Julie the Jellyfish – Free Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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Meet Julie the Jellyfish! I designed this free jellyfish crochet pattern to be a classic, go-to project for anyone looking to dive into amigurumi. Julie is a beautiful design with spiraled tentacles that make for a whimsical finished toy.

This beginner crochet jellyfish is a fun stash-buster and works up quickly. To ensure success, a full step-by-step video tutorial to help with crocheting the tentacles and assembly. Whether you are making a gift or expanding your own collection, Julie is a fun, stress-free project.

A small amigurumi jellyfish with a teal body, black safety eyes, pink rosy cheeks, and a stitched smile. The jellyfish features several long, spiraled tentacles in shades of mint, purple and coral. The crocheted toy is laying on a white faux fur background.

I would classify this free crochet jellyfish 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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Close up of the mint, purple, and coral tentacles of the amigurumi jellyfish pattern called Julie the Jellyfish.

How to Crochet a Jellyfish (Video Tutorial)

If you are new to amigurumi, this full video tutorial below is for you! I’ll walk you through the entire process of making Julie the Jellyfish from the initial magic ring to the final assembly and embroidery.

This video is also available on YouTube. Watch this video: Julie the Jellyfish Amigurumi Crochet Tutorial on YouTube.

Free Crochet Pattern for Julie the Jellyfish

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 2.5” tall (body) or 8” long (including tentacles)
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 (teal): 33 yds, color B (mint): 24 yds, color C (purple): 12 yds, color D (peach): 11 yds, color E (pink): 2 yds, color F (black): 2 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 12mm safety eyes

Abbreviations

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

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.
  • Jellyfish 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 teal):

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

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R8-13: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

R14: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R15: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert them now between R10-11 with 6 sts showing between the eyes.

The body of the amigurumi jellyfish after the completion of R15, prior to adding the safety eyes.
The 9mm safety eyes have been placed between R10 and 11 of the crochet jellyfish.

R16: Working in the front loops only, *1 SC in next st, skip the next st, 5 DC in next st, skip the next st. Repeat from * around. (9 shells)

Crocheting the shell edging around the body of the amigurumi jellyfish.
A top down view of the shell border edging on the crochet jellyfish continuing around the body.
A continuation of the shell border, showing a shell made with the 5 double crochet stitches.
A continuation of the shell border on the crochet jellyfish, showing the shell formed after the 5 double crochet stitches and the anchoring single crochet between.
Another angle of the shell edging on the crochet jellyfish.
The end of the crochet jellyfish edging, just before completing the round.
The final stitch of the crochet shell edging on the body of the Julie the Jellyfish crochet pattern.

R17: Working behind R16 into the unworked back loops of R15, 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

A close up of the body of the crochet jellyfish, demonstrating the working of R16 behind the shell edging.

R18: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R20: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R22: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand. Weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

The finished body of the crochet jellyfish shown in a teal yarn with black safety eyes.

Oral Arms (curls)

Using color B (shown as mint):

R1: Ch 40, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (52 sts)

R2: Ch 49, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (64 sts)

R3: Ch 40, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * across. Do not fasten off. (52 sts)

R4: Ch 49, 2 HDC in second ch from hook, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. *2 HDC in next st, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * across. (64 sts)

The start of the first oral arm curl with a long chain made in mint colored yarn.
Two half double crochet stitches worked into the beginning chain of the first oral arm on the jellyfish pattern.
The next half double crochet stitch worked in the next chain of the oral arms for the jellyfish amigurumi.
The first completed oral arm in mint yarn for the jellyfish crochet pattern, showing a curled crochet piece.
The second oral arm has been started with a long chain.
The second oral arm of the crochet jellyfish has been completed, and there are two curled yarn pieces.
The third oral arm of the jellyfish is in progress with the two finished curls, and one long chain for the third.
The third oral arm has been finished, and there are now 3 curling pieces for the jellyfish.
The fourth oral arm is in progress with the three finished curls and one long chain to start the next one.
The fourth oral arm has been completed and there are now four curling pieces for the jellyfish crochet pattern.

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

The finished oral arms are 4 curls that are made as one piece in mint colored yarn for the crochet jellyfish pattern.

Tentacle A (make 4)

Using color C (shown as purple):

R1: Ch 30, 1 SC in second ch from hook and each st to end. (29 sts)

A long chain in purple yarn for the start of the tentacle A piece.
The single crochet stitches have been worked up the chain in purple yarn.
One finished tentacle A piece made in purple yarn for the jellyfish amigurumi.

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

Four finished tentacle A pieces made in purple yarn for the crochet jellyfish.

Tentacle B (make 4)

Using color D (shown as peach):

R1: Ch 30, sl st in second ch from hook and each st to end. (29 sts)

The starting chain of tentacle B for the jellyfish shown in coral yarn.
The slip stitches all the way down the chain have been completed for the tentacle B.
The finished tentacle B of the crochet jellyfish made in coral yarn.

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

Four finished tentacle B pieces made in coral yarn and awaiting assembly for the Julie the Jellyfish crochet pattern.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach oral arms between R20-21 in a circle.

The oral arms of the crochet jellyfish pattern have been pinned into place on the bottom of the jellyfish body prior to sewing.
The mint colored oral arms have been sewn into place on the bottom of the teal crochet jellyfish body, a view from the underside.
Another view of the oral arms having been sewn on the bottom of the body of the teal jellyfish.

Attach tentacles around R18 and R19, leaving about 2-3 sts between each tentacle, alternating between tentacle A and tentacle B.

The coral and purple tentacles have been pinned in place in alternating colors around the outer edge of the bottom of the crochet jellyfish, awaiting sewing.
The tentacles of the crochet jellyfish pattern have been sewn into place around the outer edge of the jellyfish body, in alternating colors of coral and purple.
A view of the underside of the jellyfish crochet pattern body after the tentacles have been sewn into place.
A view of the full jellyfish after all of the pieces have been assembled, and is now ready for the embroidery steps.

Using color E (shown as pink), embroider blush under each eye, over 2 sts, between R12-13.

A needle has been threaded with light pink yarn and is starting to embroider blush just under the left eye on the crochet jellyfish.
The pink yarn is being wrapped around a second time to create the blush appearance on the jellyfish face.
The blush has been embroidered onto the cheek of the crochet jellyfish, with the ends still visible.
The blush has been embroidered just below each eye on the crochet jellyfish in a light pink yarn.

Using color F (shown as black), embroider smile between R12-13, with about 3 sts between the top ends of the smile, sloping down over 1 row.

The yarn needle has been threaded with black yarn and is inserted into the front of the crochet jellyfish to embroider the smile.
The yarn needle is pushed through to where the bottom of the smile will be.
The yarn needle is threaded through the embroidered line of black yarn to create the dip down to create a smile.
The yarn needle is securing the dip down to secure the smile on the crochet jellyfish.
The smile has been embroidered on the crochet jellyfish in black yarn, but the ends are still visible.
The ends of the black embroidered smile has been secured and the smiling jellyfish amigurumi has been completed.

I hope you enjoyed making Julie! This free jellyfish crochet pattern is one of my favorite to see in different colors. If you’ve finished your amigurumi jellyfish, I’d love to see it! You can tag me on Instagram @thenicolechase.

Two small beginner crochet animals jellyfish. One is various shades of pink and the other is teal with purple, peach, and mint tentacles. Both have smiling embroidered faces, pink cheeks, and black safety eyes.
A Pinterest pin image for the free jellyfish crochet pattern featuring a collage of three images showing a teal jellyfish with mint, purple, and coral tentacles. One image shows the jellyfish held in a hand for scale, and another shows a close up of the oral arms and tentacles. A purple banner is across the image and says "FREE CROCHET PATTERN", "Julie the Jellyfish", and "www.thenicolechase.com".
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Julie the Jellyfish

Ravelry
Etsy

Tips for the Perfect Crochet Jellyfish

  • Secure Assembly: When attaching the tentacles and oral arms to this amigurumi jellyfish pattern, I highly recommend using pins to hold each piece in place. This prevents the tentacles from shifting while you sew, ensuring they are perfectly aligned around the base.
  • Track Your Rounds: Because the jellyfish body is worked in continuous rounds, it is easy to lose your place. Always use a stitch marker to indicate the first stitch of each round.
  • Tension for Tentacles: If your oral arms and tentacles aren’t curling as much as you’d like, try working your stitches slightly tighter, or using a smaller hook size. This extra tension helps the spiraled crochet tentacles spring into shape. Note that the Tentacle B pieces are intended to be wavy, rather than curly.
  • Expert Amigurumi Guide: If you are looking to level up your skills, check out my full list of amigurumi tips and tricks for more advice on achieving a professional finish.

Customizing Your Jellyfish Crochet Pattern

  • Make it Jumbo: For a larger, huggable version of Julie, you can easily swap your yarn using a super bulky chenille yarn like Parfait Chunky to create a much larger plush crochet jellyfish without needing to change any of the stitch counts. Be sure to pair your chosen yarn with an appropriately sized hook for amigurumi.
  • Themed Color Palettes: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your colors. You can make a strawberry jellyfish using pinks and greens, or a candy corn version for Halloween. This free jellyfish crochet pattern is designed to look great in solids, variegated yarns, or even scrap yarns from your stash.
  • Embroidered Details: If you are making this for a small child, I recommend embroidering the eyes using black yarn instead of plastic safety eyes for added safety.
A hand holding a small crochet jellyfish to demonstrate scale. The jellyfish is made with this free jellyfish crochet pattern and is shown in a teal yarn, with mint, purple, and coral tentacles.

More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

If you enjoyed making Julie the amigurumi jellyfish pattern, you might like some of my other aquatic and beginner-friendly designs!

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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PATTERN COPYRIGHT © 2026 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN. 
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2 Comments

  1. Hello,
    I have two of these going but am really confused. I have the 36 stitches for round 16 but for some reason I only get 7 scallops not the 9 you say and show on the video. For the life of me I can’t see where I messed up. This is not my first project as I have been crocheting for 20 years or more.
    What in the world would cause me to be so messed up?

    Hope you have an answer. The 7 scallops look okay, just not as curly as yours.

    Bonnie

    Reply

    1. Hello! It sounds like you might be skipping some extra spaces, or maybe even working extra stitches? Each repeat covers a total of 4 sts, so you work the first SC, then skip a st, then work 5 DC, then skip a st. So as long as you have the correct count at the end of the prior round (36 sts), you should be getting 9 shells. I’d suggest using a stitch marker for each repeat to make sure you aren’t adding any extra sts. Hope that helps!

      Reply

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