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# CROCHET SMALL OCTOPUS KEYCHAIN

A cute and beginner-friendly amigurumi octopus keychain! This tiny cephalopod features a simple round head with eight curly tentacles, perfect for keys, backpacks, or as a gift. Uses only basic stitches and simple shaping.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in main color, approximately 30-40 yards
  - Suggested: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar
  - Color suggestions: ocean blue, purple, pink, coral, or any favorite color
- Small amount of black or contrasting color for embroidered features (optional)

**Other Supplies:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- Stitch marker
- Pair of 6mm safety eyes OR black embroidery thread for eyes
- Keychain ring or lobster clasp (approximately 1 inch/25mm)
- Scissors

## GAUGE
Gauge is not critical for this project, but tighter gauge creates better amigurumi.
- Approximately 4.5 sc and 5 rounds = 1 inch (2.5cm) in single crochet, worked in the round
- Your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Head diameter: approximately 2 inches (5cm)
- Tentacle length: approximately 1.5 inches (4cm)
- Total height from top to tentacle tips: approximately 3.5 inches (9cm)
- Perfect keychain size!

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (see Special Techniques)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round. Alternatively, ch 2 and work stitches into first chain.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook in front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through both front loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Creates smoother decreases than standard sc2tog.

**Working in Continuous Rounds:** Do not join rounds or turn. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round, moving it up as you work.

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Stuff the head firmly as you go, before the opening becomes too small
- Count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy
- If using safety eyes, insert them between rounds 6 and 7, approximately 5 stitches apart

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- *Math check: 6 sts*

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 inc = 12 sts*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 18 sts*

**Rnds 4-7:** sc in each st around [18]
- *Work 4 rounds even*
- If using safety eyes, insert between rnds 6-7, approximately 5 sts apart
- Head should measure approximately 1.5 inches (4cm) in diameter

**Rnd 8:** (sc, dec) around [12]
- *Math check: 6 repeats: 6 sc + 6 dec = 12 sts*
- Begin stuffing head firmly with fiberfill

**Rnd 9:** dec around [6]
- *Math check: 6 dec = 6 sts*
- Add more stuffing if needed, stuff firmly

**Rnd 10:** (sc, inc) around [9]
- *Math check: 3 repeats × 3 sts = 9 sts*
- This creates a small lip for tentacle attachment

**Rnd 11:** (2 sc, inc) around [12]
- *Math check: 3 repeats × 4 sts = 12 sts*

**Rnd 12:** (3 sc, inc) around [15]
- *Math check: 3 repeats × 5 sts = 15 sts*

**Rnd 13:** sc, inc, (4 sc, inc) twice, 3 sc [18]
- *Math check: 1 + 1 + (4+1) + (4+1) + 3 = 18 sts*

**Rnd 14:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Math check: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 sts*

**Rnd 15:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
- *Math check: 6 repeats: 12 sc + 6 dec = 18 sts*

**Rnd 16:** (sc, dec) around [12]
- *Math check: 6 repeats: 6 sc + 6 dec = 12 sts*

Do not fasten off. Continue to tentacle attachment.

### TENTACLES (make 8)

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]
- *Math check: 4 sts*

**Rnds 2-10:** sc in each st around [4]
- *Work 9 rounds even*
- Do not stuff tentacles
- Each tentacle should measure approximately 1.5 inches (4cm) long

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch (25cm) tail for sewing.

### ASSEMBLY

**Attaching Tentacles:**

1. With head still on hook and 12 sts remaining on rnd 16, you'll decrease to 8 sts to create attachment points for the 8 tentacles.

2. **Rnd 17 (attachment round):** dec around [8]
   - *Math check: 4 dec = 8 sts - NO, this gives 4 sts. CORRECTION NEEDED*
   
   **CORRECTED Rnd 17:** (sc, dec, sc) twice [8]
   - *Math check: 2 repeats: (1+1+1) + (1+1+1) = work through 12 sts, result is 8 sts*
   - Alternative: (2 sc, dec) around [9], then skip 1 st to get 8 points
   
   **SIMPLEST METHOD - Rnd 17:** (sc, dec) around to last 0 sts [8]
   - *Math check: 4 repeats: 4 sc + 4 dec reduces 12 to 8 sts ✓*

3. Now you have 8 stitches. Using the yarn tails from tentacles, attach one tentacle to each of the 8 stitches around the bottom opening, spacing them evenly.

4. Thread tentacle tail onto yarn needle. Insert needle from outside to inside through the attachment stitch on head, then through the first round of tentacle stitches. Pull tight and weave through several more stitches to secure. Weave in end.

5. Repeat for all 8 tentacles, ensuring even spacing around the bottom of head.

6. If tentacles are too straight, gently curl them by wrapping around your finger or a pencil.

**Adding Face:**

*If using safety eyes:* These should already be inserted between rnds 6-7.

*If embroidering eyes:*
1. Thread yarn needle with black yarn
2. Mark eye placement with pins (approximately 5 sts apart, on rnd 6)
3. Create eyes using French knots or small circles of satin stitch
4. For French knots: wrap yarn around needle 2-3 times, insert needle back near starting point, pull tight

*Adding smile (optional):*
- Use black yarn to embroider a small curved line below eyes
- Simple backstitch or straight stitch works well
- Keep expression simple for cute look

**Attaching Keychain Ring:**

1. Cut a 12-inch (30cm) strand of main color yarn
2. Thread through keychain ring, folding strand in half
3. Insert yarn needle through top center of head (rnd 1, where magic ring closed)
4. Tie securely with multiple knots inside head
5. Alternatively, attach ring through a small crocheted loop: ch 5, sl st to top of head, attach ring through chain loop

### FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely
2. Trim any excess yarn close to work
3. Gently shape octopus head into round sphere
4. Curl tentacles if desired by wrapping around finger or pencil
5. Your octopus keychain is complete!

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## TIPS & VARIATIONS

**Stuffing Tips:**
- Stuff head firmly but not overly tight
- Do not stuff tentacles - they should be flexible and able to curl
- Add stuffing gradually for even distribution

**Eye Placement:**
- For safety eyes: insert between rnds 6-7, about 5 sts apart
- Push backing on firmly before closing head
- Warning: Safety eyes pose choking hazard for children under 3

**Color Ideas:**
- Ocean blue with white safety eyes
- Purple with pink embroidered details
- Rainbow: use different colors for each tentacle
- Realistic: brown or reddish-brown with darker shading

**Size Adjustments:**
- Smaller keychain: Use DK weight (3) yarn with smaller hook
- Larger plush: Add one more increase round to head (inc to 24 sts) and work more even rounds before decreasing
- Longer tentacles: Work more rounds on tentacle pattern (add 2-4 rounds)

**Troubleshooting:**
- Holes in fabric: Work more tightly, or use smaller hook
- Uneven tentacles: Count rounds carefully, ensure all are same length
- Tentacles won't stay attached: Sew through multiple rounds, not just one stitch
- Lopsided head: Check stitch count each round, may have missed increases

**Customization:**
- Add small bow between tentacles
- Embroider spots or patterns on head
- Create baby octopus: make tiny version and attach as charm
- Use sparkly or variegated yarn for unique effect

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean only with mild soap and water
- Do not machine wash (keychain ring may rust)
- Air dry flat
- Keep away from small children if using safety eyes

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**Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. No part of this pattern may be reproduced or distributed without permission. Finished items may be sold in small quantities with credit to designer.**

**© 2024 Pattern Design**

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*Enjoy your adorable octopus keychain! Tag your finished projects with #crochetoctopuskeychain*