Crochet Octopus with Headphones – Step-by-Step Pattern

Before You Start

• Read the full pattern before beginning for best results.
• Work in continuous rounds unless instructed otherwise.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
• Stuff the body as you go; do not overstuff.
• Prepare all colored yarns in advance (main color, contrasting colors for headphones and details).
• Safety eyes can be glued or sewn, or you may embroider facial features.
• Basic amigurumi skills are helpful.

Pattern Notes

• Each component (body, tentacles, headphones) is crocheted separately and then assembled.
• When instructed to work in back loops only (BLO), insert the hook only into the back loop of each stitch.
• The tentacles are made using the unused front loops from a specific round.
• Finish each round with a slip stitch for a neater seam.
• The headphones are created as two small “earpads” and a band, and attached after crocheting.

How I Made the Crochet Pattern

• The body is worked in the round with standard increases to create a ball, then decreased.
• Tentacles are created using chains/double crochets attached to the leftover front loops.
• Headphones are worked in several simple pieces and assembled.
• Face is completed with glued or embroidered eyes and mouth.

Skill Level

Confident Beginner – Familiar with magic ring, increases, decreases, working in BLO, and basic assembly.

Finished Size

• Height (without headphones): 6–8 cm (2.5–3”)
• Diameter of body: 5–7 cm (approx. 2–2.75”)
• Width with headphones: 7–9 cm (approx. 3–3.5”)

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (main color for octopus, black or colored yarn for headphones, scraps for facial features)
• 2.5–3.5 mm crochet hook
• Polyester stuffing/fiberfill
• Yarn/tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Safety eyes (or embroidery floss)
• Fabric glue/hot glue (for assembling headphones or gluing eyes)
• Stitch marker

Measurements / Sizing

• Body ball: 5–7 cm diameter
• Tentacles: ~3 cm long each when curled
• Headphones: Each earpad ~2 cm diameter, band ~6 cm long

Gauge / Stitch Pattern

Gauge is not critical; stitches should be tight so stuffing does not show.

Example:
10 sc x 10 rows = 4 x 4 cm (1.6” x 1.6”)

Stitch Abbreviations

Special Stitches

• Magic Ring (MR): Make a circle with yarn, crochet into the loop, then pull to close.
• Invisible Decrease: Insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through last 2 loops.
• Tentacle Attachment: Tentacles are made with chains and double crochets into front loops from an earlier round.

The Pattern!

BODY

• Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. Join with sl st.
• Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around (12). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc, inc x6 (18). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, inc x6 (24). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, inc x6 (30). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around (30). Join with sl st.
• Rnds 7–10: Repeat previous round (30 sc in each round). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, dec x6 (24). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 12 (Tentacle Foundation – BLO): Ch 1, sc in BLO of next 2 sts, dec in BLO x6 (18). Join with sl st.
  Start stuffing the octopus at this point.
• Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc, dec x6 (12). Join with sl st. Finish stuffing well.
• Finish: Fasten off, use the tail and a needle to sew through the front loops of each remaining stitch, pull tight to close. Secure and weave in.

Body should be a round, firm ball with one row (Rnd 12) that leaves visible front loops for tentacles.

TENTACLES

Use the exposed front loops from BODY Rnd 12, join yarn as needed.

• For each tentacle (repeat 12 times):
  • Insert hook into next front loop, pull up a loop and ch 3.
  • In the next st, make 3 dc into same front loop.
  • Remove hook from loop, insert into chain next to original ch-3, pull live loop through to anchor curl.
  • Ch 3, sl st into next front loop to secure.
• Repeat pattern for a total of 12 tentacles around base.

If you don’t read patterns: Chain 3, 3 dc in the base, pull curl through itself to anchor, then skip to next tentacle. Your octopus will have a beautiful full “skirt” of tentacles.

FACE

• Glue or sew eyes between Rnds 7 and 8, approx. 5 sts apart.
• Embroider a small mouth on Rnd 8.

This step gives the octopus its sweet personality!

HEADPHONES (Make 2 Earpads + 1 Band)

Earpads (Make 2)

• Rnd 1: MR, ch 2, 12 hdc in ring. Pull tight, join with sl st. (12)
• Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO in each st around (12). Join with sl st.
• Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in BLO in each st around (12). Join with sl st.
• Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
  Flatten and lightly stuff if desired.

Headband

• Ch 12.
• Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across (11).
• Ch 1, fasten off.

You now have two pads and a thin strip for the band.

Assembly & Finishing

• Use tails/glue to attach headphones:
  • Sew or glue one earpad to each side of the head, level with the face.
  • Shape headband gently into an arc and glue/sew ends behind each earpad.
• Weave in all yarn ends securely.
• Double-check tentacles are evenly spaced and shaped.
• Check face symmetry and reseat any applique/glued items as needed.

What You Can Make Using These Stitches

• Plush sea creatures (squid, jellyfish, etc.)
• Keychain charms, bag attachments
• Amigurumi faces and accessories (like hats, scarves, earmuffs, etc.)
• Cartoon or fantasy creatures for gifts