No-Sew Whale Crochet Pattern
I love a quick and easy pattern and this no-sew whale crochet pattern is definitely a winner!
I have a huge affinity with sea creatures and in particular dolphins and whales. In fact when I was a teenager I wanted to be a Marine Biologist!
Life obviously had different plans for me but I still get to enjoy them in crochet form.
Sewing is my least favourite part of making amigurumi so this pattern is great for when you want to whip something up in a hurry and you don’t feel like dealing with a million different pieces and ends – the perfect quick and easy project for markets and last minute gifts.
About the Pattern
This no-sew crochet whale pattern is worked in a spiral using basic stitches. It’s completely no-sew except for the hiding of your yarn tail at the end.
The tail and fins are worked in the front loop only and we will use the leftover back loops in the next round to maintain the stitch count.
Recommended Yarn
I chose to use DK weight yarn as that’s mostly what I have on hand but I’ve also made this pattern using DMC Happy Chenille with a 3mm hook and the end result was delightful.
Feel free to experiment with different yarns as this is an easy way to change the size of your finished whale. Just remember to adjust your hook size accordingly and with any changes in size you may also need to change the size of your safety eyes.
Why You’ll Love This No-Sew Whale Crochet Pattern
More Patterns
If you love this no-sew whale crochet pattern, you might also like to check out these other no-sew patterns:
No-Sew Whale Crochet Pattern
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Materials
- DK weight yarn in main colour and white (I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Pale Lilac and Paper White)
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- 6mm safety eyes
- Polyester Fiberfill
- Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- BLO – back loop only
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- dec – decrease
- FLO – front loop only
- hdc – half double crochet
- inc – increase
- invdec – invisible decrease
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – indicates stitch count at end of round
Useful Links
Finished Size
The finished whale measures approximately 2.5″ x 2″ (6.5 cm x 5 cm). Size may vary depending on tension and materials used.
Gauge
Gauge is not important in this pattern. Use a hook size to match your chosen yarn. Make sure that your stitches are tight enough to prevent stuffing showing through and adjust hook size if necessary.
Notes
- Pieces are worked in a continuous spiral, starting with a magic ring and using the traditional YO (yarn over) method, unless otherwise specified. Mark the first stitch of each round with a removable stitch marker.
Pattern Instructions
Whale (starting with main colour)
R1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
R2: [Inc] x6 (12)
R3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18)
R4: Sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] x5, sc (24)
R5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30)
R6: 2 sc, inc, [4 sc, inc] x5, 2 sc (36)
R7-11: [Sc] x36 (36) 5 rounds
In this next round we will be creating the tail and fins.
For more help with this section there is a premium pattern available with step-by-step photos.
R12: Sl st in FLO. [Ch 6, dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in next st, hdc in next, sc in last st. Sl st in beginning st FLO] x2. 6 sc, sl st in next stitch FLO. Ch 4, dc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next st. Sl st in beginning st FLO. 21 sc, sl st in next st FLO. Ch 4, dc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next st. Sl st in beginning st FLO. 6 sc (36)
Change to white in the first sc of R13 so that the colour change is hidden by the tail. This round is worked in the back loop only and you will be using the leftover back loops from the tail and fins on R12.
R13: BLO 2 sc, dec, [4 sc, dec] x5, 2 sc (30)
R14: [3 sc, invdec] x6 (24)
Insert safety eyes between R10 and R11, 5 stitches from each fin and 11 stitches apart.
R15: Sc, invdec, [2 sc, invdec] x5, sc (18)
Start stuffing and continue to stuff as you go.
R16: [Sc, invdec] x6 (12)
R17: [Invdec] x6 (6)
Cut the yarn leaving a tail and pull through the last stitch. Weave the yarn tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull gently to close. Hide the end inside the whale.
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After you crochet this no-sew whale, here are some more crochet patterns to try:
What’s Next?
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This pattern is for personal use only and may not be copied, reproduced, altered, published or distributed in any format (including video). If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site.
You can sell finished products made from this pattern in small quantities. Do NOT use our photos as your sale photos.
is this uk or us terms
US terms 🙂
Just asking, but what yarn will be best for this whale?
You can use any yarn, the only difference will be the finished size. My personal preference is DK weight (8 ply) cotton.
what size eyes should I use for this
If you used the recommended materials then 6mm eyes otherwise go with what you think looks best.
just to ask, which part is the tail?
The first part of R12 forms the tail.
I just finished the Whale(my 1st amirugumi ever)! I wanted to try the pattern before my 11 yr. old granddaughters come to visit (twins). One is very interested In amirugumi. This will be a great beginner pattern that each of us can work on. Thanks!
I love this pattern! It was easy to understand, and it turned out so cute as well! I’ll definitely be making more soon. Thanks 🙂
OMG I love your patterns and just made the whale. I made a bunch of your peas in a pod. I made other things too. Please keep them coming!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the patterns. Your kind words mean a lot x
I just made this as my first ever crochet pattern! Absolutely adorable and easy instructions to follow 🙂
I tried a different pattern for a gift for my nephew but it didn’t work out and I needed a quick last minute gift idea. Enter this perfect little pattern! I’m gonna turn these into rattles and love how easy and quick they are! I have one question though. Is the front loop (FLO) the loop that is inside the circle or the loop that can be seen from the outside? I would think it was the one on the inside (closest to me), but then how would R13 be done BLO without covering up the tail and fins? Maybe I’m overthinking it. lol Would love some clarity! Thanks!!
Hi, it sounds like your piece might be inside out, please reference this post for more information: https://www.stitchbyfay.com/right-side-of-amigurumi/. The front loop is the loop that’s closest to you and it should be on the outside. Hope that makes sense.
I love these easy crafts!