Free Crochet Octopus Rattle Pattern: Easy Amigurumi Octopus Teether

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If you are looking for a handmade gift that is both adorable and functional, this free crochet octopus rattle pattern is the perfect project. These little sea creatures are not only charming nursery decorations but also serve as wonderful amigurumi octopus teethers. The soft cotton texture and the natural wooden ring provide different sensory experiences for babies, while the spiral tentacles are specifically designed to be easy for tiny hands to grab and hold.

In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of creating your own octopus rattle, from the amigurumi head to the bouncy tentacles. I’ve designed two versions to inspire you—a vibrant blue sailor style and a soft pink “girly” version with rosy cheeks. Both are equally fun to make and customize with your favorite yarn scraps.

New to crochet?
If you are just starting your crochet journey, I’ve got you covered! Before diving into this free crochet octopus rattle pattern, I highly recommend checking out my foundational guides: Amigurumi for Beginners, where I help you choose the right yarn and hook, and my comprehensive list of Crochet Abbreviations.
To master the techniques used in this amigurumi octopus teether, visit my post on How to Crochet Basic Stitches. For even more step-by-step visual guidance, head over to my YouTube channel, EmmaS Dolls Studio, where you’ll find a variety of video tutorials—from the essential Magic Ring to more advanced tips—designed to help you create perfect crochet dolls!

This project is beginner-friendly and works up very quickly, making it an excellent choice for last-minute baby shower gifts or for stocking up your own small shop. Let’s grab our hooks and get started!

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Materials & Tools

To create this free crochet octopus rattle pattern, you will need the following materials:

Yarn: I use a 100% cotton yarn from my local store. The best match and my top recommendation for this pattern is Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK.
- This project is a fantastic stash-buster! Since the pattern uses many different colors for the tentacles and details, it’s a great way to use up your colorful yarn scraps and make every octopus rattle unique.
Hook: I used a 2mm hook. I highly recommend Clover Amour Hooks for the best experience.
Tools & Supplies:
- Fiberfill, wooden ring (natural, untreated wood ring), 9mm safety eyes (you can also choose to embroider the eyes for extra safety), scissors, and a tapestry needle.
- Optional: Stitch markers and a rattle insert for a baby sensory toy.
- Find all these essentials here: Crochet Supplies & Accessories.

Pattern Details

Difficulty Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Finished Size: Approximately 10.6 inches (27 cm) long (including the ring) or 7.8 inches (20 cm) without the ring.
Construction: The toy is worked in a combination of continuous spirals (rounds) and rows.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR: Magic Ring
CH: Chain
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
INC: Increase
DEC: Decrease (Invisible decrease recommended)
BLO: Back Loop Only
FLO: Front Loop Only
SL ST: Slip Stitch
SK ST: Skip Stitch

Free Crochet Octopus Rattle Pattern

Part I (Top of the Head)

Using Color A
Round 1: 6 sc in MR = [6]
Round 2: 6 x inc = [12]
Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6 = [18]
Round 4: (sc, inc, sc) x 6 = [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 = [30]
Round 6: (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) x 6 = [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 = [42]
Round 8: (3 sc, inc, 3 sc) x 6 = [48]
Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 = [54]
Round 10: (4 sc, inc, 4 sc) x 6 = [60]
Round 11-19: 60 sc = [60] (9 rounds)
Fasten off.

Part II (Bottom of the Head)

Using Color A
Round 1: 8 sc in MR = [8]
Round 2: 8 x inc = [16]
Round 3: (sc, inc) x 8 = [24]
Round 4: (3 sc, inc) x 6 = [30]
Round 5: (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) x 6 = [36]
Round 6: (5 sc, inc) x 6 = [42]
Round 7: (3 sc, inc, 3 sc) x 6 = [48]
Round 8: (7 sc, inc) x 6 = [54]
Round 9: (4 sc, inc, 4 sc) x 6 = [60]
Fasten off.

Part III (Ring Cover)

Using Color C
ch 16
Row 1: (hdc, sl st) x 7, hdc, ch 1, turn = [15]
Row 2-8: (sl st, hdc) x 7, sl st, ch 1, turn = [15]
Row 9: (hdc, sl st) x 7, hdc = [15]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tentacles I

Make 4 with Color A and 4 with Color B
ch 51
Starting from the second chain from the hook: 50 sl st.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tentacles II

Make 8 using colors of your choice
ch 61
Starting from the second chain from the hook: 60 x inc.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly & Finishing

Ring Attachment: Sew Part III to the top of Part I. Wrap Part III around the wooden ring, join the sides, and sew securely.

Details: Place safety eyes between Rounds 16 and 17 of Part I, approximately 11 sc apart.

Embroider a white line in the corner of each eye.

Embroider the mouth with black yarn.

Tentacles: Sew Tentacles I and II to the center of Part II.

Connecting Parts I and II

Using Color A
Join the yarn and work through both layers (Part I and Part II) simultaneously.
Place the rattle inside Part I and stuff the head firmly before finishing the round.

Round 1: 60 sc = [60]
Round 2: (4 sc, dec, 4 sc) x 6 = [54]
Round 3: (7 sc, dec) x 6 = [48] Switch to Color B
Round 4: ch 2, 48 x inc-dc, sl st to the first st = [96]
Round 5: ch 2, 96 dc, sl st to the first st = [96]
Fasten off and weave in all ends.

More Free Patterns to Explore

If you enjoyed making this octopus rattle, don’t stop here! My collection is growing every week. If you love bunnies, be sure to check out the Lola the Ballerina Bunny pattern, or if you’re looking for something a bit more prehistoric, the Crochet Dinosaur is a huge hit with the little ones. All my patterns are designed with love and are available for free right here on the blog!

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Important Safety Note: While crochet toys are wonderful for little ones, safety is our top priority. When making toys for babies or toddlers:

Eyes: I highly recommend embroidering the eyes with black yarn instead of using plastic safety eyes, which can become a choking hazard.
Small Parts: Ensure all limbs and accessories (like bows or hats) are sewn extra securely with multiple passes of yarn.
Supervision: Never leave a baby unattended with any handmade toy. Regularly check the toy for any loose threads or wear and tear.

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