Welcome, fellow yarn crafters! There is something wonderfully satisfying about creating little amigurumi creatures, and this crocheted fish is one of my absolute favorites. Working in continuous rounds with basic shaping techniques, this charming project comes together quickly and makes a delightful toy, desk buddy, or handmade gift.
Whether you want to use up your scrap yarn stash or practice your tension and shaping, this beginner-friendly pattern is packed with personality and joy. Let’s dive right in and hook up your very own school of colorful fish!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn (cotton yarn provides great stitch definition and a neat finish).
- Crochet Hook: Size 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm (use a smaller hook than recommended for your yarn to keep stitches tight).
- Notions: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch marker, and embroidery floss (or 6mm safety eyes).
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- MR: Magic ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible decrease (sc 2 stitches together through the front loops)
- sl st: Slip stitch
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Note: The body of the fish is worked in continuous rounds without joining. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Round 1: Make a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
- Round 2: [Inc] 6 times. (12 sts)
- Round 3: [Sc in next st, inc in next st] 6 times. (18 sts)
- Rounds 4–8: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
- Round 9: [Sc in next st, dec] 6 times. (12 sts)
- Pause here to firmly stuff the body with fiberfill, shaping it into a nice, plump fish form.
- Round 10: [Dec] 6 times. (6 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a short tail, and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches to pull the tail closed completely.
- Tail Fin: Join yarn to the back end of the fish body. Ch 4, work 1 dc and 1 hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st back to the body. Repeat on the other side of the back end to form a split tail, then fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Keep Tension Tight: Maintain a firm, consistent tension throughout so the polyester stuffing won’t peek through your stitches.
- Embroider for Safety: If you plan to gift this fish to a young child, use black embroidery floss to stitch friendly sleeping or waking eyes instead of plastic safety eyes.
- Play with Color: Use variegated yarns, stripes, or contrasting tail colors to easily transform your fish into tropical reef swimmers or classic goldfish!
- Gentle Care: Hand wash your finished amigurumi in cool water with mild soap and lay flat to dry to keep its cute shape intact.