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
Bright, cheerful, and surprisingly practical — this amigurumi octopus doubles as a pen holder and adorable desk companion! With candy-striped spiral tentacles, a hollow upright body, and a friendly smile, this ocean buddy keeps your workspace organized and full of personality.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Uses shaping, plush yarn handling, spiral curling, and surface crochet.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tall and 15–18 cm (6–7 in) wide when made with plush chenille yarn.
🧶 Materials
Plush/Chenille Yarn (6 / Super Bulky):
- Color A: Light Green (body + tentacle inner stripes)
- Color B: Aqua Blue (upper rim + tentacles)
- Color C: White (eye patches)
- Color D: Black (smile embroidery)
Other Supplies:
- 6.0 mm crochet hook
- 18–20 mm safety eyes
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Optional: plastic cup or tube for inner structure
- Optional: pipe cleaners or 2 mm craft wire (poseable tentacles)
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase
dec – Decrease
sl st – Slip Stitch
ch – Chain
BLO – Back Loop Only
FO – Fasten Off
🐙 Body (Light Green + Aqua Blue)
Start with Color A (Light Green).
Round 1: MR, 8 sc (8)
Round 2: inc × 8 (16)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) × 8 (24)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 8 (32)
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 8 (40)
Round 6: BLO sc around (40)
(These BLO stitches form the ridge where tentacles attach.)
Rounds 7–20: sc around (40)
(Body height matches the tall green portion in the photo.)
Switch to Color B (Aqua Blue):
Rounds 21–27: sc around (40)
(Create a rim approx. 6–7 rounds tall.)
FO and weave tail.
Optional Support
Insert a small plastic cup, stiff felt cylinder, or cardboard tube to ensure the pen cavity stays open and upright.
🌀 Tentacles (8 Total – Blue With Green Inner Spiral Stripe)
Tentacles are attached directly into the BLO stitches of Round 6.
There are 40 stitches → attach a tentacle to every 5th stitch.
Tentacle Base
Join Color B (Aqua Blue) to the first BLO stitch.
Tentacle Length:
Ch 35 (approx. 5–6 in after curling, matching the photo).
Spiral Work:
Starting in the 2nd ch from hook:
2 sc in each ch down the chain
(≈ 68 stitches; this naturally creates the tight corkscrew curl.)
Sl st into the same BLO stitch to secure.
Skip 4 stitches, repeat for all 8 tentacles.
Accurate Striping (as in photo)
To create the green inner stripe:
Using Color A (Light Green):
- Turn tentacle so the inner curve faces upward.
- Surface crochet a single line of sl st along the inside ridge of the spiral.
- Insert hook under a center “bump” of each spiral rotation.
- Work sl st loosely to avoid tightening curl.
This produces the bold green stripe seen in the photo, with the blue on the outside of each curl.
Optional Poseable Tentacles
Insert pipe cleaner inside the last 6–8 stitches before finishing the tentacle to allow sculpting.
👀 Eyes (Make 2)
Use Color C (White).
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc × 6 (12)
FO, leave long tail for sewing.
Insert 18–20 mm safety eyes through the centers.
Eye Placement
Sew eyes 5–6 rounds below the blue rim, spaced widely apart, centered horizontally on the green body.
😊 Mouth
Use Color D (Black).
Embroider a small curved smile:
- 2 rounds below the eyes
- Tiny upward stitches at each end for a friendly expression
🧷 Assembly
- Attach tentacles evenly around the BLO ridge from Round 6.
- Shape curls by twisting spirals and letting them relax into place.
- Insert inner support if making a pen holder.
- Sew eyes securely.
- Embroider the smile.
- Adjust tentacle angles so the octopus sits flat and evenly.
💡 Customization Ideas
- Alternate rainbow colors for each tentacle.
- Add blush circles with pale pink yarn.
- Stuff the body fully to turn it into a plush toy instead of a pen holder.
- Add tiny crocheted starfish or seashell appliqués.
🌊 Finished Octopus
Your octopus pen holder is complete!
With its cheerful two-tone body, big expressive eyes, and perfectly curled striped tentacles, it brings personality and joy to any workspace. Use it to store pens, crochet hooks, paint brushes, or simply display it as a charming desk friend.
🐙💙💚✨ Enjoy your adorable sea companion!
