Crochet Preemie Octopus Pattern

Have you been looking for ways to utilize your scrap yarn? Do you struggle to do huge scrap yarn afghan blankets? Well, this crochet preemie octopus pattern is about to become your new best friend! With a little bit of scrap yarn, and a dash of baby fever, you’ll have lots of beautiful preemie octopi wandering your house in no time! These are great for little preemie babies, but also a joy to gift those of any age, or even a cute desk decor piece for yourself!

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The Story

When my sisters and I first started crocheting, we were gifted A LOT of yarn from our aunt who loves to crochet. We were super excited, but also had no idea how we’d use up all this yarn. After looking into some various pregnancy crisis centers, local donation spots, and hospitals, we found out about crochet preemie octopi. Such an easy and fast project for such a wonderful cause! We ended up making nearly 30 crochet preemie octopi over that year and the NICU was overjoyed!

What is a Preemie Octopus

Now, what is the purpose of a preemie octopus? Research has shown that preemie babies greatly benefit from the use of a crochet preemie octopus in the NICU. Each tentacle feels like their mother’s umbilical cord and comforts the baby, reducing the risk of pulling on medical cords and causing potential issues. These cuddly creations have been proven to help improve the preemie’s breathing and regulate heartbeat and oxygen levels.

How cool is that?

Oftentimes, crochet is just seen as a little hobby… maybe you make some blankets or clothing items, but I don’t usually hear “crocheting” and “making a difference in the world” in the same sentence. But crochet is AWESOME! There are so many ways we can help others and make a difference, just by putting your hook into some yarn.

Are you ready to use your amazing crochet skills to help out your community? Or just comfort a little one in your life? Let’s get into it!

The Octopus

Though it is always important to check with your local hospital/NICU to know what they accept, here are a few tips that I’ve seen through the years.

• 100% Cotton yarn is best as acrylic can sometimes shed small particles that are harmful for preemies (Lily Sugar n’ Cream, Yarn Bee, and I Love This Cotton Yarn are some of my favorites!)
• Embroidered your eyes or just leave them blank; most places will not accept safety eyes or buttons as they are a choking hazard
• Bells and rattles are typically not put in crochet preemie octopi. The crochet preemie octopi are designed for comfort and sensory aid in the NICU and not to be a toy.
• Crochet tightly! Preventing any holes where stuffing could come out is a must! And be sure to weave in all your ends! (If you know you crochet on the looser-side, I would recommend sizing down on your hook size as I crochet pretty tightly in this pattern.)
• If you are looking for more information, this is a great resource!

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn. (Remember, 100% Cotton is best!)
• H8 / 5.0mm Crochet Hook (these are my favorite crochet hooks)
• Poly-fil
• Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends

Size

Finished octopus measures approx. 4” wide and 13” long.

Pattern

Head:

The head will be worked in a spiral

R1: 6sc into magic ring (6 st)

R2: 2sc into each st (12 st)

R3: *sc in next st, 2sc in next st,* repeat from *to* 5 times (18 st)

R4: *sc in next 2 st, 2sc in next st,* repeat from *to* 5 times (24 st)

R5: *sc in next 3 st, 2sc in next st,* repeat from *to* 5 times (30 st)

R6: *sc in next 4 st, 2sc in next st,* repeat from *to* 5 times (36 st)

R7-14: sc in all st around (36 st)

R15: *4sc, dec,* repeat from *to* 5 times (30 st)

R16: sc in all st around (30 st)

R17: *3sc, dec,* repeat from *to* 5 times (24 st)

R18: sc in all st around (30 st)

R19: *2sc, dec,* repeat from *to* 5 times (18 st)

R20: sc in all st around (30 st)

R21: *7sc, dec,* repeat from *to* once more (16 st)

R22-23: sc in all st around (16 st)

Fasten off, sew eyes, and stuff.

Tentacles:

Make 8

Insert yarn through of the last st of the head.

*Ch 50. 2sc in the 2nd ch from hook. 2sc into each st. At end of ch, sl st into next 2sc of head.* Repeat from *to* for remaining 7 tentacles. 

Finishing:

R1: sc in back post of each st (16 st)

R2: dec until shut

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed going through this crochet journey with me! If you are interested in making your very own crochet Preemie Octopus, be sure to check out the pattern on my Etsy and Ravelry shops. If you are looking for some crochet hooks for your next project, my favorite is Clover Amour! Not sure if they are for you? You can check my Clover Amour review post to decide for yourself and find some cheap alternatives!

Have you ever donated your crochet creations? What did you make and where did you donate it? Comment below!

I love seeing your finished crochet projects! If you enjoyed making one of my patterns I’d love to see it on Instagram! Make sure to tag me @crochetwithgabriellarose. If you are more of a Facebook person, check out the Crochet with Gabriella Rose Facebook page for notifications of new blog posts and crochet patterns!