Crochet Octopus key chain tutorial, Free pattern

I started making these and had so much fun I decided I would turn them into

something useful. Ta da..Keychain.

Supplies:

Small amount of yarn, I like to use a multicolor, only about 1 oz, any type is ok from embroidery floss to chunky yarn. Yes Red heart is good for this project.

Hook: use the hook recommended for the yarn you choose, see label of yarn.

Stitches to know: sc, sl st, chain, how to increase, how to decrease.If you need help learning to crochet or a refresher check this site out.

Eyes: I used glue on google eyes (i actually found mine at the dollar store), there are also child safe eyes, and of course you can just make a french knot and some dark yarn and embroidery some on. There are also Chenille balls you can use for eyes.

Batting or yarn: to stuff head, small amount.

Key chain if desired: I bought a pack of 80 for under 2 dollars at walmart.

Beginning; chain 3

Rnd 1: In first chain space, sc 7 times, this is crocheted in a continuous circle, you may wish to mark the end of this Rnd with a safety pin or a piece of yarn.

First round done

Rnd 2: * sc, 2sc in next st * repeat until end

Rnd 3/4/5: Continue Rnd 2 three times.

Top of head looks good here.

Rnd 6: sc in all sts around

Rnd 7: *sc x3, dec 1* repeat until end. Now you should start to see the head start to form. (If you need help to dec. see this link)

Rnd 8, 9: sc all around. If you want your octopus head to be elongated repeat this round until your happy. (I did 3 rows of this)

Now I think this head looks about right.

Rnd 10: *sc x2, dec 2*, repeat until end.

Rnd 11: sc all around.

Rnd 12: sc, dec 2, until you have 9 st left. Don't break yarn off.

Now we are ready for the legs!!

After doing my decrease rounds

Legs:

Rnd 1: chain 23, still using yarn that you have from the head last round.

Chaining enough for first leg

Rnd 2: Turn and sl stitch the next 5 sts, sc the remaining sts, until you get to the last stich, sl st in original stitch on base of octopus.

Showing beginning of sl stitches back

First leg done, back at body base.

Leg will curl around, this makes it look better.

Turn, now don't make all of the legs the same length. make them longer, shorter, fatter, this is when your octopus comes alive. Admire you work, listen to your instincts.

Attach yarn to next stitch at body base for next leg.

Attaching yarn for 2nd leg

Chaining 2nd leg

Legs 2-8: Chain any where from 10 to 27, turn sl st back about on third of your stitches you decided to use. now sc the rest of the stitches. To make some of the legs fatter, you can sc back down about a third of your stitches here, and sl st down to the end of the leg, cut your yarn leaving about a 5 inch tail.

Two legs done here

Three done

now five,

Done! Eight legs!

Have fun with this! Continue until all 8 legs are made!

Now weave all of the ends of yarn in.

If you want to make him a key chain do this before stuffing.

Also if you are using child save eyes, place and attach them now.

Make a new chain of 20 or so stitches, pulling them tight, Draw it though the top of the head and knot it inside of the head. Now you can add the keychain to this.

Stuff all of the leftover pieces and yarn into head now.

Push any up into the head that are from attaching the legs to the head, and place a small amount of batting or yarn into the head, as much as desired, and now stitch the head loosely closed, working ends in.

Enjoy, if you make this pattern, I would enjoy seeing your version of it!

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