I love sea life has always been near and dear to my heart, in fact one of my first amigurumi creations was this octopus! Since it's adorable and fairly easy to make I decided to share this tutorial with you.
These octopus are great for kids to play with, just keep in mind that if it's for a child under 3 to embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes and to use cotton yarn so that it doesn't pill (those little fuzzy balls) and get in a baby or child's mouth.

Abbreviations

MC = Magic Circle

Sc = single crochet

Ch = chain

slst = Slip Stitch

st = stitch

2 in 1 = crochet twice in one stitch

<> = total number of stitches for the row

If you want tighter stitches you can go down a hook size and use a 3.5 mm it will just make the octopi a little smaller.

Supplies

Any color or type of worsted weight yarn (4) I use Red Heart Super Savers in Minty
G or 4 mm hook
Stuffing
Yarn or tapestry needle
Scissor

Step 1: The Pattern

Foundation row: Make a MC, sc 6, slst into the first sc to join.

Step 2: Row 1

Row 1. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, sc 2 in 1 in each st, slst the last st with the first. <12>

Step 3: Row 2

Row 2. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, sc 2 in 1 every 2nd, join the last st with the first using a slst. <18>

Step 4: Row 3

Row 3. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, sc 2 in 1 every 3rd st, join the st with the first using a slst. <24>

Step 5: Row 4

Row 4. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, sc 2 in 1 every 4th st, join the st with the first using a slst. <30>

Step 6: Rows 5 -10

Row 5-10. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, do one sc in each st, join the st with the first using a slst. <30>

Step 7: Row 11

Row 11. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, sc 2 together every 4th st, join the st with the first using a slst. <24>

Step 8: Row 12

Row 12. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, 2 together every 3rd st, join the st with the first using a slst. <18>

Step 9: Row 13 - 18

Row 13 - 18. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc, sc in each st, join the st with the first using a slst. <18>

Step 10: Row 19

Row 19. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your first sc. Now for the first tentacle, *ch 41, make 2 in 1 scs in each st back up the chain, (you can work into the back ridge) sc in the next st, sc 1* repeat *-* 4 times, make 2 2 in 1 scs, then repeat *-* 3 more times. <20>

Step 11: To the Bottom

Now to seal this little one up we need to make the bottom.

Foundation row. Make a MC, sc 6, slst into the first sc to join. <6>

Row 1. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your fist sc, sc 2 in 1 every st, join the last st with the first using a slst. <12>

Row 2. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your fist sc, sc 2 in 1 every 2nd st, join the last st with the first using a slst. <18>

Row 3. Ch 1, ins your hook into the stitch under the initial ch for your fist sc, sc 2 in 1 every 3rd st, join the last st with the first using a slst. <24>

Tie off and weave in the ends.

Step 12: Eyes and Stuff

If you're using safety eyes find the place that fits it best and a press the backing on firmly.

I personally like putting them on either side of the single crochets between the tentacles, this is the 2nd row from the bottom like this.

If you're embroidering your eyes you can make them however you like. This is how I do mine...

I make an "X" with the needle and yarn, then weave it around the "X" to make a rectangle. I made one bigger and one smaller eye as an example.

Once your eyes are all done stuff the octopi to your liking!

If you're giving it to a young child stuff it on the denser side, then sew the bottom on, it should fit perfectly. I stuff it on the lighter side at first so I don't get stuffing in the stitches and once I'm about 3/4 of the way sewn i stuff the rest and finish it off.

If you don't have stuffing, you can use cut up old clothes instead.

Step 13: Enjoy Your Little Octopus!

I normally go for a more realistic design with my creatures, but these tentacles have a beautiful purpose. Crocheted octopus with these curly tentacles are being made and donated to hospitals for premature babies. The curls remind them of the umbilical cord that they play with and hold for comfort inside the womb. Here's an article with more information. If you're interested in helping Octopus for a preemie, this is the official guidelines, they have their own pattern and Facebook group.

I hope you enjoyed making your little octopi, whether it's for you or someone else. Thank you for making something today :)

If you would like to learn more about crocheting check out my website, Magicowlstudios.com, or leave a comment here and tell me what else you'd like to learn!