Echo the Whale – Free Crochet Pattern

I wanted to make sure to design a summer amigurumi project, and what better way than with this free whale crochet pattern! Echo the Whale is a simple crochet whale with a crown of flowers on her head.

I would classify this free whale crochet pattern as “advanced beginner.” It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

Pin this crochet whale pattern on Pinterest.

Add this whale free crochet pattern to your favorites on Ravelry.

Free Crochet Pattern for Echo the Whale

Stitch Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

• Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
• All pieces are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
• Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
• Body of whale requires stuffing. Stuff as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the tail or fins.
• See tutorial photos. 

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as blue):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)

R9-14: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)

R15: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R16: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

R17: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * an additional 5 times. Place a st marker in the last st worked. 1 SC in each of the next 18 sts. (36 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front of the face. The 18 sts between the two st markers sit flat and indicate the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R8-9, with approximately 17 sts between. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

R18-21: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R22: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * an additional 5 times. 1 SC in each of the next 18 sts. (30 sts)

R23-24: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R25: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R26: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R27-28: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R29: 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, SC2tog four times, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. (14)

R30: 1 SC in each st around. (14 sts)

R31: *1 SC, SC2tog. Repeat from * an additional 1 time. 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. **2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from ** an additional 1 time. 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. (14 sts)

R32: SC2tog, 1 SC, SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in the next st. Repeat from * an additional 1 time. 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. (14 sts)

Ensure that body is fully stuffed at this point.

Tail (Part 1)

Note that the tail should remain unstuffed.

R33: 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Add a st marker to the next st, but leave it, and the following 6 stitches unworked. 1 SC in each remaining stitch to beginning. See tutorial photos. (7 sts)

R34: 2 SC in each st around. (14 sts)

R35: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (16 sts)

R36-38: 1 SC in each st around. (16 sts)

R39: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (14 sts)

R40: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R41: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R42: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

Tail (Part 2)

Attach yarn to R32 of body, where you placed a st marker.

R33: 1 SC in each st around. (7 sts)

R34-42: Repeat R34-42 of Tail (Part 1).

Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

You may notice that there is a small space in between the base of the two tails. If so, close the hole with a piece of yarn and weave in the ends. 

Fins (make 2)

Using color A (shown as blue):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R7: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R8: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R9: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R11: Fold the fin closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across. (3 sts) See tutorial photos.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Flowers (make 3)

Using color B (shown as pink):

R1: Working in a magic ring: *1 SC, ch 4. Repeat from * an additional 4 times. Sl st to beginning SC. (5 ch 4 spaces)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach fins between R14 and R15, just below eye level, sewing both at the end of the fin and in the middle to secure it down.

Attach flowers to the top of the head, at approximately R9-10, leaving about 2 sts between the bottom of each flower.

I hope you enjoyed this free whale crochet pattern!

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Echo the Whale

Tips & Tricks

• While making this crochet whale pattern and working in continuous rounds, use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.
• The invisible decrease method of SC2tog stitches will help to eliminate any noticeable bumps in your stitches when making this free whale crochet pattern.
• Reference my list of amigurumi tips and tricks for more helpful ideas for this crochet whale amigurumi!

Alterations

• Use a yarn like Parfait Chunky or another bulky weight yarn, along with a suitable hook size, will create a larger crochet whale.
• Eliminate the flower crown on this whale free crochet pattern for a more gender neutral crochet whale.

More Free Animal Crochet Patterns

I hope that you enjoyed this free whale crochet pattern! If you’re looking for even more amigurumi projects, be sure to check out mycollection of 50+ amigurumi animal crochet patterns! You may especially enjoy my mini whale free crochet pattern, or Nala the No-Sew Turtle!