About This Squid Amigurumi Pattern
This pattern teaches you how to crochet a soft plush squid amigurumi using super-bulky plush yarn and simple stitches. You will shape the head-body, add curly tentacles worked from chains, and finish with embroidered eyelashes and a small smile. The design emphasizes easy rounds and fun assembly so you can enjoy making a charming toy quickly.
Includes full round-by-round instructions, tentacle patterns (two types) and finishing notes. Great for beginners who want a quick, satisfying project.
Why You'll Love This Squid Amigurumi Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a few simple stitches into a charming, squishy friend that is fun to make and cuddle. I enjoy how the curly tentacles come to life with basic chain-and-HDC shaping β they are playful and give the squid lots of character. The pattern is quick, so I can make one in an evening and gift it right away. I also love that it uses plush yarn for an irresistibly soft finish that children and adults both adore.
Switch Things Up
I love to customize the color palette when I make this squid; try pastels, ombre yarns or even stripes by changing colors between rounds for a unique look.
If you want a larger squid, I change to a bulkier yarn and a larger hook; this increases the size and makes the toy extra squishy.
For a tiny keychain version, use a DK or sport weight yarn with a small hook to create a miniature collectible.
I sometimes embroider different expressions β a big smile, sleepy eyes, or a surprised O β to give each squid its own personality.
You can add safety or felt details like small blush circles on the cheeks for extra charm; sew or glue felt pieces carefully if making for non-child gifts.
Want wobblier tentacles? Use a thinner yarn core or add a short piece of flexible wire inside the tentacles before sealing to make them poseable.
I recommend mixing yarn textures for contrast β plush yarn for the body and a smooth cotton for facial embroidery gives a neat finish.
If you prefer a more realistic look, reduce the number of tentacles or lengthen them and use neutral tones for a subtle effect.
I like creating sets by making several sea creatures using the same yarn family so they coordinate as a collection for nursery decor.
Donβt be afraid to experiment with eye size and placement; moving eyes slightly up or down changes the character instantly, so place them before securing permanently.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
β Skipping stitch markers during rounds can make you lose the start of each round; place a marker at the beginning of every round to maintain correct stitch counts.
β Working tentacles into the wrong loop (not the front loop of R23) will misplace them on the body; be sure to crochet tentacles into the FRONT LOOP ONLY of R23 as directed.
β Understuffing the head results in a floppy shape that does not hold the eyes well; stuff firmly and evenly before closing the final rounds to maintain shape.
β Forgetting to close holes using the back loops after tentacle placement will leave gaps; after adding tentacles, close the hole using the BACK LOOPS of R23 then finish R24 and R25 as written.
β Hiding embroidery ends incorrectly can pull facial features out of position; when embroidering eyelashes and the smile, tie knots and hide ends neatly inside the body so the exterior remains smooth.