Get ready to create the most charming little deep-sea friend! This Dumbo Octopus is all about soft textures and those iconic, floppy fins that make them so special. You'll love how quickly this bulky yarn project comes together, giving you a squishy, huggable companion in no time. It's the perfect project for when you want something impressive but totally doable over a cozy afternoon.
Progress Tracker
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— 1. Head and Body :
Round 1 :
Using Color A, create a mr and work 6 sc into it (6)
Round 2 :
Work 1 inc into every stitch around (12)
Round 3 :
Repeat the sequence of 1 sc followed by 1 inc a total of 6 times (18)
Round 4 :
Work a pattern of 2 sc then 1 inc around 6 times (24)
Round 5 :
Repeat 3 sc and 1 inc for the duration of the round (30)
Round 6 :
Work 4 sc then 1 inc, repeating 6 times total (36)
Round 7 :
Repeat the sequence of 5 sc and 1 inc around (42)
Round 8 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (42)
Round 9 :
Work 6 sc then 1 inc, repeating 6 times (48)
Round 10 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (48)
Round 11 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (48)
Round 12 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (48)
Round 13 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (48)
Round 14 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (48)
Round 15 :
Repeat the sequence of 6 sc and 1 dec around (42)
Round 16 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (42)
Round 17 :
Work a pattern of 5 sc then 1 dec around 6 times (36)
Info :
If using felt, cut two 4cm white circles and snip a small hole for the eye stems. Insert the 30mm eyes into the felt, then place them between Rounds 15 and 16, leaving 11 stitches between them. Do not secure the washers yet if you want the sunken eye look.
Round 18 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (36)
Round 19 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (36)
Round 20 :
Work 1 sc into every stitch around (36)
Info :
Begin stuffing the head. For the sunken eye effect, use a long strand of yarn to stitch back and forth between the eye holes about 3 times, pulling slightly to create indents. Once satisfied, secure the eye washers and finish stuffing.
Round 21 :
Working in BLO only, repeat the sequence of 4 sc and 1 dec around (30)
Round 22 :
Work 3 sc then 1 dec, repeating 6 times (24)
Round 23 :
Repeat the pattern of 2 sc and 1 dec around (18)
Round 24 :
Work 1 sc then 1 dec around 6 times (12)
Round 25 :
Work 6 dec stitches around (6)
Info :
Fasten off and use your yarn tail to sew the remaining hole closed.
— 2. Tentacles or Frill :
Info :
Hold the body upside down and join Color A to the front loops left open from Round 21 with a sl st. ch 2.
Round 1 :
Work 1 hdc-inc into every stitch around, then sl st to the top of the starting ch 2 to join (60)
Round 2 :
ch 2, work 1 hdc into every stitch around, then join with a sl st to the first hdc (60)
Round 3 :
ch 2, repeat the sequence (1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 3 sl st) 8 times around. Join with a sl st and fasten off.
Note :
The stitch count for the final ruffle round might feel slightly off compared to the previous round—just space your repeats as evenly as possible around the edge.
— 3. Ears :
Info :
You will need to make 2 circles in Color B and 2 circles in Color A.
Round 1 :
Start with a mr and work 6 sc into it (6)
Round 2 :
Work 1 inc into every stitch around (12)
Round 3 :
Repeat 1 sc and 1 inc around 6 times (18)
Round 4 :
Repeat 2 sc and 1 inc around (24)
Info :
Fasten off the Color B circles. Do not fasten off the Color A circles. Place one of each color back-to-back and sc through both layers using Color A to join them. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
I really hope you enjoyed making this little Dumbo Octopus as much as I did! There’s something so rewarding about seeing those big safety eyes and floppy ears come together. Whether he’s destined for a nursery shelf or as a new desk buddy, he’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees him. Don't forget to play around with different color combos—a lilac or mint version would look absolutely stunning too. Happy crafting, and I can't wait to see your finished octo-friends! 🧶✨