Designer: Nadezhda Sokolova
Instagram: @sokolovanadine
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
A playful ocean creature to brighten your crochet time
Soft ocean-inspired projects always bring a relaxing touch to crochet, and this free amigurumi puffer fish pattern designed by Nadezhda Sokolova (@sokolovanadine) is a wonderful example. With its round body and signature spiky look, this charming fugu fish creates a fun sea-themed toy that works beautifully for DIY crochet gift ideas, nursery decor, or whimsical ocean collections. Its clean shaping and compact design also fit nicely into easy crochet projects and character-style amigurumi. We sincerely thank the designer for sharing this creative fish, and you will also find additional ocean-themed amigurumi ideas gathered at the end of the pattern.
Want to see how this adorable puffer fish is crocheted? Scroll down to reach the original pattern source and start creating your own.
The pattern works well for crocheters with some experience, making it an enjoyable intermediate amigurumi project. The shaping of the body and spikes gives the toy a lively personality without overly complex construction. If you enjoy sea animal designs, you might also love the mini octopus shared on our other blog, which pairs beautifully with ocean-themed crochet collections.
This design can be made using cotton or cotton-blend yarn with a suitable crochet hook, helping the stitches stay crisp and well defined. Safety eyes sized 7–12 mm, fiberfill stuffing, a sewing needle for assembly, and basic tools complete the project. Cotton yarn keeps the shape neat, while plush yarn can create a slightly larger and softer toy. For another charming sea-inspired design, you may also enjoy the tiny jellyfish featured on our blog.
Materials and Tools
• Cotton or cotton-blend yarn
• Crochet hook suitable for the yarn
• Safety eyes 7–12 mm
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Sewing needle for assembling parts
• Scissors
• Everything necessary can be purchased here
Abbreviations
MR – magic ring
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
inc – increase
dec – decrease
(…) x n – repeat n times
FREE FUGU (Puffer) FISH AMIGURUMI PATTERN
Body
Start with 6 sc in MR.
R1: inc x 6 = 12
R2: (sc, inc) x 6 = 18, at the same time every 4 stitches make a spike: ch 4, starting from the 2nd ch from hook crochet 3 sc
R3: (2 sc, inc) x 6 = 24 (crochet only into the stitches of the round, without working into the spikes)
R4: (3 sc, inc) x 6 = 30
R5: (4 sc, inc) x 6 = 36
Second Row of Spikes
R6: (5 sc, inc) x 6 = 42, at the same time make spikes from ch 4 every 4 stitches
R7: (6 sc, inc) x 6 = 48
R8: (7 sc, inc) x 6 = 54
R9: 54 sc
Third Row of Spikes
R10: 54 sc; every 4 stitches make a spike, 5 spikes in total, then skip 18 stitches (this is where the eyes will be placed) and make another 5 spikes every 4 stitches
R11: 54 sc
R12: Make the opening for the mouth. Determine the center between the spikes from R10 and adjust if necessary: 24 sc, ch 8 (skip 6 stitches of the previous round), 24 sc = 56
R13: 56 sc
Fourth Row of Spikes
Fourth row of spikes and color change. Do not cut the previous color yarn; crochet it into the fabric and use it to make the spikes. Position the spikes in a staggered pattern compared to the previous spike row. Spikes around the mouth area can be crocheted with the new color.
R14: (3 sc with the new color, spike from ch 4 using pink yarn) x 14 = 56
Cut the first color yarn and secure.
R15: 24 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 24 sc = 54
R16–R17: 54 sc
Fifth Row of Spikes
R18: 54 sc, making a spike every 4 stitches
R19–R20: 54 sc
R21: (7 sc, dec) x 6 = 48
Sixth Row of Spikes
R22: (6 sc, dec) x 6 = 42, making a spike every 4 stitches
R23: (5 sc, dec) x 6 = 36
R24: (4 sc, dec) x 6 = 30
R25: (3 sc, dec) x 6 = 24
R26: (2 sc, dec) x 6 = 18
R27: (sc, dec) x 6 = 12
R28: dec x 6
Cut the yarn and secure.
Crochet around the mouth opening with the first color for two rounds, 16 stitches each round.
Tail
Crochet in turning rows through the back loops only. Use the same colors as for the body.
Ch 12 and turn.
Row 1: starting from the 2nd ch from hook
Row 2: 5 sl st, 6 sc, ch 1
Row 3: 6 sc, 5 sl st, ch 1
Rows 4–7: repeat Rows 2–3 two more times
Rows 8–9: 11 sl st, ch 1 (2 rows)
Change color.
Row 10: 5 sl st, ch 7
Row 11: 11 sl st, ch 1
Rows 12–17: repeat Rows 2–3 three more times
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Fins (make 2)
Crochet in turning rows through the back loops only. Use the same colors as for the body.
Ch 8 and turn.
Row 1: 7 sl st
Row 2: 3 sl st, 4 sc, ch 1
Row 3: 4 sc, 3 sl st, ch 1
Rows 4–5: repeat Rows 2–3
Change color.
Rows 6–9: repeat Rows 2–3 two more times
Rows 10–11: 11 sl st, ch 1 (2 rows)
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Eyes (make 2)
Use white yarn.
5 sc in MR
R1: inc x 5 = 10
R2: 10 sc
R3: 5 sc, sl st
Leave a long tail for sewing, cut yarn and secure.
Embroider the pupil or insert safety eyes 7–12 mm.
Mouth (inner part)
Use any color; the sample uses burgundy.
5 sc in MR
R1: inc x 5 = 10
R2: (sc, inc) x 5 = 15
R3–R13: 15 sc (you can crochet more rounds if you want the fish to hold a small surprise inside).
Sew the eyes, fins, and tail, and stuff the toy. Using the mouth color yarn, crochet the inner and outer mouth parts together with single crochet stitches.
Copyright & Credits
This pattern is designed by Nadezhda Sokolova. You may sell finished toys made from this pattern; however, the pattern itself may not be published, redistributed, copied, translated, or shared in any form without the designer’s prior permission. When sharing photos of your finished work, please credit the designer by tagging @sokolovanadine.
Crochet sea creatures always bring a special charm to amigurumi projects. These playful puffer fish designs highlight textured stitches, round shapes, and fun ocean-inspired details that make them a delightful addition to any handmade collection.
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