Crochet No-Sew Otter
Looking to get crafty without needing a needle and thread? Look no further than the adorable Crochet No-Sew Otter project! This charming DIY project allows you to create a cute otter plushie using just yarn and a crochet hook, making it a perfect choice for beginners or anyone looking for a fun and easy project. With simple crochet stitches and step-by-step instructions, you'll have your own lovable otter friend in no time. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this no-sew crochet otter is sure to bring joy and smiles wherever it goes. So grab your yarn, get comfy, and let's crochet up some otter cuteness together!
Materials
- Super bulky yarn in beige and dark brown (I used Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky in Toffee and Chocolate)
- DK weight yarn in light blue for the optional fish (I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Duck Egg Blue)
- 4.5mm crochet hook
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- 6mm safety eyes
- 4 ply yarn in black or black embroidery floss
- Polyester fiberfill
- Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
- Optional: fabric glue
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- invdec – invisible decrease
- FLO – front loop only
- bo – bobble stitch
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – indicates stitch count at end of round
Special Stitches
Bobble Stitch (bo)
- Yarn over.
- Insert your hook into the indicated stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook).
- Repeat steps 1-4 three more times in the same stitch (5 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull though all 5 loops on hook.
- Push bobble to the right side of fabric.
How to Crochet Bobbles in a Contrasting Colour
- Draw through the new colour on the last yarn over of the previous stitch.
- Follow bobble stitch steps 1-5.
- Drop the bobble colour and yarn over with the main colour, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
- Push bobble to the right side of fabric.
Finished Size
The finished otter measures approximately 3.75″ (9.5cm) long. Size may vary depending on tension and materials used.
Gauge
Gauge is not important in this pattern. Use a hook size to match your chosen yarn. Make sure that your stitches are tight enough to prevent stuffing showing through and adjust hook size if necessary.
Notes
- Pieces are worked in a continuous spiral. Mark the first stitch of each round with a removable stitch marker.
- All bobble stitches are worked in the front loop only.
Pattern Instructions
Otter (4.5mm hook, starting with beige super bulky yarn)
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6)
R2: [Inc] x6 (12)
The bobble stitches in the next round are worked in dark brown as indicated in bold. All colour changes take place in the last yarn over of the previous colour. Cut the brown yarn after each bobble and knot the ends together inside the piece to secure.
R3: Sc, inc, FLO bo, inc, [sc, inc] x2, FLO bo, inc, sc, inc (18)
R4-5: [Sc] x18 (18) 2 rounds
R6: 7 sc, 3 dc, 8 sc (18)
R7: [Sc, invdec] x6 (12) – change colour to dark brown in last st
R8: [FLO sc] x12 (12)
Insert safety eyes between R5 and R6 on each side of the 3 dc sts from R6, 4 sts apart.
Stuff the head and continue to stuff as you go.
Using 4 ply black yarn or black embroidery floss, sew a nose between R5 and R6, centred between the eyes (approximately 1 st long). Sew over it 5-6 times or until you have your desired look. Make a short vertical st down from the centre of the nose.
Tip: Add a bit of extra stuffing behind the dc sts from R6 but be careful not to create gaps between the sts.
R9: 3 sc, FLO bo, 3 sc, FLO bo, 4 sc (12)
R10: [Sc] x12 (12)
R11: 3 sc, FLO bo, 3 sc, FLO bo, 4 sc (12)
Stuff the body. Do not stuff past R12.
R12: [Invdec] x6 (6)
R13-14: [Sc] x6 (6) 2 rounds
R15: [Sc, invdec] x2 (4)
Cut the yarn leaving a tail and pull through last st. Weave the yarn tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull to close. Hide the end inside the otter.
Optional: Fish (2.5mm hook, light blue DK weight yarn)
Ch 5, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next 2 chs, 5 hdc in last ch. Working down other side of ch – hdc in next 2 chs, sc in last ch, sl st to turning ch.
[Ch 3, sc in second ch from hook and next ch, sl st back into turning ch] x2
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Glue or sew the fish at an angle between the otter’s paws.