About This Ostin The Octopus Amigurumi Pattern
This pattern creates a soft plush octopus with eight curly tentacles, cute embroidered face details and removable tiny blushes. It uses plush yarn for a cuddly texture and semi-cotton for eyes and facial embroidery. The tentacles are crocheted as two layered pieces and assembled to give a realistic, wavy look.
Step-by-step rounds and assembly instructions are included with clear notes on hook sizes and yarn choices. The finished toy is approximately 18 cm without tentacles and 42 cm including tentacles.
Why You'll Love This Ostin The Octopus Amigurumi Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a charming, huggable octopus with personality. I enjoy the combination of plush yarn and textured puff-style tentacles that give excellent tactile appeal. The technique of crocheting and joining the tentacle inner and outer parts creates a beautiful layered look I am proud of. Making the eyes and embroidered smile always brings the character to life and is so rewarding each time. This design is playful, soothing to crochet, and perfect for gifting or decorating a nursery.
Switch Things Up
I love offering ideas to customize this pattern: change the colors to make a rainbow octopus or go neutral for a modern nursery piece.
You can make a mini version by using thinner yarn and a smaller hook for a keychain-sized octopus.
Try bulky plush yarn with a larger hook to get an extra squishy, huggable toy—perfect for toddlers who like soft textures.
I often add tiny crocheted hats, bows or scarves to give each octopus its own personality and seasonal flair.
Embroider different expressions by altering the eye placement and mouth curve to create sleepy, smiling, or surprised faces.
For a wearable twist, stitch a loop to the top to turn your octopus into a bag charm or hanging decor for a nursery mobile.
You can also experiment with adding wire into tentacles for posability—just make sure to wrap securely and hide ends safely.
Swap the puff stitch rows for bobble or popcorn stitches to get different suckered textures on the tentacles.
I recommend trying contrasting thread for the eye highlights, or adding small safety beads if making the toy for an adult collector.
Lastly, assemble a set with different sizes and colors to create a playful family of octopuses as a gift set or market items.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping stitch markers during tentacle attachment can cause misaligned tentacles; always place markers where each tentacle will be joined and count stitches frequently.
✗ Overstuffing the body makes shaping difficult and the tentacles stiff; stuff gradually while assembling so tentacles can twist and bend naturally.
✗ Tightening the magic ring too much with plush yarn can create a puckered hole; if the ring cannot be tightened, start with 2 CH and work into the second chain instead.
✗ Not working into the side loops when joining tentacles creates gaps; insert the hook into both the body and tentacle side loops simultaneously for a secure join.
✗ Changing colors without securing ends neatly will create messy edges; weave and hide thread ends between loops on the wrong side as instructed.
