Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

LOOKING FOR YARN

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I’ve been looking for a certain yarn that a friend of mine was working with last weekend.  It’s a Red Heart worsted weight acrylic in a color called ‘Peruvian Print’.  This stuff is remarkable.  It’s a self-patterning yarn that makes a really neat design on the scarf Lee was working on.  She was using a Crunch Stitch that creates a nice, dense, textured design and brings out the best in this self-patterning yarn.  The colors in Peruvian Print are turquoise, white, blue, rust, brown, and a cream.  Maybe a couple other colors, too.  I can’t find the stuff anywhere locally, so I’m left to the tender mercies of the internet to find some of this delicious yarn for myself.

Problem is, the colors in Peruvian Print are not my favorites.  I’d like any number of other colors – either the pinks I love so much, a pattern made of black, white, and red, or some lively yellows and other bright colors.  I have emailed Coats and Clark since they own Red Heart.  I feared that, as often happens when I run across a wonderful yarn, this yarn might have been discontinued.

After trading emails with Coats and Clark for several days, I finally learned that there IS, indeed, another colorway in a self-patterning yarn like the Peruvian Print.  It’s this one:

www.coatsandclark.com

www.coatsandclark.com

Watercolor # 318

Hard to tell from this teensy swatch how the yarn will work, but I’m going to give it a whirl.  I’m ordering 9 skeins of it at 5 oz per skein.  That way, I can make an afghan or a bunch of scarves and hats if I want.  I’ll let you know how it works out.

As for other self-patterning yarns, they’re out there.  There are a few yarns that create a ‘fair-isle’ type pattern.  RH has these yarns in their Jacquard line and in Strata.  These are a bit different from the self-striping sock yarns which, of course, can be used for more things than socks.  Any pattern calling for a size 3 or 5 yarn or any pattern where gauge is not of paramount importance will work with the sock yarns.  I have made numerous pairs of fingerless mitts with the sock yarn, and it works out just fine.

The self-striping, and the self-patterning, yarns are REALLY designed to show off their patterns to best effect when knitted.  That’s a shame.  But, they are still pretty in crochet.

Comments

  1. I used that particular yarn on a blanket and it turned out lovely. The colors really end up reminding me of Monet’s waterlilies series. 🙂

    good luck!

Have you read?

Crochet Octopus Patterns: Cute Minis, Squishy Plushies and Sea-Life Projects

There’s something about a crochet octopus that makes it very difficult to stop at one. Perhaps it’s the little face, perhaps it’s those curly arms, or perhaps it’s simply the excuse to use that lovely purple yarn that has been sitting in the basket waiting for its moment.

They’re also wonderfully varied. You can make a tiny desk companion, a soft chenille plushie or a detailed sea creature with impressive curling tentacles. And if stuffed toys aren’t your favourite thing to crochet, I’ve included a couple of octopus blanket squares, too.

This collection of crochet octopus patterns includes mostly free designs, plus a paid pattern for anyone ready for a more ambitious project. Some free patterns also have optional paid PDFs if you prefer a printable copy beside your yarn.

Octobuddy by Sweet Softies

Octobuddy has a round body and eight little tentacles worked into a design that doesn’t require assembling separate arms. It’s rated for familiar beginners, with a video tutorial to help you follow the construction. The small version is free on the blog, while the paid PDF includes additional sizing and extras—lovely for anyone who finds a favourite pattern and immediately wants a whole family of them.

Mini Octopus by The Friendly Red Fox

The Friendly Red Fox’s Mini Octopus is a sweet option for those little balls of worsted-weight yarn that are too useful to throw away. The finished creature is only a couple of inches tall, with curly tentacles giving it plenty of personality. You’ll practise working from a magic ring, increasing and shaping a small body, so I’d suggest it for someone who knows the basic stitches and wants a manageable amigurumi project.

Chunky No-Sew Octopus by Toristory Creations

Toristory Creations’ No-Sew Octopus is particularly handy if you want to see how yarn choice changes the finished size. The designer gives examples measuring approximately 2.5 inches and 4.25 inches tall, using different plush yarns and hooks with the same instructions. Bobble stitches form the little arms, and both right-handed and left-handed video tutorials are available—a thoughtful addition for beginners who prefer watching each step.

Mini No-Sew Octopus by Repeat Crafter Me

Repeat Crafter Me’s Mini No-Sew Crochet Octopus combines a compact body with more pronounced curling arms. The sample uses Bernat Maker Splash yarn, giving the finished octopuses cheerful colour changes without a pile of separate yarn ends. The free instructions and video make it an appealing choice for crocheters comfortable with basic amigurumi shaping who want a small project with a little more movement.

Mini Octopus by móhu

móhu’s Mini Octopus has a lovely simple shape, with the legs crocheted directly onto the body. Using the suggested worsted-weight yarn and 3.5 mm hook, it measures approximately 4 cm wide and needs only about 15 metres of yarn. This easy-rated pattern would make a charming little decoration or keychain, especially if your scrap basket contains several colours that deserve to become something more exciting than another tiny ball.

Jelly Bean Octopus by Darling Maple Designs

Darling Maple Designs’ Jelly Bean Octopus is another appealing option for makers who would happily crochet all evening but lose enthusiasm when the sewing needle comes out. The beginner-focused design uses single crochet and bobble stitches, with shaping explained in the written instructions. A full video tutorial accompanies the free pattern, making this a useful choice if you’re still building confidence with small stuffed projects.

Baby Octopus by Sweet Softies

Sweet Softies’ Baby Octopus is a miniature design measuring approximately 1.5 inches tall with the suggested materials. The designer calls it a ten-minute project, although I’d allow longer if you’re learning or tend to spend several minutes deciding where the eyes should go. It’s rated beginner/easy and uses super bulky chenille yarn, making it a good pick for a tiny, squishy octopus with short little arms.

Ruffled Octopus by lilleliis

lilleliis’ Amigurumi Octopus has a contrasting ruffle that gives it a different look from the simpler pocket-sized designs. The suggested materials are DK cotton, a 2.5 mm hook and embroidery thread for stitched eyes, with a finished size of approximately 17 cm. Rated easy+, this is one I’d consider for crocheters who enjoy neat cotton stitches and a little extra decorative detail.

Octopus Amigurumi by Choly Knight

Choly Knight’s Octopus Amigurumi comes as a free illustrated PDF, which is helpful if you like having the instructions laid out in a document. The round body and eight pudgy legs can be personalised with different felt faces, a bow or a little bowler hat. The designer recommends familiarity with single crochet and a magic ring, with additional hand sewing needed for the more detailed facial options.

Under the Sea Octopus Square by Repeat Crafter Me

Repeat Crafter Me’s Under the Sea Octopus Square offers a change of pace if you fancy an octopus project without stuffing. This free crochet-along design features an octopus attached to a blanket square, with the arms arranged and stitched down individually. I’d choose it for a maker comfortable with basic crochet and willing to spend a little time on placement—the designer even suggests letting the arms curl slightly for extra character.

Corner-to-Corner Octopus Square by Lovable Loops

Lovable Loops’ C2C Octopus turns the sea creature into a colourful picture worked in diagonal crochet blocks. The free pattern includes a graph and written colour instructions, with a finished square measuring approximately 22 inches across at the stated gauge. It’s rated for advanced beginners and would suit someone who wants to practise corner-to-corner crochet and colour changes before tackling a larger picture blanket.

Realistic Octopus by Crafty Intentions — Paid Pattern

Crafty Intentions’ Realistic Octopus is the statement piece of the collection, with long curling arms and detailed suckers beneath them. The digital pattern is a substantial 87-page PDF, and the listing shows a difficulty rating of 7 out of 10. I’d save this one for an experienced amigurumi maker looking for an absorbing project, or a special handmade gift for someone fascinated by sea life.

Choosing Your Yarn and Pattern

If this is your first crochet octopus, I’d start with a smooth, light-coloured yarn so you can see your stitches clearly. Fluffy chenille creates a wonderfully soft finish, but finding a missed stitch can take a little more patience.

Use the hook recommended by the designer as your starting point, and check that the fabric holds the stuffing without obvious gaps. A stitch marker is worth keeping beside you, particularly when you’re working in continuous rounds and answering questions from the other side of the room.

For toys intended for children under three, use securely embroidered features instead of plastic safety eyes, beads or buttons, and avoid detachable accessories. If you’re making octopuses for a hospital donation programme, get its current approved pattern and material requirements before starting.

I’d be tempted to begin with one of the tiny scrap-yarn designs, simply because choosing the colours is half the fun. Then again, that realistic octopus would look rather magnificent draped across a bookshelf. There’s room for a little pocket-sized silliness and an ambitious sea creature in the same project basket.