Mini Whale – Free Crochet Pattern

Let’s learn how to make a mini whale with this free mini whale crochet pattern! I designed this tiny amigurumi with beginners in mind. It’s the perfect project for practicing your shaping without the commitment of a large plushie. This pattern includes the written instructions and photo tutorials, but if you’re a visual learner, you can also follow along with the full video tutorial for step-by-step guidance. This little crochet whale is one of my favorite projects!

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

• Pin it for later: Pin this free mini whale crochet pattern to your favorite crochet board so you can find it later.
• Ravelry: Add this amigurumi whale project to your favorites on Ravelry.

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

If you prefer to learn visually, or if you’ve hit a tricky spot with your mini whale’s shaping, I’ve recording a two-part video tutorial to walk you through the process.

Part 1: Side Fins & Body

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

Part 2: End of Body, Tail Fin, Stuffing, Assembling, and Embroidering

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 for Success

• Use a Stitch Marker: Since this mini whale pattern is worked in continuous rounds, a marker is essential to keep track of your starting stitch and maintain the whale’s shape.
• Invisible Decrease: I highly recommend using the invisible decrease instead of a standard SC2tog. It prevents gaps and keeps the stuffing from showing through your stitches.
• Tension Check: If your stuffing is visible, try switching to a smaller hook. Amigurumi requires a tight fabric to hold its shape.
• New to Amigurumi? Check out my crochet tutorials for a quick refresher on the magic ring and basic shaping before you start.

Personalizing Your Whale Amigurumi

• Go Big with Plush Yarn: Want a jumbo version? Use a bulky yarn like Parfait Chunky to turn this mini whale pattern into a large, squishy plush!
• Pro Tip on Hooks: If you switch yarn weights, remember to choose the right amigurumi hook size to keep your stitches tight.
• Add Personality: You can give your mini whale crochet pattern its own character with different embroider techniques. Check out my amigurumi embroidery article for video tutorials on adding eyelashes, cheeks, and more.

More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

If you’ve enjoyed this free mini whale crochet pattern, you’ll love these other beginner-friendly designs! Here are a few more projects that are perfect for practicing your amigurumi skills:

Easy Beginner Favorites

• Sweet Treats: My strawberry amigurumi is another quick scrap-buster that uses basic shaping.
• Back to School Fun: This crayon amigurumi and pencil amigurumi patterns are great for teacher or student gifts.

More Animal Friends

Ready to expand your crochet zoo? From forest friends to even more sea creatures, you can find my entire library of free animal crochet patterns here. Each one includes detailed instructions and photo tutorials.