If you’re brand new to amigurumi and looking for a free, beginner-friendly amigurumi pattern, you’re in the right place. This tiny octopus crochet plushie is designed to be simple, stress-free, and totally doable—even if you’ve never made a crochet toy before.
This pattern works up in one sitting, uses only basic stitches, and is perfect if you want a quick win to build confidence. Whether you’re just learning amigurumi or you’re collecting easy crochet plushies for beginners, this tiny octopus is a great place to start.
Why This Is a Great Beginner Amigurumi Pattern
This octopus was intentionally designed with beginners in mind. Here’s why crocheters love it:
- Uses basic stitches only (single crochet, increase, decrease, slip stitch)
- Small and fast—great for practicing amigurumi without overwhelm
- Minimal shaping, no color changes
- Perfect for gifts, keychains, or market makes
- One of those free beginner crochet patterns you’ll want to make again and again
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by amigurumi, this pattern is here to change that 💗
Materials You’ll Need
- Any worsted or plush yarn (if you are brand new, work with worsted yarn before moving on to plush yarn)
- Crochet hook size appropriate for your yarn (3.5mm for worsted, 5.5mm for plush)
- 2 safety eyes (6–8 mm recommended)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Darning (yarn) needle
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
- slst – slip stitch
- ch – chain
- R – row
This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (do not join).
Get a Head Start on Your Crochet Journey with Our Free Beginner Guide
If you are just starting out and feeling confused, it’s okay. It’s even normal. This guide is designed to take the stress and frustration out of of the early stages of your crochet journey.
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Free Tiny Octopus Amigurumi Pattern
Watch the Youtube Short video on this pattern here.
Body
R1: 8 sc in magic ring (8) *Magic Ring Tutorial Here*
R2: (inc) × 8 (16)
R3–4: sc 16 around (16)
👉 Insert safety eyes between Rows 3 and 4, with 2–3 stitches between them.
R5: (dec) × 8 (8)
Tentacles
To create the tentacles:
- Chain 3
- Slip stitch into the first chain to create a small bobbly tentacle
- Slip stitch into the front loop only of the next stitch on the body
- Repeat this sequence all the way around (8 tentacles)
- Stuff your octopus plushie before moving onto closing the bottom
- Cut your yarn leaving around 8-10″ for sewing the bottom closed. Pull the yarn through the slst and tighten.
This creates simple, beginner-friendly tentacles. Working into the front loops only will help the tentacles to pop out in front of the body instead of sitting underneath.
Closing the Bottom
Using a darning needle, thread your yarn tail and push through the entire last stitch that you worked your last tentacle into. Your yarn should now be on the inside of the tentacles.
- Work into the back loops only of the remaining stitches
- Pull tight to close the bottom of the octopus
- Once the hole is closed, push your darning needle up through the plushie (do not pull tight)
- Following a stitch in that area, push the darning needle back down through to the bottom
- Cut off excess yarn
That’s it—you’ve just completed an amigurumi pattern!
Tips for Beginner Amigurumi Success
- Use a tight stitch tension so stuffing doesn’t show
- Count stitches every round (a stitch marker helps significantly when working in rounds)
- Don’t overstuff—soft is better for small amigurumi
- If the magic rings feel tricky, practice once or twice before starting and be sure to check out our Beginner How-To Article on Magic Rings.
Remember: your first amigurumi doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be finished 💕
Perfect for Beginner Crochet Plushies
This tiny octopus is ideal for:
- First-time amigurumi makers
- Scrap yarn projects
- Gifts and party favors (I’m currently making around 30 of these for my youngest daughter’s school Valentine’s Day exchange)
- Markets and craft fairs
- Building confidence with amigurumi patterns
If you’re searching for free beginner-friendly crochet patterns that are fun, fast, and relaxing, this one belongs in your rotation.
Not Ready to Make This Pattern Just Yet?
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Want More Free Beginner Amigurumi Patterns?
At Blush Loops Studio, we focus on crochet that feels calm, cozy, and achievable, especially for beginners. Be sure to Pin this free crochet amigurumi pattern and follow us on all social for future pattern releases.
Happy stitching 🧶🩷
You’ve got this.
