Sheldon the Shark – Free Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

If you’re looking for a fun project that makes a splash, you’re going to love Sheldon the Shark! I design this free shark crochet pattern to be both adorable and approachable, making it a great choice for those diving into amigurumi for the first time.

I have personally made Sheldon in both worsted weight yarn and velvet yarn, and I love how he turns out in both sizes. The plush version makes the ultimate snuggly friend! To help you get the perfect shape, I’ve included a step-by-step shark crochet video tutorial and clear photos showing exactly how to handle the fin placement. This free shark crochet pattern is designed to be a quick win, whether you’re an amigurumi pro or just starting out.

Side view of a small grey and white crocheted amigurumi shark named Sheldon, featuring black safety eyes and embroidered gills, resting on a white faux fur surface. Made with the free shark crochet pattern.

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.

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:

Ravelry
Etsy

If you’re not ready to dive in just yet, you can pin this crochet shark pattern on Pinterest to save it for later!

You can also add this free shark crochet pattern to your favorites on Ravelry to keep your project queue organized.

A small crocheted gray and white amigurumi shark held in a person's hand to show scale, featuring a pointed dorsal fin, side fins, and a tail, based on the Sheldon the Shark free crochet pattern.

Video Tutorial for Sheldon the Shark

Prefer to follow along with a visual? Watch my full Sheldon the Shark video tutorial below to see exactly how to crochet all of the pieces and assemble them flawlessly. If you prefer the written steps, you’ll find the completed free shark crochet pattern directly following the video!

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

Free Crochet Pattern for Sheldon the Shark

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 3.5” tall and 5” 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 (gray): 32 yds, color B (white): 8 yds, color C (black): 2 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.
  • 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.

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

Cut yarn and fasten off.

The finished side fins for the crochet shark shown in grey yarn before assembly.

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)

Crocheting the first side fin in place on the shark amigurumi pattern, part 1.
Crocheting the first side fin in place on the shark amigurumi pattern, part 2.
Crocheting the first side fin in place on the shark amigurumi pattern, part 13.
Crocheting the second side fin in place on the crochet shark pattern, part 1.
Crocheting the second side fin in place on the crochet shark pattern, part 2.
The completion of R13 of the crochet shark pattern has secured both side fins in place.

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.

The front of the crochet shark prior to the placement of the safety eyes.
The black safety eyes have been placed on the front of the shark crochet pattern.

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.

The finished body portion of the shark crochet pattern shown in grey yarn with the side fins in place.

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.

The finished top fin for the crochet shark shown in grey yarn.

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.

Combining the top and bottom tail fin pieces together for the crochet shark, shown in grey yarn, part 1.
Combining the top and bottom tail fin pieces together for the crochet shark, shown in grey yarn, part 2.
Combining the top and bottom tail fin pieces together for the crochet shark, shown in grey yarn, part 3.
Combining the top and bottom tail fin pieces together for the crochet shark, shown in grey yarn, part 4.
Combining the top and bottom tail fin pieces together for the crochet shark, shown in grey yarn, part 5.
Sewing the hole closed between the shark's two tail fin pieces that have been joined together, part 1.
Sewing the hole closed between the shark's two tail fin pieces that have been joined together, part 2.
The two tail fin pieces have been successfully joined together for the amigurumi shark.

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.

The finished grey crochet tail fin for the Sheldon the Shark amigurumi, ready for assembly.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

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

The grey top fin has been pinned in place on the top of the shark, prior to sewing.
The grey top fin has been sewn into place on top of the crochet shark, top down view.
The grey top fin has been sewn into place on top of the crochet shark, side angle view.

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.

The back tail fin has been pinned into place on the back of the crochet shark's body.
The tail fin has been sewn into place on the crochet shark's body, top down view.
The tail fin has been sewn into place on the crochet shark's body, close side view.
The tail fin has been sewn into place on the crochet shark's body, side view.

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

Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 1.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 2.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 3.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 4.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 5.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 6.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 7.
Embroidering the gills on the side of the crochet shark using black yarn, part 8.
The finished black gills embroidered on the side of the crochet shark's body.

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

Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 1.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 2.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 3.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 4.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 5.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 6.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 7.
Embroidering the zig zag smile on the front of the amigurumi shark's face, part 8.
The finished black embroidered smile on the face of the crochet shark amigurumi pattern.

I hope you enjoyed making Sheldon with this amigurumi shark free pattern! There is nothing I love more than seeing my designs come to life in your hands.

If you’ve finished your crochet shark, I’d love to see it! You can tag me on social media @thenicolechase. Seeing your color choices, whether you went with a classic shark look, or a fun colorful shark, is so inspiring and helps other makers in our community!

Front-facing view of a small grey and white crocheted amigurumi shark held in a person's hand, showing detailed black embroidered zigzag teeth and safety eyes, based on the Sheldon the Shark free crochet pattern.

Pinterest pin graphic for Sheldon the Shark featuring three photos of the grey and white crocheted amigurumi shark and a blue banner that reads "FREE CROCHET PATTERN, Sheldon the Shark, www.thenicolechase.com."
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Sheldon the Shark

Ravelry
Etsy

Tips for Success for your Crochet Shark

  • Perfect Placement: While assembling your free shark crochet pattern, use pins to hold the fins and tail in place before sewing. This allows you to check the symmetry from every angle before committing to a placement.
  • Mastering Continuous Rounds: Because this shark crochet pattern is worked in a spiral, it is easy to lose your place. Use a stitch marker to indicate the first stitch of each round.
  • Tension Matters: To prevent your stuffing from peeking through the stitches, try to keep your tension consistent and firm. If you notice gaps, consider dropping down a hook size.
  • Level Up Your Skills: Check out my comprehensive guide on amigurumi tips and tricks for more expert ways to improve your amigurumi shark free pattern and future projects!

Customizing Your Shark Amigurumi

  • Go Big with Plush Yarn: For a larger, cuddlier version of Sheldon the amigurumi shark free pattern, I recommend using a super bulky chenille yarn like Parfait Chunky and a comparable hook size to suit your yarn. This modification makes the shark larger in size and gives him that popular plushie look and feel!
  • Adjusting the Expression: While Sheldon looks great with his signature zigzag teeth, you can easily create a more friendly face. Simply embroider a small smile using black yarn instead of the “teeth” stitches to give your amigurumi shark a completely different personality. Check out my post on amigurumi embroidery for more ideas.
  • Safety First for Littles: If you are making this for a baby, I suggest replacing the safety eyes with embroidered eyes or felt eyes to ensure the toy is safe for all ages.

More Free Animal Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

I hope you’ve had a blast making Sheldon! If you’re ready for your next project, you might love some of my other aquatic and toothy friends:

  • Alan the Alligator: If you enjoyed making Sheldon, you’ll love this free alligator crochet pattern. Alan is one of my favorites and has a fun, character-filled design.
  • Mini Whale: For a smaller ocean project, try this mini whale crochet pattern. It’s a very quick make and looks great sitting next to Sheldon on a shelf.
  • No-Sew Frog: If you want a break from assembly, my no-sew frog amigurumi is a perfect beginner-friendly option.

You can also explore my full collection of crochet animal patterns for even more inspiration!

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

Want to see more from me? Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so that you never miss a pattern!

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

Subscribe

PATTERN COPYRIGHT © 2026 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN. 
YOU MAY SELL THE FINISHED PRODUCT ON A SMALL SCALE. PATTERN/DESIGN CREDIT GIVEN TO WWW.THENICOLECHASE.COM IS APPRECIATED. PERMISSION TO SELL DOES NOT INCLUDE MASS PRODUCTION. LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION IS PROHIBITED.

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

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *