I’ve always admired ocean-themed crochet projects, and after so many requests (and a bit of daydreaming), I’m finally sharing my very first one — and it just might be the cutest little sea creature you’ll ever stitch up!
Introducing my crochet whale pattern — a no-sew, beginner-friendly Amigurumi project that’s tiny, quick, and totally adorable.
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I designed this one with new Amigurumi makers in mind. It’s a great first step into the world of crochet plushie making — no extra sewing, no complicated shaping, just simple stitches and lots of room to play with color and yarn.
What I love most is its versatility: whether you’re using plush velvet yarn or your favorite leftover scraps, this mini whale works up beautifully. You can make a whole pod of them in different shades!
And yes, it’s truly quick — I whipped one up in under 20 minutes! You start with the fins, then build the body and attach them as you go. After a bit of stuffing, you crochet the tail right on. No pieces to stitch together — just you, your hook, and a whole lot of cuteness.
This free crochet whale pattern is perfect for last-minute gifts, market prep, or just a fun weekend project. Ready to make a splash?
Grab your yarn and hook — let’s crochet your new favorite tiny sea friend! But before you proceed…
… you may also like to take a look at this cute Amigurumi Pig pattern, these tiny Crochet Amigurumi Bunny, and my Crochet Amigurumi Elephant.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Whale Pattern
- Mini crochet animal: these tiny plushies are adorable and great for last-minute gifts.
- Easy and quick: this is the one if you like no-sew patterns that you can crochet within an hour or less.
- Perfect for yarn leftovers: do you have yarn leftovers sitting around and don’t know what to do with it? Make this mini whale.
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- Inexpensive (costs less than a coffee)
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- Print-friendly
Crochet Whale Pattern
Pattern Highlights:
Level of difficulty: Easy
Skills: This is a no-sew pattern that uses the basics of the Amigurumi technique, such as the single crochet stitch, stuffing crochet animals, sewing, and fastening off.
Stitch tension: When you use the recommended yarn and hook size, the first 5 rounds of this crochet whale pattern (bottom) will measure approximately 2.5” (6.5 cm).
Materials:
- Bulky (#5) Chenille Yarn or any other yarn (I used Parfait bulky chenille yarn by Premier Yarns)
- 3.5 mm (US E) crochet hook
- Stuffing fiber, like Poly-Fil Polyester
- One pair of 12 mm safety eyes with washers
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Darning needle
Amount of yarn needed: The pictured sample used approximately 6 yards (5.5 m) of light-colored (or white) yarn and 31 yards (28 m) of blue yarn.
Finished Project Size:
The size of the whale will be approximately 4.5” (10.75 cm) long, including the tail, and 2.5” (6.5 cm) tall. The size may vary if you use different yarns and hook sizes.
Abbreviations & Terms:
This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Get a FREE Abbreviations & Terms Guide (PDF download).
Useful Resources
- Create a Magic Circle
- Crochet a Perfect Circle
- Invisible Decrease Tutorial
- Crochet Invisible Finish
- Materials to Make Amigurumi
Instructions
Fins:
Make two fins with the blue yarn. As a heads up, you don’t need to stuff the fins.
Rnd1: sc 6 in a magic circle.
Rnd2: (inc) x 6 [12]
Rnd3-6: sc around [12]
Cut the yarn. FO. Then, set them aside. You will attach them later to the body on round 6, flattened on the top opening.
Whale’s bottom (light yarn)
Switch to the white/ light-colored yarn and start with the bottom of the crochet whale pattern.
Rnd1: sc 8 in a magic circle
Rnd2: (inc) x 8 [16]
Rnd3: (inc, sc in next st) x 8 [24]
Rnd4: (inc, sc in next 2 sts) x 8 [32]
Rnd5: (inc, sc in next 3 sts) x 8 [40]
Cut the yarn. FO. Switch to blue yarn.
Tip: Stuff your crochet whale firmly as you go, but do not overstuff it.
Whale’s body (blue yarn)
Rnd6: ch 6, sk 6 sts, sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 6 sts with the first fin, sc in next 18 sts, sc in next 6 sts with the second fin, sc in next 2 sts [6 ch, 38 sc]
You’ll return to that 6 ch opening later to create the tail.
Rnd7: sc in top loop of next 6 chs, sc in next 36 sts [40]
Rnd8-13: sc around [40]
Do not cut the yarn yet. This is a good time to place the eyes and embroider the eyelids.
- Eyes placement: place them between rounds 7 and 8, 2 sts away from the fins.
- Eyelids (optional): Thread the needle with a strand of blue yarn, then insert it on the lower outside of the eye from the inside. Next, pull it out and draw it in the upper side of the eye from the outside, at an angle, two to four times. FO inside, cut the yarn.
Rnd14: (dec, sc in next 3 sts) x 8 [32]
Rnd15: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) x 8 [24]
Add stuffing fiber and finish stuffing as you go if needed.
Rnd16: (dec, sc in next st) x 8 [16]
Rnd17: dec x 8 [8]
FO. Cut the yarn.
Tail
Next, in the crochet whale pattern, you will crochet the tail. With the bottom of the whale facing you, attach the yarn into the opening you created with the 6 chs, in the first st on the right in round 5 (or left side, if you’re lefty).
Rnd1-3: sc around [12]
Add a small amount of stuffing into the base of the tail. Now, squeeze the tail opening and close it with 6 sc sts, turn, *ch 4, 4 tr in the same st as ch 4, ch 4 again, sl st in same st as the previous sts*, sc4tog, sl st in the last st. Then, repeat the instructions between the asterisks into the last st. FO. Weave in the ends.
Photo Tutorial
Use these photos as a reference for the placement of the Amigurumi whale parts.
Your crochet whale pattern is done. Enjoy!
More Amigurumi Patterns
If you love this no-sew crochet whale pattern, you might also like to check these other free Amigurumi patterns available here on the blog:
- No-Sew Crochet Chicken
- No-Sew Crochet Cat
- No-Sew Crochet Easter Chick
- No-Sew Amigurumi Bunny
- No-Sew Amigurumi Bee
- No-Sew Crochet Gingerbread Man
- Crochet Dolls Pattern Roundup
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Do you know of any easy patterns for amigurumi cows
Hi Daniel, google “little crochet farm cow”, she has a cute mini cow free pattern you may like.
Maggie
Hi, im having quite a hard time stiching the fins, could you explain a little bit deeper how to do it?
Hi Sarah. The fins are two tiny cups. You crochet the first round with 6 sc sts in a magic circle, then round #2 you do 6 sc increases, which will end up with 12 sts. Then, rounds 3 to 6 you just keep going around without increasing. I hope this helps.
Maggie