Mini Whale – Free Crochet Pattern

Let’s learn how to make a mini whale with this free whale crochet pattern! This pattern was designed with beginners in mind and includes not only the written pattern and photo tutorials, but also a full video tutorial for step by step instructions!

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

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Free Crochet Pattern for Mini Whale

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.
• All pieces are 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.
• Whale body and tail requires stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the side fins.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Side Fins (make 2)

Using color A (shown as blue):

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: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R4: Fold the piece closed. Working through both sides to close, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Body

Using color A (shown as blue):

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)

R7-12: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R13: 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, place a side fin and working through both the sts of the fin and the sts of the body, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 14 sts, place a side fin and working through both the sts of the fin and the sts of the body, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 10 sts. (36 sts)

R14: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert them between R11-12 with 7 sts showing between them.

Using color B (shown as white):

R15: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R17: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R18: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R19: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

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

First Tail Fin

Using color A (shown as blue):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in 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: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R5: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Fill with stuffing.

Second Tail Fin

Using color A (shown as blue):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in 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: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R5: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R6: Join to first fin with a SC. Add a stitch marker to this first SC st. SC in each st around first fin and SC in each st around second fin to beginning. (12 sts)

Sew the open space between the two tail fins.

Add stuffing to each tail fin.

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

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

Assembly & Finishing

Pin the tail to the back of the body over R10-14. Begin sewing, leaving an opening before sewing the entire way, add stuffing, and finish sewing.

Using black yarn, embroider eyebrows beginning 2 rounds above the eye on the inside, and crossing over 3 sts to the outside of the eye and down 1 round.

Video Tutorial for Mini Whale

Learn how to crochet this mini whale with the step by step video tutorial!

Part 1

This video is also available on YouTube. Watch this video: Mini Whale Amigurumi Tutorial Part 1 on YouTube.

Part 2

This video is also available on YouTube. Watch this video: Mini Whale Amigurumi Tutorial Part 2 on YouTube.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Mini Whale

Tips & Tricks

• As this free whale crochet pattern is worked in continuous rounds, use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.
• View my crochet tutorials to become familiar with the techniques used in this whale crochet pattern.
• The invisible decrease will make your sc2tog decreases blend in nicely with your other single crochet stitches.

Alterations

• Use a plush yarn like Parfait Chunky for this whale crochet pattern to create a larger and extra soft amigurumi plush! Be sure to use a corresponding hook size if using a different yarn weight.
• Check out my post on choosing the right amigurumi hook size.
• Use different embroidery techniques in this whale crochet pattern to give your mini whale it’s own personality! Find embroidery ideas and video tutorials in my amigurumi embroidery article.

More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

After you’ve made this whale crochet pattern, take a look at my other free amigurumi crochet patterns! My strawberry amigurumi, crayon amigurumi, and pencil amigurumi are also great for beginners!