Designed for self-striping, gradient, and tonal yarns, Hana the Octopus features chevrons on the body to highlight color changes, and tentacles that curl on their own thanks to short rows and careful stuffing.

This little buddy is knit top down, starting in the round at the crown of the octopus head, and then tentacles are knit off of live stitches from the base of the head (I hate seaming). When all 8 tentacles are completed, stitches are picked up and knit in the round to complete the base.

Materials:
Yarn: Sock, DK, Sport, or light worsted (50-100 grams, or a bare minimum of 160 yards for sock yarn, 190 yards for light worsted)
Needles: US size 2 DPNS (or smaller), US size 2 circulars (or scrap yarn to hold live stitches)
Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle for finishing
Stuffing (I used polyester fiber-fill)
Safety eyes, or the ability to embroider eyes

Optional (but super, super useful):
-Locking stitch markers
-Skinny crochet hook (I use a size 1, anything than can slip in between stitches without making a big hole will be fine)
-Rubber band

Gauge/Size: There’s no specific gauge, but do knit tightly to prevent gaps where stuffing might show through. Blue Tonal octopus is approx. 6.5” tall x 8” wide, Multicolored octopus is approx. 5.5” tall x 7”wide.

Skills/Techniques:
Knit, Purl, Knit through back loop
Bobbles
Short rows
Cast-ons: Circular cast-on / Backwards Loop cast-on
Decreases: K2tog / SSK /Centered Double Decrease
Increases: Kfb / M1L / M1R

Notes:
- I was learning German short rows as I finished writing this pattern, and I highly recommend it here. Game changer!

• SAFETY: I don’t know what official designation or safety standard is required to call this a “toy,” but please use your best judgment and an abundance of caution for the safety of your children and pets.

Special thanks to Sarah and Edwina for testing!