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Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet Jacque the Manta Ray — a soft, flat-bodied amigurumi with a shaped mouth, cephalic fins and an optional wired tail. It is written to make two mirrored body/wings pieces that are seamed together and joined to a crocheted mouth. The pattern emphasizes sustainable yarn choices and gentle shaping techniques to create a realistic yet cuddly manta ray.

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Clear row-by-row and round-by-round instructions are provided for every piece, along with detailed assembly steps and photos to guide you. Recommended for crocheters comfortable with continuous rounds, seaming and simple shaping.

Why You'll Love This Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it takes a classic sea creature and turns it into a huggable, handmade friend that still feels sculptural and elegant. I enjoyed designing the two-piece body that sews together to create a natural wing shape and a cavity for gentle stuffing. The mouth and cephalic fins add so much personality — I always smile when I sew them on. Using sustainable cotton yarn for this project makes it feel even more special to gift or keep.

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easily this pattern can be customized — try different color palettes to make Jacque match your personal decor or a child's favorite colors.

You can make a mini version by using sport weight yarn and a smaller hook to create a keychain-sized manta ray.

For a chunkier, cuddlier Jacque, switch to a bulkier yarn and a larger hook; remember to keep stitches tight so stuffing doesn't show through.

I often add embroidered patterns or contrasting stripes on the underside for extra detail — simple surface crochet or embroidery works beautifully.

If you want a posable tail, I recommend inserting a 14 gauge craft wire and wrapping the ends with electrical tape to protect the yarn and prevent poking.

Try changing the eye style — embroidered eyes, safety eyes in a different size, or felt appliques will each give Jacque a different character.

Make a family of manta rays in graduated sizes and colors for a playful display or mobile over a crib or shelf.

Swap the handkerchief for a tiny accessory like a bow, hat, or tiny crochet fish for Jacque to 'hold' in his mouth for storytelling play.

To make Jacque wash-friendly, use machine-washable cotton and remove any wire before laundering; spot-clean stitched details when possible.

I encourage you to experiment with texture by alternating a row of HDC or a slip-stitch border around the wing edges for a crisp finish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers while seaming the two body pieces can cause mismatched edges; place markers at regular intervals and count stitches before crocheting around. ✗ Forgetting to count increases on the body rows will create incorrect shape and stitch counts; follow each increase row carefully and cross-check with the stitch count chart. ✗ Under-stuffing the body cavity makes the manta look floppy and uneven; stuff the middle section firmly but not overly tight and shape gradually. ✗ Not flattening the cephalic fins before sewing will make attachment awkward; press the fins flat and line them up before stitching to the mouth for a clean finish.

Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

Create Jacque the Manta Ray — a joyful, sustainable amigurumi project that combines simple shaping with thoughtful details. You will make two mirrored body/wings pieces, assemble a shaped mouth, cephalic fins, eyes and an optional wired tail for poseability. This pattern emphasizes eco-friendly yarn choices and clear step-by-step instructions so you can bring Jacque to life with confidence.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Jacque the Manta Ray Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton | 100% Organic Cotton | Weight: 3/Light Worsted
  • 02
    Indigo Wash (navy blue): x3 balls
  • 03
    Dove (gray): x2 balls
  • 04
    Optional substitution DK weight cotton or cotton blends as noted (see pattern substitution list) - adjust hook size accordingly
  • 05
    Hoooked 100% Recycled Fluffy Cotton Filling (or recycled cotton stuffing) for stuffing the body cavity

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.00 mm / US C
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 2.75 mm (for gauge reference)
  • 03
    Safety eyes size 12 mm (2 pieces)
  • 04
    Tapestry needle
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Stuffing (recycled cotton stuffing recommended)
  • 08
    Optional: 14 gauge craft wire (to stiffen tail)
  • 09
    Electrical tape (to wrap wire tips if using wire)

Progress Tracker

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— Body / Wings :

Notes :

The body/wings are worked in turning rows - chain 1 and turn at the end of each row unless otherwise stated. Make 2 - one in navy blue and one in gray (or your choice colors). The 2 pieces will be seamed together to create the body.

Row 1 :

ch 7. sc in the 2nd back bump from hk and in each of the next 5 [6]

Row 2 :

inc 2, sc across until the last 2 st of row, inc 2 [10]

Row 3 :

sc in each st across [10]

Row 4-45 :

repeat rows 2 & 3. As needed, refer to the chart at right as you go along to be sure your rows have the correct stitch count. Each increase row will increase by 4 stitches.

Row 46 :

inc 3, sc across until the last 3 st of row, inc 3 [100]

Row 47 :

sc in each st across [100]

Row 48-53 :

repeat rows 46 & 47. As needed, refer to the chart at right as you go along to be sure your rows have the correct stitch count. Each increase row will increase by 6 stitches. FASTEN OFF. PHOTO 01

Row 54 :

count 25 stitches in from each wingtip and place a stitch marker there. Slip knot onto hook and rejoin in the 26th stitch from where you fastened off. Sc in next 67 st across (up to where you stitch marked on the other side) [67] PHOTO 02

Row 55 :

dec 2, sc across until the last 4 st of row, dec 2 [63]

Row 56 :

sc in each st across [63]

Row 57-72 :

repeat rows 55 & 56. As needed, refer to chart at right as you go along to be sure your rows have the correct stitch count. Each decrease row will decrease by 4 stitches.

Row 73 :

dec, sc 27, dec [29]

Row 74 :

sc in each st across [29]

Row 75 :

dec, sc 25, dec [27]

Row 76-82 :

sc in each row across [27]

Row 83 :

sc in each stitch around the entire piece, up to the opposite side of the mouth. Fasten off. PHOTO 03

Infos :

stitch count by row: R4: [14] R5: [14] R6: [18] R7: [18] R8: [22] R9: [22] R10: [26] R11: [26] R12: [30] R13: [30] R14: [34] R15: [34] R16: [38] R17: [38] R18: [42] R19: [42] R20: [46] R21: [46] R22: [50] R23: [50] R24: [54] R25: [54] R26: [58] R27: [58] R28: [62] R29: [62] R30: [66] R31: [66] R32: [70] R33: [70] R34: [74] R35: [74] R36: [78] R37: [78] R38: [82] R39: [82] R40: [86] R41: [86] R42: [90] R43: [90] R44: [94] R45: [94] R48: [106] R49: [106] R50: [112] R51: [112] R52: [118] R53: [118] R57: [59] R58: [59] R59: [55] R60: [55] R61: [51] R62: [51] R63: [47] R64: [47] R65: [43] R66: [43] R67: [39] R68: [39] R69: [35] R70: [35] R71: [31] R72: [31]

— Tail - make 2 :

Notes :

Make 2 pieces - one in navy blue and one in gray (just as you did the body/wings). To start the tail, find the most narrow end of the body which has a count of 6 st across PHOTO 04

Row 1 :

Slip knot onto your hook and rejoin the yarn to the body by making a sc in the 3rd stitch from the right (4th stitch from the left). Sc in the next st, ch 1, turn [2] PHOTO 05

Row 2 :

dec the two stitches you just made [1] PHOTO 06

Row 3 :

fsc 50 [50] Fasten off. PHOTO 07

— Mouth :

Notes :

The mouth is crocheted in continuous rounds using the gray yarn. You will begin by making a chain and will crochet around the chain - making an oval shape.

Rnd 1 :

ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 st, inc in last st. Continue on the other side of chain - sc in next 7 st, inc in last st [18]

Rnd 2 :

inc, sc 7, inc 2, sc 7, inc [22]

Rnd 3 :

inc, sc 9, inc 2, sc 9, inc [26]

Rnd 4 :

inc, sc 11, inc 2, sc 11, inc [30]

Rnd 5 :

inc, sc 13, inc 2, sc 13, inc [34]

Rnd 6 :

inc, sc 15, inc 2, sc 15, inc [38]

Rnd 7 :

inc, sc 17, inc 2, sc 17, inc [42]

Rnd 8 :

inc, sc 19, inc 2, sc 19, inc [46]

Rnd 9 :

inc, sc 21, inc 2, sc 21, inc [50]

Rnd 10 :

inc, sc 23, inc 2, sc 23, inc [54] PHOTO 08

Rnd 11-20 :

sc in each st around [54] PHOTO 09

Info :

Fasten off and weave in ends. Flip inside out so the wrong side will be facing the inside of the body and you will be looking into the mouth on the right side of the fabric. PHOTO 10

— Cephalic Fins - make 2 :

Notes :

The cephalic fins are crocheted in continuous rounds using the gray yarn - make 2. They will be flattened and then sewn on to the mouth.

Rnd 1 :

st 6 in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2 :

inc in each st around [12]

Rnd 3 :

(sc in next st, inc in next st) x6 [18]

Rnd 4-20 :

sc in each st around [18]

Info :

Fasten off with a sl st, leaving a long tail for sewing on. Flatten the cephalic fins. PHOTOS 11 & 12

— Eyes - make 2 :

Notes :

The eyes are crocheted in continuous rounds using the gray yarn - make 2. Use 12mm safety eyes.

Rnd 1 :

st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2 :

inc in each st around [12]

Rnd 3 :

(sc, inc) x6 [18]

Rnd 4-5 :

sc in each st around [18]

Info :

Fasten off with a sl st, leaving a long tail for sewing on. Insert safety eyes into the middle of the magic circle. Stuff eyes lightly. PHOTOS 13 & 14

— Handkerchief :

Notes :

The handkerchief is crocheted in rows using yellow and light blue yarn. Chain 1 and turn after each row up to and including row 26.

Start with the yellow yarn :

Row 1: ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook [1]

Row 2 :

inc [2]

Row 3 :

inc 2 [4]

Row 4 :

inc, sc across until the final st of the row, inc [6]

Row 5-26 :

repeat row 4, alternating colors every 2 rows. You will begin and end each row with an increase stitch, therefore each row will increase by 2 stitches. Row 26 will end with 50 stitches. PHOTO 15 at row 12

Row 27 :

with yellow, inc in next st, sc in next 50 st, ch 36, turn PHOTO 16

Row 28 :

sc in 2nd chain from hook and in next 35 chains. Continue along the long edge of the handkerchief with 49 st, ch 36, turn

Row 29 :

sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 35 chains, continue down along the left "v" edge of the handkerchief and up the other side of the "v", weaving in ends as you go or crocheting over the ends so as to tuck them into the border. PHOTO 17 Fasten off with a sl st to the top corner.

Info :

Weave in ends. PHOTO 18

— Assembly :

Join the body/wings/tail :

Put blue and gray sides on top of each other, with the wrong sides together (inside). With the blue yarn, slip knot onto your hook. Insert your hook into the first stitch at the left corner of the mouth from top to bottom - with the blue color being the top. PHOTO 19 Single crochet around the entire body and tail - up to the opposite side of the mouth.

Info :

To assist you, I recommend using stitch markers at regular intervals around the body before you start to crochet around. PHOTO 20 This will hold the two pieces together and ensure your stitch counts are the same on each piece so it will crochet together evenly and so you can address any discrepancies in stitch count (increase or decrease) as you go along.

Info :

Fasten off and weave in ends. PHOTO 21.

Add wire to the tail (optional) :

Use a 14 gauge craft wire, cut to length and push into the tail to make it rigid. Use electrical tape on each end to soften the tips. Curl one end which will rest at the base of the tail to prevent the wire from slipping out the tip of the tail or down into the body of the ray. PHOTOS 22, 23, & 24

Shape & stuff the body :

The middle part of the body is stuffed and the wings remain flat. In order to do this, we create a V-shaped cavity to stuff. Find a straight instrument (I used a stuffing dowel) and lay it across the top of the body from edge of tail to edge of mouth PHOTO 25. Place 5 stitch markers along the length of the dowel which is where you will place 5 small stitches to join the top and bottom of the wings in order to create the cavity. Do this on the other side of the mouth/tail. Using blue yarn, create small stitches through the body at the stitch markers. PHOTO 26 You have now created the cavity. Stuff the body cavity.

Join mouth to body :

Place mouth inside of the opening of the body where the mouth goes. Use the gray yarn for joining the mouth to the body as follows:

Rnd 1 :

Beginning at the corner of the mouth, insert your hook top to bottom (outside to inside) and crochet around through both layers [54] PHOTO 27 & 28

Rnd 2-4 :

sc in each st around to extend the mouth [54] Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew on cephalic fins :

Sew on the cephalic fins to the sides of the mouth where the gray meets the blue. PHOTO 29, 30, 31 & 32

Sew on eyes :

Sew on the eyes to the sides of the mouth/body over where you just sewed on the cephalic fins. PHOTO 33, 34 & 35.

Info :

Tie the handkerchief around Jacque's neck. Well done! Admire your incredible crochet skills and enjoy this adorable Manta Ray.

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the two body/wings pieces right sides together (wrong sides out) and use stitch markers to align edges evenly before crocheting around to join the pieces.
  • Single crochet around the body and tail through both layers from the left corner of the mouth to the opposite side, checking stitch counts and adjusting with increases or decreases as needed.
  • Create the V-shaped cavity for stuffing by placing a straight dowel across the top of the body and joining top and bottom wings with five small stitches at marked intervals, then stuff the cavity firmly.
  • Sew the mouth into the opening by inserting your hook top to bottom and crocheting around through both layers for 54 stitches, then extend with 2-4 rounds of single crochet to secure.
  • Flatten and sew the cephalic fins to the sides of the mouth where the gray meets the blue, then sew the stuffed eyes to each side above the fins.
  • Optional: insert a 14 gauge craft wire into the tail (wrap ends with electrical tape and curl one end) to make the tail posable and secure the wire inside the tail before final assembly.

Important Notes

  • 💡Gauge: 4"x4" = 28 stitches x 30 rows of sc using a 2.75mm hook. With toys, gauge is not critical but useful for size reference.
  • 💡Size: The manta ray will end up being 16" from wingtip to wingtip and 10" from tip to tail; change yarn weight and hook to alter final size.
  • 💡Stuff more than you think you should for a stable shape; stuffing will compress a bit over time so use firm stuffing for the cavity.
  • 💡Use stitch markers during seaming and when joining pieces to ensure stitch counts align and the two mirrored pieces crochet together evenly.

This sustainable Jacque the Manta Ray pattern celebrates eco-friendly yarn choices and thoughtful toy-making. Make one for your child, a friend, or as a decorative ocean-themed gift that will be cherished. Share your creation and spread the love of slow yarn crafting — happy stitching! 🧶🌊

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The manta ray will measure approximately 16 inches from wingtip to wingtip and about 10 inches from tip to tail when made with the recommended yarn and hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute other DK or light worsted yarns but the final size will change; choose a hook 1 size smaller than recommended if using heavier yarn to maintain tight stitches for stuffing.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; familiarity with single crochet, increases, decreases, continuous rounds and basic seaming will make the process smoother.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level, yarn choice, and whether you choose to add a wired tail.