Crochet Goldfish Toy Tutorial: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 22/03/2025

Dive into the delightful world of crochet with this easy-to-follow tutorial on creating your very own adorable goldfish! Learning to crochet can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, and this project is the perfect starting point for beginners or a fun addition for experienced crocheters looking for a quick and charming craft. Imagine the joy of crafting a miniature, scaly friend, perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your home decor, a playful gift for a loved one, or even a charming element in a child's playroom. These little goldfish are surprisingly simple to make, using basic crochet stitches and readily available materials.

This tutorial provides a clear, step-by-step guide to crocheting your own delightful goldfish, ensuring a successful project regardless of your skill level. From the initial body to the delicate fins and expressive eyes, we'll walk you through each stage with detailed instructions and accompanying photographs. Ready to get started on your swimmingly cute creation? Let's begin!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cotton yarn
  • Any color yarn
  • Needle
  • Scissors
  • 3mm crochet hook
  • Stuffing
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children around small crocheted items to prevent choking hazards. Goldfish toys contain small parts.
  • Use only high-quality, safe yarn intended for toys. Avoid using yarns that are easily shed or that could present a choking hazard if fibers unravel.
  • Ensure all yarn ends are securely fastened to prevent unraveling and ingestion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Creating the Fish Body Base

    • Make a slip knot and chain 2.
    • Single crochet 6 stitches into the first chain.
    Single crochet 6 stitches into the first chain.Single crochet 6 stitches into the first chain.
    Creating the Fish Body Base

  2. Increasing the Body Size

    • Increase to 12 single crochets (2 in each stitch).
    • Single crochet 12 stitches around.
    • Increase to 18 single crochets (1 in the first stitch, 2 in the next, repeat).
    • Single crochet 18 stitches around.
    Single crochet 18 stitches around.Single crochet 18 stitches around.Single crochet 18 stitches around.Single crochet 18 stitches around.
    Increasing the Body Size
    • Increase to 24 single crochets (1, 1, 2 in each set of three stitches).
    Increase to 24 single crochets (1, 1, 2 in each set of three stitches).
    Increasing the Body Size

  3. Body Shaping (Main Rows)

    • change colors).
    Single crochet 8 rows of 24 stitches (optional: change colors).
    Body Shaping (Main Rows)

  4. Decreasing and Closing the Body

    • Decrease to 18 stitches (1 single crochet, 1 decrease).
    • Stuff the toy.
    • Decrease to 12 stitches (1 single crochet, 1 decrease).
    • Slip stitch across to close the opening.
    Slip stitch across to close the opening.Slip stitch across to close the opening.Slip stitch across to close the opening.Slip stitch across to close the opening.
    Decreasing and Closing the Body

  5. Making the Tail

    • chain 10, skip the first stitch, single crochet into the remaining 9.
    • Turn and slip stitch down the chain.
    • Single crochet in back loops only for the tail's shaping.
    Single crochet in back loops only for the tail's shaping.Single crochet in back loops only for the tail's shaping.Single crochet in back loops only for the tail's shaping.
    Making the Tail

  6. Adding Eyes (Optional)

    • Create and attach eyes (optional).
    Create and attach eyes (optional).
    Adding Eyes (Optional)

Read more: No-Sew Sock Cat Tutorial: Adorable DIY Project

Tips

  • Change yarn colors at any point for a more visually appealing goldfish.
  • Use catnip for a cat toy.
  • Eyes can be made in various ways or omitted altogether.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the crocheting process leads to a misshapen goldfish.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by using a consistent stitch tightness and crochet hook size.

2. Incorrectly Placed Decreases

Reason: Decreases in the wrong rounds or positions can cause the goldfish's body to appear lumpy or distorted.
Solution: Carefully follow the pattern instructions for decrease placement to maintain the goldfish's smooth shape.

3. Stuffing Issues

Reason: Over-stuffing makes the goldfish too firm and misshapen, while under-stuffing makes it floppy and lack definition.
Solution: Evenly stuff the goldfish with fiberfill, ensuring it’s firm but not overly tight, paying attention to avoid lumps.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for crocheting a goldfish?
A lightweight yarn like cotton or acrylic in a light orange or gold color works best. Avoid anything too bulky, as it will make the goldfish stiff and less realistic.
I'm a beginner crocheter. Is this project still suitable for me?
Absolutely! This tutorial uses only basic crochet stitches like single crochet, increasing, and decreasing. If you know these, you can definitely create a cute goldfish.