You’ll have great fun creating this pretty mermaid and her band of colourful chums. This fab crochet octopus and crochet mermaid pattern by Liz Ward are made from Rico Essentials Cotton DK, which comes in a rich range of bright colours. The dinky crimson crabs are the cutest of the bunch, but our crochet octopus and crochet mermaid are more substantial projects to get stuck into. Make the whole set as a sweet gift for a seaside-loving home!
You will need
Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton 130m/50g) or alternative dk yarn, 1 ball each in:
- Turquoise (33)
- Emerald (45)
- Natural (51)
- Banana (63)
- Nougat (78)
- Red (02)
Size
Crab: 5 x 5cm (2 x 2in) Octopus: 8 x 18cm (3¼ x 7in) Mermaid: 10 x 30cm (4 x 11¾in)
Tension
Tension is not important for this project
Abbreviations
BLO – Back loop only
Bobble stitch: Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, draw loop through, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on the hook, (yarn over, insert hook in same space, yarn over, draw loop through, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook) repeat 4 times, yarn over, draw through all 6 loops on hook. If you need more help with this you can always check out our how to crochet a bobble stitch tutorial.
You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This crochet octopus and mermaid crochet pattern are written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.
Free Mermaid crochet pattern
Head and body
The head and body is worked together in one piece using Natural.
Make a crochet magic loop.
Round 1 6dc into the ring. [6 sts].
Round 2 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts].
Round 3 (Dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 4 (Dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 5 (Dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Round 6 (Dc in the first nine sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [33 sts]
Round 7 (Dc in the first ten sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [36 sts]
Round 8 (Dc in the first eleven sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [39 sts]
Round 9 (Dc in the first twelve sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [42 sts]
Round 10 (Dc in the first thirteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [45sts]
Round 11 (Dc in the first fourteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [48 sts]
Round 12 (Dc in the first fifteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [51 sts]
Round 13 (Dc in the first sixteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [54 sts]
Place 2 stitch markers on the next row 10 sts apart to mark where you will put the toy eyes.
Rounds 14 - 145 Dc in each st to the end. [54 sts]
Round 16 (Dc2tog, dc in next seven sts) repeat to end. [48 sts]
Round 17 (Dc2tog, dc in next six sts) repeat to end. [42 sts]
Round 18 (Dc2tog, dc in next five sts) repeat to end. [36 sts]
Round 19 (Dc2tog, dc in next four sts) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Round 20 (Dc2tog) repeat to end. [15 sts]
Put your working loop on a stitch holder and attach the toy eyes to the head in the places you marked on Rnd 14.
Stuff the head with toy stuffing.
Put your working loop back on the hook and continue as follows:
Round 21 (Dc in the first four sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 22 Dc in each st to the end. [18 sts]
Round 23 (Dc in the first five sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [21 sts].
Round 24 Dc in each st to the end. [21 sts]
Round 25 (Dc in the first six sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 26 Dc in each st to the end. [24 sts]
Round 27 (Dc in the first seven sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [27 sts]
Round 28 Dc in each st to the end. [27 sts]
Round 29 (Dc in the first eight sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Round 30 Dc in each st to the end. [30 sts]
Round 31 (Dc in the first nine sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [33 sts]
Round 32 Dc in each st to the end. [33 sts]
Round 33 (Dc in the first ten sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [36 sts]
Change to Turquoise yarn
Rounds 34 & 35 Dc in each st to the end. [36 sts]
Round 36 (Dc2tog, dc in next sixteen sts) repeat to end. [34 sts]
Round 37 Dc in each st to the end. [34 sts]
Round 38 (Dc2tog, dc in next fifteen sts) repeat to end. [32 sts]
Round 39 Dc in each st to the end. [32 sts]
Continue to decrease in this way until you have 8 sts at the end of round 63.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Using a wool needle weave the yarn through the last 8 Stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in yarn ends and cut off the remaining yarn.
Arms (make 2)
*Stuff the arms as you go along*
Using Natural yarn, make a crochet magic loop.
Round 1 6dc into the ring. [6 sts].
Round 2 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts]
Round 3 (Dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Rounds 4 & 5 Dc in each st to the end. [18 sts]
Round 6 Bobble stitch in first st, dc in each st to end. [18 sts]
Round 7 (Dc2tog, dc in next four sts) repeat to end. [15 sts]
Round 8 (Dc2tog, dc in next three sts) repeat to end. [12 sts]
Rounds 9-13 Dc in each st to the end. [12 sts]
Round 14 Dc2tog, dc in each st to the end. [11 sts]
Rounds 15-20 Dc in each st to the end. [11 sts]
Round 21 Dc2tog, dc in each st to the end. [10 sts]
Round 22-29 Dc in each st to the end. [10 sts]
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Finishing stuffing the arm firmly with toy stuffing.
Thread the cut yarn onto a wool needle and weave through the last 10 stitches, pull the yarn to close the hole at the top of the arm, weave in yarn to secure.
Once you've made your crochet octopus and crochet mermaid, why not make some more crochet creatures to complete your amigurumi collection! Get hopping with our free crochet frog pattern, or go epic with our amazing free crochet whale pattern.
Tail fin
Using Turquoise yarn, make a crochet magic loop.
Round 1 6dc into the ring. [6 sts].
Round 2 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts]
Round 3 (Dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 4 (Dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 5 (Dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Round 6 (Dc in the first four sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [36 sts]
Round 7 (Dc in the first five sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [42 sts]
Round 8 (Dc in the first six sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [48 sts]
Round 9 (Dc in the first seven sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [54 sts]
Round 10 (Dc in the first eight sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [60 sts]
Fasten off leaving a long tail
Fold the circle in half and sew the long edge together. Secure the yarn to the middle of the straight side of the tail, wrap the yarn around the middle of the tail and pull tight to create a B shape and weave in yarn to secure it stays in place.
Sew the fin onto the tail of the mermaid. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.
Tail decoration (make 1)
Using Turquoise, ch37.
Row 1 Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 10 ch sts,*1htr in next st, 1 tr in next, 1 dtr in each of next 2 sts, 1 tr in next, 1 htr in next and 1 dc in next* work from *to* once more, dc in last 11 sts.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Sew in place on mermaid. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.
Shell bra (make2)
Using Banana, ch5
Row 1 Work 5 dtr in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, ss into same st, ch 2, dc twice into same st.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Sew in place on your mermaid. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.
Making up
Embroider face detail as follows:
With Natural, embroider nose by working 4 or 5 long stitches in the middle of the eyes.
With pink embroidery thread, create a V stitch a couple of rounds under the nose to form the mouth. Catch any loose end to the back of the head (where they won’t show), weave in to secure and cut off.
Creating the hair
Cut lots of lengths of Nougat yarn 20cm (8in) long. Thread a crochet hook through a stitch on the dolls head, fold a piece of yarn in half and pick up the loop end with your hook, pull part way through your stitch, feed the cut ends through the loop you and pull to close and attach. Repeat this going round in circles until you have a good covering of hair for your mermaid.
Headband
Cut a long rectangle of brown felt. Glue small seashells onto the felt. Leave to dry, and then sew in place onto the head using brown thread.
Free Crochet Octopus Pattern
Using Emerald, make a crochet magic loop.
Round 1 6dc into the ring. [6 sts].
Round 2 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts]
Round 3 (Dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 4 (Dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 5 (Dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Round 6 (Dc in the first nine sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [33 sts]
Round 7 (Dc in the first ten sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [36 sts]
Round 8 (Dc in the first eleven sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [39 sts]
Round 9 (Dc in the first twelve sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [42 sts]
Round 10 (Dc in the first thirteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [45 sts]
Round 11 (Dc in the first fourteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [48 sts]
Round 12 (Dc in the first fifteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [51 sts].
Round 13 (Dc in the first sixteen sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [54 sts].
Place 2 stitch markers on the next row 12 sts apart to mark where you will put the toy eyes.
Rounds 14 - 15 Dc in each st to the end. [54 sts]
Round 16 (Dc2tog, dc in next seven sts) repeat to end. [48 sts]
Round 17 Dc in each st to the end. [48 sts]
Round 18 (Dc2tog, dc in next six sts) repeat to end. [42 sts]
Round 19 Dc in each st to the end. [42 sts]
Round 20 (Dc2tog, dc in next five sts) repeat to end. [36 sts]
Round 21 Dc in each st to the end. [36 sts]
Round 22 (Dc2tog, dc in next four sts) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Round 23 BLO dc in each st to the end. [30 sts]
Round 24 (Dc2tog, dc in next three sts) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 25 (Dc2tog, dc in next two sts) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 26 (Dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat to end [12 sts]
*stuff your toy now*.
Round 27 (Dc2tog) repeat to end [6 sts]
Fasten off leaving a long tail. Thread the cut yarn onto a wool needle and weave through the last 6 stitches, pull the yarn to close the hole at the top of the arm, weave in yarn to secure.
Why not use your other crafty skills to keep the mermaid and octopus theme going by trying our free octopus embroidery pattern or our free mermaid knitting pattern!
Tentacles
Re-join Emerald to any stitch on round 23 (the loops created by the back loop only round).
Round 1 (Dc in the first five sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [35 sts]
Round 2 (Dc in the first six sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [40 sts]
Round 3 *Ch 35, dc in the 2nd ch from hook then work along ch as follows, dc, 2dc in next ch, (dc in next 2 ch sts, 2dc in next ch st) repeat 6 times, (htr in next 2 ch sts, 2htr in next ch st) repeat 3 times, tr in next 2 ch sts, 2tr in last ch st, skip next 4 sts in rnd dc in next st* repeat from *to* 7 times.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Sew up the gaps between the tentacles and the body using the same yarn. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.
With pink embroidery thread, create a V stitch a couple of rounds under the eyes in the middle of the face. Weave in any threads to secure and cut off.
Free Crab Crochet Pattern
Using Red, make a crochet magic loop.
Round 1 6dc into the ring. [6 sts].
Round 2 2dc into each st to the end. [12 sts]
Round 3 (Dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 4 (Dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 5 (Dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [30 sts]
Rounds 6-8 Dc in each st to the end. [30 sts]
*Mark Round 7 with a stitch marker*.
Round 9 BLO (dc2tog, dc in next three sts) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Round 10 (Dc2tog, dc in next two sts) repeat to end. [18 sts]
Round 11 (Dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat to end. [12 sts]
*stuff your toy now*.
Put the working loop on a stitch holder and attach the toy eyes to your crab on the marked round 5 sts apart.
Round 12 (Dc2tog) repeat to end. [6 sts]
Fasten off leaving a long tail. Thread the cut yarn onto a wool needle and weave through the last 6 stitches, pull the yarn to close the hole at the top of the arm, weave in yarn to secure.
Legs and claws
Re-join yarn to the centre front st of Round 9 (the loops created by the back loop only round)
Round 1 Ss in the first 4sts, make claw - ch 6, dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, ch 4, dc in 2nd ch from hook, htr in next 2 ch spaces, tr in the side of the next st, tr in next ch st, htr in next ch st, dc in last ch st, working back on the body of the crab, ss in next 4 sts, make legs – (ch 4, 2dc in 2nd ch from hook, 2dc in next ch st, dc in last ch, ss in next st) repeat 2 times, ss in next 6 sts, make legs – (ch 4, 2dc in 2nd ch from hook, 2dc in next ch st, dc in last ch, ss in next st) repeat 2 times, ss in next 4 sts, make claw - ch 6, dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, ch 4, dc in 2nd ch from hook, htr in next 2 ch spaces, tr in the side of the next st, tr in next ch st, htr an next ch st, dc in last ch st, ss in the back of the st (this will turn the claw so it mirrors the first) working back on the body of the crab ss in next 4 sts, ss to join round.
Fasten off leaving a long tail. Weave in any loose ends.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this free crochet octopus and mermaid crochet pattern, why not make them some more amigurumi friends by checking out the Top 40 amigurumi crochet patterns. Don’t forget if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you’re looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks and the best crochet kits for beginners.
