Table of Contents
Amigurumi (the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed creatures) can seem intimidating because it involves working in the round and keeping track of stitch counts. But this little whale is the perfect introduction to the craft! It requires zero sewing—the fins and tail are crocheted directly onto the body.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn in Blue (or your favorite color)
- 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
- Two 9mm safety eyes
- Toy stuffing (fiberfill)
- Stitch marker
Abbreviations
- mr: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
The Pattern
Round 1: Make 6 sc in a magic ring. (6) Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12) Round 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times. (18) Round 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times. (24) Rounds 5-8: Sc in each stitch around (4 rounds total). (24)
Place your safety eyes between Rounds 6 and 7, about 5 stitches apart.
Round 9 (Making the Fins): Sc 7. To make the first fin: Ch 4, work 1 dc in the 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 slip stitch in last ch. Continue on the body: Sc 10. Make the second fin the exact same way. Continue on the body: Sc 7.
Round 10: [2 sc, dec] 6 times. Be careful to push the fins down so they stick out, and just sc into the body stitches behind them. (18)
Start stuffing the whale firmly.
Round 11: [1 sc, dec] 6 times. (12) Round 12: Dec 6 times. (6)
Making the Tail: You have 6 stitches left. Pinch the opening flat so you are working through both layers. Slip stitch the opening closed with 3 slip stitches. Don’t cut the yarn! From here, Ch 4. Work 1 dc in 2nd ch, 1 sc, 1 slip stitch. Slip stitch into the base of the tail. Ch 4 again, work 1 dc in 2nd ch, 1 sc, 1 slip stitch. Slip stitch back into the base. Fasten off and weave in the end.
Your little no-sew whale is complete! These make fantastic keychains or quick market prep items.