Crochet Shark - Tash

This crochet shark - Tash is an adorable, handmade project that's perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.

With simple stitches, you'll create a soft, cuddly shark that's great as a gift, a nursery decoration, or a playful desk companion.

This crochet amigurumi shark is a great way to bring a handmade, soft companion into your home or gift it to someone special.

Whether you're new to crochet or looking for a quick, enjoyable project, Tash is approachable, beginner-friendly, and full of charm.

By learning how to crochet this amigurumi shark, you'll practice essential techniques like shaping, stitching, and assembling small parts, all while creating a compact, huggable toy that's perfect for display or play.

Tash allows you to experiment with yarn colors and textures, adding personality to each stitch.

You can make this shark in worsted weight yarn, plush chenille yarn, or even in milk cotton! Just remember to use the appropriate hook size for the yarn you are using.

In just a few focused hours, you'll end up with a finished shark that's cute, soft, and ready to give as a thoughtful gift, decorate a nursery, or even start a collection of ocean-themed handmade creatures.

This project combines creativity, skill-building, and practicality, making it a must-try for anyone interested in amigurumi (or if you're a shark lover like I am).

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Produces an adorable, soft amigurumi shark perfect for gifting or display.
• Teaches fundamental amigurumi crochet techniques in a fun, practical way.
• Compact size makes it manageable for beginners.
• Make this crochet shark your own by choosing your own colors, yarn type, and even how you decorate it.
• Suitable for birthdays, baby showers, or ocean-themed gifts.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• #4 medium acrylic yarn (also known as worsted, Afgan, Aran, or 10 ply) with 11 WPI*
  • You will need three colors - one for the main body (e.g. gray, red), and one for the belly (e.g. white), one for the gills (e.g. black).
  • For the main body you will need about 0.60 ounces (17 grams) [28 yards / 26 meters] of yarn.
  • For the belly you will need about 0.60 ounces (17 grams) [28 yards / 26 meters] of yarn.

Hook

• 4 mm (G / 6) hook
  

Other

• Stuffing (fiberfill)
• Yarn needle for sewing pieces together
• Stitch markers
• Safety eyes or buttons for eyes

*Wraps per inch (WPI) - this is a measure of yarn thickness. To measure WPI, count how many times the yarn wraps around a ruler in one inch. There are more wraps for thinner yarn and fewer wraps for thicker yarn.

Skill Level

★★☆☆☆ - Beginner to intermediate (basic crochet experience recommended)

Time estimate: This is a great day or weekend crochet project.

Yarn and Hook Information

For this crochet amigurumi shark, you can use any yarn type you'd like. I recommend making this crochet shark in worsted weight acrylic yarn, but milk cotton or chenille yarn works just as well.

Just remember, if you are using a different yarn type or size, make sure you use the appropriate hook size for your yarn.

Stitches and Abbreviations - US Terms

• Ch - Chain
• St/s - Stitch/es
• Sc - Single Crochet
• Sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 Together (see special stitches below)
• Hdc - Half Double Crochet
• Col - Color
• FO - Fasten Off
• [ ] at the end of each row indicates how many stitches are needed in that row.

Special Stitches

Sc2tog (Single Crochet 2 Together)

Sc2tog (Single Crochet Two Together) is a decrease stitch used in crochet to reduce the number of stitches.

How to Do sc2tog:

1. Insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
3. Insert hook into the next stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook).
5. Yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops. Completed sc2tog.

Gauge

Gauge is not too important for this amigurumi shark pattern.

Finished Size

The finished amigurumi shark size is about 6 inches (15 cm) long x 2.30 inches (6 cm) wide (excluding side fins).

Instructions

This crochet shark pattern is made using continuous rounds. I recommend using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to track your progress.

• Col A - Shark main color, e.g. red, blue, gray.
• Col B - Shark belly color, e.g. white

Round 1: Col A, 6 sc into magic ring. [6 sc].

Round 2: *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 3 times. [9 sc].

Round 3: *1 sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 3 times. [12 sc].

Round 4: Color changes from now on carry the colors through, do not cut the yarn:Col B, 1 sc in each of next 3 sts, col A 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 3 sts, 1 sc in next st, col B, 1 sc in same st. [15 sc].

Round 5: Col B, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, col A, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, col B, 2 sc in next st. [18 sc].

Round 6: Col B, 1 sc in each of next 5 sts, Col A, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, Col B, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st. [21 sc].

Round 7: Col B, 1 sc in each of next 6 sts, col A, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, col B, 1 sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. [24 sc].

Round 8: Col B, 1 sc in each of next 7 sts, col A, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, Col B, 1 sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st. [27 sc].

Tail Fins

Make 2

Round 1: Col A, make a magic ring, then make 4 sc into ring. Pull tail tight to close ring.

Round 2: *1 sc in 1^st st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 2 times [6 sc].

Round 3: *1 sc in 1^st st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 3 times [9 sc].

Round 4: *1 sc in 1^st st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 2 times, 1 sc in each of next 5 sts. [11 sc].

Round 5: 1 sc in each of next 11 sts. [11 sc].

Round 6: 1 sc in each of net 6 sts, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next 3 sts. [10 sc].

Round 7: 1 sc in each of next 5 sts. FO. [5 sc, round is left incomplete}.

Completed tail fin. Follow instructions for the tail fin again so that you have made 2 tail fins in total. Do not stuff.

Upper Fin

Round 1: Col A, make a magic ring, then make 4 sc into ring. Pull tail tight to close ring. [4 sc].

Round 2: *1 sc in 1^st st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 2 times [6 sc].

Round 3: *1 sc in 1^st st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 3 times [9 sc].

Round 4: *1 sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * 3 times [12 sc].

Round 5: 1 sc in each st around. [12 sc].

Round 6: 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, 1 hdc in each of next 4 sts, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts. [12 sts].

FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Putting Your Shark Together

1. First, sew both side fins on opposite sides of the shark's body on rounds 16-19 (around where the color changes on the shark's body).
2. Sew the upper fin onto the body on rounds 16-21.
3. Sew tail fins on vertically (on the top and bottom) at the back of the shark's body.
4. Glue the shark's eyes between the 10^th and 11^th rounds on the sides of the face. Make sure you position them so they are symmetrical to the fins and underside (Col B) of the body.
5. Embroider a mouth on the 10^th round.
6. Embroider stripes on each side of the shark's face at the front.
7. Optional: Using Col B, embroider eyelids to define the shark's eyes.

Crochet Tips, Yarn Choices, and Color Inspiration

• Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds and maintain shape. This is especially helpful as this crochet shark is made using continuous rounds.
• Stuff firmly but not too tight for a cuddly texture.
• Keep yarn tension consistent for smooth, even stitches.
• Secure fins and tail well to maintain structure.
• Lay out eyes, fins, and tail before sewing to adjust placement.
• Classic grey and white for a realistic shark look, or bright colors for a fun, cute style

Perfect Occasions to Use This Craft

• Makes a fun, handmade birthday gift for kids or shark enthusiasts.
• Perfect as a baby shower gift or nursery decoration.
• Great addition to ocean-themed parties or décor.
• Ideal as a unique Christmas or holiday gift.
• A one-of-a-kind item for craft swaps or handmade gift exchanges.

How To Use This Craft

• Display on shelves, desks, or nursery furniture.
• Gift to children or adults who love soft, handmade toys.
• Build a small collection of ocean-themed amigurumi creatures.
• Use as a soft stress-relief plush.
• Create personalized gifts that stand out as unique and handmade.

FAQ

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