There’s something genuinely satisfying about finishing a tiny crochet project in one sitting, and I’ve made this Mini Octopus Crochet Pattern more times than I can count. I originally tried it as a quick test piece after watching the video, and it immediately became one of those patterns I keep coming back to — especially when I need a fast gift or a cute little extra for a keychain.
This octopus works beautifully as a desk buddy, zipper charm, or small handmade present. Because it’s compact and uses very basic stitches, it’s also a great confidence booster for beginners. I tested it with leftover yarn and a small hook, and each one took well under an hour once I got into the rhythm. The simple body shape makes it forgiving, while the curly tentacles add that bit of charm that makes people smile the moment they see it.
Written exactly as shown in the video and using US crochet terms, this pattern stays true to the original instructions while being easy to follow at your own pace. Grab some yarn, get comfy, and let’s bring this tiny octopus to life 💗

What You’ll Need
All materials listed below are exactly what’s mentioned or implied in the video — nothing added, nothing changed.
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Pink yarn (type, weight, and brand not specified in the video)
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Small amount of black yarn (for embroidering eyes)
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Fiberfill stuffing
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Stitch marker
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Yarn needle
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Crochet hook (size not specified in the video)
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Blush or makeup (optional, as shown in the video)
⚠️ Hook size, yarn weight, and finished size are intentionally not included, as they were not provided in the original source.
Pattern Information
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Pattern Type: Amigurumi
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Technique: Worked in continuous rounds with slip stitches between rounds (as shown in the video)
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Skill Level: Beginner
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Language: US Crochet Terms
Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic Ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (single crochet decrease) |
| BLO | Back Loop Only |
| FLO | Front Loop Only |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
Pattern Notes
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The chain at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch, exactly as stated in the video.
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Each round is joined with a slip stitch into the first single crochet.
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Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round if helpful.
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This Mini Octopus Crochet Pattern follows the video precisely — stitch counts, structure, and techniques are unchanged.
Mini Octopus Crochet Pattern – Body
Round 1
With pink yarn, make a Magic Ring.
ch 1 (do not count as a stitch)
6 sc into the MR
Pull yarn to close the ring
sl st into first sc
(6 sts)
Round 2
ch 1 (do not count)
inc in each stitch around
sl st into first sc
(12 sts)
Round 3
ch 1
(1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times
sl st into first sc
(18 sts)
Round 4
ch 1
1 sc in each stitch around
sl st into first sc
(18 sts)
Rounds 5–7
Repeat Round 4 for three rounds total.
ch 1
1 sc in each stitch around
sl st into first sc
(18 sts each round)
Round 8
ch 1
(1 sc, dec) repeat 6 times
sl st into first sc
(12 sts)
Stuffing
Insert fiberfill stuffing before continuing. Shape gently so the body stays round but soft.
Round 9 (BLO)
Work only into the back loops.
8 dec in BLO
Fasten off and hide the tail
⚠️ Stitch count after this round is not stated in the video and is therefore not specified.
Tentacles
The tentacles are worked into the front loops left from Round 8.
You will have 12 front-loop stitches total.
Tentacle Pattern (Worked in Each Stitch)
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Insert hook into a front loop stitch
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Pull up yarn
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ch 5
Starting from the second chain from the hook:
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1 sc
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1 sc in each of the next 3 chains
Move to the next stitch.
In the first stitch, start directly with chaining 5.
In each remaining stitch:
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sl st into the stitch
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ch 5
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sc in second ch from hook
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sc in next 3 chains
Repeat until all 12 stitches are used.
Finish Tentacles
sl st into the first stitch
Fasten off and hide the tail
You will have 12 tentacles total.
Eyes
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Cut a length of black yarn
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Sew the eyes onto the body
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Eyes are placed on Round 5, with 2 single crochets between them
⚠️ Eye size and embroidery style are not specified beyond this.
Final Touches
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Apply blush to the cheeks if desired
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Weave in all remaining ends
This is the moment where your mini octopus really comes to life ✨
Finished Piece
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Final size: Not specified in the video
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Keychain hardware: Not shown or explained in the video
If you’d like to turn this into a keychain, simply add hardware using your preferred method.
My Experience & Practical Tips
After making several of these octopuses, a few small details really stood out and made a big difference in the final look.
First, pay attention to your tension during the body rounds. If your stitches loosen toward Rounds 5–7, the octopus can lose that neat, rounded shape. I found that slightly tightening my grip just for those rounds helped keep everything smooth and even.
Stuffing is another area where beginners often struggle. It’s tempting to overfill such a small piece, but less is more here. I gently push small bits of fiberfill in with the back of my hook, shaping as I go, and stop as soon as the body feels soft but holds its form.
When working the tentacles, make sure you’re consistently inserting your hook into the front loops only. Missing a loop early on can throw off the spacing and make one side look fuller than the other. I like to rotate the piece as I work to keep the curls even all the way around.
If your tentacles don’t curl as much as you’d like, that’s usually a tension issue in the chains. Looser chains create softer curls, while tighter chains give a firmer spiral — both are cute, just different personalities.
FAQ – Mini Octopus Crochet Pattern
Is this Mini Octopus Crochet Pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! The stitches are simple, and the project is small, making it great for beginners.
Can I use any yarn weight?
The video does not specify yarn weight, so you can experiment. Just note that size will vary.
Is this pattern worked in continuous rounds?
Yes, with slip stitches joining each round exactly as shown in the video.
Can I sell finished octopuses made from this pattern?
That depends on the original video creator’s terms. Always check before selling finished items.
Trying this octopus often leads crocheters to explore other small projects. If you enjoy quick makes like this, you might also like the Summer Fruit Crochet Keychains, which are perfect for using up scraps and work beautifully as colorful gifts. For something playful with a bit more personality, the Garfield Keychain Crochet Pattern offers a fun character option, while the Bunny Amigurumi is a lovely next step if you want a slightly larger but still approachable project.


