STARLA THE STARFISH - FREE CROCHET PATTERN
While I was in school, one of my favorite getaways was this secluded little beach tucked behind a quiet neighborhood in Orange County. I could explore those tide pools for hours, each little crevice hiding a mysterious anemone or twinkling starfish. This pattern perfectly encapsulates those magical memories. - Melanie Morita
Starla the Starfish is worked in continuous rounds and joins together with no sewing necessary. The starfish starts with a magic ring, then a series of chains is formed to give shape to each leg. The front and back pieces are joined by working through both simultaneously to close. Starla’s finished size is approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall and 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) wide.
Excerpted with permission from Hooked on Amigurumi: 40 Fun Patterns for Playful Crochet Plushes
Step 1
Materials:
1 oz orange worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers 2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Scrap piece of black yarn for embroidery Polyester fiberfill Tapestry needle
Step 2
Terminology:
R1: row 1 or round 1 st(s): stitch(es) slst: slip stitch ch: chain sc: single crochet inc: single crochet increase dec: invisible decrease sc2tog: single crochet two together MR: magic ring
Step 3
Star
Repeat this pattern to create Starla’s front and back pieces. Each piece starts at the center of the starfish and works outward using orange yarn.
R1: 5 sc in MR (5) In the next round, we will use a series of chains to create each leg.
R2: [1 sc, ch 7, then, starting at the second chain from the hook, 6 sc in the back loops of the ch, 1 sc in the starting st] x5 (70)
R3: [1 sc2tog, 4 sc, 2 inc, 4 sc, 1 sc2tog] x5 (70) Slst in next st and fasten off.
Step 4
On one piece, place the eyes between R2 and R3, on each side of the face. Using black yarn, embroider the mouth onto the front of the face with the tapestry needle, just below the eyes.
Step 5
Finishing
Line up the two stars with the correct side of the stitches facing outward. Using orange yarn, insert the crochet hook through ch1 in both pieces to join. Work through both pieces simultaneously and stuff periodically with fiberfill.
R1: 1 sc in each st to close (70) Slst in next st. Fasten off and weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
Step 6
Excerpted with permission from Hooked on Amigurumi: 40 Fun Patterns for Playful Crochet Plushes.
