About This Squid Coraline Amigurumi Pattern
This pattern creates a Coraline-inspired squid amigurumi crocheted in 2.5 mm cotton yarn, approximately 21 cm tall using the recommended materials. The design features a single pink button eye, two shaped ears, and six flexible tentacles made with pipe cleaners for posability. Instructions include full round-by-round details for the body, ears, and arms, plus assembly notes so you can finish with confidence.
Perfect for makers who enjoy small amigurumi projects and customizing details like buttons and colors. You can easily adapt yarn weight or hook size to change the finished size and texture.
Why You'll Love This Squid Coraline Amigurumi Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it blends simple amigurumi shaping with a playful Coraline-inspired look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. I enjoy the clever use of pipe cleaners to make the tentacles posable while keeping construction tidy and secure. The single-button eye gives so much character with very little effort, which is a big win when I want impactful detail quickly. I also love that the pattern is short and satisfying to complete in an afternoon, perfect for gifting or making a set. Sharing techniques I use to sew the button and hide threads makes finishing feel polished and rewarding.
Switch Things Up
I love experimenting with yarn colors to give this squid a completely different mood; try pastel shades for a softer, nursery-friendly version.
You can change the final size by using a thicker yarn and larger hook for a chunkier plush, or thinner yarn and a smaller hook for a miniature keychain version.
I often replace the button eye with a felt circle or embroidered eye for safety if the toy is intended for small children.
For sturdier tentacles, use floral wire instead of pipe cleaners, but wrap the wire carefully so the yarn does not fray or show through.
Try varying the number of tentacles: make four or eight for a different silhouette and playfulness.
Add tiny crocheted accessories like a scarf or a tiny hat to personalize each squid and make it gift-ready.
Embroider little mouth lines or textures on the body to change the facial expression and character of your squid.
Use variegated yarn or hold two strands together to create marled textures that look artisanal and unique.
I like to lightly steam-block ears to flatten and shape them before sewing for a cleaner finished look.
For a holiday twist, incorporate metallic or glitter yarn accents into the tentacles to make a festive, eye-catching version.
Consider making a family of squids in different sizes and colors to create a charming display or playset.
Finally, experiment with different button styles and sizes for the eye to dramatically change the personality of the piece.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
β Skipping stitch counts during rounds can cause uneven shaping and misalignment; always count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy.
β Forgetting to sew the button before stuffing will make placement awkward; sew the button between R.14 and R.19 while you still have access to the inside of the body.
β Not inserting the pipe cleaner fully or securing it will cause floppy tentacles; fold the pipe cleaner in half, insert it, and trim the excess, then make sure it is well hidden and stable before finishing.
β Overstuffing the body will distort the silhouette and make sewing parts difficult; stuff gradually, checking shape and firmness as you go to maintain the intended form.
β Tension inconsistency creates uneven tentacles and ears; maintain a steady, moderate tension throughout and practice on scrap rounds if your gauge varies noticeably.