Free Baby & Kids Free Crochet All Baby & Kids
The crochet shark pattern is a beginner-friendly amigurumi project that makes the cutest little sea creature — meet Sharky the Shark! Worked from the top of the head down in continuous spiral rounds, this crochet shark pattern uses simple single crochet increases and decreases plus a few add-on fins for that classic shark silhouette. Make him in classic grey or go bold with bright blue — the result is equally adorable.
I know, “Sharky the Shark” — original name. Look, I’m creative in most areas! Naming things just isn’t one of them. As a kid I named my pet budgie Budgie. Seriously. So feel free to make this crochet shark pattern and rename him whatever you want — Bruce, Jaws, Fluffy, anything goes.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Shark Pattern
This amigurumi shark is a kid-pleaser and beginner-friendly all in one:
✔ Beginner-friendly amigurumi — only sc, sc2tog, and basic increases
✔ Quick weekend make in worsted weight yarn
✔ Cute oval body shape with classic shark silhouette
✔ The crochet shark pattern works in any color combo — grey, blue, even pink
✔ Perfect handmade gift for kids, baby showers, or ocean lovers
✔ All fins crocheted separately and attached at the end
✔ Stuffed lightly for huggable softness
✔ Adorable two-tone belly/back design
Pattern Details
The crochet shark pattern is worked from the top of the head down, in continuous spiral rounds, finishing at the tail tip. The body is completed first, then 5 fins are crocheted separately and sewn on (3 small triangle fins + 2 tail fins).
Skill Level
Beginner-intermediate. Requires sc, sc2tog (decrease), 2sc (increase), ch, ss, and basic amigurumi-in-the-round technique.
Pattern Construction
Worked from the top of Sharky down in spiral rounds. Body first, fins attached at the end.
Finished Size
Approximately 8 inches long x 4 inches wide.
Materials You’ll Need
- Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors. I love Red Heart Super Saver (vibrant colors, durable, machine washable):
- Main color — Grey or Blue for the back
- White — for the belly
- Sky Blue — accent (optional)
- 5.0mm (US H/8) crochet hook from this complete hook set
- Poly-Fil stuffing for the body
- Embroidery / yarn needle for finishing
- Plastic safety eyes (or embroider eyes with black yarn)
- Scissors
Shop the materials
Any worsted weight yarn works for the crochet shark pattern — the original used Red Heart Baby Hugs (now discontinued). Red Heart Super Saver is the perfect substitute: machine washable, kid-safe, and comes in tons of grey/blue/white shades.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- beg — beginning
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- sc2tog — single crochet 2 together (decrease): insert hook as indicated, yoh and draw loop through, twice, yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook
- 2sc — 2 single crochet in same stitch (increase)
- ss — slip stitch
- rep — repeat
- rnd(s) — round(s)
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- yoh — yarn over hook
The Crochet Shark Pattern
Body
With Grey (or Blue), ch 12.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 10 ch, 4sc in last st, 10 sc across the back of the foundation ch, 4 sc in last st. (28 sts)
Rnd 2: Sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next 2 st, sc in next 12 st, 2 sc in next 2 st. (31 sts)
Rnd 3: Sc in next 13 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, 14 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc. (35)
Rnd 4: Sc in next 15 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, 16 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc. (39)
Rnd 5: Sc in next 17 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, 18 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc. (43)
Rnd 6: Sc in next 19 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, 19 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc. (48)
Rnd 7: Sc in next 20 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, 22 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc. (54)
Rnd 8: Sc in next 23 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, 25 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc. (60)
Rnds 9-10: Sc around. (60)
Rnd 11: Sc 27, sc2tog twice, sc in next 29, sc2tog twice. (56)
Rnd 12: Sc 25, sc2tog twice, sc in next 27, sc2tog twice. (54)
Rnd 13: Sc 23, sc2tog twice, sc in next 25, sc2tog twice. (50)
Rnd 14: Sc 21, sc2tog twice, sc in next 23, sc2tog twice. (48)
Switch to white.
Rnd 15: Sc 19, sc2tog, sc in next 21, sc2tog. (46)
Rnd 16: Sc 18, sc2tog, sc in next 20, sc2tog. (44)
Rnd 17: Sc 17, sc2tog, sc in next 19, sc2tog. (42)
Attach the eyes about 5 stitches from the center, between rows 11 & 12. Begin to stuff the body firmly with poly-fil before continuing.
Rnd 18: Sc 16, sc2tog, sc in next 18, sc2tog. (40)
Rnd 19: Sc 15, sc2tog, sc in next 17, sc2tog. (38)
Rnd 20: Sc 14, sc2tog, sc in next 16, sc2tog. (36)
Rnd 21: Sc 13, sc2tog, sc in next 15, sc2tog. (34)
Stuff the body with filling one more time before closing it up.
Rnds 22-25: Sc2tog all the way around until only 3 sc remain. Bind off and tuck in end.
Top & Side Fins — Make 3
With Grey (or Blue), ch 3, join with ss to first sc to make a round.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (6)
Rnd 2: *2 sc in next st, sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (9)
Rnd 3: Sc around.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next st, 2 sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (12)
Rnd 5: Sc around.
Rnd 6: *2 sc in next st, 3 sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (15)
Rnd 7: Sc around.
Rnd 8: Sc around, bind off, leaving a long tail to attach to the body.
Back Fins — 2 Pieces
Piece 1 (smaller back fin):
With Grey (or Blue), ch 3, join with ss to first sc to make a round.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (6)
Rnd 2: *2 sc in next st, sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (9)
Rnd 3: Sc around.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next st, 2 sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (12)
Rnds 5-6: Sc around.
Bind off, leaving a long tail to attach to the body.
Piece 2 (longer back fin):
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (6)
Rnd 2: *2 sc in next st, sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (9)
Rnd 3: Sc around.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next st, 2 sc* around, join with ss to first sc, ch 1. (12)
Rnds 5-12: Sc around.
Bind off, leaving a long tail to attach to the body.
Assembly
Time to put your crochet shark pattern pieces together:
- Top fin: Attach in the center of the top of the body, over the foundation row. Weave in ends.
- Side fins (2): Attach between rows 11 & 12 (so 2 rows of grey/blue are below the fin), centered front-to-back and in line with the top fin. Weave in ends.
- Back fins (2): Attach both back fins to the tail end — the longer one on top and the shorter one on the bottom. They should line up with the top fin. The bottom (smaller) piece should start where the white belly begins, with the longer fin above it.
Weave in any remaining ends. Enjoy your finished crochet shark!
Tips for the Perfect Crochet Shark Pattern
- Use a stitch marker: spiral rounds are easy to lose track of. Place a marker in the first stitch of each round and move it as you go.
- Tight tension: work tightly so the stuffing doesn’t show through. A smaller hook helps (try a 4.5mm if your tension is loose).
- Stuff in stages: firm at the head, gradually less as you approach the tail. This keeps the shape natural.
- Safety eyes for kid-safe sharks: embroider eyes with black yarn or felt for kids under 3.
- Color combos: classic grey + white belly, ocean blue + white, even pink + cream for a “girl shark.” Add an accent color for spots or stripes.
- Fin attachment: pin the fins in place first with safety pins or stitch markers to test placement before sewing.
- Embroider details: add a friendly smile with black yarn — sharks shouldn’t always look scary!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this crochet shark pattern take to make? Plan for 4-7 hours total. The body works up in a couple of hours; the fins are quick.
Is this beginner-friendly? Yes — if you know sc, sc2tog, and basic increases, you can make this. The trickiest part is keeping track of round count in spiral.
What yarn weight should I use? Worsted weight (#4) gives the photographed result. DK or bulky work too — just use a coordinating hook size and stuff firmly.
Are safety eyes safe for babies? For kids under 3, embroider eyes with black yarn or felt instead — safety eyes can pop out and become a choking hazard.
Why are there two Rnd 6 labels in the original pattern? Earlier versions of this crochet shark pattern had a typo with two “Rnd 6” rounds — I’ve renumbered them for clarity. The sequence is correct as shown now.
Can I make a giant version? Yes — use bulky weight yarn and a 6.5mm hook for a sharky about 12 inches long. Scale stuffing accordingly.
Can I sell finished sharks? Yes — small batch sales are allowed for personal income. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the designer.
More Cute Amigurumi Patterns You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this crochet shark pattern, you’ll love these related amigurumi:
- Amigurumi Kisses — Free Crochet Pattern
- Crochet Cloud Pattern — Free Amigurumi
- Pot of Gold Crochet Pattern
- Puff Stitch Crochet Flower
Save This Crochet Shark Pattern
Want to come back to this crochet shark pattern later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it when you’re ready to make Sharky — and share it with your crochet friends!