About This Squid Amigurumi Pattern
This pattern teaches you how to crochet a plush squid amigurumi with a textured head-body and ten curled tentacles. You will use front loop tentacle attachment to create lively spirals and finish the face with simple embroidery. The project is worked in continuous rounds and uses basic stitches for an easy, satisfying make.
Perfect for beginners wanting a fast, delightful toy, the pattern includes clear rounds and finishing steps. Make a cuddly, decorative friend in just a few hours.
Why You'll Love This Squid Amigurumi Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms super-bulky plush yarn into a charming, tactile squid with delightful curled tentacles. I adore how quickly the head-body grows with simple increases and how the tentacles curl naturally from the chains. The finished toy is so soft and squishy that it invites hugs and play. I love that the face is customizable with embroidery so each squid can have its own personality and expression.
Switch Things Up
I love to change the color palette to give each squid its own personality; try pastel blues or mint greens instead of pink for a sea-inspired look.
I often use a slightly thicker or thinner yarn and adjust the hook to make larger or smaller squids; changing yarn weight will change curl and final size.
I sometimes embroider eyelashes in different styles or add tiny felt cheeks for extra expression; these little details make a big difference.
I recommend experimenting with eye size—bigger safety eyes give a cuter, more toy-like face, while smaller eyes produce a subtler expression.
If you want more poseable tentacles, I add a thin wire inside a tentacle before finishing to create a bendable effect for display pieces.
For a themed gift, crochet a tiny accessory like a bow, hat, or scarf and sew it to the head—this adds charm and makes the squid gift-ready.
I also try different finishes for tentacle ends, such as flat paddle tips or tighter spirals, by changing the number of chains and HDC repeats.
To make a set, vary the yarn textures—one plush, one velour—to create contrasting tactile companions that still match in style.
I sometimes stitch a small loop at the top to turn the squid into a keychain or ornament; use thinner yarn and a smaller hook for a mini version.
When teaching this pattern I encourage students to mark placement and try eye positions before securing them; small adjustments can change the whole personality.
I also enjoy mixing two yarn colors in a round for subtle stripes on the body, which looks wonderful with plush yarn and adds visual interest.
If you plan to wash your squid, choose washable yarn and secure embroidery ends well; I like to recommend gentle hand washing and air drying for long life.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping the front loop instruction when attaching tentacles will make them sit incorrectly; be sure to crochet the tentacles into the FRONT LOOP ONLY of R23 to get the curled look.
✗ Not placing the safety eyes in the correct rounds will throw off facial placement; flatten the body and insert the eyes between the 19th and 20 th rounds with a distance of 6 stitches (3 stitches from the center) and secure backings.
✗ Overstuffing the head can distort the shape and make it lumpy; stuff firmly but gradually and shape as you go to maintain smooth contours.
✗ Forgetting to count stitches after increases and decreases will lead to mismatch in later rounds; count your stitches at the end of each round and mark the start of round with a stitch marker if needed.
✗ Not hiding or securing embroidery threads properly can leave loose ends visible; tie knots and bring thread ends inside the body, hiding them under stuffing for a neat finish.
