He’e the Octopus is my first published knitting pattern. He’e (Hawaiian for octopus) was created as a baby gift stuffie. The finished octopus is approximately 16 inches long. The head is 4 inches long and 3 inches wide at its widest. This is a very forgiving pattern and can be knit with a variety of yarns using the appropriate / corresponding knitting needle size. This pattern requires 2 colors of yarn - the main color and a contrasting color is recommended. Approximately 3 ounces of the main color is needed and 1/2 ounce of the contrasting color. The original He’e was knit using Lily Sugar n’ Cream 100% cotton yarn. A stuffing material and safety eyes (if desired) are also needed. This pattern is primarily knit but the edging is done in crochet.

NOTE: A sweet knitter who has already made He’e has alerted me to two errors I made when writing up the pattern. In the tentacles section rows 18 and 22 should end with K4. Sorry if this has affected anyone and happy knitting. Thanks Esther for the heads-up!

Feb 24, 2021: the pattern has been updated. Tentacle rows 18 and 22 now end with K4.