An octopus throw with lace ‘shells’ joining the arms, and the octopus body as a pillow.
The throw is knitted in panels, and the panels are then knitted together.
Once all the panels are joined, the body (pillow) section is added on.

This pattern is written for advanced intermediate / experienced level knitters.

Yarn:
Fingering weight yarn, used double for the octopus, single for the shell lace. or DK weight yarn for the octopus.
OC (octopus color): 1720 yds (1573 m) fingering or 860 yds (780 m) DK weight
SC (shell color): 600 yds (549 m) fingering
The sample was knitted with Ice Yarns Angora Batik for shells, Ice Yarns Firenze Angora held double for the octopus.

Needles:
3 circular needles, 24” (61 cm) or longer, size 5 (3.75 mm)
1 set double point needles (dpns) size 5
2 circular needles, size 3 (3.25 mm) or smaller, 24” or longer for picking up sts
Needle size 8 (5 mm) for binding off

Gauge:
Gauge is not important. It should just be tight enough on the octopus that the stuffing does not show through. It will be much looser on the lace section.
Gauge on the sample is 24 stitches and 28 rows / 4 inches over unblocked stockinette.