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This free crochet dolphin pattern is a fun and quick project for you to work on so why don’t you check it out and make a playfull companion for your loved ones!
I don’t know about you but I find dolphins mesmorising! It has always been my dream to swim with dolphins one day but in the meantime I just have to do with my Amigurumi dolphin :-). Although, I don’t think I will be taking it in the bath tub with me, haha :-)).
Free Crochet Dolphin Pattern – Notes
Skill level: basic/intermediate crochet skills and knowledge
Finished size – length: 21cm / 8.5 inches
Finished size – height: 11.5cm / 4.5 inches
Free Crochet Dolphin Pattern – Materials and Equipment
Yarn I used:
– Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply
– 55% cotton and 45% acrylic
– 1x ball of blue yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 76 – (50g/160m)
– 1x ball of multicolour yarn – YarnArt Jeans Tropical – colour 614 – (50g/160m)
I like to purchase my YarnArt Jeans from Amazon or from Etsy. If you would like to check some great substitutes for YarnArt Jeans then have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial. You can find the substitutes towards the end of the article.
Or just simply use any 100% cotton that will work just as well. You can also use 100% acrylic if you prefer to work with this type of yarn.
Other materials used: a long piece of thin black yarn for mouth embroidery, polyester fibre fill
Crochet hook: I used 2.5mm = B/1, if using different weight of yarn then refer to hook size recommendations on the yarn but go one size smaller. I highly recommend this ergonomic crochet hook set from Amazon as it comes in a stylish case and with other accessories such as stitch markers etc.
Other equipment used: scissors, yarn needle, pins with large heads, stitch marker or thin yarn to use instead, 12mm safety eyes
Choking hazard warning: the use of safety eyes or buttons poses a choking risk for children under the age of 3 therefore I recommend using embroidery instead.
Free Crochet Dolphin Pattern – Abbreviations Used
This pattern is written using US crochet terminology
MR: magic ring
ST: stitch
SC: single crochet stitch
HDC: half double crochet stitch
DC: double crochet stitch
CH: chain stitch
SL: slip stitch
INC: increase = two single crochet stitches in the same stitch
L INC: large increase = three single crochet stitches in the same stitch
INV DEC: invisible decrease = insert the hook into the front loop of the first stitch (two loops on hook) and immediately insert it again into the front loop of the next stitch (three loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the first two loops on the hook (two loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the two loops on the hook to finish your invisible decrease.
BLO: back loops only
FO: fasten off
(…..) x 6: repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number (in this example, repeat the pattern in the brackets 6 times)
{…}: number shown inside these brackets equals the number of total stitches at the end of each round
Free Crochet Dolphin Pattern – Let’s Get Started!
You may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this free crochet dolphin pattern. And don’t forget to watch my step by step video tutorials for extra help with my patterns.
To view the free online pattern, please continue to scroll down. You can also download the ad-free and printable version of this pattern for a small fee from my Etsy store. Your generous contribution will help towards the cost of materials and running this website so I can continue to publish my free online patterns for everyone to enjoy.
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How to Crochet the Head and the Body
Starting from the front of the head to the tail.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring for Amigurumi
R2: INC in each ST around {12}
R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}
R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}
R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}
R6-R7 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {30}
R8: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}
R9: SC in each ST around {36}
R10: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}
R11-R13 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {42}
R14: SC in next 15 ST, INC in next 12 ST, SC in next 15 ST {54}
R15: SC in each ST around {54}
R16: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 4 ST {60}
R17: SC in each ST around {60}
R18: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 6 {66}
R19: SC in each ST around {66}
R20: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {72}
R21-R31 (11 rounds): SC in each ST around {72} – leave the stitch marker in at the start of R21 as you will need to refer to it when placing the eyes
R32: (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {66} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease for Amigurumi
R33: SC in each ST around {66}
R34: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 8 ST {61}
R35-R36 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {61}
R37: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 7 ST {56}
R38-R39 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {56}
You can now place the eyes:
– stuff the head and the body well first
– place the eyes between rounds R21 and R22
– first eye – place the eye between ST22 and ST23 from the start of R21
– second eye – place the eye between ST52 and ST53 from the start of R21
– it helps to use pins with large heads to first mark the spots where the eyes will be placed – you can make a decision whether you are happy with the placement and if it looks symmetrical before you insert the safety eyes; the safety eyes usually make a large hole in between the stitches so it is not recommended to change the placement of the eyes once they are in (Pic H1)
– you can now insert the safety eyes but do not put the safety backs on yet (Pic H2)
Sculpting the eyes (indented eye look):
– watch this step by step video tutorial on How to indent eyes in Amigurumi (eye sculpting)
– take a long piece of yarn and thread your needle
– remove the left eye; place the needle in a stitch next to the left eye hole (Pic H3)
– remove the right eye; come across the side with the needle and place it into a stitch next to the right eye hole; pull all the way through till the yarn tail is not showing (Pic H4)
– place your needle in a second stitch next to the right eye and come across the side with the needle again (Pic H5)
– repeat the process back and forth between the two eye holes while pulling on the yarn tightly each time you come across the side (Pic H6)
– you will need to repeat this about three times until you achieve the indented eye look you want and then you can weave the yarn in (Pic H7)
– place the eyes back in the holes; remove some or most of the stuffing and place the safety backs on making sure they snap in place tightly (Pic H8)
– you can now re-stuff the head and continue crocheting R40
– stuff gradually as you go along
R40: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 6 ST {51}
R41: SC in each ST around {51}
R42: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 5 ST {46}
R43: SC in each ST around {46}
R44: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 4 ST {41}
R45: SC in each ST around {41}
R46: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 3 ST {36}
R47: SC in each ST around {36}
R48: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next 2 ST {31}
R49: SC in each ST around {31}
R50: SC in next 12 ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 4, SC in next ST {26}
R51-R53 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {26}
R54: (SC in next 11 ST, INV DEC) x 2 {24}
R55: SC in each ST around {24}
R56: (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 2 {22}
Stop stuffing the body
R57: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 2 {20}
R58: SC in each ST around {20}
Do not fasten off and continue to crochet the tail as per the pattern in the next section.
How to Crochet the Tail
Continue to crochet from R58 of the body, crochet as two separate tail fins.
– Split R58 of the body into two parts
– Each part will have 10 stitches and will form one tail fin
– Do not cut off the yarn and continue to crochet in spiral
– Do not stuff the tail fins
First tail fin:
R59: SC in next 10 ST {10} – Pic T1 & T2
R60: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2 {12}
R61: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 4 {16}
R62: SC in each ST around {16}
R63: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 4 {20}
R64: SC in each ST around {20}
R65: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 4 {24}
R66-R67 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {24}
R68: (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 4 {20}
R69: SC in each ST around {20}
R70: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 4 {16}
R71: (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 4 {12}
R72: SC in each ST around {12}
R73: (SC in next 1 ST, INV DEC) x 4 {8}, close the hole with a needle and weave the yarn end in.
Second tail fin:
- Go back to R58 and attach new yarn to the first stitch of the second part of R58
- Continue to crochet R59 (Pic T3) to R73 as per the pattern for the first tail fin
How to Crochet the Back Fin
Starting from the top of the fin towards the body.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}
R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}
R3: SC in each ST around {9}
R4: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3 {12}
R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3 {15}
R6: SC in next 7 ST, INC, SC in next 7 ST {16}
R7: INV DEC, SC in next 6 ST, INC, SC in next 7 ST {16}
R8: SC in next 7 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 7 ST {18}
R9: SC in next 8 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 8 ST {20}
R10: SC in next 9 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 9 ST {22}
R11: SC in next 10 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 10 ST {24}
R12: SC in next 11 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 11 ST {26}
R13: SC in next 13 ST, do not finish this round {13}
FO and leave a long tail for sewing; do not stuff.
How to Crochet the Side Fins
Starting from the point of the fin to the side of the body.
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}
R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}
R3: SC in each ST around {9}
R4: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3 {12}
R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3 {15}
R6: SC in next 7 ST, INC, SC in next 7 ST {16}
R7: INV DEC, SC in next 6 ST, INC, SC in next 7 ST {16}
R8: SC in next 7 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 7 ST {18}
R9: SC in each ST around {18}
R10: INV DEC, SC in next 6 ST, INC in next 2 ST, SC in next 8 ST {19}
R11: SC in each ST around {19}
R12: INV DEC, SC in next 17 ST {18}
R13: INV DEC, SC in next 16 ST {17}
R14: INV DEC, SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC, SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC {14}
R15: INV DEC, SC in next 12 ST {13}
FO and leave a long tail for sewing; do not stuff.
How to Assemble Your Crochet Dolphin Softie
Back fin: First pin the fin to the body making sure it is placed in the centre of the body from the front, back and top. Then sew it to the body. I placed the fin between R28 & R42.
Side fins: First pin the fins to the side of the body making sure they look symmetrical. Then sew them to the body, I placed the fins between R24 & R30.
Mouth embroidery: Embroider the mouth using a thin black yarn as shown in the photos below. I embroidered the corners of the mouth between R12 and R13.
You have now finished your crochet animal. I hope you found my free dolphin pattern easy to follow and enjoyed making it. And if you enjoyed the easy assembly then you will love these patterns:
No-sew Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
Low-Sew Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
Did You Enjoy Making this Amigurumi Dolphin?
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Explore More of My Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns
If you like this free crochet dolphin pattern, you may also love these patterns. Why don’t you give them a try?!
Free crochet turtle pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Free crochet dinosaur pattern
Free crochet jellyfish pattern
Or explore more of my crochet sea animals patterns. These charming sea creatures will make a perfect gift for your family and friends!
Happy crocheting!
Hi Petra;
I hope you are doing well. Love all your patterns. Have made a few of them and they turned out great. Super easy to follow. I usually work with a 4mm hook so obviously they turn out bigger which is great for the kids. Just finished this dolphin. Used white for the body and all the fins are glacier blue. Had to adjust the last row before starting tail. If not it would have been on an angle. Anyways…. Love all your patterns, hope you keep them coming. Have a blessed day.
Hi Debbie, thank you so much for your lovely comment! I am so happy you like my patterns and your kids enjoy them. :-)I have seen a photo of your dolphin in our Community and I think it looks fantastic! 🙂 And yes, if using a different weight of yarn and a bigger hook the tail may need some adjusting to be straight. 🙂
I will have a few new patterns coming your way this autumn and winter so stay tuned! 🙂
Love, Petra x
Just made this dolphin for charity. Love the pattern, but, I do think you should note when doing the tail fins to check that they are going in the right direction, mine ended up vertical instead of horizontal.
Hi Judi, thank you for your comment and I am really pleased you liked the dolphin pattern. 🙂 When you follow the pattern then the tail ends up being horizontal as I made sure to design it that way. 🙂
Love, Petra x
I am actually a collector of dolphins. Thanks so much for your pattern. I will make these.
Hi Amelia, you are more then welcome and I hope my dolphin will make a nice addition to your collection! 🙂
Love, Petra x
Thank you so much for sharing your pattern for free today.
Hi Daniela, you are more than welcome! 🙂 I hope you enjoy making the dolphin! 🙂
Love, Petra x
if these patterns are free why can’t I print them out?
Hi Marilyn, thank you for your comment. My patterns are available for free only on my website. If you would like to have a printable PDF version you can purchase it for a small fee from my Etsy store. The small fee covers the cost of materials and some of my time so I can continue to publish my patterns for free on my website for all of you to enjoy.
Thank you for being understanding.
Love, Petra 🙂
Hoi petra
Wat een geweldig patroon is dit voor een beginnende Haakster. Het patroon is heel makkelijk te volgen bedankt daar voor
Thank you for your lovely feedback Cora, I am very happy to hear you liked the pattern! 🙂
Love, Petra 🙂
Hermoso amigurumi … Muchas gracias por compartir con tanta generosidad el patrón.
Bendiciones
Saludos cordiales 💐
Hi Patricia,
Many thanks for your lovely comment! I hope you enjoy making my toys. 🙂
Love, Petra
So cute!
Thank you so much Alexandra! 🙂
Looking forward to making this dolphin for my first great grandchild arriving here n April. Thank you fr such a lovely pattern. Do you have a Husky one. Thanks again and I’ll be looking forward to making some more of these . Keep safe Marion
Hi Marion, thank you so so much for your lovely comment! 🙂 Unfortunately I don’t have a husky dog at the moment. I will add it to my ‘to-do’ list but not sure when it will be available. Hopefully you enjoy the dolphin pattern and I hope your great grandchild loves it! 🙂
Take care and keep safe too! 🙂
Kind regards,
Petra