Manatee free crochet pattern

Hi friends! Thanks for coming to see my free manatee pattern.

This little guy works up really quickly, and is absolutely adorable. I think we all need a little ocean buddy to keep us company.

As usual, feel free to do whatever you'd like with your finished friend, but remember to credit the pattern to @manatee_squares so other people can find it, and so I can see your makes! Please tag me in your makes, @manatee_squares, and use #manateesquares as I'd love to see them all. 💙

I hope you enjoy making your manatee as much as I did.

Let's get going!

Supplies.

Grey yarn.

2 x safety eyes.

Stuffing.

Notes.

This pattern is written in US crochet terms.

The number in brackets at the end of each round indicates the total number of stitches.

You can use whatever method you like to start your amigurumi, I prefer to chain 2 and work into the first stitch but if you like a magic circle you go right ahead.

I used cotton DK yarn and a 4mm hook for my bigger manatee, and acrylic DK and a 3mm hook for the mini one. You can use whatever yarn you have to hand, I'd suggest sizing down your hook 0.5mm - 1.0mm from the recommended size to ensure your stitches are tight. DK yarn and a 3mm hook will result in a smaller item and chunky yarn and a 5mm hook will be slightly larger. But remember, all manatees are beautiful.

I used 8mm eyes for my smaller manatee and 10mm eyes for the bigger manatee, but the size you need will vary depending on your chosen yarn and hook.

Abbreviations.

ch: chain

ss: slip stitch

sc: single crochet

sc2tog: single crochet next 2 sts together (-1 st)

inc: 2sc into next stitch (+1 st)

st(s): stitch(es)

hdc: half double crochet

dc: double crochet

*__* : repeat instructions from, * to * as many times as stated

Pattern.

Body.

ch2, 6sc in second chain from hook.

1. *sc, inc* x 3. (9 sts)

2. sc around. (9 sts)

3. *2sc, inc* x 3. (12 sts)

4. 3sc, *inc* x 6, 3sc. (18 sts)

5. 3sc, *inc* x 12, 3sc. (30 sts)

6-8. sc around. (30 sts)

Insert eyes between rounds 3 and 4, approx 3 stitches apart and centred within the increases.

9. *13sc, dec* x 2. (28 sts)

10. 6sc, dec, 12sc, dec, 6sc. (26 sts)

11. *11sc, dec* x 2. (24 sts)

12. 5sc, dec, 10sc, dec, 5sc. (22 sts)

13. *9sc, dec* x 2. (20 sts)

14. 4sc, dec, 8sc, dec, 4sc. (18 sts)

15-16. sc around. (18 sts)

17. *7sc, dec* x 2. (16 sts)

18. sc around. (16 sts)

Stuff firmly from here onwards.

19. 3sc, dec, 6sc, dec, 3sc. (14 sts)

20. sc around. (14 sts)

21. *5sc, dec* x 2. (12 sts)

22. 12sc + 1 additional stitch to bring you to the edge of your manatee.

Stuff firmly.

Fold your tail flat horizontally, work through each st on both edges to join. You will then begin working in turned rows. ch1 at the start of each row does not count as a st.

23. 6sc through both edges, turn. (6 sts)

24. ch1, inc, 4sc, inc, turn. (8 sts)

25. ch1, 8sc, turn. (8 sts)

26. ch1, inc, 6sc, inc, turn. (10 sts)

27-28. ch1, 10sc, turn. (10 sts)

29. ch1, 1sc, dec, 4sc, dec, 1sc, turn. (8 sts)

30. ch1, 1sc, dec, 2sc, dec, 1sc, turn. (6 sts)

31. ch1, 1sc, *dec* x 2, 1sc, turn. (4 sts)

32. ch1, 4sc. (4 sts).

Fasten off and weave in your end.

Fins.

Make two.

Ch2, 6sc in second chain from hook.

1. *inc* x 6. (12 sts)

2-5. sc around. (12 sts)

Fold fin flat, work through sts on both edges to join.

6. 6sc. (6 sts)

Fasten off and sew to the side of your manatee using the photo as a guide.

And you're finished! Enjoy your new aquatic pal and don't forget to share him with me. 💙