This title is a general one, so I picked the simplest shape I could think of for a first amigurumi: a chubby little whale. The body is a single oval worked in one piece, with only a few small parts sewn on. If you can make a magic ring and work single crochet, increases, and decreases, you can make this whale. Give it as a gift, set it on a nursery shelf, or make a whole pod in different colors.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, using only basic stitches.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The body is worked in one piece in continuous rounds. The tail, fins, and spout are worked separately and sewn on. The face is embroidered.
Estimated size: About 13 cm (5 in) long and 7 cm (2.75 in) tall, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and feature placement to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in blue, approximately 25 g, for the body, tail, and fins.
- Light blue or white yarn, approximately 3 g, for the water spout.
- Pink thread for the cheeks, and black thread for the mouth and optional embroidered eyes.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Two 6 mm black safety eyes, or black thread for embroidered eyes.
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
Use embroidered eyes if the whale is for a baby or young child.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly but evenly, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round, and count your stitches at the end of each round. Counting is the best habit a beginner can build.
Body (blue)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 7–16: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 10 rounds]
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, with about 12 stitches between them. Fit the backs securely.
Round 17: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 18: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Round 19: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Stuff firmly now.
Round 20: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Rounds 21–23: Sc in every stitch. [12 per round; 3 rounds]
Add a little more stuffing, fasten off with a long tail, and sew the opening closed. This narrow end is the tail.
Tail Flukes (make 2, blue)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Rounds 3–4: Sc around. [9 per round]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten each piece. Sew the two flukes side by side to the tail end, angled upward in a V shape.
Fins (make 2, blue)
Round 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 2. [6]
Rounds 3–4: Sc around. [6 per round]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten and sew to the lower sides of the body, about 4 rounds behind the eyes.
Water Spout (optional, light blue)
Make 3 strands. For each: leave a long tail, ch 6, sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. Sew the three strands together at the base and attach them to the top of the head, fanning out like water.
Face and Finishing
- Cheeks: With pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches below and outside each eye.
- Mouth: With black thread, embroider a wide, gentle smile about 2 rounds below the eyes, about 6 stitches wide.
- Shape: Roll the body gently between your palms and curve the tail slightly upward.
- Hide every tail and give each fin, fluke, and the spout a gentle tug to check it holds.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
My stitch count is off. Count at the end of every round. If you are one stitch off, undo the round and redo it. A missed increase is the most common cause.
The body looks lumpy. Add stuffing in small wisps and roll the whale between your palms.
The tail droops. Stuff the last three rounds lightly and sew the flukes on with several passes.
The eyes look uneven. Pin the eyes before inserting them, and check the face from the front and from above before fastening the backs.
There are gaps between the stitches. Go down a hook size and crochet more tightly.
FAQ
What yarn should a beginner use? Smooth, light-colored cotton or acrylic in DK weight. Dark yarn hides the stitches, which makes them harder to see.
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a whale about twice the size, and add 2 extra plain rounds before the decreases.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make two small black satin-stitch ovals between Rounds 8 and 9, with 12 stitches between them, and add a tiny white highlight stitch.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try pink, gray, teal, or purple.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Crochet Octopus Pattern
- Tiny Crochet Chick Pattern
- Easy Crochet Strawberry Pattern
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