yarn Colors: You can learn more changing colors in crochet with our free tutorial. This is helpful for a smooth transition from one color to the next in these toys.
  7. Attaching Parts: You will need to know how to attach arms, legs, heads, and tails to some of these octopi.

Supplies for An Amigurumi Octopus

  1. Stitch Markers: A stitch marker is important to keep track of the rounds you are working in the octopus patterns. You will work most toy designs in continuous rounds vs joined rounds, so it is critical to be able to keep track of the rounds with this marker.
  2. Crochet Hook: Most of the patterns will use a smaller sized crochet hook than the yarn they are using calls for. This is because it will create a tighter single crochet stitch in the pattern, which in turn makes a cleaner looking end product.
  3. Safety Eyes: Most of the crocheted octopus toys you will find to make use safety eyes. These are usually plastic snap together pieces that form an eye in amigurumi. If you prefer not to use safety eyes, you can surface crochet eyes onto almost any octopus pattern instead with yarn or embroidery thread.
  4. Yarn: While almost any yarn can be used for amigurumi patterns, the most commonly used weight is Light/DK or Medium/Worsted weight yarn. An octopus made with DK yarn will be slightly smaller than one made with worsted weight medium yarn, but that is typically the preferred outcome. I also suggest using a brighter yarn as a beginner because it can be tough to see stitches in dark yarns like black, for example. The types of fiber uses can vary, but the post popular are a cotton yarn or acrylic yarns (they are easy to find in fun colors)
  5. Pins: Pins make it easy to attach extra pieces (nose, yarn eyes, etc.) of the crocheted toy, so when they are sewn on they are in the correct spot.
  6. Yarn Needle: You will need this to attach tentacles, eyes, and faces etc. as well as weaving in ends. I love using bent tip tapestry needles for amigurumi, but straight needles can be used for eyebrows and lines too.
  7. Stuffing: Most crochet octopus toys will have stuffing or fiber fill, so this is an important material to have on hand. Polyfill is my personal favorite.
  8. Scissors: You will need scissors to cut the yarn end when you are done crocheting your octopus design. A good pair of stork scissors are great for cutting yarn smoothly.
  9. Wooden Stick: A popsicle stick is useful to help fill and shape the amigurumi projects.
  10. Wire: Sometimes you will see an amigurumi pattern that requires wire to shape ears, tails and other parts of the animal.

Ready to Get Started?

Here are the top crochet octopus patterns to learn how to crochet an octopus.

Free Crochet Octopus Patterns

If you're searching for a fun pattern for your next crochet project, why not try an octopus pattern? We've rounded up some of the best octopus crochet patterns to help you get started.

Conclusion

Crochet octopus patterns are a fun and easy way to add a little personality to your crochet projects. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a beautiful crochet octopus in no time.

Crochet Octopus Questions

Where can I donate my crocheted octopus?

Many hospitals are using these cuddly octopus toys as a form of therapy to help comfort and calm premature babies. Call your local hospital to see if they accept donations of crochet octopi for preemies.

More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns