This octopus makes a lovely cuddly toy for a baby or small child, but you could also knit it for an adult, as it can be used as a mascot, a pincushion, a paperweight or even a stress ball.

It can be customised with a wide range of accessories, facial features etc. Instructions for three different variations are given here, but there are lots of other ideas you could try.

The pattern offers a choice of two knitting methods: either with single-pointed needles, which would leave some seams to sew up, or in the round with double-pointed needles. The three toys pictured here were knitted on single-pointed needles for the head, but double-pointed for the tentacles. Use whatever you feel comfortable with for the different sections.

About 50g of acrylic yarn will be needed, or more than that if using a natural fibre.