If you’ve ever finished an amigurumi and then stared at a pile of loose limbs dreading the sewing, this little whale is for you. Its tail and fins are crocheted directly into the body as you go, so there’s nothing to attach at the end. You just stuff, close, and you’re done.
The whale is small, about 2.5″ x 2″ (6.5 cm x 5 cm), which makes it a perfect scrap-yarn project. It works up in an evening and looks sweet on a shelf, as a keychain charm, or tucked into a gift bag. I made mine in a soft lilac with a white belly, but it would look just as cute in ocean blue, mint, or classic grey.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- No sewing. The tail and fins are worked as part of the body.
- Quick and small. It’s a great way to use up leftover DK yarn.
- Easy colour change. The switch to white is hidden by the tail, so it looks neat.
- Beginner-friendly. If you know basic stitches and the magic ring, you can make it.
Materials
- DK weight yarn in a main colour and white (I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Pale Lilac and Paper White)
- 2.5 mm crochet hook
- 6 mm 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
- (…) – stitch count at end of round
Finished Size
The finished whale measures approximately 2.5″ x 2″ (6.5 cm x 5 cm). Your size may vary depending on your tension and materials.
Gauge
Gauge isn’t important here. Choose a hook size that suits your yarn, and make sure your stitches are tight enough that the stuffing doesn’t show through. If it does, go down a hook size.
Before You Start
- The whale is worked in a continuous spiral, starting with a magic ring, using the traditional yarn-over method unless stated otherwise.
- Mark the first stitch of each round with a removable stitch marker.
- Tip: crochet tightly with a small hook. Tight stitches give amigurumi a neat finish and keep the filling hidden.
Whale Pattern
Start with your 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
Tail and Fins (Round 12)
This is the one round that looks different from the rest, so take it slowly and work one section at a time.
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)
Switching to White
Change to white in the first sc of R13. The colour change will be hidden by the tail. This round is worked in the back loops only, and you’ll 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)
Adding the Eyes
Insert the 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 now, and keep adding fiberfill as you go.
R16: [Sc, invdec] x6 (12)
R17: [Invdec] x6 (6)
Finishing
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last stitch. Weave the tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull gently to close the hole. Hide the end inside the whale.
Tips for Success
- Count your stitches at the end of each round, especially around the tail and fins.
- Place the eyes before closing up. Pin them in first and check the spacing, then secure the backs.
- Stuff firmly but not overfull. A well-stuffed whale keeps its round shape.
- Try different colours. Sky blue with a white belly, pastel pink, or grey all look lovely.
Ideas for Using Your Whale
- Add a small loop of yarn or a jump ring for a keychain or bag charm
- Make a whole pod in different colours for a nursery mobile
- Give it as a small gift with a handmade card
- Use a thinner yarn and a smaller hook for a tiny ornament
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this whale really no-sew?
Yes. The tail and fins are crocheted as part of round 12, so the only finishing is closing the final round and hiding the yarn end.
What yarn should I use?
DK weight cotton gives a neat, firm result, but any DK yarn works. Just pick a hook size that keeps your stitches tight.
Can I make it bigger?
Yes. A thicker yarn and a bigger hook will make a larger whale. Switch to a bigger safety eye size to match.
What if my colour change looks messy?
Change colours in the first sc of R13, as written. The tail covers the join.
I’d love to see your whales! Pin this pattern to save it for later, and share your finished version with me.