Welcome to this delightful crocheting adventure! Today, I'm thrilled to share how to create this charming whale amigurumi, a gentle ocean friend that's sure to make a splash with its sweet expression and playful design.
With its rounded belly, graceful fins, and that adorable curved tail, this whale brings a touch of maritime magic to any space. The best part? It's thoughtfully designed to be both enjoyable to make and perfect as a heartwarming handmade gift that will be treasured for years to come.
Don't worry if you're new to amigurumi – I'll guide you through each wave of the process with clear photos and friendly instructions. Ready to bring your own oceanic companion to life? Grab your hook and yarn, and let's dive into this sea of creativity together!
Pin for Later
Love this whale pattern? Pin it to your crochet board so you can swim back to it whenever you're ready to start creating!
Details About Whale
Let's dive into the charming details of this ocean friend! Your finished crochet whale will measure approximately 9.8 inches (25 cm) wide and 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall - the perfect size for playful displays or gentle cuddles. The pattern uses continuous rounds to create those smooth, flowing shapes that capture the whale's graceful essence.
As for colors, this is where you can really let your creativity swim free! While I've used a classic pure white for the main body with gentle blue accents, you can absolutely make this pattern your own. Consider creating a dreamy look with white and silver details, go for a coastal vibe with white and seafoam green, or even explore soft pastels for the accents to create a nursery-perfect companion. Some crafters have achieved beautiful results using textured white yarn for added dimension!
Remember, just like every whale in the ocean is unique, your handmade creation should reflect your personal style. Choose accent colors that bring you joy or complement your space – there's no wrong way to design your aquatic friend! The pattern works beautifully with any color combination you can imagine.
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let me share the perfect materials to bring your whale friend to life!
For this pattern, I highly recommend using Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn - it's one of my absolute favorites for amigurumi projects! This yarn creates beautifully defined stitches and has just the right amount of softness, making it perfect for our whale's smooth curves. The yarn's natural sheen gives the whale a gorgeous, subtle glow that really brings the design to life.
For this pattern, we'll be using a 2.8mm crochet hook. This size works wonderfully with the 5 ply cotton yarn, creating tight, secure stitches that keep the stuffing neatly in place. The slightly smaller hook size also helps create firm fabric that holds its shape beautifully, which is especially important for those characteristic whale curves!
What makes milk cotton yarn particularly special for this project is its incredible softness and delightful drape. The natural fiber content makes it gentle to work with, while its smooth texture prevents splitting as you crochet. Plus, the matte finish gives your whale a professional, polished look that's sure to impress.
Remember to always check your gauge before starting - while I used a 2.8mm hook, you might need to adjust your hook size slightly depending on your personal tension. The goal is to create stitches tight enough to keep the stuffing from showing through while still being enjoyable to work with!
Materials needed for Whale
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Pink 17, Blue 41 and White 61)
- Hook – 2.8mm
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Fiber Fill
- Eyeball
- Yarn Needle
- Stitch marker
- Hot melt adhesive
- Positioning pin
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Magic ring
- ch - chain
- sl - slip stitch
- sc - single crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- sc inc - single crochet increase
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 together
- hdc inc - half double crochet increase
How to Crochet Whale – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Main Body (Make 1)
Round 1: Using the white yarn, chain 12, single crochet increase in second chain from hook, work 9 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 10 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain, work 2 single crochet increases, work 9 single crochets, work 3 single crochet increases, work 9 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain, work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 10 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain, work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 11 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain, work (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 12 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain, work (4 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (4 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 13 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain, work (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 14 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain, work (6 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (6 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 15 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain, work (7 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 9 single crochets, work (7 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, work 16 single crochets, single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 10-29: Chain, work 72 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 30: Chain, work 28 single crochets, work (2 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, work 20 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 31-32: Chain, work 66 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 33: Chain, work 28 single crochets, work (single crochet 2 together, single crochet) 6 times, work 20 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 34-35: Chain, work 60 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 36: Chain, work 28 single crochets, work 6 single crochet 2 together, work 20 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 37-38: Chain, work 54 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 39: Chain, work 28 single crochets, work 3 single crochet 2 together, work 20 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 40: Chain, work 51 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 41: Chain, work 26 single crochets, work 3 single crochet 2 together, work 19 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 42: Chain, work 48 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 43: Chain, work 25 single crochets, work 3 single crochet 2 together, work 17 single crochets, slip stitch to join. Begin stuffing with fiberfill as you continue.
Round 44: Chain, work 45 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 45: Chain, work 24 single crochets, work 3 single crochet 2 together, work 15 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 46: Chain, work 42 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 47: Chain, work 22 single crochets, work 3 single crochet 2 together, work 14 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 48: Chain, work 39 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 49: Chain, work 21 single crochets, work 3 single crochet 2 together, work 12 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 50-51: Chain, work 36 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 52: Chain, work (4 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 53-54: Chain, work 30 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 55: Chain, work 3 single crochets, work 2 single crochet increases, work 12 single crochets, work 2 single crochet 2 together, work 9 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 56: Chain, work 30 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 57: Chain, work 4 single crochets, work 2 single crochet 2 together, work 11 single crochets, work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 7 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 58: Chain, work 30 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 59: Chain, work 3 single crochets, work 2 single crochet 2 together, work 10 single crochets, work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 7 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 60: Chain, work 30 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 61: Chain, work 3 single crochets, work 2 single crochet 2 together, work 9 single crochets, work single crochet increase, work 6 single crochets, work single crochet increase, work 6 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 62: Chain, work 30 single crochets, slip stitch to join. divide the 30 stitches into two equal parts of 15 stitches each for working the tails.
How to Crochet the Tail (Make 2)
Tail 1
Round 1: Using white yarn, chain, work 15 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain, work 2 single crochets, single crochet increase, work (4 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 2 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain, work (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain, work 3 single crochets, single crochet increase, work (6 single crochets, single crochet increase) 2 times, work 3 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain, work 10 single crochets, work 3 single crochet increases, work 11 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain, work 27 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain, work 11 single crochets, work 3 half double crochet increases, work 13 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain, work 11 single crochets, work 6 half double crochets, work 13 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain, work 4 single crochets, single crochet 2 together, work (8 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 2 times, work 4 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain, work (7 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain, single crochet 2 together, work 3 single crochets, work (6 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 2 times, work 3 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain, work (5 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain, work 2 single crochets, single crochet 2 together, work (4 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 2 times, work 2 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain, work (3 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain, work (2 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join. Stuff with fiberfill, fasten off, close opening, and weave in ends.
Tail 2
Follow the same instructions as Tail 1, but work into different insertion points.
How to Crochet the Water Spout (Make 1)
Round 1: Using blue yarn, create a magic ring, chain, work 6 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain, work 6 single crochet increases, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 3-5: Chain, work 12 single crochets, slip stitch to join. Fasten off spout 1, continue with spout 2.
Round 6: Chain, work 12 single crochets (spout 1), work 12 single crochets (spout 2), slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain, work (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) 8 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain, work (2 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 4 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain, work (2 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 10-12: Chain, work 9 single crochets, slip stitch to join. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Side Fins (Make 2)
Round 1: Using white yarn, create a magic ring, chain, work 6 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain, work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain, work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain, work (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain, work (4 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain, work 18 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain, work (4 single crochets, single crochet 2 together) 3 times, slip stitch to join. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Cheeks (Make 2)
Round 1: Using pink yarn, create a magic ring, chain, work 8 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tips: Keep your tension consistent and mark the beginning of each round with a stitch marker. This helps maintain the whale's smooth shape and makes it easier to track your progress as you work.
Crochet Whale Assemble
Step 1: Attach the water spout between Rounds 16 and 20 of the head. Use whip stitch to sew through both the whale's head and water spout stitches, adjusting the position as you go. After securing, weave ends inside the head for a clean, sturdy finish.
Step 2: Sew the side fins between Rounds 28 and 37 of the body. After attaching each fin, bring the threads to the back of the head, tie several secure knots, and weave the ends into the head.
Step 3: Place and attach the safety eyes between Rounds 16 and 17 of the main body.
Step 4: Position the pink cheeks between Rounds 19 and 22, one stitch below the eyes.
Step 5: Using white thread, embroider detail lines above the eyes.
Tips: When assembling your whale, pin all pieces in place before sewing to ensure perfect positioning. Take your time with the water spout placement - it's key to creating that playful, characteristic whale expression.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Give your handmade whale friend a gentle brush with a soft-bristled brush every now and then to keep it looking fresh and fluffy. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent the yarn colors from fading and maintain its charming appearance.
Washing Methods
When your whale needs cleaning, gently hand wash it in cool water with mild soap, being careful not to scrub too vigorously. Avoid wringing or twisting - instead, press out excess water with a clean towel. Let it air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain its perfect shape.
Storage Suggestions
Store your whale in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you need to put it away for a while, place it in a breathable fabric bag rather than plastic. This helps protect it from dust while allowing the yarn to breathe, keeping your ocean friend in perfect condition for years to come.
What’s Next?
Did you enjoy making this adorable whale? Share your creation with fellow crocheters! Pin it to your favorite patterns board on Pinterest, post your progress shots on Instagram, tweet about your crafting journey on Twitter, or inspire your friends on Facebook. Don't forget to tag me - I'd love to see your ocean friend come to life! #CrochetWhale #HandmadeMagic
