Sprinkle a touch of cheer into your day with this free crochet koi fish pattern that's perfect for gifts, decor or cute keychains for all.

A soft, bright fish sits gently in your hand and brings a spark of joy. With its shiny tail and happy eye, this little friend turns simple yarn into a cheerful treasure. Making your own is easy when you use the crochet koi fish pattern. It becomes more than just a decoration-you can use it as a keychain, a bag charm, or offer it as a heartfelt gift. This fish shows your creativity and care, making it truly special.

Free Crochet Koi Fish Pattern for Thoughtful Gifts

The pattern is simple to follow and invites calm as you crochet each stitch. The colorful, cuddly fish fills your space with warmth and beauty. Everyone is drawn to its playful shape and friendly look. A handmade koi fish spreads happiness and adds a touch of magic to daily life, helping you express yourself and share smiles with the people around you.

Free Koi Fish Plush Crochet Pattern

Materials List

• Yarn: Two colors of worsted weight yarn (Color A: white, Color B: yellow, or your choice)
• Hook: 4.0 mm (or size appropriate for your yarn)
• Polyester stuffing
• Safety eyes: 8 mm-10 mm (1 pair)
• Yarn needle: For sewing pieces
• Scissors
• Stitch marker (optional, but helpful)
• Sewing/thread yarn: For attaching fins (optional, can use acrylic if you prefer not to sew chenille)

Key Abbreviations (US Terms)

Abbreviation	Stitch
MR	Magic Ring
st/sts	Stitch/Stitches
sc	Single Crochet
inc	Increase (2 sc in one st)
dec	Decrease (sc2tog; use invisible decrease)
hdc	Half Double Crochet
dc	Double Crochet
sl st	Slip Stitch
ch	Chain
fo	Fasten Off

Special Notes

• Color changes: The koi fish body alternates colors to mimic the pattern of a real koi. For best results, do not fasten off at each change-carry the unused color inside your work, being careful not to pull too tightly.
• Always join rounds with a slip stitch and ch 1 unless otherwise noted.
• Use invisible decreases (sc2tog in front loop only) for smooth shaping, especially on the body.
• When sewing, you may use acrylic thread/yarn if sewing with chenille is too difficult.
• Fins are left "open" (not joined in the round) for a natural, flat look.

Step-by-Step Pattern

Body

With Color A (white)

Rnd 1

• Make a MR.
• 8 sc in MR. (8 sts)
• Join with sl st, ch 1.

Rnd 2

• inc in each st around. (16)
• Join with sl st, ch 1.

Rnd 3

• (1 sc, inc) repeat x8. (24)
• Join with sl st, ch 1.

Begin Color Change

Rnd 4

• In Color A: sc in next 4 sts,
  On 4th sc, change to Color B.
• In Color B: 3 sc,
  On 3rd sc, change back to Color A.
• In Color A: sc in remaining 17 sts. (24)
• Join with sl st, ch 1.

Rnd 5

• In Color A: 3 sc,
  Change to Color B.
• In Color B: 5 sc,
  Change to Color A.
• In Color A: 6 sc,
  Change to Color B.
• In Color B: 5 sc,
  Change to Color A.
• In Color A: 5 sc. (24)
• Join and ch 1.

Rnd 6

• In Color A: 3 sc,
  Change to Color B.
• In Color B: 4 sc,
  Change to Color A.
• In Color A: 6 sc,
  Change to Color B.
• In Color B: 7 sc,
  Change to Color A.
• In Color A: 5 sc. (24)
• Join and ch 1.

Rnd 7

• sc in each st, following your color pattern, keeping consistent with previous stripes if needed. (24)
• Join and ch 1.

Rnd 8

• In Color A: 4 sc,
  Change to Color B: 1 sc,
  Change back to Color A: 9 sc,
  Color B: 4 sc,
  Color A: 6 sc. (24)
• Join and ch 1.

Rnd 9

• Color A: 8 sc,
  Color B: 2 sc,
  Color A: 5 sc,
  Color B: 3 sc,
  Color A: 6 sc. (24)
• Join and ch 1.

Rnd 10

• Color A: 7 sc,
  Color B: 4 sc,
  Color A: 13 sc. (24)
• Join and ch 1.

Shaping (Decreases & Eye Placement)

Rnd 11

• Begin decrease sequence: (1 sc, 1 dec) repeat with appropriate color changes as in previous rounds.
• Remember: invisible decrease (front loop only) for smooth shaping.
• Repeat color changes as previously established.
• At the end, 16 sts.

Tip:
Insert safety eyes between rounds 3 and 4, eight visible stitches apart on round 4.

Rnd 12

• Color A: 9 sc,
  Color B: 2 sc,
  Color A: 5 sc. (16)
• Stuff firmly as you go.

Rnd 13

• (2 sc, dec) x2 in Color A,
  1 sc in Color A,
  Change to Color B: 1 sc, dec (finish with Color A),
  Color A: 2 sc, dec to end (total 12).

Stop Using Color B

Fasten off Color B (yellow).

Rnd 14

• (1 sc, 1 dec) x4 in Color A. (8)

Rnd 15

• sc in each st around. (8)
• Finish stuffing and shape as desired.

Fins

Side Fins (Make 2, Color A)

• MR, 5 sc into ring, pull closed, do not join or sl st; leave the circle open and flat.
• Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.

Back Fins (Make 2; one in each color)

• With desired color, MR, ch 2, 6 dc into ring.
• Pull MR closed, do not join-leave flat.
• Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.

Top Fin (Make 1, Color A)

• ch 6.
• Row 1: Starting in 3rd ch from hook, dc in ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. (4 sts)
• Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.

Assembly

• Side fins: Sew flat between rounds 5-6, approximately 2 stitches from each eye.
• Back fins: Sew centered on top and bottom of tail, between rounds 15-16.
• Top fin: Sew between the eyes on the top of the head, ensuring it aligns with the back fins.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your koi fish plush! With careful color changes and shaping, you've created a beautifully patterned fish. Perfect for gifting or as a fun desk companion.

Pattern Correction

• Rounds 11+: The color changes in decrease rounds may shift stitch counts slightly. Always keep stitch totals correct-focus on decreases and adjust color changes as needed.
• Top fin: Double-check to start row 1 in the third chain from the hook for proper shaping.
• Back fins: Do not join rounds to keep the piece flat for sewing.

Tips

• Practice the invisible decrease for smoother amigurumi, especially on the fish's back.
• Carry yarn loosely during color changes to avoid shaping issues.
• Use sewing thread/yarn for attaching fins if using very plush chenille.
• Customize your colors to match specific koi varieties!
• Refer to photos for precise fin placement.