Looking for a fun and free fish crochet pattern that’s perfect for beginners? 🐟 You’ve found it! This easy amigurumi fish pattern works up fast, uses simple stitches, and is completely beginner-friendly. Whether you’re brand-new to crochet or you’ve been stitching for years, this little fish will be one of the quickest—and cutest—projects you ever make.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, helpful photos, and tips to make your fish plushie extra adorable. Plus, I’ll share yarn recommendations, customization ideas, and how to use your fish as a sensory toy, nursery decoration, or handmade gift. By the end of this post, you’ll have your own crocheted fish ready to swim into your collection of under-the-sea crochet patterns.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Fish Crochet Pattern
Before we dive into the instructions, here’s why this little fish has quickly become one of my favorite designs:
● Beginner-friendly – If you know basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, increase, decrease), you can make this fish without any trouble.
● Fast project – Many crocheters finish it in under one hour.
● Scrap yarn friendly – You only need a small amount of yarn, making it perfect for using leftovers from other projects.
● Adorable & giftable – Makes a sweet toy for kids, a market seller favorite, or even a cat toy (just replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes for safety).
● Customizable – Use any color combo to make tropical fish, goldfish, or whimsical rainbow fish.
This amigurumi fish crochet pattern is part of my growing collection of sea creature crochet patterns that includes whales, octopuses, jellyfish, and starfish.
Skill Level
Easy / Beginner-Friendly – If you’ve completed at least one amigurumi project or practiced working in the round, you’re good to go.
Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations
● mc – magic circle
● ch – chain
● sc – single crochet
● inc – increase
● dec – decrease
● sl st – slip stitch
● tc – triple crochet
If you’re brand-new to crochet, I recommend learning these basic stitches before starting. You can check out my Learn to Crochet Modules for videos and step-by-step tutorials.
Materials You’ll Need
For this easy fish crochet pattern, you’ll need:
● 1 skein Loops and Threads Cozy Cub Yarn (or any super bulky chenille yarn) – main color
● 16" white worsted weight yarn – for eye detail
● 6mm crochet hook – adjust size for your yarn weight
● Polyfil stuffing – for a plush, huggable finish
● Yarn needle – for sewing and weaving ends
● 16mm safety eyes – or embroidery thread for child-safe eyes
💡 Tip: Using a plush chenille yarn gives your fish a soft, squishy texture perfect for cuddling.
Step-by-Step Instructions – Free Fish Crochet Pattern
BODY
- Round 1: Make a magic circle with 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: [inc in each st] (12)
- Round 3: sc in every st around (12)
- Round 4: [inc, sc in next st] x6 (18)
- Round 5: sc in every st around (18)
- Round 6: [inc, sc in next 2 sts] x6 (24)
- Round 7: sc in every st around (24)
- Round 8: [inc, sc in next 3 sts] x6 (30)
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Rounds 9-12 (4 rounds): sc in every st around (30)
- Snap eyes between round 5 and 6.
- Stuff with polyfil as you go.
- Round 13: [dec, sc in next 3 sts] x6 (24)
- Round 14: [dec, sc in next 2 sts] x6 (18)
- Round 15: sc in every st around (18)
- Round 16: [dec, sc in next st] x6 (12)
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Round 17: sc in every st around (12)
- Now you're going to close the body and add the back fin.
- NOTE: Your hook should be centered between the eyes, but if it's not, add or subtract a stitch or two to get there.
- Ch 3, press the two sides of the body together (you're going to close the body by adding triple crochet stitches through both sides of the fish body) [tc, tc, 2 tc, tc, 2 tc, tc] (10)
- Turn your work and slip stitch into every st across.
- Cut an 6" tail and weave it into the fish
SIDE FINS
On both sides of the fish, you'll do this...
- Insert the hook between rounds 9-10 about 4 sts lower than the eye.
- Pull the yarn through, ch 3, 3 tc in next st, ch 2, sl st in same st as the 3 tc.
- Cut a 6" tail and weave it in.
- Repeat on the other side.
WHITE EYE LINER
- Cut a 16" strand of white worsted weight yarn and grab your needle.
- Insert the needle into the right side of the fish and come out at the bottom center of the right eye, pull yarn so there’s at least 4 inches hanging, then insert needle at the top center of the right eye.
- The white yarn should be hugging the right side of the right eye.
- Repeat this above the left eye.
- Then bring the end tail back to the same stitch where the beginning tail is. Tie the two together three times then tuck into the head.
Customizing Your Fish
One of the best parts about this crochet fish pattern is how easy it is to customize:
● Change colors – Make tropical fish in bright yellows, blues, and pinks.
● Add stripes – Switch colors every few rounds for a striped look, or use this method... (see video tutorial).
● Adjust size – Use thinner yarn and a smaller hook for mini fish or chunky yarn for giant plushies.
● Embellish – Add sequins or embroidery to create unique scale textures.
Uses for Your Crochet Fish
Your finished amigurumi fish isn’t just cute—it’s versatile:
● Baby nursery decor – Perfect for under-the-sea themed rooms.
● Sensory toys – Soft texture makes them great for kids who love tactile play.
● Pet toys – Use cotton yarn and embroidered eyes for a safe cat toy (and add cat nip inside!).
● Market inventory – Fast to make and always a hit at craft fairs.
Related Patterns You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this free fish crochet pattern, check out my other crochet sea creature patterns:
● Jellyfish Plushie Crochet Pattern
● No Sew Jellyfish Crochet Pattern
● Sea Turtle Crochet Pattern
Find more of my Free Crochet Patterns here.
Pin & Share This Pattern
If you loved making this fish, please pin it to your crochet board on Pinterest and share it with a friend! It’s one of the easiest crochet plushie patterns for beginners and a great way to try amigurumi crochet without committing to a big project.
Final Thoughts
This free amigurumi fish crochet pattern is the perfect project for beginners looking for a quick win or experienced crocheters who want a fast, giftable make. With endless customization options and a stress-free stitch pattern, it’s the kind of crochet project you’ll come back to again and again.
I hope you love making this easy fish amigurumi as much as I loved designing it! If you're building your collection of sea creature crochet patterns or simply want a relaxing weekend project, this cheerful fish is the perfect catch. Don’t forget to pin this post, share it with your crochet friends, and check out more beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns right here on the blog!
Happy stitching! 🐟💙
