purlJam

---

# 🐙 Ollie the Octopus
### Beginner Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

---

## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Meet Ollie — a squishy, round-bodied octopus with eight floppy tentacles and the sweetest embroidered smile! This beginner-friendly amigurumi is made with simple sphere and tube shapes, and all rounds use a **ch-2 start** as specified. Finished toy stands approximately **4–5 inches (10–13 cm)** tall.

---

## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Yarn (Main Color / MC) | Worsted weight (size 4), approx. 50 yds (46 m) — any color you like! |
| Yarn (Contrast Color / CC) | Small amount of black or dark color for embroidered features |
| Hook | US E-4 / 3.5 mm |
| Safety eyes | 9 mm x 2 (optional — see safety note) |
| Polyester fiberfill | Small amount |
| Yarn needle | For assembly and finishing |
| Stitch marker | To track round beginnings |
| Scissors | — |

> **Safety Note:** If making this toy for a child under 3 years old, omit safety eyes and embroider eyes instead using CC yarn.

---

## GAUGE

**4 sc = 1 inch / 16 sc = 4 inches** (10 cm)
Gauge is not critical for toys, but working tightly is important — fabric should have no gaps so stuffing won't show through.

---

## FINISHED SIZE

Approximately **3–3.5 inches (8–9 cm)** wide body + **2.5–3 inch (6–8 cm)** tentacles = **4–5 inches (10–13 cm)** total height

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase — work 2 sc in the same stitch |
| dec | invisible decrease — insert hook through front loop of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook |
| MR | magic ring |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| [ ] | total stitch count at end of round |

---

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: CH-2 START

**Every round in this pattern begins with a ch-2.** This is your start chain — it does **NOT count as a stitch**. After chaining 2, you will work your first sc (or inc) directly into the first stitch of the round.

> **Why ch-2?** The ch-2 gives you a little lift at the start of each round and makes joining rounds easier for beginners. The first stitch of every round is always a regular sc or inc worked into the actual first stitch — NOT into the ch-2.

**How to use ch-2 start:**
1. Place stitch marker in the first sc of the round (not in the ch-2).
2. At end of round, sl st into marked stitch to close.
3. Remove marker, ch-2, move marker to first st of new round.

---

## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in joined rounds (sl st to close each round, ch-2 to start next).
- Move stitch marker up each round.
- Work tightly — smaller stitches = no stuffing showing through.
- Stuff body firmly; stuff tentacles lightly (or leave unstuffed for floppy tentacles).
- Insert safety eyes **before** closing the body in Rnd 11.

---

## PATTERN

---

### PART 1: BODY (Make 1)

The body is a modified sphere. You will work increases to build the dome, even rounds for the middle, then decreases to close.

**With MC and US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook:**

**Rnd 1:** MR, ch-2, work 6 sc into the ring, sl st to first sc to join. Pull ring closed. **[6 sts]**

> *Ch-2 does not count as a stitch. You have 6 sc total.*

**Rnd 2:** Ch-2, inc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. **[12 sts]**

> *2 sc in every stitch = 12 sts. ✓ (6 × 2 = 12)*

**Rnd 3:** Ch-2, (sc in next st, inc in next st) around, sl st to first sc to join. **[18 sts]**

> *(sc, inc) × 6 = 18 sts. ✓ (6 × 3 = 18)*

**Rnd 4:** Ch-2, (sc in each of next 2 sts, inc in next st) around, sl st to first sc to join. **[24 sts]**

> *(sc, sc, inc) × 6 = 24 sts. ✓ (6 × 4 = 24)*

**Rnds 5–8:** Ch-2, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. **[24 sts each round]**

> *Work 4 even rounds. No increases or decreases. ✓*

> 🔵 **Now is the time to insert safety eyes!** Place them between Rnds 4 and 5, approximately 6–8 sts apart on the "front" of the body. If embroidering eyes instead, skip this step and add them during finishing.

**Rnd 9:** Ch-2, (sc in each of next 2 sts, dec over next 2 sts) around, sl st to first sc to join. **[18 sts]**

> *(sc, sc, dec) × 6 = 18 sts. ✓ (24 − 6 = 18)*

> 🧶 **Stuff the body now!** Add fiberfill firmly through the opening. The body should feel round and full. It will be harder to add stuffing after Rnd 10.

**Rnd 10:** Ch-2, (sc in next st, dec over next 2 sts) around, sl st to first sc to join. **[12 sts]**

> *(sc, dec) × 6 = 12 sts. ✓ (18 − 6 = 12)*

> Add a little more stuffing if needed — body should be very firm.

**Rnd 11:** Ch-2, dec around, sl st to first sc to join. **[6 sts]**

> *dec × 6 = 6 sts. ✓ (12 − 6 = 6)*

**Fasten off**, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle and weave through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts. Pull tight to close the hole. Weave in end securely.

---

### PART 2: TENTACLES (Make 8)

Each tentacle is a simple tube. Make all 8 in MC.

**With MC and US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook:**

**Rnd 1:** MR, ch-2, work 6 sc into the ring, sl st to first sc to join. Pull ring closed. **[6 sts]**

**Rnds 2–10:** Ch-2, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. **[6 sts each round]**

> *Work 9 more even rounds (Rnds 2–10). ✓ Each tentacle will measure approx. 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm) long.*

**Do NOT fasten off yet.** After Rnd 10, sl st to first sc.

**Finishing the tentacle tip:**
- Leave tentacles **unstuffed** for cute floppy tentacles (recommended for easy/beginner version), OR
- Stuff very lightly with a tiny pinch of fiberfill for slightly firmer tentacles.

**Fasten off**, leaving a long tail of approximately **12 inches (30 cm)** for sewing onto the body.

> *Repeat for all 8 tentacles. ✓*

---

### PART 3: ASSEMBLY

You will attach all 8 tentacles evenly around the bottom opening of the body.

**Step 1 — Find the bottom center:**
The bottom of the body is the side **opposite** the safety eyes (or where you'll embroider eyes). The center bottom is where you closed the hole with the tail in Rnd 11. Mark this point with a pin.

**Step 2 — Position the tentacles:**
The bottom of the body has **24 stitches** at its widest point (Rnd 4, which is now the base). You will attach 8 tentacles evenly spaced:

> **24 ÷ 8 = 3 stitches apart** — place one tentacle every 3 stitches around the bottom edge.

Pin all 8 tentacles in place before sewing to check the spacing looks even.

**Step 3 — Sew tentacles on:**
Using the long tail from each tentacle and a yarn needle:
1. Hold a tentacle flat against the bottom of the body, open end touching the body.
2. Sew through the open stitches of the tentacle top and through the body sts at that position.
3. Sew around the opening several times and secure with 2–3 knots.
4. Weave in the tail inside the body.

Repeat for all 8 tentacles.

> **Tip:** Arrange tentacles so they curve and splay outward naturally — this gives Ollie that classic octopus look!

---

### PART 4: FINISHING & EMBELLISHMENTS

**Eyes (if not using safety eyes):**
Using CC yarn and yarn needle, embroider two oval or round eyes between Rnds 4 and 5, approximately 6–8 sts apart.

- For **simple dot eyes:** Use a French knot — wrap yarn around needle 3–4 times before inserting back through fabric.
- For **oval eyes:** Use 3–4 straight satin stitches side by side.

**Smile:**
Using CC yarn, embroider a small curved smile below the eyes using a simple backstitch or chain stitch. A smile that spans about 4–5 stitches wide looks adorable!

**Optional — Rosy cheeks:**
Using a tiny amount of pink yarn or a pink fabric marker, add a small circle or French knot on each cheek for a blushing look.

**Weave in all ends** securely. Trim any excess yarn.

---

## QUICK-REFERENCE STITCH COUNTS

| Section | Round | Stitches |
|---|---|---|
| **Body** | Rnd 1 | 6 |
| | Rnd 2 | 12 |
| | Rnd 3 | 18 |
| | Rnd 4 | 24 |
| | Rnds 5–8 | 24 (even) |
| | Rnd 9 | 18 |
| | Rnd 10 | 12 |
| | Rnd 11 | 6 |
| **Tentacle (×8)** | Rnd 1 | 6 |
| | Rnds 2–10 | 6 (even) |

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Gaps showing in fabric | Use a smaller hook or work stitches tighter |
| Body won't close neatly | Make sure you're using invisible decrease in Rnd 11 |
| Tentacles are too stiff | Leave them unstuffed — they'll be naturally floppy |
| Can't find the bottom of the body | The bottom is opposite the eyes; pin the center before attaching tentacles |
| Ch-2 looks loose or loopy | Gently tug the ch-2 tail snug after joining — it won't affect your stitch count |

---

## YARDAGE ESTIMATE

| Color | Estimated Yardage |
|---|---|
| MC (body + tentacles) | ~50–60 yards (46–55 m) |
| CC (embroidery) | ~2–3 yards (2–3 m) |

---

*Happy crocheting! 🐙 Tag your finished Ollie — we'd love to see your octopus friends!*

---