Infuse calm beauty with this free crochet koi fish pattern that reflects graceful design symbolizes harmony and brings a peaceful decor.

This pattern is simple and easy to follow, so anyone can enjoy making it without stress. Each stitch builds a sense of creativity and joy while improving focus and skill. The finished koi fish brings a feeling of peace and beauty, turning simple yarn into a lovely piece that adds charm, comfort, and a creative touch to everyday life.

Free Koi Fish Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Materials List

• Yarn: 8ply (DK/light worsted) acrylic or cotton yarn in white and orange (or colors of your choice for variation)
• Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook
• Eyes: Pair of 12 mm safety eyes
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
• Needle: Tapestry/yarn needle for assembly and weaving in ends
• Pins: For positioning fins (optional)
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers: Useful for keeping track of rounds (optional)

Key Abbreviations (US Terms)

Abbreviation	Meaning
MR	Magic Ring (also called magic circle)
ch	Chain
sc	Single Crochet
inc	Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec	Decrease (single crochet 2 together using invisible decrease unless noted)
sl st	Slip Stitch
st(s)	Stitch(es)
BLO	Back Loop Only (work in the back loop only of each stitch)

Special Notes

• Color Changes: This pattern demonstrates a specific red/white color change. Substitute your own color combos and random color changes for variety.
• Invisible Decrease: For a cleaner finish, use the invisible decrease method (sc2tog in front loops only).
• Assembly: Fins and tail are sewn on after creating the body.
• Stuffing: Stuff firmly but not overly, to maintain shape without stretching stitches.

Pattern Instructions

Body (Start with White Yarn)

Rnd 1:

• 6 sc in a MR. (6)

Rnd 2:

• 6 inc (i.e., 2 sc in each st around). (12)

Rnd 3:

• [3 sc, inc] x 3
  (3 sc, then inc, repeat 3 times for a total of 18) (18)

Rnd 4:

• 18 sc. (18)

Rnd 5:

• 7 sc, 6 inc, 5 sc. (24)

Rnds 6-7:

• 24 sc. (24 for each round)

Rnd 8:

• 6 sc, [sc, inc] x 6, 6 sc. (30)

Color Changes Begin

Rnd 9:

• With White: 14 sc (change to Red on last st)
• With orange: 3 sc (change to White on last st)
• With White: 13 sc. (30)
  • Carry unused yarn along inside to minimize ends and maintain neatness.

Rnd 10:

• With White: 13 sc (change to Red on last st)
• With orange: 5 sc (change to White on last st)
• With White: 12 sc. (30)

Rnds 11-12 (Repeat for each round):

• With White: 12 sc
• With orange: 8 sc
• With White: 10 sc. (30 per round)

Insert safety eyes between Rounds 6 and 7, across from each other at the head.

Rnd 13:

• With White: 14 sc
• With orange: 8 sc
• With White: 8 sc. (30)

Rnd 14:

• With White: 8 sc, invisible dec, 6 sc (change to Red at end)
• With orange: 2 sc, dec, 2 sc (change to White at end)
• With White: 6 sc, dec. (28)

Rnd 15:

• With White: 15 sc
• With orange: 4 sc
• With White: 8 sc. (27)

Rnd 16:

• All White: [7 sc, dec] x3. (24)

Rnd 17:

• With White: 10 sc
• With orange: 3 sc
• With White: 11 sc. (24)

Rnd 18:

• With White: 6 sc, dec, 1 sc (change to Red at end)
• With orange: 5 sc, dec (change to White at end)
• With White: 6 sc, dec. (21)

Rnd 19:

• With White: 8 sc
• With orange: 6 sc
• With White: 7 sc. (21)
• Pause to stuff body firmly.

Rnd 20:

• With White: [5 sc, dec]
• With orange: [5 sc, dec]
• With White: [5 sc, dec]. (18)

Rnd 21:

• With White: 9 sc
• With orange: 2 sc
• With White: 7 sc. (18)
• Finish with Red, then cut and secure red yarn. Work tail end in next round.

Rnd 22:

• With White: 18 sc. (18)

Rnd 23:

• With White: [4 sc, dec] x 3. (15)

Rnd 24:

• With White: [3 sc, dec] x 3. (12)
• Pause to finish stuffing body.

Rnd 25:

• With White: 6 dec. (6)
• FO leaving a long tail. Weave through front loops of remaining sts and pull tight to close.

Tail Fin (White - BLO Throughout)

Row 1:

• Ch 10.
• Starting in 2nd ch from hook: 4 sc, inc, 4 sc. (11)

Row 2:

• Ch 2, turn, 5 sc, inc, 5 sc. (12 - BLO)

Row 3:

• Ch 2, turn, 6 sc, inc, 6 sc. (13 - BLO)

Row 4:

• Ch 2, turn, 7 sc, inc, 7 sc. (15 - BLO)

Row 5:

• Ch 2, turn, 8 sc. (BLO)
• FO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Dorsal Fin (White - BLO Throughout)

Row 1:

• Ch 5.
• Starting in 2nd ch from hook: 4 sc.

Rows 2-5:

• Ch 1, turn, BLO 3 sc. (Repeat for 4 rows)

Rows 6-7:

• Ch 1, turn, BLO 2 sc. (Repeat for 2 rows)

Rows 8-9:

• Ch 1, turn, BLO 1 sc. (Repeat for 2 rows)
• FO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pectoral Fins (Make 2, White - BLO Throughout)

Row 1:

• Ch 4.
• Starting in 2nd ch from hook: 3 sc.

Rows 2-3:

• Ch 1, turn, BLO 2 sc. (Repeat for 2 rows)
• FO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Barbels (Make 2, White - regular sts)

Row 1:

• Ch 5.
• In 2nd ch from hook: sl st
• Next 2 ch: sc in each
• Last ch: sl st
• FO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Mouth (White - worked directly on body)

• Attach white yarn between rounds 1 and 2 of the body at any point on the front.
• Sl st to join (does not count as st).
• Then, sc into same space.
• Continue to sc around between rounds 1 and 2 for a total of 6 sc.
• FO and weave ends into body.

Assembly

1. Tail:
   • Sew to the center of the back (widest end of tail to body), making sure it is centered between the eyes.
2. Dorsal Fin:
   • Place along top, aligning short end with tail, and sew 2-3 rounds up from tail.
3. Pectoral Fins:
   • Sew one fin on each side, about one round behind the eye and two or three stitches down.
   • Check symmetry from the front before sewing.
4. Barbels:
   • Attach to either side of the mouth, towards the bottom, with only a couple stitches attaching.
5. Weave in all remaining ends.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have created a detailed and realistic amigurumi koi fish, complete with color changes, fins, and barbels. Personalize your koi with different color combinations or add a keyring for a charming accessory!

Pattern Correction

• The original pattern switches to [3 sc, inc] in Round 3, not [2 sc, inc]. Confirm the increases for a correct body shape.
• Use invisible decrease throughout for smoother results.
• When color changing, always finish the current stitch with the new color.
• When carrying yarn, do not pull it too tight to avoid puckering or misshaping your koi.

Tips

• Use pins to position fins before sewing for the most lifelike arrangement.
• For color changes, always secure new colors by crocheting over the tail of the yarn for a tidy and secure join.
• When sewing pieces, hide the tail ends inside the body for a clean finish.
• Stuff body firmly, but don't over-stuff, to maintain defined shaping.
• Adjust color placement for unique or realistic koi variations.