This crochet fish free pattern makes a small, flat goldfish with a round yellow body, cream-colored fins and tail, and a white eye. It uses basic US crochet stitches and includes a video tutorial for extra guidance. The finished fish can be used as a decorative accent or adapted for small accessories.
Ways to Use Your Crochet Fish
Add the finished fish to a hairpin, brooch, or bookmark, or use it as an embellishment on a bag, hat, or clothing. Its small size also makes it suitable for decorating other crochet projects.
Practical tip: If you plan to attach the fish to something that will be handled often, make sure it is firmly secured. For items intended for young children, avoid small detachable parts and follow appropriate safety guidance.
Pattern Notes
- The pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- A video tutorial is available for additional visual guidance.
- The design is described as beginner-friendly and can take about 20 minutes to make, depending on your pace and familiarity with the stitches.
Before starting, read through the instructions and identify the stitches and color changes. Using a stitch marker can help you keep track of the body rounds.
Materials for the Crochet Fish
- Yarn in yellow, cream, and white
- 2.0 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Stitch marker
- Glue and hot-melt adhesive
- One 6 mm eye
A smaller hook creates a compact fabric for this little decoration. Check that your yarn works comfortably with the 2.0 mm hook, and keep the yarn colors close by so the changes are easy to manage.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ss: slip stitch
- ch: chain stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- st: stitch
In the instructions, a number in parentheses followed by “* 6 times” means to repeat the stated sequence six times. The magic ring is the adjustable loop used to begin the circular pieces.
Crochet Fish Free Pattern Instructions
Fish Body: Yellow
Begin with a magic ring. Work the stitches into the ring, then follow the rounds below:
- Round 1: Work 6 sc in the ring, 1 ss, and 1 ch.
- Round 2: Work 2 sc in the next st, repeat 6 times; then work 1 ss and 1 ch.
- Round 3: Work 1 sc, then 2 sc in the next st; repeat 6 times; then work 1 ss and 1 ch.
- Round 4: Work 2 sc, then 2 sc in the next st; repeat 6 times; then work 1 ss and 1 ch.
- Round 5: Work 3 sc, then 2 sc in the next st; repeat 6 times.
Keep your stitches even as the body grows. If you lose track of the round, use the stitch marker to identify the starting point.
Fish Tail: Cream
Change to cream yarn. In the same st, work 3 ch, 3 dc, and 3 ch. In the next st, work 1 ss, 3 ch, 3 dc, and 3 ch. Work 1 ss in the next st.
When changing colors, leave enough yarn to secure the end neatly with a darning needle.
Fish Fin: Cream
Work along the top of the fish body. In the same st, work 2 ch, 1 hdc, and 2 ch. In the next st, work 1 ss, 2 ch, 1 hdc, and 2 ch. Work 1 ss in the next st.
White of the Eye
Using white yarn, begin with a magic ring:
- Round 1: Work 6 sc in the ring, 1 ss, and 1 ch.
- Round 2: Work 2 sc in the next st, repeat 6 times; then work 1 ss and 1 ch.
- Round 3: Work 1 sc, then 2 sc in the next st; repeat 6 times.
Fasten and tidy the yarn ends before assembling the pieces.
Assembly
Use glue and hot-melt adhesive to attach the pieces together. Position the white eye on the body, then add the 6 mm eye. Take care when handling hot adhesive, and let it cool completely before using or attaching the finished decoration.
Finishing and Color Ideas
Once the adhesive has set, check that the tail, fin, and eye are secure. You can make additional fish in different yarn colors to coordinate with a decoration project. Keep the stitch pattern the same and change only the yarn colors for a simple variation.
This crochet fish free pattern is a compact project for practicing basic stitches and making a cheerful embellishment. Follow the listed materials and rounds, and use the video tutorial if you would like a visual reference while working.
