Posted inAmigurumi Patterns Animal Patterns Intermediate Patterns

Amigurumi Koi Fish – FREE Crochet Pattern

Posted inAmigurumi Patterns, Animal Patterns, Intermediate Patterns
A crocheted orange and white koi fish toy with black eyes, placed on a wooden surface. A tag reading "Handmade with love" is attached to the toy.
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Bring the beauty of koi ponds to your crochet collection with this Amigurumi Koi Fish pattern! Whether you’re crafting for nature lovers, adding a serene touch to your handmade creations, or simply enjoy making elegant amigurumi designs, this free pattern lets you stitch up a graceful koi fish bursting with charm. With its flowing fins, vibrant colors, and delicate whiskers, this crochet koi captures the essence of tranquility and movement in every stitch. Perfect for gifting to fellow crochet enthusiasts, decorating a peaceful space, or simply celebrating the joy of handmade creations, this amigurumi koi fish is sure to bring a sense of calm—one stitch at a time! 🐟✨

Designed for customization, this pattern allows you to experiment with different shades of orange, white, and black to create unique koi markings, embroidered details for extra personality, or even tiny accessories like a miniature lily pad or water ripples for added charm. Craft a classic koi with its signature bold patterns, create a pastel version for a dreamy aesthetic, or even stitch up a full set of aquatic-inspired amigurumi for a stunning display! Whether gifted as a cherished keepsake, displayed as a peaceful accent, or made simply for the joy of crafting, this Amigurumi Koi Fish is a beautiful and creative project—perfect for bringing a touch of handmade elegance to every stitch! 🧶💖

A crocheted orange and white koi fish toy with black eyes, placed on a wooden surface. A tag reading "Handmade with love" is attached to the toy.

🎏 Amigurumi Koi Fish – Free Crochet Pattern

This charming koi fish plush is designed with traditional orange and white colorwork, realistic fins, and layered scales that bring texture and life to your stitches. Perfect for koi lovers, aquarium decor, or meditative crochet projects.

✨ Skill Level

Intermediate – Involves color changes, shaping, surface detail, and layered assembly.

📏 Finished Size

Approx. 14–18 inches (35–45 cm) long using worsted weight yarn and a 2.5–3.5 mm hook.

🧶 Materials

  • Yarn (Worsted or DK weight):
    • Color A: White
    • Color B: Bright Orange
  • Crochet hook: 2.5–3.5 mm
  • Safety eyes (14–16 mm)
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle
  • Hot glue (optional for eye placement)
  • Optional: pipe cleaner/wire (for tail shaping)

🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in 1 st)
dec – Decrease (sc2tog)
sl st – Slip Stitch
ch – Chain
st(s) – Stitch(es)
BLO – Back Loop Only
FLO – Front Loop Only
FO – Fasten Off

🐟 Head & Body (Worked in one piece)

Start with Color A (white mouth).
Stuff as you go.

  1. MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. inc x6 (12)
  3. (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
  4. (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
  5. (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
    6–8. sc around (30)
  6. Switch to Color B
  7. (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
    11–14. sc around (36)
  8. (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
    16–20. sc around (42)
  9. (5 sc, dec) x6 (36)
    22–26. sc around (36)
  10. (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
  11. (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
  12. (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
  13. (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
  14. dec x6 (6)
    FO, close and weave in end.

Shape tip: To keep a sleek fish profile, stuff firmly toward the mouth and lighter near the tail. Pinch sides as you sew to define the taper.

👄 Mouth (Tube Style)

Color A

  1. MR, 6 sc
  2. inc x6 (12)
  3. BLO: sc around (12)
    4–6. sc around (12)
    FO, leave a tail and sew into head opening. Lightly stuff. Pinch into a rounded tube for 3D shape.

👁️ Eyes

Attach safety eyes between Rounds 9–11, spaced approx. 10–12 sts apart.

For the white eye rings:

  • Surface crochet a white circle around each eye or embroider it with chain stitches.

🎨 Color Change Tips

  • To create organic koi patches, switch between Color A and Color B in irregular sections.
  • Use intarsia or tapestry crochet to carry unused yarn.
  • Change colors on the last yarn over of the previous stitch for smooth transitions.

🐚 Scales (Make 25–30)

Each scale is a small half-circle sewn on top.

Color A or B, mix randomly for a natural look.

  1. Ch 5
  2. sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, 3 dc in last ch
  3. Rotate, mirror stitch: dc, hdc, sc (9 sts)
    FO with long tail.

Sew in staggered rows, overlapping each row slightly like shingles. Start from the tail end and work toward the head. Alternate orange and white for contrast.

🐟 Tail Fin (1 large piece)

Color B with Color A tip

  1. MR, 6 sc
  2. inc x6 (12)
  3. (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
    4–6. sc around (18)
  4. Flatten and crochet across both sides to close
  5. Ch 1, turn, (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc) – repeat for fin shape
  6. Repeat along edge for frilly border.

Sew flat or wire-curve before attaching to tail end.

🐟 Pectoral Fins (Make 2)

Color A center, Color B trim

  1. MR, 6 sc
  2. inc x6 (12)
  3. (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
  4. sc around
  5. FLO: (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc) for petal shape
    FO, sew to side body just behind the eyes.

🐟 Dorsal & Ventral Fins

Top (1), Bottom (1), Side (1)
Same as pectoral fins but smaller (stop at 12 sts round before shaping).
Sew flat along the seam.

🔄 Final Assembly

  1. Attach mouth piece securely
  2. Sew on safety eyes or hot-glue if preferred
  3. Arrange and sew fins symmetrically – tail, top, sides, and bottom
  4. Pin each scale and sew securely from tail to head
  5. Optionally add two yarn feelers near the mouth using ch 8 and surface attach

🧼 Shaping Tip

Steam-block the fins lightly after attaching to give natural wave. If using wire, insert it before closing.

🎁 Done!

You’ve just crocheted a beautiful, lifelike koi fish with scales and bold colorwork. This project looks stunning as a decor piece or as a unique gift that radiates peace and beauty.


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