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Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern

Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern
4.9★ Rating
10-12 Hours Time Needed
3.9K Made This
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Advanced Level

Designed for experienced knitters, these patterns involve intricate designs and complex techniques to challenge and inspire.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

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Tiny Treasure

Small, sweet, and gift-worthy creations that fit perfectly in the palm of your hand with detailed charm.

About This Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern

This clever octopus surprise pattern is a masterpiece of design, featuring a hollow mama octopus that serves as a cozy home for eight mini octopuses. Each component is meticulously crafted with attention to detail—from the colorful arm pieces that blend seamlessly into the main body to the perfectly proportioned baby octopuses with their curly tentacles. The pattern uses an innovative construction method where you crochet colored arm pieces separately and then integrate them during assembly, creating a stunning rainbow effect. This isn't just a toy; it's an interactive experience that delights children and adults alike.

Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The finished mama octopus measures 10 cm (4 inches) while each baby octopus is a petite 3 cm (1 inch), making them perfectly sized for little hands to discover and play with. The color combination creates a vibrant, eye-catching piece that's sure to become a treasured keepsake.

Why You'll Love This Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern

I'm absolutely obsessed with this pattern because it's so much more than just another amigurumi—it's an adventure in every stitch! The engineering behind this design blows my mind; the way the colored arm pieces integrate into the mama octopus is pure genius. I love how each step builds anticipation, especially when you start tucking those adorable mini octopuses inside their cozy mama. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating not just one, but nine complete characters in a single project. The surprise element makes this pattern extra special—imagine the joy on a child's face when they discover there are babies hiding inside! I also appreciate how the pattern challenges my skills with its combination of working in rows and rounds, plus the intricate assembly process keeps things interesting from start to finish. The size difference between mama and babies is perfectly calculated, making the reveal moment truly magical. This is the kind of project that showcases your crochet prowess while creating something genuinely unique and playful. Every time I make one, I find myself smiling at how clever and charming it is!

Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

When I work on this pattern, I love experimenting with different color schemes to create unique octopus families. Instead of the classic rainbow order, try an ocean-themed palette with various shades of blue, teal, aqua, and seafoam green for a more naturalistic underwater feel. Or go for a sunset theme with warm oranges, pinks, corals, and golden yellows that create a stunning gradient effect around the mama's arms.

Another variation I enjoy is making themed mini octopuses for special occasions. For a baby shower, use pastel pinks and blues with the mama in cream or white. For Halloween, create spooky mini octopuses in orange and black with a grey or purple mama. Christmas versions could feature red, green, white, and gold babies nestled in a festive mama octopus.

I've also experimented with adding embroidered details to make each mini octopus unique—tiny smiles, different eye expressions, or even little spots using contrasting embroidery thread. This gives each baby its own personality and makes the surprise even more special when children discover them.

For an extra special touch, I sometimes use sparkle or metallic thread held together with the regular yarn for the colored arm pieces. This adds a magical shimmer that catches the light beautifully without overwhelming the design. It's especially stunning for gift-giving!

You could also modify the size by using sport weight yarn with a 3.5mm hook for a larger mama octopus, or crochet thread with a 1.5mm hook for an ultra-tiny version. Just remember that changing yarn weight affects how many mini octopuses will fit inside, so adjust accordingly.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to place stitch markers on the inside octopus piece, which makes assembly confusing and can lead to misaligned arms ✗ Not tucking the colored arm piece ends properly between layers, causing them to show through or create bumps in the final piece ✗ Skipping the stitch count verification in each round when working with fingering weight yarn, leading to misshapen octopuses that won't fit together ✗ Attaching safety eyes too early before finishing the body, making it difficult to stuff properly and position babies inside the mama

Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern

Dive into the ultimate crochet surprise with this enchanting octopus family pattern! Create one large mama octopus that holds a delightful secret—eight tiny colorful baby octopuses nestled inside. This interactive amigurumi is perfect for kids who love toys with hidden surprises, or as a unique gift that keeps on giving. Using fingering weight cotton yarn and a small hook, you'll craft intricate details that bring these ocean friends to life. The mama octopus features rainbow-colored arms while each mini octopus comes in its own vibrant shade, creating a cheerful underwater family that's as fun to make as it is to play with.

Advanced 10-12 Hours

Materials Needed for Octopus Surprise Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    8/4 cotton ply fingering weight yarn (170m/50g) in grey color (36g for main octopus)
  • 02
    8/4 cotton ply fingering weight yarn in 8 different colors: red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, purple, pink (2g each for mini octopuses and colored arm pieces)
  • 03
    White 8/4 cotton ply fingering weight yarn for eyes (1g)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 04
    Stitch markers or pins
  • 05
    16 safety eyes (6mm) for mini octopuses
  • 06
    2 safety eyes (8mm) for big octopus
  • 07
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Big Octopus - Colored Arm Piece (Make 8 - one in each mini octopus color) :

Info :

The colored arm piece is made in rows

Row 1 :

7 ch - inc in 2nd ch from hook - 5 sc - ch - turn (7)

Row 2 :

skip ch - 7 sc - 2 ch - turn (7)

Row 3 :

skip 1 ch - inc - 7 sc - ch - turn (9)

Row 4 :

skip ch - 6 sc - dec - turn (7)

Row 5 :

skip 1 st - 6 sc (6)

Info :

Fasten off

— Inside of Big Octopus (Grey) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(inc - sc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(inc - 2 sc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

(inc - 3 sc) x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

(inc - 4 sc) x 6 (36)

Round 7 :

(inc - 5 sc) x 6 (42)

Round 8 :

(inc - 6 sc) x 6 (48)

Round 9 :

(inc - 7 sc) x 6 (54)

Round 10 :

(inc - 8 sc) x 6 (60)

Round 11-21 :

60 sc (60)

Round 22 :

(dec - 8 sc) x 6 (54)

Round 23 :

54 sc (54)

Round 24 :

(dec - 7 sc) x 6 (48)

Round 25-26 :

48 sc (48)

Info :

Fasten off. Put a stitch marker in 8 sts with 5 sts between each

— Big Octopus (Grey) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(inc - sc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(inc - 2 sc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

(inc - 3 sc) x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

(inc - 4 sc) x 6 (36)

Round 7 :

(inc - 5 sc) x 6 (42)

Round 8 :

(inc - 6 sc) x 6 (48)

Round 9 :

(inc - 7 sc) x 6 (54)

Round 10 :

(inc - 8 sc) x 6 (60)

Round 11 :

(inc - 9 sc) x 6 (66)

Round 12-23 :

66 sc (66)

Round 24 :

(dec - 9 sc) x 6 (60)

Round 25 :

60 sc (60)

Round 26 :

(dec - 8 sc) x 6 (54)

Round 27 :

(dec - 7 sc) x 6 (48)

Round 28-29 :

48 sc (48)

Info :

Now make the arms. The arms are made in rows

Row 1 :

Slst in flo of the next st of R29 - 7 ch - inc in 2nd ch from hook - 5 sc - slst in flo of the next 2 sts of R29 - turn (7)

Row 2 :

Skip 2 slst - 7 sc - 2 ch - turn (7)

Row 3 :

Skip 1 ch - inc - 7 sc - slst in flo the next 2 sts of R29 - turn (9)

Row 4 :

Skip 2 slst - 6 sc - dec - turn (8)

Row 5 :

Skip 1 st - 6 sc - slst in flo of the next st of R29

Info :

Repeat Row 1-Row 5 eight times

Info :

Now crochet the colored arm pieces onto the octopus. Attach them in this order: red - orange - yellow - green - turquoise - blue - purple - pink. Put the colored arm piece on top of the octopus arm. Row 1 of the arm piece should be on top of Row 1 of the octopus

Round 30 :

(Slst in next st - sc around the arm through both the octopus arm and the colored arm piece and make [3 sc] in the tip of the arm - slst in next st) Repeat everything in the parenthesis 8 times

Info :

Insert the inside of the octopus. The marked sts should be between the arms. Tug in the colored arm piece ends between the octopus and the inside. Crochet the colored arm pieces, the inside of the octopus and the octopus together in the next round

Round 31 :

(Crochet 1 sc through both the remaining back loop of R29 and the marked st between the arms - crochet 5 sc through both the colored arm piece and the inside of the octopus) Repeat everything on the parentheses 8 times (48)

Round 32 :

(dec - 4 sc) x 8 (40)

Round 33 :

(dec - 3 sc) x 8 (32)

Round 34 :

(dec - 2 sc) x 8 (24)

Round 35 :

24 slst (24)

Info :

Fasten off and weave in end. You may have to pull some of the colored ends in with your hook again

— Eye (Make 2) (White) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(inc - sc) x 6 (18)

Info :

Fasten off leaving a long end for sewing the eye onto the octopus. Attach 8mm safety eye between R1 and R2. Sew the eyes onto the octopus

— Mini Octopus (Make 8 in different colors) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(inc - sc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(inc - 2 sc) x 6 (24)

Round 5-7 :

24 sc (24)

Round 8 :

(dec - 4 sc) x 4 (20)

Round 9 :

(dec - 3 sc) x 4 (16)

Info :

Pause here to attach 6mm safety eyes. They should be between R7 and R8 with 3 sts between them. The arms are crocheted in the next round

Round 10 :

(5 ch - slst in 2nd ch from hook - sc - 2 hdc - 2 slst in flo of the next sts in R9) x 8

Info :

The next round is crocheted entirely in the remaining backloops of R9 that are visible on the inside. Fill with stuffing

Round 11 :

8 dec in blo of R9 (8)

Info :

Close off and weave in yarn end

Assembly Instructions

  • Create all 8 colored arm pieces first, making one in each mini octopus color (red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, purple, pink).
  • Complete the inside octopus piece and place stitch markers in 8 stitches with 5 stitches between each marker before setting aside.
  • Crochet the main grey octopus body through Round 29, then create the 8 arms by repeating Rows 1-5 of the arm instructions.
  • Position each colored arm piece on top of its corresponding grey arm, aligning Row 1 of both pieces, then crochet around them in Round 30.
  • Insert the completed inside octopus piece into the main body, ensuring marked stitches align between the arms.
  • Tuck all colored arm piece yarn ends neatly between the outer octopus and the inside piece to hide them completely.
  • In Round 31, join all three layers (outer body, colored pieces, and inside) by crocheting through multiple layers as instructed, then continue decreasing rounds to close the opening.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers religiously throughout this pattern, especially when marking the 8 positions on the inside octopus piece for proper arm alignment
  • 💡Work in a spiral without joining rounds unless specifically instructed otherwise, and keep consistent tension with fingering weight yarn
  • 💡The pattern requires precise stitch counting due to the intricate assembly process where three layers must align perfectly
  • 💡Make all 8 mini octopuses and colored arm pieces before starting assembly to ensure color coordination and efficient workflow
  • 💡When attaching safety eyes to mini octopuses, do so before completely closing the opening as they're difficult to insert afterward
  • 💡Take your time tucking yarn ends between layers during assembly, as visible ends will detract from the finished appearance
  • 💡The finished mama octopus should be hollow enough to comfortably hold all 8 mini octopuses inside without stretching excessively

This ingenious Octopus Surprise pattern is a testament to creative crochet engineering! The joy of making nine distinct characters that work together as one interactive toy is unmatched. Your recipients will be absolutely delighted when they discover the hidden rainbow family of baby octopuses tucked safely inside their mama. This pattern challenges your skills while rewarding you with an heirloom-quality toy that combines playfulness with masterful craftsmanship. 🐙💕 Happy crocheting and enjoy the magic of surprise! 🧶✨🌈

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Why does this pattern require fingering weight yarn instead of the usual amigurumi yarn?

Fingering weight yarn (8/4 cotton ply) is essential for this pattern because it creates tight, detailed stitches with a 2.5mm hook, resulting in a fabric dense enough to hold its shape while remaining thin enough to work with three layers during assembly. This yarn weight also keeps the mini octopuses appropriately tiny at just 3cm while allowing the mama octopus to maintain a hollow interior without being bulky.

How do I keep track of which colored arm piece goes where?

The pattern specifies attaching colored arm pieces in rainbow order: red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, purple, and pink. To stay organized, lay out all 8 colored pieces in order before beginning Round 30, and work around the octopus systematically. You can also temporarily pin each piece to its corresponding grey arm before crocheting them together.

What's the purpose of the inside octopus piece?

The inside octopus creates a double-walled structure that serves multiple purposes: it provides stability and structure to the mama octopus body, creates a proper hollow cavity for the mini octopuses to nestle inside, helps secure the colored arm pieces by sandwiching their ends between layers, and gives the finished piece a professional, sturdy feel without visible yarn tails.

Can I make this pattern without the surprise mini octopuses?

Absolutely! If you just want to make the mama octopus without the surprise element, simply complete the big octopus following all instructions and stuff it normally instead of leaving it hollow. You can skip making the mini octopuses entirely, or create them separately as individual keychains or decorations. The mama octopus is beautiful on her own with those gorgeous rainbow arms!

How do I prevent the mini octopuses from getting stuck inside the mama?

The opening at the bottom of the mama octopus (after Round 35) should be large enough for the mini octopuses to pass through easily since they're only 3cm each. If you're concerned, test the opening with the first completed mini octopus before closing completely. You can also leave the opening slightly larger by modifying the final decrease rounds, though this may affect the overall appearance.