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My 9-year old daughter surprised me yesterday with this cute little octopus she created all by herself!
I asked her if she still remembers how she made it, and she said, "Yes, I do!"
So she took a piece of paper and wrote down her instructions. While she was writing them down, she kept asking me how to write the abbreviations for the stitches she used and so we spent the whole evening discussing how to write a crochet pattern.
She was so excited to learn that I promised her I'd publish her pattern on Start Crochet once she's written the pattern properly, taken all the progress photos and has the pattern tested.
I assured her I'd help her throughout the whole process and once the pattern is published, she'd get all the proceeds from pattern sales!
So I'll let her present to you, "Inky the Octopus". She'd like to keep it as a free crochet pattern for kids to make.
We even designed a cute Adoption Certificate for Inky in case you want to gift him to someone special.
She'd love it if you leave a comment at the bottom of this post to share your thoughts or questions. Enjoy!
Keep scrolling for the Free pattern. If you'd prefer and ad-free PDF printable version and Photo Tutorial, you can purchase it for a small fee from my shop.
easy crochet patterns for kids To Make
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Hello May and Nadine,
We are already fans of your worry worms and Inky will be a welcome addition. Congratulations Nadine, Inky is adorable! My grown up daughter will love Inky in lots of different colours. I look forward to see what you can come up with next, perhaps a snail? They are our craze at the moment. Thank you for the free pattern, it is very much appreciated.
Ggreetings from Australia,
Ginny
I knew I wanted to make this adorable Octopus as soon as I saw him. Then I read your blog post, I started tearing tears of joy when I read that a 9 year old had made this. I love knowing this art will continue to thrive.
Inky is fantastic!!!! what great talent! i am 57 and i can not for the life of me create my own patterns 🙁 thankfully we have talented gems such as you and your little one to fill in that gap for us! 🙂
These are really cute. They would be great party favors for a kids party. Great job!
Nadine,
I'm happy that your daughter has learned how to crochet, you are a wonderful teacher.
Congratulations to your daughter! It's a cute pattern
Amazing, what a wonderful make, well done, here's to many more!
JC
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.
Beginner
18 cm (7") in diameter.
Approx. 20 m (22 yards).
Gauge: 12 sts and 6 rows in dc with a 5 mm hook.
- Numbers at the end of each row (in brackets) indicate the number of final stitches in that row.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch.
- Ch 2 at the beginning of a round counts as a stitch.
- [ ] brackets means to repeat instructions written inside these brackets.
- Please note that I use US crochet terms.
US vs. UK Crochet Terms & Symbols
Free Printable
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Would you rather have an Ad-Free PDF version of this pattern to print out? Click below to access this downloadable document for a small fee. You'll have the text-only version of the pattern in a couple of pages + all progress photo instructions separately.
Round 1: 6 sc into a Magic Circle (6). Pull MC closed. Sl st to join.
Note: If you'd like to hang your octopus, then leave a long tail when starting the MC (Optional).
If you don't know how to crochet a magic circle, you could also start with a ch 2, then work the 6 single crochet into the second chain from your hook.
Magic Circle (MC)
6 single crochet into the MC
Slip Stitch to join
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc into that same st. 3 dc into each of the next 5 sts. Sl st to join. (18)
Chain 2
2 dc into that same st.
3 dc into each of the next 5 sts
Round 3: Ch 1, sc around. Sl st to join. (18)
Note: Insert stitch marker in the first stitch of next round.
Chain 1
single crochet around
Round 4: Ch 1, [sc, sk a st]. Repeat brackets 8 more times. (9)
Ch 1, [sc, sk a st] x 9
Note (take stitch marker out)
Round 1: [Ch11. (11)
Chain 11
Sc in the 2nd chain from your hook and into each chain along (10 sc total), sl st into next st on body to join];
Single crochet into 2nd ch from hook
sc along the chain, sl st into the next st of the body to join.
Repeat [ ] 7 more times (8 tentacles made). (80 sc, 8 sl sts)
All 8 tentacles done!
Leave 4” tail, cut yarn and fasten off.
Insert safety eyes between Rounds 2 and 3 (1 stitch apart). Attach them from the back (inside the octopus).
Weave in your ends. You could use the beginning yarn tail to hang your octopus (optional).
Happy hooking and let me know how your Octopus turned out! Why not make some more friends in different colors?
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
Nadine
Want to see even more crochet horse patterns? Have a look at these:
Are you just learning how to crochet? Have a look at these awesome crochet kits, perfect for beginners! I wrote a complete hands-on review on The Woobles Kits for you 🙂
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Disclaimer: Information in this crochet pattern is given for reference only. Even though I do my best to ensure all patterns have no mistakes, occasional errors may slip through.
No liability is accepted for variations in finished projects. Please get in touch with me at admin@startcrochet.com if you think there might be a mistake in the pattern or if you are unsure about how to interpret the instructions.
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© All rights for this crochet pattern design and photos are copyright and reserved to Start Crochet (May Shehab © 2025) . Copies and/or reproduction, translating, reselling or creating video tutorials of this pattern is a violation of the law.
Hi. I'm May! Welcome to my Blog! Here you'll find easy crochet patterns, tutorials and simple crochet gift ideas you can offer your loved ones on special occasions.
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Great job! Creativity is a gift you can enjoy and share all your life. Keep it up!
Hi
Nadine, Inky is adorable!
I love it very well done you did a great job
This is absolutely adorable! Love it!! I hope you continue to surprise us all with your beautiful & inspiring work. 🙂 <3
Super cute little octopus! Well done! I love it when a young person decides to take up this crochet craft, it’s been a lifetime enjoyment for me. Brings me to my happy place and relaxes me.
Awesome job!!! This is the cutest octopus I have ever seen!!! Thank you for the cute pattern! 🙂
What a lovely pattern!
Wow! You designed a pattern at 9!!! That’s amazing! I am also impressed that you remembered it. Inky is really cute. I hope you continue to create fun patterns for kids.
Hello Nadine (and May) !
I’m always super excited when I meet another Nadine. Especially when it’s spelled the “right” way. I think you ate the youngest Nadine that I have ever met. I am 52 years old and meeting a Nadine who is younger than me is rare. I think I saw that you have a sister named Erin. I named my first baby Erin, 29 years ago!
Nadine Brenna
This pattern is wonderful! I definitely will be making one for my 2.5-year-old.
BRAVO YOUNG LADY! AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! WE NEED MORE CHILDREN LIKE YOU IN THIS WORLD!