Sheldon the Shark – Free Crochet Pattern

Get ready to crochet this super cute shark with this free shark crochet pattern! This amigurumi shark is so much fun to make and works up really quickly. It looks great in a variety of yarns.

I would classify this free shark 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 Sheldon the Shark

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.
• Body and tail require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the fins.
• See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Side Fins (make 2)

Using color A (shown as gray):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: 2 SC in each st around. (8 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R5: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R6: Fold the piece closed. Working through both sides to close, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts) See tutorial photos.

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Body

Using color A (shown as gray):

R1: Ch 5, turn, SC in second ch from hook and each of the next 2 sts. Working around to the other side of the ch, 3 SC in final ch. Now working on the other side of the ch, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. 2 SC in final ch.  (10 sts)

R2: *1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

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

R4: *1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st. 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)

R8-10: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

R11: 1 SC in each of the next 19 sts, SC2tog, SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 19 sts. (40 sts)

R12: 1 SC in each of the next 18 sts, SC2tog, SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 18 sts. (38 sts)

R13: 1 SC in each of the next 9 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 4 sts, SC2tog, SC2tog, 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 9 sts. (36 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert them between R8-9 on the pointed end of the shark (the side of the SC2tog sts) with 7 sts showing between them.

Using color B (shown as white):

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

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.

Top Fin

Using color A (shown as gray):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R5: Fold the piece closed. Working through both sides to close, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts) See tutorial photos.

Cut yarn leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Top Tail Fin

Using color A (shown as gray):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat form * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Bottom Tail Fin

Using color A (shown as gray):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R5: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat form * 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.

Do not add stuffing to the fins.

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat form * around. (10 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

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

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach the top fin to the top of the body, over R1.

Pin the tail to the back of the body over R9-14. Begin sewing, leaving an opening. Before sewing the entire way, add stuffing, and finish sewing.

Using black yarn (color C), embroider gills over R9-11, with a dip between R10-11. See tutorial photos.

Using black yarn (color C), embroider mouth over R11 in a zig zag pattern over approximately 7 sts. See tutorial photos.

I hope you enjoyed this free shark crochet pattern!

Video Tutorial for Sheldon the Shark

This video is also available on YouTube. Watch this video: Sheldon the Shark Amigurumi Crochet Tutorial on YouTube.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Sheldon the Shark

Tips & Tricks

• While assembling your free shark crochet pattern, use pins to hold the pieces in place to ensure proper placement.
• While working the continuous rounds of this crochet shark pattern, use stitch markers to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Check out my list of amigurumi tips and tricks for more ways to improve your crochet shark.

Alterations

• For a larger crochet shark, use a yarn like Parfait Chunky and a comparable hook size.
• Change the mouth of the shark to a smile to create a more friendly face.

More Free Animal Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

I hope that you’ve enjoyed making this free shark crochet pattern! If you’ve enjoyed this amigurumi pattern, you may enjoy some of my other animal amigurumi patterns, include this cute whale crochet pattern, or this no-sew frog amigurumi.