Keep your pens and pencils organized in the cutest way possible with this Amigurumi Octopus Pen Holder crochet pattern! Designed to bring both functionality and charm to your workspace, this adorable octopus features a sturdy base, playful tentacles, and a cheerful expression that makes organizing fun. Whether you’re crafting for ocean lovers, adding a whimsical touch to your desk, or simply enjoy making practical amigurumi designs, this pattern lets you stitch up a helpful little octopus bursting with personality! Perfect for brightening up any workspace, this crochet creation adds a touch of handmade joy to your daily routine. 🐙✨
Designed for customization, this pattern allows you to experiment with different shades of blue, purple, or even pastel hues for a unique twist. Add embroidered details, tiny accessories like a miniature book or glasses, or even create a full set of sea-inspired amigurumi for a delightful display! Whether gifted as a thoughtful keepsake, used as a practical desk accent, or made simply for the joy of crafting, this Amigurumi Octopus Pen Holder is a fun and creative project—perfect for bringing a touch of handmade ocean magic to every stitch! 🧶💖✨
🐙 Amigurumi Octopus Pen Holder Crochet Pattern
This cute and functional octopus pen holder is the perfect desktop buddy! With a hollow body to hold your pens and eight wavy tentacles for a cheerful, balanced base, it blends adorable design with practical use. This pattern includes instructions for crocheting the tentacles directly to the body, shaping them with wire (optional), and achieving the sturdy upright look.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – includes structural shaping, color changes, and working in the round with tentacle joins.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 5–6 in (13–15 cm) tall, with a base width of 6–7 in (15–18 cm) when using worsted weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
- Worsted weight yarn:
- Color A: Light green (main body)
- Color B: Aqua blue (rim & tentacles)
- Color C: White (eye base)
- Color D: Black (pupil, smile embroidery)
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Polyfill (for tentacle shaping)
- Pipe cleaners or 2 mm craft wire (optional for poseable tentacles)
- Plastic cup insert or cardboard tube (optional for body firmness)
- Safety eyes (12 mm)
- Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in same st)
dec – Decrease (invisible)
sl st – Slip Stitch
ch – Chain
FO – Fasten Off
BLO – Back Loops Only
🐙 Body (worked bottom-up, Color A)
- MR, 8 sc
- inc × 8 (16)
- (1 sc, inc) × 8 (24)
- (2 sc, inc) × 8 (32)
- (3 sc, inc) × 8 (40)
- sc in BLO around (40) – creates clean edge for tentacles
7–15. sc in both loops around (40) - Switch to Color B
17–22. sc around (40)
FO, weave tail. Leave body unstuffed (it will hold pens inside).
Optional: Insert a small plastic cup or cardboard tube inside to help it keep shape and hold pens.
🐙 Tentacles (Crocheted to Body)
Work into the BLO of Round 6 of the body.
Repeat the following around for 8 tentacles (every 5 stitches):
Tentacle (Color A & B)
Attach Color B into first BLO stitch of Round 6:
- Ch 21
- Starting in 2nd ch from hook: (sc, inc) repeat across – you should have a curving shape
- Sl st into next BLO st of body to anchor
Skip 4 stitches and repeat next tentacle in the next (5th) st.
🌀 Tentacle Tip:
- Insert a pipe cleaner/wire while curling into spiral for long-lasting curl.
- Or shape naturally by lightly stuffing the base and rolling the tentacle while steaming gently.
👀 Eyes (Make 2)
Sclera (Color C)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc × 6 (12)
FO, leave long tail
Pupil (Black safety eye or embroidered)
- Attach safety eyes to center or embroider with black yarn.
- Sew both eyes evenly spaced, approx. 4–5 rows down from the top rim.
😊 Mouth
Embroider a simple curved line using Color D, about 1–2 rounds below the eyes.
🧷 Assembly and Shaping
- Tentacles: After all are attached, gently bend or twist into position. For poseable tentacles:
- Cut pipe cleaner ~12–14 cm long
- Insert inside tentacle before final stitch
- Shape gently into curled form (spiral or “wave”)
- Body: Insert plastic cup or roll cardboard tube to fit snugly inside
- Optional: Line inner wall with felt or fabric for smoother pen storage
💡 Custom Tips
- Add mini accessories like a pencil sharpener or paperclip pocket inside
- Make the top rim extend taller for more pen depth
- Turn it into a plushie instead by stuffing the body instead of leaving it hollow
This little cephalopod pal is the perfect combination of adorable and useful—ready to organize your desk while flashing a friendly smile. 🖊🐙✨
