purlJam

# Small Amigurumi Fish — Crochet Pattern

**Skill Level:** Intermediate  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 10 cm long × 7 cm tall (4" × 2¾") including tail fin  
**Technique:** Amigurumi worked in continuous rounds using UK crochet terminology

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) yarn in main colour (MC) — approx. 30 g  
  Small amount of contrast colour (CC) for belly/fins — approx. 10 g
- **Hook:** 3.5 mm (UK 9 / US E-4) — one size smaller than ball band recommendation for tight fabric
- **Safety eyes:** 2 × 8 mm (or embroider with black yarn for children under 3)
- **Toy stuffing** (polyester fibrefill)
- **Yarn needle** for sewing
- **Stitch marker** to mark beginning of round
- **Scissors**

## Tension (Gauge)

19 dc × 20 rounds = 10 cm (4") worked in continuous rounds.  
Exact tension is not critical, but fabric must be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

## Abbreviations (UK Terms)

- **MR** — magic ring
- **ch** — chain
- **ss** — slip stitch
- **dc** — double crochet (= US single crochet)
- **htr** — half treble crochet (= US half double)
- **tr** — treble crochet (= US double crochet)
- **inc** — 2 dc in next stitch (increase)
- **dec** — invisible decrease: insert hook in front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **rnd** — round
- **[ ]** — total stitch count at end of round
- **( ) × n** — repeat instructions in brackets n times

## Construction Notes

- Work in a **continuous spiral** — do not join or turn unless instructed.
- Move the stitch marker up at the start of every round.
- Stuff the body **firmly** as you go, before the opening becomes too small.
- Fins are worked flat in rows and sewn to the body.

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## BODY (work in MC; make 1)

- **Rnd 1:** 6 dc in MR. **[6]**
- **Rnd 2:** inc in each st around. (6 × 2 = 12) **[12]**
- **Rnd 3:** (dc, inc) × 6. (6 + 6 = 12; 12 + 6 = 18) **[18]**
- **Rnd 4:** (2 dc, inc) × 6. (12 + 6 = 18; 18 + 6 = 24) **[24]**
- **Rnd 5:** (3 dc, inc) × 6. (18 + 6 = 24; 24 + 6 = 30) **[30]**
- **Rnds 6–10:** dc in each st around (5 rnds even). **[30]**

**Insert safety eyes** between Rnds 7 and 8, approximately 7 sts apart, centred on what will become the front of the head. Secure backs firmly.

- **Rnd 11:** (3 dc, dec) × 6. (18 + 6 = 24) **[24]**
- **Rnd 12:** dc in each st around. **[24]**
- **Rnd 13:** (2 dc, dec) × 6. (12 + 6 = 18) **[18]**
- **Rnd 14:** dc in each st around. **[18]**

Begin stuffing firmly.

- **Rnd 15:** (dc, dec) × 6. (6 + 6 = 12) **[12]**

Add more stuffing and shape body into a rounded teardrop.

- **Rnd 16:** dec × 6. **[6]**

Fasten off leaving a 15 cm tail. Thread through front loops of remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close. Weave end inside body.

**Maths check:** Increases 6 → 12 → 18 → 24 → 30 (5 inc rnds). Decreases 30 → 24 → 18 → 12 → 6 — symmetrical. ✓

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## TAIL FIN (work in MC or CC; make 1)

Worked flat in rows.

- **Row 1:** ch 8, dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in each of next 6 ch, turn. **[7]**
- **Row 2:** ch 1, inc, dc in next 5 sts, inc, turn. **[9]**
- **Row 3:** ch 1, inc, dc in next 7 sts, inc, turn. **[11]**
- **Row 4:** ch 1, dc in first 4 sts, (htr, tr, htr) in next st, dc in next 4 sts. (skip forming centre "V" — see below)

**Shape the forked tail:** At the outer edge (last row), work a second pass: ss into corner, ch 3, tr in same st, ch 1, tr in same st — this creates the forked look. Alternatively, cut tail into a V-shape when sewing by folding centre inward.

*Simpler alternative:* Work Rows 1–3 as above, then **Row 4:** ch 1, dc in first 4 sts, ss in next 3 sts (centre dip), dc in last 4 sts. **[11]** — creates a natural V.

Fasten off leaving a 20 cm tail for sewing.

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## TOP (DORSAL) FIN (work in MC or CC; make 1)

- **Row 1:** ch 7, dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 2 ch, htr in next ch, tr in next 2 ch. **[6]**
- **Row 2:** ch 1, turn, ss in first st, dc in next st, htr in next st, tr in next 3 sts. **[6]**

Fasten off leaving a 20 cm tail. This creates a triangular fin with a curved upper edge.

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## SIDE FINS (work in MC or CC; make 2)

- **Rnd 1:** 6 dc in MR. **[6]**
- **Rnd 2:** (dc, inc) × 3. (3 + 3 = 6; 6 + 3 = 9) **[9]**
- **Rnd 3:** dc in each st around. **[9]**

Flatten and work 1 row across both layers:  
- **Row 4:** ch 1, dc through both layers × 4, ss in last st.

Fasten off leaving a 20 cm tail. This creates a small flat oval fin.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Pin tail fin** to the closed (back) end of the body. Sew in place using whip stitch all around the base of the tail, ensuring a secure join.
2. **Pin dorsal fin** along the top centre of the body, approximately over Rnds 8–12. Sew the straight edge to the body using ladder stitch.
3. **Pin side fins** on either side of the body, just below and slightly behind the eyes (around Rnds 9–11). Sew flat edge to body with whip stitch.
4. **Embroider a mouth** with a small curved stitch in black or dark yarn below the eyes, across 2–3 stitches.
5. **Optional:** Add small CC patches for cheeks or a belly stripe with duplicate stitch or embroidery.
6. Weave in all ends securely inside the body.

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## Finishing Tips

- If using for a child under 3, **embroider eyes** rather than using safety eyes, and ensure all fins are attached with at least two rounds of stitching.
- A light brush over the body with a soft-bristled brush can give a slightly fuzzy, "fish scale" texture.
- For a shimmery look, hold a strand of metallic thread together with the MC when working the body.

**Finished dimensions:** approx. 10 cm nose-to-tail × 7 cm tall × 5 cm wide (4" × 2¾" × 2").

Happy hooking! 🐟