You’ve never heard of the solidarity octopus?
This little octopus serves to help families whose babies have been born prematurely. This initiative, which was first started in Denmark, encourages us all to crochet these endearing animals with our favorite needle.
This therapeutic octopus helps premature babies to complete their development. Their tentacles resemble the umbilical cord, allowing the baby to interact with the little crochet figurine by wrapping their little fingers around them which then permits the babies to develop as if they were in their mother’s womb.
So what’s the idea?
Follow the instructions we offer below, complete the octopus, and all that’s left is to donate it to your closest hospital. In this way you will jump on board this unique and awesome solidarity act.
These are the stitches and techniques you will need to make this project:
1.Magic loop
2.Chain stitch
3.Single crochet
4.Seam and join pieces
5.Weave ends in and finish
Tutorials for many of these stitches and techniques can be found on our website www.weareknitters.com, make sure to watch them and practice.
INTRODUCTION
This project is crocheted in several pieces which are then seamed together: head and 8 tentacles.
* We remind you that this is a solidarity action, this pattern is for babies / children and it is not certified by the association. Do not forget that you must first contact an ambassador of the project before sending your little octopus.
PATTERN
Start to crochet
You just need:
* 1 skeins of 100% PIMA COTTON (100 GR.)
* 5 MM WOODEN CROCHET HOOK
Head
1.Make a magic loop with your WAK crochet hook and make 6 single crochet stitches into the loop.
2.Work rows 1 to 6 in single crochet, keeping in mind the following increases:
Row 1: Single crochet 2 times into each one of the stitches of the row below. You will have a total of 12 stitches.
Row 2: *Single crochet 1 time into the stitch below, then single crochet 2 times into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 18 stitches.
Row 3: *Single crochet into the next 2 stitches below, then single crochet 2 times into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 24 stitches.
Row 4: *Single crochet into the next 3 stitches below, then single crochet 2 times into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 30 stitches.
Row 5: *Single crochet into the next 4 stitches below, then single crochet 2 times into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 36 stitches.
Row 6: *Single crochet into the next 5 stitches below, then single crochet 2 times into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 42 stitches.
3.Work rows 7 to 12 evenly in single crochet. You will have a total of 42 stitches in each one of the rows.
4.Work rows 13 to 18 in single crochet, keeping in mind the following decreases:
Row 13: *Single crochet into the next 5 stitches below, make one decrease.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 36 stitches.
Row 14: *Single crochet into the next 4 stitches below, make one decrease.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 30 stitches.
Row 15: *Single crochet into the next 3 stitches below, make one decrease.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 24 stitches.
Row 16: *Single crochet into the next 2 stitches below, make one decrease.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. . You will have a total of 18 stitches.
Row 17: *Single crochet into the next stitch below, make one decrease.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You will have a total of 12 stitches.
Row 18: Make 6 decreases. You will have a total of 6 stitches.
5.Secure the stitches with a tapestry needle.
Tentacles
Follow these instructions 8 times to make 8 tentacles.
1.Chain 23 stitches with your WAK crochet hook.
2.Work rows 1 to 3 as follows:
Row 1: Single crochet 22 stitches, skipping the first chain.
Row 2: Single crochet 2 times into each one of the stitches of the row below. You will have a total of 44 stitches.
Row 3: Single crochet 2 times into each one of the stitches of the row below. You will have a total of 88 stitches.
Join and Finish
Once you have finished crocheting, you will have a total of 9 pieces: a head and 8 tentacles.
Join the tentacles to the head, seaming them with a tapestry needle on the same row. Weave in the tail end of yarn about 3 inches, cut off even with the fabric. Weave in any loose ends in the same way.
