There is something incredibly satisfying about a “one-sitting” crochet project. This little octopus is exactly that—a palm-sized friend that takes about 30 minutes to whip up. Standing at just 2 inches (5 cm) tall, it’s the perfect size for a keychain, a bag charm, or a desk companion.
I love this pattern because it uses a clever “popcorn stitch” to create the tentacles, giving them a bubbly, textured look without the hassle of sewing on eight separate pieces. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Approximately 15g of medium weight (Size 4) yarn. I used a soft pale plum, but octopuses look great in any bright spring color.
- Hook: 4.0 mm hook. (Even though Size 4 yarn usually calls for a 5.5 mm, using a smaller hook ensures the stitches are tight so your stuffing doesn’t peek through!)
- Eyes: 8 mm safety eyes (or black scrap yarn for embroidery).
- Stuffing: A handful of fiberfill.
- Extras: A tapestry needle, scissors, and an optional keychain clasp.
Part 1: The Head
The head is worked in continuous rounds from the top down.
Round 1: Start with a slip knot and chain 2. Work 8 Single Crochet (SC) into the second chain from the hook. Slip stitch to the first SC to join. (8 sts)
Round 2 (Increases): Chain 1. Work 2 SC into every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (16 sts)
Round 3: Chain 1. Work 1 SC in the first stitch, then 2 SC in the next. Repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
Rounds 4–7: Chain 1. Work 1 SC in every stitch around. (24 sts per round)
Round 8 (Decreases): Chain 1. Work 1 SC, then 1 Decrease (combine two stitches into one). Repeat from * to * around. Join. (16 sts)
Part 2: The Tentacles (The Popcorn Stitch)
Instead of flat legs, we are using Popcorn Stitches to give this octopus its signature “bubbly” bottom.
Round 9:
- Chain 2.
- In the very first stitch, work 3 Double Crochets (DC).
- In the next stitch, work 3 more DC.
- The Popcorn: Pull your hook out of the current loop. Insert the hook into the very first DC you made. Grab the dropped loop and pull it through. Chain 1 to lock it.
- Repeat this process around. You are using 2 stitches of the head for every 1 popcorn tentacle.
- End Result: 8 bubbly popcorn tentacles. Slip stitch to the first tentacle to join.
Part 3: Personalizing & Assembly
Adding the Keychain (Optional)
Before closing the bottom, cut a 7-inch strand of yarn. Loop it through the top of the head (near Round 1), thread it through your metal keychain clasp, and pull it back inside. Tie a secure double knot on the inside of the head.
Safety Eyes
Insert the 8 mm safety eyes between Rounds 5 and 6 (roughly three rounds up from the tentacles). Space them about 3 stitches apart. Snap the backings on firmly.
Stuffing
Fill the head firmly with fiberfill. Use the back of your crochet hook to push the stuffing up so it doesn’t get caught in your final stitches.
Part 4: Closing the Bottom
Round 10: Chain 1. We need to decrease the 16 stitches from the “neck” area.
- Work a decrease by picking up a loop to the right of a tentacle and a loop to the left of the same tentacle. Pull through all loops.
- Repeat this for all 8 tentacles. (8 sts)
Finishing Touches
- Fasten off, leaving a 4-inch tail.
- Thread your yarn needle. Weave the tail through the front loops only of the final 8 stitches.
- Tug the yarn to cinch the bottom closed like a drawstring.
- Tie a small knot, hide the tail inside the body, and snip the excess.
Making it Yours
These little guys are addictive! Because they only use 15g of yarn, they are the ultimate “scrap-buster.” Try making a “mood octopus” by using a variegated yarn, or add a tiny crochet bow near one of the eyes for a bit of extra personality.
Happy stitching!