purlJam

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# 🐙 Tiny Octopus Amigurumi
### A Beginner Crochet Pattern

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## AT A GLANCE

| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| **Finished Size** | Approx. 2" wide × 2" tall (body only); tentacles add ~¾" |
| **Difficulty** | Beginner |
| **Technique** | Amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds) |
| **Start Method** | Chain-2 start (no magic ring required!) |

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (size 4) yarn — approx. 15–20 yards total
  - Suggested colors: 1 main color (MC) for body and tentacles; optional contrasting color (CC) for eyes or cheeks
  - Sample shown in teal/aqua
- **Hook:** US E-4 / 3.5 mm (or size needed to achieve a tight gauge with no gaps)
- **Notions:**
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing — small amount
  - Yarn needle
  - Stitch marker
  - Two 6 mm safety eyes (optional) — **see safety note below**
  - Black embroidery thread (for sewn eyes, if not using safety eyes)
  - Scissors

> ⚠️ **Safety Note:** This toy is approximately 2" and contains small parts. It is **not recommended for children under 3 years old**. If making for young children, embroider eyes with black thread instead of using safety eyes.

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## GAUGE

**Approx. 5 sc = 1" / 5 rounds = 1"** (worked tightly in continuous rounds)

*Gauge is important at this small size. A looser gauge will produce a larger toy and may show gaps in the stuffing. Go down a hook size if your stitches look open.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **ch** | chain |
| **sc** | single crochet |
| **inc** | increase — 2 sc in same stitch |
| **dec** | invisible decrease — insert hook in front loop of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops |
| **sl st** | slip stitch |
| **rnd** | round |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **[ ]** | stitch count at end of round |
| **MC** | main color |
| **CC** | contrasting color |

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Chain-2 Start:** This pattern uses a chain-2 start instead of a magic ring — perfect for beginners! Simply chain 2, then work your first round of sc into the **second chain from the hook** (the first chain you made).
2. Work in **continuous rounds** — do not join or turn unless instructed. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
3. Work **tightly** — amigurumi should have no gaps so stuffing doesn't show through.
4. **Stuff firmly** before closing the head.
5. Tentacles are worked separately and sewn on after assembly.

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## PATTERN

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### PART 1: BODY/HEAD
*(Make 1 in MC)*

**Ch-2 Start:**
Chain 2. Work all stitches of Round 1 into the **second chain from your hook** (the very first chain you made). This is your starting loop.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc into 2nd ch from hook. [**6**]
> *The ch-2 start creates a small, tidy hole at the top of your octopus head. After Round 1, you can gently tug the short tail to tighten the opening slightly.*

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. [**12**]
> *(2 sc in each of the 6 sts = 12 total)*

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each st around. [**12**]
> *(Plain round — no increases. This builds height.)*

**Rnd 4:** Sc in each st around. [**12**]
> *(Plain round — body is now approximately 1" wide and ¾" tall.)*

> 🔍 **Stitch Count Check:** You should have **12 stitches** on your hook before beginning Round 5.

**→ EYES GO IN NOW** *(if using safety eyes)*
Before continuing, attach safety eyes between Rounds 2 and 3, approximately 3–4 stitches apart at the widest part of the head. If embroidering eyes, you will add them after finishing.

**Rnd 5:** (Sc, dec) around — repeat 4 times. [**8**]
> *(sc in next st, dec over next 2 sts) × 4 = 8 sts remaining*

> 🔍 **Stitch Count Check:** You should have **8 stitches** after Round 5.

**→ STUFF NOW**
Fill the head firmly with a small amount of polyester fiberfill. Use the eraser end of a pencil or a chopstick to push stuffing into the top. The head should feel plump and round, approximately 2" across.

**Rnd 6:** Dec around — repeat 4 times. [**4**]
> *(dec over next 2 sts) × 4 = 4 sts remaining*

**Fasten off**, leaving a 6" tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle and weave through the remaining 4 front loops, pull snug to close hole. Knot and weave in end securely.

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### PART 2: TENTACLES
*(Make 8 in MC)*

These tiny tubes are each worked in the round from a ch-2 start.

**Ch-2 Start:**
Chain 2.

**Rnd 1:** 3 sc into 2nd ch from hook. [**3**]

**Rnds 2–4:** Sc in each st around. [**3**] *(3 rounds even)*

> *Each tentacle is approximately ¾" long. For slightly longer tentacles, add 1–2 extra rounds in Step 2–4.*

**Do NOT stuff tentacles.**

**Fasten off**, leaving a 10" tail for sewing. Do not close the bottom opening — it will be sewn flat against the body.

> 🔍 **Stitch Count Check:** Each tentacle = 3 stitches wide, 4 rounds tall. Make **8 total**.

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### PART 3: ASSEMBLY

**You will need:** Yarn needle, all 8 tentacles, the finished body, optional embroidery thread for eyes.

**Step 1 — Identify the bottom of the body.**
The bottom of the body is the open end (where you closed with 4 stitches). The top is the ch-2 start end.

**Step 2 — Arrange the tentacles.**
Lay your body on a flat surface, bottom facing up. Arrange 8 tentacles evenly around the bottom edge like spokes on a wheel. Pin them in place if desired. There will be approximately 1–2 stitches between each tentacle attachment point along the bottom 1–2 rounds of the body.

> *Spacing guide: With 12 stitches in Round 4 (last even round) and 8 tentacles, attach one tentacle approximately every 1.5 stitches — stagger slightly if needed for an even look.*

**Step 3 — Sew tentacles on.**
Using the long tail on each tentacle and your yarn needle, sew each tentacle to the bottom edge of the body. Take 3–4 secure stitches through the body wall, catching the opening of the tentacle. Knot firmly on the inside (through the stuffing area) and trim. Repeat for all 8 tentacles.

**Step 4 — Add embroidered eyes** *(if not using safety eyes).*
Thread a yarn needle with black embroidery thread (2–3 strands). Between Rounds 2 and 3, make 2–3 small straight stitches bundled together to form each eye, or use a French knot. Eyes should be 3–4 stitches apart. Knot securely inside the head and trim.

**Step 5 — Optional: Add a smile.**
Using black embroidery thread, make a small curved stitch (3–4 sts wide, 1 st tall curve) just below the eyes for a friendly expression.

**Step 6 — Weave in all ends.**

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Part | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Body width | ~2" across |
| Body height | ~2" tall |
| Each tentacle | ~¾" long |
| Overall height with tentacles | ~2¾" |

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Too big?** Use DK weight (size 3) yarn with a US D-3 / 3.25 mm hook to reduce size slightly.
- **Too small?** Work Round 3 twice (add one extra even round) before decreasing.
- **Tentacles curling?** This is normal and adds character! Block lightly with a damp cloth if you prefer straighter tentacles.
- **Gaps showing?** Work more tightly or drop down to a US D-3 / 3.25 mm hook.
- **Ch-2 start has a hole?** After Round 1, thread the starting tail through the center and pull gently to close before weaving in.

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## QUICK REFERENCE — STITCH COUNTS

| Round | Stitches | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Ch-2 start |
| 2 | 12 | Inc round |
| 3 | 12 | Even |
| 4 | 12 | Even |
| 5 | 8 | Dec round — stuff before Rnd 6 |
| 6 | 4 | Dec round — close and fasten off |
| **Tentacles (×8)** | | |
| Rnd 1 | 3 | Ch-2 start |
| Rnds 2–4 | 3 | Even — fasten off with 10" tail |

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*Happy crocheting! 🐙*