Wally the Whale Crochet Pattern: Free Amigurumi Guide

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Wally the Whale: Crochet Your Own Little Ocean Companion

A Free Amigurumi Pattern for Intermediate Crocheters

Introduction

There’s something about the sea that just calms my soul. On days when my little studio feels a bit chaotic, I find myself daydreaming of ocean waves and salty air. That’s how Wally was born. I wanted to create a tiny friend who could bring a splash of that seaside serenity right to my desk. He’s not just a few rounds of yarn; he’s a pocket-sized reminder to breathe deep and smile. His cheerful expression just popped out of the yarn, and I knew I had to share him with you. He’s a wonderful little project, perfect for a quiet weekend. If you love ocean creatures as much as I do, you might also adore my pattern for Shelly the Serene Turtle, another one of my sea-inspired buddies. I hope making Wally brings you as much peace as he’s brought me.

A finished crochet Wally the Whale amigurumi with a sailor hat.
Meet Wally, your new pocket-sized ocean companion!

Choosing the Perfect Colors

For Wally, the colors had to be just right. I went with a lovely sky blue that reminds me of the shallow waters on a sunny day. The crisp white for his belly is like the seafoam, and that little navy hat? Well, every sailor needs a proper hat! Using worsted weight cotton gives him a sturdy but soft feel, perfect for cuddling. You can, of course, choose any colors that make your heart sing – a stormy gray whale or even a magical purple one would be just as charming!

Colorful yarn skeins in blue, white, and navy, perfect for the Wally the Whale project.
Worsted weight cotton in sky blue, white, and navy.

The Magic of Bringing a Friend to Life

Isn't it magical how a single strand of yarn, looped over and over, can create a personality? The magic round is where it all begins – the heart of our creation. As you work through the rounds, increasing and decreasing, you're not just making a shape; you're sculpting a friend. The most wonderful moment for me is always when I add the eyes. Suddenly, this little yarn object looks back at you, and its story begins. That’s the true joy of amigurumi.

Pattern

Abbreviations

  • MR: Magic Ring
  • ch: Chain
  • sc: Single Crochet
  • inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
  • dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
  • sl st: Slip Stitch
  • st(s): Stitch(es)
  • FO: Fasten Off

Head & Body (Start with main blue yarn)

  1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
  2. R2: 6 inc (12)
  3. R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
  5. R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
  6. R6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
  7. R7-14: 36 sc (8 rounds)
  8. R15: Change to white yarn. 36 sc (36)
  9. R16-20: 36 sc (5 rounds)
  10. R21: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30). Start stuffing the body firmly.
  11. R22: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
  12. R23: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
  13. R24: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12). Insert 9mm safety eyes between R14 and R15, about 7 stitches apart.
  14. R25: 6 dec (6). FO, leaving a long tail to weave through the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close.

Fins (Make 2 in main blue yarn)

  1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
  2. R2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
  3. R3-4: 9 sc (2 rounds)
  4. R5: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.
Close-up of the crochet stitches for Wally the Whale's body.
Building the body round by round.

Tail (Start with main blue yarn)

  1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
  2. R2: 6 inc (12)
  3. R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
  4. R4-5: 18 sc (2 rounds). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Sailor Hat (Start with white yarn)

  1. R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
  2. R2: 6 inc (12)
  3. R3: In back loops only, 12 sc (12)
  4. R4: Change to navy yarn. (3 sc, inc) x 3 (15)
  5. R5: In front loops only, (1 sc, inc) x 7, 1 sc (22). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly Instructions

  1. Sew the fins to the sides of the body, positioned around R16-17.
  2. Attach the tail to the center back of the body, at the very end.
  3. Using a strand of navy yarn, embroider a happy, simple smile below the eyes.
  4. Position the sailor hat slightly tilted on top of the head and sew it securely in place. I like to add a tiny yellow embroidered anchor if I'm feeling fancy!
  5. Weave in any remaining ends. Your Wally is ready for his ocean adventures!
The final assembly of Wally the Whale, sewing on the fins and tail.
Putting all the pieces together to bring Wally to life.

Pro Tips

  • Don't overstuff! You want Wally to be firm but still cuddly. Too much stuffing can stretch the stitches.
  • Use a stitch marker! It's an absolute lifesaver for keeping track of your rounds, especially when you're working in a spiral.
  • Take your time with the face. The placement of the eyes and the curve of the smile give your whale his unique personality. Move them around before securing them to find the look you love most.
  • The more characters you create, the more you develop your own unique style. Don't be afraid to try new things, whether it's a mighty dragon like my Toothless pattern or an electric little friend from my Pikachu Pal pattern.

About the Author

Hi, I'm Clara Miliano! I'm a passionate creator who finds joy in turning simple balls of yarn into charming friends, each with their own little story to tell.