Navy Octopus Squish Toy: Free Crochet Pattern

Navy Octopus Squish Toy: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little navy octopus is the perfect pocket-sized friend for anyone who loves cute, squishy handmade toys. It is a great project for crocheters who have mastered the basics and are ready to try simple shaping, light stuffing, and a few easy assembly steps. The round, firmly stuffed head feels soft and satisfying in the hand, while the eight curly tentacles give it a playful, wiggly look. With tiny white embroidered eyes and a little white bow on top, it has a sweet kawaii charm that makes it lovely to keep or to give as a gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic yarn, approximately 100 yards navy and 5 yards white.
• Hook: 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
• Finished size: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide, excluding tentacles.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc – increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• dec – decrease: work 2 stitches together into 1 single crochet.
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
• FO – fasten off: cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last loop.
• sts – stitches.
• Rnd – round: one complete circle of stitches worked in the round.
• R – row or round, as numbered in the instructions.

Gauge

20 sc and 22 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check your gauge, crochet a small flat swatch in single crochet and measure how many stitches and rounds fit into 4 inches (10 cm); adjust your hook size if needed.

Tips Before You Start

• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the continuous spiral.
• Stuff the head firmly but in small handfuls as you go, so the shape stays round and even.
• Keep your single crochet stitches tight and consistent so the stuffing does not show through the fabric.
• Make all eight tentacles before sewing anything on, then lay them out around the base of the head to space them evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Head (navy)

Rnd 1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnds 7-12: sc in each st around (36 sts).

Rnd 13: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 14: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 15: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).

Stuff the head firmly at this point.

Rnd 16: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 17: dec x6 (6 sts).

FO, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches and pull tight to close the opening. Weave in the end.

Tentacles (navy) – make 8

Rnd 1: Ch 21. Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (20 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x10 (30 sts).

Rnd 3: sc in each st around (30 sts).

Rnd 4: [sc, dec] x10 (20 sts).

Rnd 5: sc in each st around (20 sts).

Rnd 6: dec x10 (10 sts).

Rnd 7: sc in each st around (10 sts).

Rnd 8: dec x5 (5 sts).

FO, leaving a long tail. Sew one end closed, stuff lightly, then curl the tentacle into a spiral and set it aside. Repeat for all 8 tentacles.

Eyes (white)

Using white yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider two small circles with satin stitch on the front of the head, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Work the stitches side by side to fill each circle neatly, then weave the ends into the head.

Bow (white)

Row 1: Ch 6. Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (5 sts).

Rows 2-3: sc in each st across (5 sts).

FO, leaving a long tail. Wrap the yarn tightly around the center of the rectangle several times to gather it into a bow shape, then secure the wraps with a small knot.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the eight tentacles to the bottom of the head, spacing them evenly around the base and using the long tails to stitch each one securely. Sew the bow to the top of the head. Weave in all remaining ends, tucking them inside the head. Gently shape the head with your hands and steam or lightly damp-block the tentacles so they hold their curl. Let the toy dry completely before giving it to a child or pet.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the navy yarn for any color you like, or work the tentacles in a contrasting shade for a two-tone octopus.
• Add a small blush of pink yarn or fabric marker under each eye for an extra kawaii touch.
• Make a larger version by using bulky yarn and a 5 mm (H-8) hook, following the same stitch counts for a bigger squish toy.