Hey crochet lovers! Meet your next favorite project - an adorable amigurumi dolphin that's sure to make a splash!
This little marine friend features a playful curved tail, a sweet smile, and a streamlined body that perfectly captures the grace of real dolphins. Whether you're making it for a ocean-themed nursery or just adding to your amigurumi collection, this dolphin works up quickly and is perfect for intermediate crocheters.
Ready to dive in? I've included detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photos below to guide you through each stage of creating your own cuddly dolphin companion. Let's get hooking!
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This dolphin amigurumi is the perfect weekend project - pin it now so you can make this adorable ocean friend whenever you're ready to dive into some therapeutic crochet time!
Details About the Dolphin
When finished, this charming dolphin amigurumi measures approximately 12 inches (30 cm) from nose to tail fin, making it the perfect size for cuddling or displaying on a shelf.
I chose a sweet pink and white color combination for this playful marine friend, but you can totally make it your own! Classic dolphin colors like gray, blue, or navy would look fantastic. The pattern features carefully placed yellow accent stitches that add a delightful touch of whimsy to the design.
I absolutely love how the gentle curves of the body flow into the upturned tail fin, creating that signature dolphin silhouette we all know and love. The white belly provides a beautiful contrast against the main color, while the eyes give this cutie an endearing, friendly expression.
For the best results, I recommend using a medium-weight yarn to achieve this size. The tight stitching creates a firm, durable fabric that holds its shape beautifully while still remaining wonderfully squeezable!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let me share my favorite yarn picks for this adorable dolphin!
I absolutely love using Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn for this project - it's incredibly soft, has amazing stitch definition, and creates the most huggable amigurumi. Plus, the gentle sheen of milk cotton yarn makes your dolphin look extra special! This yarn is perfect for granny squares too, so any leftover yarn can be put to good use in your next blanket project.
For the main body, you'll need about 80g of your chosen color (I used pink), and around 25g of white for the belly. You can choose classic dolphin colors like gray, blue, or whatever you like.
I used a 3.0mm crochet hook for this project, which creates nice tight stitches - essential for amigurumi! This hook size works perfectly with the 5 ply yarn, preventing any stuffing from showing through while still being easy on your hands.
If you tend to crochet tightly, you might want to size up to 3.5mm, or if you're a loose crocheter, you could try 2.75mm. Just remember - the goal is to create stitches tight enough to keep the stuffing in but not so tight that you struggle to get your hook through!
Materials needed for the Dolphin
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Pink 19 and White 60)
- Hook – 3.0mm
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Yarn Needle
- Fiber Fill
- Eyes
- Sewing thread
- Position beads
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- sc inc - single crochet increase
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (decrease)
How to Crochet Dolphin – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Body (Make 1)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, single crochet 6 in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 6-9: Chain 1, 24 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 8 times, then 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 8 times, then 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, 40 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, 14 single crochet, 8 single crochet increases, 18 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, 48 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, 15 single crochet, repeat (single crochet, single crochet increase) 7 times, 19 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 16: Chain 1, 17 single crochet, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, 20 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 17: Chain 1, 18 single crochet, repeat (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) 5 times, 23 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 18: Chain 1, 66 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 19: Chain 1, repeat (10 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 20-21: Chain 1, 72 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 22: Chain 1, repeat (11 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 23-34: Chain 1, 78 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 35: Chain 1, 13 single crochet, repeat (7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, 11 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 36-37: Chain 1, 72 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 38: Chain 1, 13 single crochet, repeat (6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, 11 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 39-40: Chain 1, 66 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 41: Chain 1, 13 single crochet, repeat (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, 11 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 42-43: Chain 1, 60 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 44: Chain 1, 13 single crochet, repeat (4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, 11 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 45-46: Chain 1, 54 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 47: Chain 1, repeat (7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 48-52: Chain 1, 48 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 53: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, 3 single crochet 2 together, 40 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 54: Chain 1, 45 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 55: Chain 1, single crochet, 3 single crochet 2 together, 38 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 56: Chain 1, 42 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 57: Chain 1, 3 single crochet 2 together, 36 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 58: Chain 1, 39 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 59: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 33 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 60: Chain 1, 36 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 61: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 30 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 62: Chain 1, 33 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 63: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 27 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 64: Chain 1, 30 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 65: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 24 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 66: Chain 1, 27 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 67: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 21 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 68: Chain 1, 24 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 69: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 18 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 70: Chain 1, 21 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 71: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 15 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 72: Chain 1, 18 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 73: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 12 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 74: Chain 1, 15 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 75: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 9 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 76: Chain 1, 12 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 77: Chain 1, 6 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Tips: Maintain consistent tension throughout your work to ensure all stitches are uniform in size. Pull each stitch snug when completing rounds to achieve crisp, well-defined shaping and better overall aesthetics.
How to Crochet the Abdomen (Make 1)
Round 1: Chain 7, work 6 single crochet in second chain from hook, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 2-4: Chain 1, turn, work 6 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, turn, single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, turn, work 8 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, turn, 2 single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, turn, work 10 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, turn, 2 single crochet, single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, turn, work 12 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, turn, 2 single crochet, single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, single crochet increase, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, turn, work 14 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, turn, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 4 times, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, turn, work 18 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, turn, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 16-46: Chain 1, turn, work 24 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 47: Chain 1, turn, repeat (6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 48-52: Chain 1, turn, work 21 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 53: Chain 1, turn, repeat (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 5 times, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 54-58: Chain 1, turn, work 16 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 59: Chain 1, turn, single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 10 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 60: Chain 1, turn, work 14 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 61: Chain 1, turn, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 62: Chain 1, turn, work 12 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 63: Chain 1, turn, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 64-67: Chain 1, turn, work 10 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 68: Chain 1, turn, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 69: Chain 1, turn, single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 70: Chain 1, turn, work 6 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Round 71: Chain 1, turn, single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 72-73: Chain 1, turn, work 4 single crochet across, slip stitch to join.
Tips: Keep your turning chains tight for neater edges. When turning, ensure your first stitch isn't too loose. Count your stitches carefully in decrease rounds to maintain symmetry.
How to Crochet the Tail Fins (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 4 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, 6 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 4 single crochet, single crochet increase, 5 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet increase, 7 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, 6 single crochet, single crochet increase, 9 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 7 single crochet, single crochet increase, 11 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, single crochet increase, 13 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, 9 single crochet, single crochet increase, 15 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 11-13: Chain 1, work 30 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, 9 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 15 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 13 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 16: Chain 1, 7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 11 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 17: Chain 1, 6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 9 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 18: Chain 1, 5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 7 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Round 19: Chain 1, 4 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 5 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Fold the piece in half and flatten. Then work 6 single crochet through both layers. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Front Flippers (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 4 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 2 single crochet increase, 10 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, 10 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 9-10: Chain 1, work 28 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 10 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 10 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, 2 single crochet 2 together, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet 2 together, 8 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 13-14: Chain 1, work 20 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Flatten the piece. Work 10 single crochet through both layers. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: Start with a tight magic ring to prevent holes. Mark the increase positions for better symmetry. Keep decreases aligned with previous increases for proper shaping. When flattening, ensure both layers are even before joining them together.
How to Crochet the Dorsal Fin (Make 1)
Round 1: Create a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet in ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 4 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, 6 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, 10 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, 14 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 16 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, 18 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 22 single crochet, 2 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 12-13: Chain 1, work 26 single crochet around, slip stitch to join.
Fold the piece in half and flatten. Work 13 single crochet through both layers. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: Try to use the "X stitch" instead of regular single crochet. This technique creates smaller holes and tighter fabric. When changing colors, make the color change in the unfinished stitch of the previous round's end. This creates cleaner, more natural-looking color transitions and more polished details.
Crochet Dolphin Assemble
Step 1: Prepare all parts. Use position beads to secure the general position od the abdomen.
Step 2: Begin sewing by matching corresponding stitches. Keep tension moderate - not too tight.
Step 3: Attach the dorsal fin. First, secure its position with position beads. Pay attention to your sewing technique while attaching, then repeat the process until secure.
Step 4: Create eye sockets between rows 15 and 17, positioned 4-5 stitches above the belly line.
Step 5: Insert eyes, then embroider the white parts of the eyes and eyelashes.
Step 6: Attach the front flippers. First, secure with position beads, then sew in place. Repeat the same process for the other flipper.
Step 7: Attach the tail fins. Secure with position beads first, then sew in place. Once complete, repeat for the other side.
Step 8: Finally, use yellow yarn to embroider detail lines. Once complete, your dolphin is finished!
Tips: When attaching the front flippers and tail fins, ensure both sides are evenly positioned and matched. When joining the body and belly, align them carefully along the center line to prevent crooked seams. You can sew from both sides, use stitch markers for precise positioning, and secure the middle section with glue if needed. Pay attention to needle placement throughout the sewing process to ensure clean, secure seams.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
To keep your amigurumi looking its best, keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Regular dusting with a soft brush will help maintain its fresh appearance. Avoid pulling on any embroidered details or safety eyes to ensure they stay securely in place.
Washing Methods
While spot cleaning is ideal for small marks, sometimes a full wash is needed.
For a complete clean, hand wash your dolphin in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze (don't wring!) to remove excess water, and reshape while damp. Air dry flat, away from direct heat or sunlight. Never machine wash, as this can damage the stitches and stuffing.
Storage Suggestions
Store your dolphin friend in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you're storing it long-term, place it in a breathable fabric bag rather than plastic to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep it away from areas where pets might mistake it for a toy, and avoid compressed storage that might deform its beautiful shape. For added protection, you can stuff the dolphin with tissue paper to help maintain its form during storage.
What's Next?
Did you enjoy making this adorable dolphin amigurumi? I'd love to see your creation!
Share your finished dolphin on Pinterest for other crocheters to find inspiration, post your progress shots on Instagram with #DolphinAmigurumi, show off your color choices on Facebook, or tweet your crafting journey to inspire fellow makers on Twitter!
Don't forget to tag and follow me to share your joy with our creative community.
