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Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern

Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern
4.3★Rating
10-12 HoursTime Needed
4.0KMade This
✂️

Advanced Level

Designed for experienced crocheters, 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.

🐰

Whimsical Buddy

Playful characters full of personality, designed to spark imagination and become cherished playtime favorites.

About This Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern

Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

This pattern makes a striking piece of fiber art that doubles as a conversation starter. It's the perfect gift for someone who loves the oddities of the natural world or for adding a touch of quirky marine charm to your own home decor.

Why You'll Love This Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern

I honestly fell in love with how Sam's personality emerges once you add those tiny teeth and the beaded 'sparkles' along his fins. As a fellow crafter, I think you'll find the construction of the mouth particularly satisfying—it’s a clever bit of crochet engineering that feels like magic when it all comes together. Plus, the ability to use a real LED bulb for the lure makes him a functional piece of art!

Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern step 1 Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern step 2 Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern step 3 Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

When I first saw this anglerfish design, I knew it was going to be a special project. There's something so captivating about the way the light lure hangs over that massive, toothy mouth! If you're feeling adventurous with your yarn choices, try using a yarn with a slight metallic thread for the fins—it mimics the way fish scales catch the light in the water.

I personally found that using a real LED bulb for the lure turned Sam into the perfect little nightlight for my studio. If you go that route, just make sure you can easily click the light on and off through the crochet fabric. Another fun idea is to vary the length of the teeth; making some a bit longer and more crooked really leans into that 'monster of the deep' aesthetic.

Don't be intimidated by the wire frame! It's the secret sauce that makes Sam so expressive. Just take it slow, wrap those ends well, and you'll have a poseable friend that looks like he's actually swimming through the air. I can't wait to see how yours turns out!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ When joining the finger-rays for the fins, it is easy to leave small gaps at the junction points; make sure to use the 'draw up three loops' technique described in the joining steps to keep the fabric solid.✗ If you don't wrap the ends of the copper wire frame with enough fabric plaster or tape, the sharp edges will eventually poke through your stitches and could cause injury.✗ The central marker along the back is vital for symmetry; if you forget to work your shift stitches to keep the marker centered, your fins and eyes will end up lopsided.✗ Overstuffing the muzzle section can prevent it from tucking properly under the lower jaw, which ruins the signature 'greedy mouth' look of the anglerfish.

Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern

Get ready to create something truly extraordinary with Sam, the deep-sea explorer! This isn't just another fish pattern; it's a sculptural journey into the mysterious depths of the ocean. You'll love how the clever wire armature gives him life, allowing you to pose his fins and that iconic glowing lure. Working with the variegated yarns creates a stunning, natural camouflage effect that makes every Sam unique. It's a project that rewards patience with a finished piece that looks like it swam straight out of a beautiful underwater documentary.

Advanced 10-12 Hours

Materials Needed for Sam the Anglerfish Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Approx 1.5 skeins of multicolor DK weight yarn (45% wool, 55% acrylic) for the main body
  • 02
    About 0.5 skeins of solid green DK weight yarn for the fins and accents
  • 03
    Small amounts of white, yellow, silver gray, and black mercerized cotton yarn (fingering weight) for eyes, teeth, and the light bulb

— Tools Required

  • 01
    1.5 mm crochet hook for the main body and fins
  • 02
    1.0 mm or 1.25 mm crochet hook for the smaller details like teeth and the bulb
  • 03
    Approx 6 meters of 1.0-1.5 mm copper wire for the internal skeleton
  • 04
    12 mm safety eyes, beads, or semi-beads for the pupils
  • 05
    Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
  • 06
    White fabric plaster or insulation tape for securing wire ends
  • 07
    Small glass beads (size 10/0 and 6/0) and nylon thread for embellishment
  • 08
    Wire cutters, sewing needle, and scissors

Progress Tracker

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— 1. Side Fin - Finger Rays :

Info :

You need to make two side fins using solid green yarn and the 1.5mm hook. Each fin is made of four rays (two A rays and two B rays).

Ray A: Round 1 :

Start with a MR and work 6 sc into it (6)

Ray A: Round 2 :

Work 2 sc into every stitch around (12)

Ray A: Round 3 :

(3 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (15)

Ray A: Round 4-5 :

sc in each st around (15)

Ray A: Round 6 :

(3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (12)

Ray A: Round 7 :

(1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 4 times (8)

Ray A: Round 8-10 :

sc in each st around (8)

Info :

Cut yarn after the first Ray A. Do not cut yarn after the second Ray A; continue from that marker to join. Repeat the same process for Ray B, but follow the variation for Round 11.

Ray B: Round 11 :

1 incr, 2 sc, (1 incr) repeat 2 times, 2 sc, 1 incr (12). Fasten off and hide the tail.

— 2. Joining the Side Fin :

Round 1 :

Join the rays: 4 sc on Ray A, 6 sc on Ray B, 6 sc on Ray B, 8 sc on Ray A. Turn and work back: 6 sc on Ray B, 6 sc on Ray B, 4 sc on Ray A (40)

Round 2 :

1 dec, 16 sc, (1 dec) repeat 2 times, 16 sc, 1 dec (36) + 1 shift st

Round 3 :

(16 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (34)

Round 4 :

(15 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (32) + 1 shift st

Round 5 :

(14 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (30)

Round 6 :

(13 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (28) + 1 shift st

Round 7 :

(12 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (26)

Round 8 :

(11 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (24) + 1 shift st

Round 9 :

(10 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (22). Switch to multicolor yarn.

Round 10 :

(9 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (20) + 1 shift st

Round 11-13 :

sc in each st around (20) + 1 shift st

Round 14 :

(9 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (22)

Round 15 :

(10 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (24). Fasten off.

— 3. Lower Fin :

Info :

Make one lower fin using green yarn. It consists of two A rays and one B ray.

Rays A & B: Round 1-7 :

Work identical to Side Fin rays R1-R7 (8)

Rays A & B: Round 8-9 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray B: Round 10 :

1 incr, 2 sc, (1 incr) repeat 2 times, 2 sc, 1 incr (12). Fasten off.

Round 1 :

Join: 4 sc on Ray A, 6 sc on Ray B, 8 sc on Ray A, turn, 6 sc on Ray B, 4 sc on Ray A (28)

Round 2 :

(1 incr, 13 sc) repeat 2 times (30) + 1 shift st

Round 3 :

(1 incr, 14 sc) repeat 2 times (32)

Round 4 :

(1 incr, 15 sc) repeat 2 times (34). Fasten off.

— 4. Dorsal Fin :

Info :

Make one dorsal fin with 8 rays labeled A through E. Use solid yarn and label each ray as you go.

All Rays: Round 1-7 :

Follow Side Fin Ray A instructions for R1-R7 (8)

Ray A & E: Round 8-12 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray B: Round 8-16 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray B: Round 17 :

1 incr, 2 sc, (1 incr) repeat 2 times, 2 sc, 1 incr (12)

Ray C: Round 8-15 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray C: Round 16 :

1 incr, 2 sc, (1 incr) repeat 2 times, 2 sc, 1 incr (12)

Ray D: Round 8-13 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray D: Round 14 :

1 incr, 2 sc, (1 incr) repeat 2 times, 2 sc, 1 incr (12)

Round 1 :

Join A, B, C, C, D: 4 sc on A, 6 sc on B, 6 sc on C, 6 sc on C, 5 sc on D, 2 incr, 5 sc on D, turn, 6 sc on C, 6 sc on C, 6 sc on B, 4 sc on A (58)

Round 2 :

1 incr, 28 sc, 5 sc on D, 2 incr, 5 sc on D, turn, 29 sc (73) + 1 shift st

Round 3 :

1 incr, 36 sc, 5 sc on D, 2 incr, 5 sc on D, turn, 36 sc (88)

Round 4 :

1 incr, 43 sc, 3 sc, 1 incr, 4 sc on E, turn, 44 sc (98)

Round 5 :

(1 incr, 48 sc) repeat 2 times (100) + 1 shift st

Round 6 :

(1 incr, 49 sc) repeat 2 times (102) + 1 shift st

Round 7 :

(1 incr, 50 sc) repeat 2 times (104). Fasten off.

— 5. Tail :

Info :

Make one tail using solid yarn. You will need two A rays, four B rays, and one C ray.

All Rays: Round 1-7 :

Follow Side Fin Ray A instructions for R1-R7 (8)

Ray A & B: Round 8-11 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray C: Round 8-12 :

sc in each st around (8)

Ray C: Round 13 :

1 incr, 2 sc, (1 incr) repeat 2 times, 2 sc, 1 incr (12)

Round 1 :

Join A, C, B: 4 sc on A, 6 sc on C, 3 sc, 1 incr, 4 sc on B, turn, 6 sc on C, 3 sc, 1 incr, 4 sc on A (30)

Round 2 :

(14 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (32)

Round 3 :

(15 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (34). Fasten off.

Round 4 :

Join the rest: 4 sc on A, 17 sc on joined piece, 3 sc, 1 incr, 4 sc on B, turn, 17 sc on joined piece, 3 sc, 1 incr on A (52)

Round 5-11 :

sc in each st around (52)

Round 12 :

(1 dec, 22 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (48)

Round 13 :

(1 dec, 20 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (44)

Round 14 :

(1 dec, 18 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (40)

Round 15 :

(1 dec, 16 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (36)

Round 16 :

(1 dec, 14 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (32). Fasten off.

— 6. Lower Jaw :

Round 1 :

Using multicolor yarn, start with a MR and 6 sc (6)

Round 2 :

Work 2 sc in every st (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

1 sc, 1 incr, (2 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 1 sc (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (30)

Round 6 :

2 sc, 1 incr, (4 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 2 sc (36)

Round 7 :

(5 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (42)

Round 8 :

3 sc, 1 incr, (6 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 3 sc (48)

Round 9 :

(7 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (54)

Round 10 :

4 sc, 1 incr, (8 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 4 sc (60)

Round 11 :

(9 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (66)

Round 12 :

5 sc, 1 incr, (10 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 5 sc (72)

Round 13 :

(11 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (78)

Round 14 :

6 sc, 1 incr, (12 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 6 sc (84)

Round 15 :

(13 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (90)

Round 16 :

sc in each st around (90)

Round 17 :

7 sc, 1 incr, (14 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 7 sc (96)

Round 18 :

sc in each st around (96)

Round 19 :

(15 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (102)

Round 20 :

sc in each st around (102)

Round 21 :

8 sc, 1 incr, (16 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 8 sc (108)

Round 22 :

sc in each st around (108)

Round 23 :

(35 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (111)

Round 24 :

sc in each st around (111)

Round 25 :

18 sc, 1 incr, (36 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times, 18 sc (114)

Round 26 :

sc in each st around (114)

Round 27 :

(37 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (117)

Round 28 :

sc in each st around (117)

Round 29 :

19 sc, 1 incr, (38 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times, 19 sc (120)

Round 30 :

sc in each st around (120)

Round 31 :

(39 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (123)

Round 32 :

sc in each st around (123)

Round 33 :

20 sc, 1 incr, (40 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times, 20 sc (126)

Round 34-35 :

sc in each st around (126)

Round 36 :

(41 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (129)

Round 37 :

sc in each st around (129)

Round 38 :

21 sc, 1 incr, (42 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times, 21 sc (132)

Round 39 :

(2 incr, 64 sc) repeat 2 times (136)

Round 40 :

1 sc, 2 incr, 66 sc, 2 incr, 65 sc (140)

Round 41 :

2 sc, 2 incr, 68 sc, 2 incr, 66 sc (144)

Round 42 :

3 sc, 2 incr, 70 sc, 2 incr, 67 sc (148). sl st and fasten off.

— 7. Muzzle :

Round 1 :

Using multicolor yarn, work 7 sc into a MR (7)

Round 2 :

Work 2 sc in each st (14)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 incr) repeat 7 times (21)

Round 4 :

1 sc, 1 incr, (2 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times, 1 sc (28)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, 1 incr) repeat 7 times (35)

Round 6 :

2 sc, 1 incr, (4 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times, 2 sc (42)

Round 7 :

3 sc, 1 incr, (6 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 3 sc (48)

Round 8 :

(7 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (54)

Round 9 :

4 sc, 1 incr, (8 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 4 sc (60)

Round 10 :

(9 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (66)

Round 11 :

5 sc, 1 incr, (10 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 5 sc (72)

Round 12 :

(11 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (78)

Round 13 :

6 sc, 1 incr, (12 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 6 sc (84)

Round 14 :

sc in each st around (84)

Round 15 :

(13 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (90)

Round 16 :

sc in each st around (90)

Round 17 :

7 sc, 1 incr, (14 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 7 sc (96)

Round 18 :

sc in each st around (96)

Round 19 :

(15 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (102)

Round 20 :

sc in each st around (102)

Round 21 :

8 sc, 1 incr, (16 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 8 sc (108)

Round 22 :

sc in each st around (108)

Round 23 :

(17 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (114)

Round 24 :

sc in each st around (114)

Round 25 :

9 sc, 1 incr, (18 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 9 sc (120)

Round 26 :

sc in each st around (120)

Round 27 :

(39 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (123)

Round 28 :

sc in each st around (123)

Round 29 :

20 sc, 1 incr, (40 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times, 20 sc (126)

Round 30 :

sc in each st around (126)

Round 31 :

(41 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (129)

Round 32-37 :

sc in each st around (129). Do not cut yarn.

— 8. Joining Jaw and Muzzle :

Round 1 :

Work 28 sc on muzzle, join inner jaw and muzzle by working 72 sc through both layers, then 29 sc on muzzle to marker (129)

Round 2 :

28 sc from marker on muzzle, work 76 sc around the outer edge of the jaw, then 29 sc on muzzle to marker (133)

Round 3 :

1 incr, 132 sc (134)

Round 4 :

sc in each st around (134)

Round 5 :

1 incr, 133 sc (135)

Round 6-10 :

sc in each st around (135)

Round 11 :

1 dec, 133 sc (134)

Round 12 :

(1 dec, 65 sc) repeat 2 times (132)

Round 13 :

32 sc, 1 dec, 64 sc, 1 dec, 32 sc (130)

Round 14 :

16 sc, 1 dec, 94 sc, 1 dec, 16 sc (128)

Round 15 :

(1 dec, 62 sc) repeat 2 times (126)

Round 16 :

31 sc, 1 dec, 61 sc, 1 dec, 30 sc (124)

Round 17 :

15 sc, 1 dec, 90 sc, 1 dec, 15 sc (122)

Round 18 :

1 dec, 120 sc (121)

Round 19 :

29 sc, 1 dec, 59 sc, 1 dec, 29 sc (119)

Round 20 :

15 sc, 1 dec, 85 sc, 1 dec, 15 sc (117)

Round 21 :

1 dec, 115 sc (116)

Round 22 :

28 sc, 1 dec, 56 sc, 1 dec, 28 sc (114)

Round 23 :

15 sc, 1 dec, 80 sc, 1 dec, 15 sc (112)

Round 24 :

1 dec, 110 sc (111)

Round 25 :

27 sc, 1 dec, 53 sc, 1 dec, 27 sc (109)

Round 26 :

14 sc, 1 dec, 77 sc, 1 dec, 14 sc (107)

Round 27 :

1 dec, 105 sc (106)

Round 28 :

26 sc, 1 dec, 50 sc, 1 dec, 26 sc (104)

Round 29 :

13 sc, 1 dec, 74 sc, 1 dec, 13 sc (102)

— 9. Finishing the Body :

Round 30 :

16 sc, 1 dec, (32 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 16 sc (99)

Round 31 :

(31 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (96)

Round 32 :

15 sc, 1 dec, (30 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 15 sc (93)

Round 33 :

(29 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (90)

Round 34 :

14 sc, 1 dec, (28 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 14 sc (87)

Round 35 :

(27 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (84)

Round 36 :

13 sc, 1 dec, (26 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 13 sc (81)

Round 37 :

(25 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (78)

Round 38 :

12 sc, 1 dec, (24 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 12 sc (75)

Round 39 :

(23 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (72)

Round 40 :

11 sc, 1 dec, (22 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 11 sc (69)

Round 41 :

(21 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (66)

Round 42 :

(20 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (63)

Round 43 :

(19 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (60)

Round 44 :

(18 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (57)

Round 45 :

(17 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (54)

Round 46 :

(16 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (51)

Round 47 :

(15 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (48)

Round 48 :

(22 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (46)

Round 49 :

(21 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (44)

Round 50 :

(20 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (42)

Round 51 :

(1 dec, 17 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (38)

Round 52 :

(1 dec, 15 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (34)

Round 53 :

(1 dec, 13 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (30)

Round 54 :

(13 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (28)

Round 55 :

sc in each st around (28)

Round 56 :

(1 incr, 12 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (32). Fasten off.

— 10. Teeth :

Info :

Use white or gray yarn and a 1.0mm/1.25mm hook. Make 2 each of A, B, and C, and 8-10 of D.

Teeth A, B, C: Round 1 :

6 sc into a MR (6)

Teeth A, B, C: Round 2-3 :

sc in each st around (6)

Teeth A, B, C: Round 4 :

(1 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (9)

Teeth A: Round 5-10 :

sc in each st around (9)

Teeth B: Round 5-8 :

sc in each st around (9)

Teeth C: Round 5-6 :

sc in each st around (9)

Teeth D: Round 1 :

6 sc into a MR (6)

Teeth D: Round 2-4 :

sc in each st around (6). Fasten off.

— 11. Fishing Line (Lure) :

Round 1 :

Using fin yarn, 6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2-56 :

sc in each st around (6)

Round 57 :

(1 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (9)

Round 58 :

sc in each st around (9)

Round 59 :

(2 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (12)

Round 60 :

sc in each st around (12)

Round 61 :

(3 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (15)

Round 62 :

sc in each st around (15)

Round 63 :

(4 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (18)

Round 64 :

sc in each st around (18). Fasten off.

— 12. Eye Whites :

Round 1 :

Using white cotton, 6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

Work 2 sc in each st around (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, 1 incr) repeat 6 times (18)

Round 4 :

1 sc, 1 incr, (2 sc, 1 incr) repeat 5 times, 1 sc (24)

Round 5 :

(7 sc, 1 incr) repeat 3 times (27)

Round 6 :

4 sc, 1 incr, (8 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times, 4 sc (30)

Round 7 :

(14 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (32)

Round 8-15 :

sc in each st around (32)

Round 16 :

(14 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times (30)

Round 17 :

4 sc, 1 dec, (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 2 times, 4 sc (27)

Round 18 :

(7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times (24)

Round 19 :

1 sc, 1 dec, (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 5 times, 1 sc (18)

Round 20 :

(1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times (12)

Round 21 :

(1 dec) repeat 6 times (6). Fasten off.

— 13. Eyelids :

Row 1 :

Using multicolor, ch 4. Start in 2nd ch: 2 sc, 1 sc, 4 sc in last ch. Work on other side: 1 sc, 2 sc in last ch (10)

Round 2 :

(1 incr, 3 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (14)

Round 3 :

(1 incr, 5 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (18) + 1 shift st

Round 4 :

(1 incr, 7 sc, 1 incr) repeat 2 times (22)

Round 5 :

10 sc, 2 incr, 10 sc (24)

Round 6 :

1 dec, 9 sc, 2 incr, 9 sc, 1 dec (24). Fasten off.

— 14. Crochet Light Bulb :

Round 1-2 :

With yellow, 6 sc in MR (6), then 12 sc (12)

Round 3-8 :

Increase gradually to 36 sc following the logic of the body increases.

Round 9-10 :

Work even (37)

Round 11-16 :

Decrease gradually to 17 sc.

Round 17-19 :

sc in each st (17). Switch to silver gray.

Round 20 :

sc in each st (17)

Round 21-24 :

sc in each st blo (17)

Round 25 :

9 dec (8). Switch to black.

Round 26 :

8 sc. Fasten off and close.

Assembly Instructions

  • Insert the wire frame into the side fins and lower fin rays, ensuring the ends are even, and secure them with plaster.
  • Sew the side fins to the body, counting 42 stitches from the back marker at Round 1 and 38 stitches at Round 8.
  • Form the 'greedy mouth' by sewing the muzzle and lower jaw together as instructed, then reinforce the jaw with a wire frame.
  • Attach the teeth to their wire supports and insert them into the jaw, spacing them about 5-6 stitches apart.
  • Install the dorsal fin along the back marker, carefully fitting the wire frame into the rays before sewing it down.
  • Join the tail piece to the end of the body, feeding the internal wire through the tail before sewing the seam shut.
  • Place the eye whites into the eyelids, sew them onto the muzzle sockets, and attach the lure with its light bulb to the top wire.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always use a long piece of contrasting yarn as a running marker along the center of the back to ensure all parts remain symmetrical.
  • 💡When working with wire, use pliers to make small loops at the ends and wrap them generously with tape to prevent them from slipping or poking.
  • 💡Stuff the body firmly to maintain the shape, but keep the stuffing light in the muzzle so it can fold naturally under the jaw.
  • 💡If you choose to use a real LED bulb, ensure it is a cool-burning type and that the wiring is safely insulated from the polyester stuffing.
  • 💡The 'shift stitch' is used frequently in this pattern; it is a simple extra sc that moves your marker to keep it perfectly centered.

I hope you enjoy every stitch of Sam’s journey from a pile of yarn to a deep-sea legend! This project is a wonderful way to stretch your skills with wiring and complex assembly, and the result is truly a piece of handmade art. Don't forget to take your time with the beading—it’s those tiny details that really make him sparkle under the light. Once he's finished, he'll be the perfect guardian for your bookshelf or a quirky companion for your desk. Happy crafting, and may your hook never snag! 🧶✨🐟

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use a larger hook and thicker yarn for this pattern?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that Sam will turn out significantly larger. If you go up in yarn weight, you will also need thicker wire to support the extra weight of the fins and lure.

What kind of wire is best for the internal frame?

A 1.5mm copper wire is ideal because it is sturdy enough to hold the pose but flexible enough to bend easily. Avoid thin floral wire as it won't support the weight of the lure.

Do I have to use beads for the details?

You don't have to, but they add a beautiful 'bioluminescent' texture. If you prefer not to use beads, you can achieve a similar effect with French knots using a shiny embroidery floss.

How do I make the lure actually light up?

The pattern includes instructions for a crocheted bulb, but you can also use a small LED keychain bulb. Just ensure the battery compartment is accessible and the bulb doesn't get hot.