Pattern Description:
Looking for an adorable, beginner-friendly amigurumi project? This free whale plushie crochet pattern is the perfect weekend make! Soft, squishy, and utterly charming, this little whale works up quickly and makes a delightful handmade gift for kids, friends, or even yourself.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Perfect for those who have some experience with single crochet, increases, and decreases in the round.
Materials Needed:
To make this plushie, you’ll need the following:
- Worsted weight yarn – Light blue (main body), white (belly), and a small amount of black (eyes or embroidery)
- 3.5 mm crochet hook (or size appropriate for your yarn)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Safety eyes (8mm) – Optional (or use black yarn to embroider)
- Stitch marker – To keep track of rounds
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- MR – Magic ring
- sc – Single crochet
- inc – Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec – Decrease (sc two together)
- sl st – Slip stitch
- ch – Chain
- st(s) – Stitch(es)
Notes:
- This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Adjust hook size or yarn weight if you’d like a smaller or larger whale.
- Stuff firmly as you go to give your plushie a nice, plump shape.
Instructions for Making the Whale Plushie Crochet Pattern Pattern:
Head and Body (worked as one piece):
- With light blue yarn:
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6)
- Round 2: inc in each st around (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, inc) around (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
- Rounds 6-12: sc in each st around (30)
- Insert safety eyes between Rounds 9 and 10, about 6-8 stitches apart.
- Round 13: (3 sc, dec) around (24)
- Round 14: (2 sc, dec) around (18)
- Round 15: (1 sc, dec) around (12)
- Round 16: dec around (6)
- Fasten off and weave in the end. Set aside.
Belly Patch (white yarn):
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: inc in each st (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, inc) around (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Flatten it slightly and sew it securely to the bottom of the whale body.
Tail (make 2, light blue yarn):
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: inc in each st (12)
- Round 3: sc in each st (12)
- Round 4: (2 sc, dec) around (9)
- Round 5: (1 sc, dec) around (6)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
- Sew both pieces at the back of the whale, slightly angled outward.
Fins (make 2, light blue yarn):
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: (1 sc, inc) around (9)
- Rounds 3-4: sc around (9)
- Round 5: (1 sc, dec) around (6)
- Fasten off and sew one fin on each side of the body.
Blowhole Bubbles (optional):
With blue yarn: Ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across (4 sl sts total) Fasten off and attach to the top of the head to look like a water spout!
Finishing Touches:
- Embroider a cute smile just beneath the eyes using black yarn.
- You can also blush the cheeks lightly with fabric paint or colored chalk for added personality.
- Want to turn your plushie into a keychain? Add a key ring loop on the top of the head before closing up.
Tips for Success:
- Keep your stitches tight so the stuffing doesn’t show through.
- Always count your stitches, this pattern is easy to follow but depends on consistent stitch counts.
- Customize your whale by using pastel colors, variegated yarn, or even making a rainbow version!
Happy crocheting.
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