Finley the Fish – Free Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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If you are looking for a quick and easy project that bursts with color, you are going to love making Finley the Fish! This free fish crochet pattern is designed with simplicity in mind, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an easy crochet fish to add to their collection.

Whether you are completely new to making toys or looking for a fast, stash-busting project to work up over the weekend, this amigurumi fish comes together quickly with basic stitches.

Two crocheted fish made from the Finley the Fish crochet pattern resting on white fur. In the foreground, an orange crochet fish has bright pink fins and tail. In the background, a blue flecked yarn fish is styled with bright orange fins and tail.

I would classify this free fish crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

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Etsy

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A hand holds up a finished Finley the Fish amigurumi toy to show its size against a plain, light background. The small, bright orange crocheted fish features textured pink fins on its side and top, a matching pink wavy tail, and black safety eyes.

Free Crochet Pattern for Finley the Fish

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 6” long
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight: Medium (4) Worsted Weight
Yarn Used: WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (yellow): 27 yds, color B (pink): 7 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 9mm safety eyes

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

  • Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
  • The body is worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
  • Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
  • Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
  • Body requires stuffing. Stuff as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as yellow):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (21 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R8: *2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 10 sts. Repeat from * around. (28 sts)

R9: 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the remaining 25 sts. (30 sts)

The two increases in R9 indicate the top of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R7 and R8 with 8 sts between. See tutorial photos.

The face of the amigurumi fish after the completion of R9.
The face of the crochet fish after R9 to demonstrate the placement of the black safety eyes, a front on view.
The face of the crochet fish after R9 to demonstrate the placement of the black safety eyes, a side view.

R10-14: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R15: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (27 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R17-18: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (21 sts)

R20: 1 SC in each st around. (21 sts)

R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R22: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing to this point.

R23: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (16 sts)

R24: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (14 sts)

R25: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

**Note: In the next round you will be crocheting the piece closed. Due to differences in tension, yarn, etc., you may need to adjust the number of stitches in R26a to ensure that the piece is crocheted closed in the correct direction in R26b. When joining the two sides together, the piece should be straight up and down so that the top of the join aligns with the top of the head. See tutorial photos.

(For example, if you only need 1 st at the start of R26a to get the appropriate placement, you will then start R26b after that 1 st. If you need 3 sts at the start of R26a to get the appropriate placement, then you will start R26b after those 3 sts.)

R26a: 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. **

R26b: Fold the piece closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

leg piece, filled with stuffing, prior to the leg being closed
leg piece with hook inserted through both sides to crochet them together
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches, with hook through both sides of the next st
finished leg piece prior to fastening off
finished leg piece with long tail for sewing
*Note: These tutorial photos are only to demonstrate the technique of crocheting the piece closed; project size and colors shown may differ from the current pattern.

The end of the Finley the Fish pattern after R26a, still having the stitch marker in place.
The stitch marker has been removed after R26a.
The end of the fish is folded closed and are being crocheted together. A hook is inserted across the two sides.
The end of the fish is folded closed and the first single crochet stitch is joining the two sides together.
The end of the fish has been entirely crocheted closed with single crochet stitches.

Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.

The finished body of the fish crochet pattern has been completed in a bright yellow yarn.

Top Fin

Using color B (shown as pink):

R1: Ch 3, SC in second ch from hook and next ch. (2 sts)

R2: Ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, 1 SC in each st across. (2 sts)

R3: Ch 2, turn, sl st into second ch from hook, working in back loops only, 1 SC in each of the remaining 2 sts. (3 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (2 sts)

R5: Ch 2, turn, sl st into second ch from hook, working in back loops only, 1 SC in each of the remaining 2 sts. (3 sts)

R6: Ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (2 sts)

R7: Ch 2, turn, sl st into second ch from hook, working in back loops only, SC2tog. (2 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

The completed top fin of the amigurumi fish made in bright pink yarn.

Side Fin (make 2)

Using color B (shown as pink):

R1: Ch 5, SC in second ch from hook and each st to end. (4 sts)

R2: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (3 sts)

R3: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st across. (3 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

The two completed side fins of the crochet fish are made in pink yarn and are awaiting assembly.

Tail Fin – Bottom

Note: The tail fin is worked off of R26 of the body. This last row of stitches on the body will be referred to as the “base” stitches. For this piece, we are working from the bottom.

Using color B (shown as pink):

Attach yarn to the last stitch in R26 at the end of the body. This is the first “base” stitch.

R1: Working from the first base stitch from the bottom, ch 7, SC in second ch from hook and each st to end. (6 sts)

Sl st into the same base stitch.

Attaching the pink yarn to the last round of the fish body to start the tail fin.
The start of R1 for the tail fin attached to the end of the fish's body.
R1 of the tail fin before attaching it to the body with a slip stitch.
R1 of the tail fin has been slip stitched to the base stitch of the fish body.

R2: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (5 sts)

The start of R2 of the tail fin with a chain 1.
The single crochet stitches of R2 of the side fin.

R3: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st across. (5 sts)

Sl st into the next base stitch (second base stitch from the bottom).

R3 of the fish tail fin before joining it to the fish body.
Slip stitching R3 of the tail fin to the bottom of the fish body.

R4: Working from the second base stitch from the bottom, ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (4 sts)

The start of R4 of the fish's tail fin.
The single crochet stitches of R4 of the crochet fish tail fin have been completed.

R5: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)

Sl st into the next base stitch (third base stitch from the top).

Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.

The single crochet stitches of the tail fin of R5 at the end of the fish body before joining it to the base of the fish.
The completion of R5 of the tail fin after it has been slip stitched to the body of the fish.
The bottom tail fin piece has been completed in pink yarn of the free fish crochet pattern.

Tail Fin – Top

Note: The tail fin is worked off of R26 of the body. This last row of stitches on the body will be referred to as the “base” stitches. For this piece, we are working from the top.

Using color B (shown as pink):

Attach yarn to the first stitch in R26 at the end of the fish body. This is the first “base” stitch.

R1: Working from the first base stitch from the top, ch 7, SC in second ch from hook and each st to end. (6 sts)

Sl st into the same base stitch.

Attaching the pink yarn to the top of the last round of the fish's body to start the next tail fin.
A chain stitch is the start of R1 of the top tail fin.
R1 with single crochet stitches of the tail fin for the crochet fish.

R2: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (5 sts)

The start of R2 of the tail fin of the fish amigurumi.
The single crochet stitches of the crochet fish's tail fin for R2.

R3: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st across. (5 sts)

Sl st into the next base stitch (second base stitch from the top).

The start of R3 with a chain 1 of the crochet fish's tail fin.
The single crochet stitches of R3 of the tail fin top for the fish.
R3 has been joined with a slip stitch to the base of the crochet fish body.

R4: Working from the second base stitch from the top, ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, leaving the last st unworked. (4 sts)

The start of R4 with a chain 1 of the tail fin for the amigurumi fish.
The single crochet stitches of R4 of the tail fin of the fish.

R5: Ch 1, turn, working in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)

Sl st into the next base stitch (third base stitch from the top).

Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.

The start of R5 with a chain 1 for the tail fin.
The single crochet stitches of R5 of the tail fin for the amigurumi fish.
The completion of R5 of the tail fin with the row being slip stitched to the base of the fish.
The tail fins of the crochet fish have been completed and the yarn tails are ready to be hidden inside the piece.
The yarn tails of the crochet fish's tail fin have been hidden inside the piece and they are complete.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

With the last row of the top fin facing toward the eyes, and the first row of the top fin facing toward the tail, attach top fin to the center top of the body over R9-17.

The top fin has been pinned into place on top of the crochet fish and is awaiting sewing.
The top fin has been sewn into place on the top of the crochet fish, a view from the top.
The top fin has been sewn into place on top of the fish, an angled side view.
A side view of the top fin being sewn onto the top of the crochet fish.

Attach each side fin to the side of the body between R12-13. Sew only the side edge of the fin over 2 sts so that the edge is pinched and narrower than the other side.  

The side fin has been pinned into place on the side of the fish's body and is awaiting sewing.
The side fin has been sewn into place on the side of the crochet fish body.
A view of the side fin lifted up to show that it is only sewn into place on one side of the fin so that it is still moveable.
The side fin has been sewn into place on the side of the amigurumi fish, a side angled view of the fish.
A view of the side fin on the opposite side of the crochet fish.
A close up view of the side fin sewn into place on the side of the fish.

I hope you enjoyed making this free fish crochet pattern! Seeing your completed projects is truly the best part of my day, and it helps show other makers what Finley looks like in different yarn colors and textures.

A Pinterest pin graphic with a pink banner reading "FREE CROCHET PATTERN, Finley the Fish" The top half shows two crocheted fish on a white fur surface: one orange and pink fins and one blue with orange fins. The bottom left corner shows a hand holding the orange fish, and the bottom right corner shows a close-up detail of the textured pink tail fin.
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Finley the Fish

Ravelry
Etsy

Amigurumi Tips for Finley the Fish

  • Use a Stitch Marker: When working in continuous rounds, it is easy to lose your place. Always place a stitch marker in the very first stitch of each round.
  • Master the Invisible Decrease: Use the invisible decrease method to keep your amigurumi fabric smooth and professional.
  • Pin Before You Sew: Use pins to anchor Finley’s top and side fins in place before sewing. This allows you to check the symmetry to ensure proper placement.
  • Level Up Your Skills: If you are looking for more secrets to perfect your stitching, tension, and assembly, head over to my guide on amigurumi tips and tricks.

Customizing Your Crochet Fish

  • Play with Stripes: Bring a vibrant striped vibe to your project by introducing a color change every 2-3 rounds along the body. This is a great way to use up multiple colors of scrap yarn while creating a fun, striped fish.
  • Go Bright and Speckled: As you can see in my blue version, using flecked, tweed, or variegated yarn for the main body adds an instant pop of color and texture without requiring extra yarn changes.
  • Scale It Up With Chunky Yarn: Want a larger, squishier plushie? Try a thicker chenille or blanket yarn like Parfait Chunky. Just remember to size up your hook size to suit your chosen yarn.
A hand holds a plush, larger version of the Finley the Fish amigurumi toy against a light background to show its size. This version is crocheted using a thick, textured blue blanket yarn with colorful flecks, featuring chunky orange plush fins and a matching tail.

More Free Amigurumi Patterns You’ll Love

If you enjoyed making Finley, dive into these other fun, sea-inspired designs and collections right here on the blog:

  • Mini Whale Crochet Pattern: If you want another quick and adorable project, this small whale design works up fast and makes a great companion for your crochet fish.
  • Sheldon the Shark: Keep the ocean theme going with Sheldon! This classic shark design is so much fun!
  • Nala the No-Sew Turtle: Love amigurumi but want a break from assembly? Nala is a fantastic, beginner-friendly pattern that minimizes sewing.
  • Explore the Amigurumi Animal Pattern Library: Browse through my complete, curated collection of free animal crochet patterns to find your next project.
  • Chunky Yarn Amigurumi Patterns: Ready to scale up your plushies? Check out my dedicated list of patterns that look great when made with thick, cozy blanket yarns.

I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.

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Follow along with me on Instagram for daily updates and a behind the scenes look at my designs.

I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Nicole

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