This crochet octopus crochet yarn craft is a cheerful hands-on project for kids, classrooms, and family craft time. It uses the tutorial steps below as the practical guide while adding helpful planning notes so the project feels easier to prepare, follow, and finish. Gather the supplies first, give yourself a little workspace, and enjoy making something creative from simple materials.
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn
- Safety eyes (9mm)
- Polyester fiber fill
- Embroidery floss (pink and black)
- Crochet Octopus Pattern (No Ads)
Equipment:
Instructions:
Find what you need:
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Octopus Body:
- Round 1:Work 6 single crochet in a magic circle.Pull the tail to tighten the circle and slip stitch in the first st to join the round. (6)
- Round 2:Chain 1 and insert 2 sc in each st around (an increase).Sl st in the first st to join the round. (12)
- Round 3:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in the first st. Inc in the next st*.Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (18)
- Round 4:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in each of the first 2 sts. Inc in the next st*Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (24)
- Round 5:Ch 1, and working in the BLO, *insert 1 sc in each of the first 3 sts. Inc in the next st.*Rep from * to * around and sl st in the first st to join the round. (30)Note: Working in the BLO adds a little ledge that we’ll use later to attach the arms.
- Round 6:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in each of the first 4 sts. Inc in the next st.*Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (36)
- Rounds 7–12:Ch 1 and insert 1 sc in each st around.Sl st in the first st to join the round. (36)
- Round 13:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in each of the first 4 sts. Sc the next 2 sts together (a decrease).*Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (30)
- Round 14:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in each of the first 3 sts. Dec across the next 2 sts.*Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (24)
- Round 15:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in each of the first 2 sts. Dec across the next 2 sts.*Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (18)
- Insert safety eyes between rounds 10 and 11, placing them about 7 sts apart.
- Attach the backings on the inside of the fabric, securing the eyes in place.
- Round 16:Ch 1 and *insert 1 sc in the first st. Dec across the next 2 sts.*Rep from * to * around. Sl st in the first st to join the round. (12)
- Stuff the octopus with poly-fil until it holds its shape nicely.
- Round 17:Ch 1 and dec around.Sl st in the first st to join the round. (6)
- Fasten off the yarn, leaving a 4 inch tail.Use the tail to sew a running st through all 6 sts in the last round.
- Pull the tail to close off the gap and secure it with a knot.
- Weave in all the ends.
Octopus Arms:
- Locate the ledge created by the BLO round – found between rounds 4 and 5.Insert your hook into one of the sts.
- Attach the yarn by using your hook to pull it through the st.
- *Ch 12.
- Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, insert 3 sc in each of the first 3 chs.
- Insert 3 half double crochet in each of the next 4 chs.
- Insert 3 double crochet in each of the last 4 chs.The arm should start spiraling around itself.
- Sl st in the next st on the octopus to anchor the arm in place.
- Insert 1 sl st in each of the next 2 sts.*
- Rep the arm pattern (from * to * over the last 6 steps) around, for a total of 8 arms. The next arm will always begin from the 3rd sl st.Once you’ve made all 8 arms you’ll be back at the beginning. Join the round with a sl st in the first st to join.
- Fasten off the yarn and weave in all ends.
- Use pink embroidery floss to sew 2 small lines of blush below the eyes.
- Then use black embroidery floss to sew on a smiling mouth.
- Your crochet octopus is complete!
- Have fun making a whole group in all your favourite colours of yarn.
Helpful Tips
- Keep your yarn tension even so both crochet squares come out close to the same size.
- Use the hook size listed in the tutorial so the stitches are firm enough to hold the marble securely.
- Check the marble fit before closing the toy so it can move inside without slipping out.
FAQs
What yarn works best for a crochet fidget toy?
Worsted weight yarn works well because it creates a sturdy fabric that can hold a marble while still feeling soft in your hands.
What size crochet hook do I need?
Use the hook size listed in the tutorial. For this project, a 5mm crochet hook helps create stitches that are firm but still easy to work with.
What size marble should I use?
A regular glass marble is usually a good fit. Check that the marble can move inside the toy without slipping through the stitches.
Can beginners make this crochet fidget toy?
Yes, confident beginners can make it if they are comfortable chaining, working basic crochet stitches, joining pieces, and finishing yarn ends.
Can I wash a crochet marble fidget toy?
Hand wash gently and let it air dry. Avoid rough washing because the marble and stitched closure should stay secure.
Final Thoughts
When the crochet fidget toy is finished, test the marble movement gently and check that the closing stitches feel secure. This is a small project, but it is a useful way to practice tension, joining, and simple finishing while making something fun to hold.
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