Crochet Plankton: A Step-by-Step Guide

A little crochet plankton can be a delightful and whimsical project, perfect for fans of marine life or those looking to add a unique touch to their crochet collection. This adorable creation can be made using small amounts of yarn in colors like teal, green, or lavender, often incorporating features like tiny antennae and beady eyes for character.
Step 1: Materials and Abbreviations
Materials:
- Green and yellow yarn
- Scrap of black yarn for embroidery eyebrows and mouth
- One red bead for pupil
- A hook appropriate to the weight of the yarn
- Yarn needle
- Polyfill
Abbreviations:
- R = round
- ch = chain
- ch1(2,3 etc) = quantity of ch
- sc = single crochet
- sc1 (2,3 etc) = quantity of sc
- inc = increase (single crochet twice in the same single crochet stitch)
- inc1 (2,3 etc) = quantity of inc
- dec = decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
- dec1 (2,3 etc) = quantity of dec
- X = multiply, means do this sequence this many times.
- If it follows brackets () that means do the sequence inside the pattern the indicated times.
- sl st = slip stitch (es)
All parts are knitted in a spiral way unless otherwise indicated. Stuff your toy as you are working.
Step 2: Body
With green yarn:
- R1: sc6 in a ring (6)
- R2: inc6 (12)
- R3: (inc1, sc1) x6 (18)
- R4: (inc1, sc2) x6 (24)
- R5-R22: sc1 in each sc around (24)
- R23: (dec1, sc2) x6 (18)
- R24: (dec1, sc1) x6 (12)
- R25: dec6
Sew up the remaining hole and hide the tip of the yarn.
Step 3: Arms and Legs
Arms (Make Two)
With green yarn:
- R1: sc6 in a ring (6)
- R2-R6: sc1 in each sc around (6)
Fasten off. Leave a long tail for sewing to attach the arms to the body.
Legs (Make Two)
With green yarn:
- R1: sc6 in a ring (6)
- R2-R6: sc1 in each sc around (6)
- R2: (inc1, sc2) x2 (8)
- R3-R4: sc1 in each sc around (8)
Fasten off. Leave a long tail for sewing to attach the details to the body.
Step 4: Horns
With green yarn, make ch12. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing to attach the horns to the top of the head.
Step 5: Eye
With yellow yarn:
- R1: sc6 in a ring (6)
- R2: inc6 (12)
- R3: (inc1, sc1) x6 (18)
Fasten off. Leave a long tail for sewing to attach the eye to the face area.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Sew the red bead instead of the pupil. Embroider the eyebrows and the mouth with black thread.
Your Plankton is done :)