Meet Reginald the Reef Squid, one of the most charmingly quirky patterns from Quirky Amigurumi. Squids might not be the first thing you think to crochet, but this little sea friend just might change your mind. With his expressive eyes and soft, rounded shape, Reginald is equal parts fascinating and adorable, and a great example of how this book turns unexpected creatures into lovable amigurumi characters.
This pattern works up quickly and is a fun way to play with personality, especially when it comes to the eyes. Feel free to make them big, goofy, or extra expressive. Each version gives Reginald a completely different look. If you're looking for a small, cheerful project that's a little bit different (and a lot of fun), Reginald the Reef Squid is such a delight to crochet.
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About Quirky Amigurumi by Alleshen Hamilton
Quirky Amigurumi is a playful new crochet book featuring 30 low-sew amigurumi patterns that are full of personality and charm. From delightfully odd creatures to very day objects with a whimsical twist, the designs are meant to be fun, approachable, and quick to make. With a strong focus on minimal sewing, this book lets you spend more time crocheting and less time assembling.
This book is written by Alleshen Hamilton, the designer behind GheeBeans Crafty, who is well known for her quirky, character-driven crochet creations (including her internet-famous shrimp in sweaters). Her designs celebrate creativity, humor, and not taking crochet too seriously. Quirky Amigurumi beautifully reflects her playful style and love for making crochet feel joyful and accessible.
This pattern is reprinted with permission from Quirky Amigurumi by Alleshen Hamilton, published by Page Street Publishing Co. It is intended for personal use only. Please do not reproduce, repost, or distribute this pattern or its images elsewhere. All rights reserved.
Want more quirky designs like this? You can purchase the full book, Quirky Amigurumi, and enjoy the entire collection of crochet patterns!
Quirky Amigurumi By Alleshen Hamilton
Purchase the full book to explore the complete collection of crochet patterns!What You Need / Materials
- Super bulky chenille yarn (weight 6) in coral. I use Parfait Chunky by Premier Yarns (3.5 oz | 100 g | 131 yds | 120 m per skein) in Mango
- 5 mm (H) crochet hook
- Stitch marker
- Polyster fiberfill
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Pins
- White felt
- Black felt
- Hot glue gun
Finished Measurements
6.5 inches (16.5 cm) tall (including tentacles) and 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) wideStitches & Abbreviations
- st/sts - stitch/stitches
- sl st - slip stitch
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- inc - increase, make two single crochet stitches in the same stitch
- dec - decrease, combine two stitches into one single crochet stitch
- FLO - front loops only
- BLO - back loops only
Free Crochet Pattern
Body
Round 1: Sc 6 in a magic ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: (Sc 2, inc) x 2. (8 sts)
Round 3: (Sc 1, inc) x 4. (12 sts)
Round 4: Sc 1 in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 5: (Sc 2, inc) x 4. (16 sts)
Round 6: Sc 1 in each st around. (16 sts)
Round 7: (Sc 3, inc) x 4. (20 sts)
Rounds 8-12: Sc 1 in each st around for 5 rounds. (20 sts)
Round 13: (Sc 3, dec) x 4. (16 sts)
Round 14: In the BLO, sc 1 in each st around. (16 sts)
Rounds 15-17: Sc 1 in each st around for 3 rounds. (16 sts)
 |
| The back loop sts that you created in round 18. You will work into these for round 19. |
Stuff the body.
Now you will work the round that contains the tentacles.
Round 18: {Ch 8. Starting in the second ch from the hook, sl st 7. In the FLO on the body, sl st 2.} Repeat the portion between the brackets { } until you have 8 tentacles. (16 sts)
Now you will close the body off. You’ll work the next round into the back loops created from round 18. You will need to reach over a little to make the first sc. Make sure that the first sc is not loose and fold down the tentacles so they don’t get caught on the inside of your work.
Round 19: In the back loops of round 18, sc 1 in every other st until you have about 8 to 10 sts. Exact st count isn’t crucial here, so don’t worry if you end up with fewer or a few extra stitches!
Round 20: Dec x 2. (6 to 8 sts remain)
Finish off and sew the hole shut.
Fins (Make 2)
For the fins, I use a standard decrease instead of an invisible decrease. Doing so creates a less “squashed” looking triangle.
Row 1: Ch 5. Starting in the second ch from the hook, sc 4. Ch 1 and turn. (4 sts)
Row 2: Dec x 2. Ch 1 and turn. (2 sts)
Row 3: Dec. Ch 1 and finish off, leaving a tail long enough for sewing to the body.
 |
| How your folded fins should look after placement. |
Assembly
Cut two white felt circles and two slightly smaller black felt circles. Glue the black circles to the center of the white circles and then glue each finished eye to the squid’s head between rounds 14 and 17.
Fold your finished fins in half and use pins to place them in a tent shape, approximately between rounds 2 and 5. The top of the fin should be the point that has the yarn tail. Make sure the fins are centered with the eyes and sew each to the side of the head. Weave in any ends. Congrats, your reef squid is finished!
My Review of the Quirky Amigurumi Book
Quirky Amigurumi is such a fun and refreshing crochet book, especially if you enjoy designs that lean a little outside the box. The projects are definitely on the quirky side, like the title of the book suggests. It features things you wouldn't normally think to crochet (like a rice cooker!), but Alleshen does a wonderful job of bringing each character to life in her own playful way.
Every design feels intentional and full of personality, which makes the book a joy to flip through. Most of the patterns are quite straightforward and quick to make, and many of the finished pieces are small enough to work beautifully as bag charms or little gifts. Because of that, I feel this book would make a great starter amigurumi book, while still being fun and inspiring for more experienced crocheters.
It's also packed with great ideas for craft market prep when you feel like you've run out of ideas. The book is colorful, fun, and thoughtfully laid out, with plenty of photos for each pattern without feeling overwhelming. Overall, it's one of those crochet books that sparks creativity and makes you want to start crocheting right away.
TL;DR
- Quirky Amigurumi is a debut crochet book by Alleshen Hamilton of @gheebeanscrafty, featuring 30 low-sew crochet patterns for cute and silly creatures.
- Most patterns are straightforward and quick to make.
- Great option as a starter amigurumi crochet book.
- Lots of inspiration for craft market prep.
Quirky Amigurumi By Alleshen Hamilton
Purchase the full book to explore the complete collection of crochet patterns!You Might Also Like...
- No-Sew Mini Amigurumi Pig: Quick, cute, and wonderful tiny amigurumi pig that's perfect for beginner makers!
- Hooks & Needles Subscription Box Review: Unbox a curated crochet kit with beginner-friendly patterns and quality materials.
- Baby Bobble No-Sew Amigurumi Bear: Snuggle up with this tiny amigurumi bear that's quick to make and no sewing required!
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This pattern is reprinted with permission from Quirky Amigurumi by Alleshen Hamilton, published by Page Street Publishing. It is intended for personal use only. Please do not reproduce, repost, or distribute this pattern or its images elsewhere. All rights reserved.
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