I have been dreaming about designing a jellyfish amigurumi for months now. I wanted something whimsical that would work as hanging decor, something that combined soft pastel stripes with those satisfying curly tentacles, and something that felt like a real statement piece rather than a tiny desk ornament. When I finally sat down to work out the construction, I decided the jellyfish needed to sit inside a macrame-style plant hanger to really capture that boho nursery vibe.
The design choices were deliberate. Horizontal stripes in mint, pink, yellow, and lavender create that soft rainbow effect without being overwhelming. The ruffled skirt adds dimension and movement. And those spiraling tentacles? They curl automatically based on a simple stitch trick, so no shaping or wire needed.
I am SO pleased with how this turned out. It looks complicated hanging there in the window, but the construction is straightforward once you break it down into sections. Let me walk you through exactly how to make your own.
About This Jellyfish Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
This pastel jellyfish is worked entirely in single crochet (sc) using the amigurumi technique of continuous rounds. The bell is shaped through increases and decreases, stuffed firmly to hold its dome, and finished with an attached ruffled skirt and separate curly tentacles. The whole piece hangs from a simple macrame cord cradle attached to a ring.
The finished jellyfish measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm) across at the widest point and 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall. Total hanging length from the top of the ring to the bottom of the longest tentacle is roughly 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm).
This is an intermediate level project. You should be comfortable working in continuous rounds, starting with a magic ring, changing colors cleanly, and sewing separate pieces together. If you have made a few amigurumi projects before, you can absolutely handle this one. Beginners who feel confident with the basics can complete it too, just take your time with the tentacle attachment.
Plan for 12 to 18 hours of total crafting time. That breaks down to roughly 6 to 8 hours for the bell, 1 to 2 hours for the skirt, 3 to 4 hours for all the tentacles, and 1 to 2 hours for the hanger assembly and finishing.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn
You will need worsted weight (4/medium) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in five pastel colors:
For the tentacles, use scraps from your stripe colors. Each tentacle takes very little yarn, so your leftovers from the bell work perfectly.
Recommended yarn brands:
1. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Mint, Rose, Butter, Lavender, and Peach
2. Paintbox Yarns Simply Cotton Worsted
3. Drops Safran (adjust hook to US E-4/3.50 mm if using this lighter weight option)
Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns. You want smooth yarn so the stitches and stripes show clearly.
Hook
US size G-6 / 4.00 mm crochet hook
Other Materials
Gauge
18 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet, worked in continuous rounds.
Gauge matters here. If your stitches are too loose, the stuffing will show through and the bell will not hold its shape. Work tighter or drop down one hook size if needed. Always make a small swatch before starting.
Abbreviations
Special Techniques
Magic Ring (MR)
Make a loop with your yarn, crossing the working yarn over the tail. Insert your hook through the center, yarn over and pull up a loop, then chain 1 to secure. Work your stitches into the center of this ring, then pull the tail tight to close it before continuing. This gives you a neat, hole-free center.
Ruffle Stitch
Work 3 sc into each stitch across the round. This forces the fabric to fan outward and create that wavy, ruffled effect automatically. No extra shaping needed.
Curly Tentacle Technique
Chain a specific number, then work 3 sc into every chain starting from the second chain from hook. The excess stitches force the strip to curl into a tight spiral on its own. The tighter you crochet, the tighter the curl.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
1. The bell is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join or turn unless instructed. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
2. Color changes: Switch to your new color on the last yarn over of the last stitch before starting the new color section. You can carry unused colors up the inside or cut and rejoin.
3. Stripe sequence (worked from top to bottom):
4. Construction order: Bell, stuffing, skirt, tentacles, macrame hanger, final assembly.
Jellyfish Bell Instructions
Start at the top center and work downward.
Using Color A and MR.
Round 1: Work 6 sc into MR. Pull ring closed. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc 1, inc) rep around. (18 sts)
Round 4: (Sc 2, inc) rep around. (24 sts)
Change to Color B at end of Round 4.
Round 5: (Sc 3, inc) rep around. (30 sts)
Round 6: (Sc 4, inc) rep around. (36 sts)
Round 7: (Sc 5, inc) rep around. (42 sts)
Round 8: (Sc 6, inc) rep around. (48 sts)
Change to Color C at end of Round 8.
Round 9: (Sc 7, inc) rep around. (54 sts)
Round 10: (Sc 8, inc) rep around. (60 sts)
Round 11: (Sc 9, inc) rep around. (66 sts)
Round 12: (Sc 10, inc) rep around. (72 sts)
Change to Color D at end of Round 12.
Rounds 13 to 16: Sc in each st around. (72 sts each round)
Change to Color B at end of Round 16.
Rounds 17 to 20: Sc in each st around. (72 sts each round)
Change to Color A at end of Round 20.
Rounds 21 to 22: Sc in each st around. (72 sts each round)
Round 23: Working in FLO only, sc in each st around. (72 sts)
This is your skirt attachment round. Place a second stitch marker in the back loop of the first stitch so you can find it later.
Round 24: Working in both loops as normal, sc in each st around. (72 sts)
Begin stuffing now. Insert polyfill gradually as you continue.
Round 25: (Sc 10, dec) rep around. (66 sts)
Round 26: (Sc 9, dec) rep around. (60 sts)
Round 27: (Sc 8, dec) rep around. (54 sts)
Round 28: (Sc 7, dec) rep around. (48 sts)
Round 29: (Sc 6, dec) rep around. (42 sts)
Round 30: (Sc 5, dec) rep around. (36 sts)
Round 31: (Sc 4, dec) rep around. (30 sts)
Round 32: (Sc 3, dec) rep around. (24 sts)
Round 33: (Sc 2, dec) rep around. (18 sts)
Round 34: (Sc 1, dec) rep around. (12 sts)
Round 35: Dec around. (6 sts)
Add final stuffing so the bell is firmly packed. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread onto yarn needle, draw through all 6 remaining stitches, pull tight to close. Weave in end on the inside.
Ruffled Skirt Instructions
Return to the back loops you left at Round 23. Join Color D with a sl st to any back loop stitch.
Round 1 of skirt: Sc in each back loop around. (72 sts)
Round 2 of skirt (ruffle): Work 3 sc in each st around. (216 sts)
For a fuller ruffle like the photos show, work one more round:
Round 3 of skirt (optional extra ruffle): 2 sc in each st around. (432 sts)
Sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends. The ruffle will fan outward beautifully.
Curly Tentacle Instructions
Make 8 to 12 tentacles total in varying lengths and colors. I recommend 2 tentacles per color for a balanced rainbow look.
Short Tentacle
Ch 21. Work 3 sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. (60 sts) Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.
Medium Tentacle
Ch 31. Work 3 sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. (90 sts) Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Long Tentacle
Ch 41. Work 3 sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. (120 sts) Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Make at least 2 of each length. They will curl automatically into spirals.
Attaching Tentacles
Thread the sewing tail onto your yarn needle. Position tentacles evenly around the closed bottom of the bell, just inside the ruffle edge. Sew each one securely with several stitches. Weave in tails inside the bell.
Macrame Hanger Instructions
Cut 4 pieces of cotton macrame cord, each 60 inches (152 cm) long.
Fold all 4 cords in half. Loop them through your plastic or wooden ring using a lark’s head knot: pass the folded loop through the ring from front to back, then bring both tails through the loop and pull snug. You now have 8 cord ends.
Divide into 4 pairs. Working with one pair at a time, make spiral half-hitch knots for approximately 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) down each pair.
Gather all 4 knotted pairs and tie an overhand gathering knot about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the spiral sections.
Spread the 8 cord ends into a net shape. Tie pairs of neighboring cords with overhand knots about 2 inches (5 cm) below the gathering knot, alternating pairs to create a diamond net cradle.
Insert your crocheted bell into the cradle with the dome facing up. Adjust knots so it sits level and secure.
Gather all cord ends below the bell and tie a final overhand knot close to the bottom. Trim ends evenly or add finishing knots to each individual cord.
Size Customization Tips
Smaller jellyfish (4 inches across): Use DK weight yarn with a US E-4/3.50 mm hook. Stop increases at 54 stitches instead of 72. Work 4 straight rounds and adjust decreases accordingly.
Larger jellyfish (8 inches across): Use bulky weight yarn with a US J-10/6.00 mm hook. Continue increases for 2 more rounds to reach 84 stitches. Add 2 extra straight rounds. Increase tentacle chain lengths by 10 chains each.
Finishing and Care
Weave in all ends securely on the inside of the bell. Lightly mist with water and reshape by hand if needed. Allow to dry completely before hanging. Do not submerge the stuffed bell in water.
For cleaning, spot clean with a damp cloth. If needed, hand wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry.
This piece is decorative and not intended as a toy for children under 3 due to cord components.
I hope you love making this jellyfish amigurumi crochet pattern as much as I loved designing it. There is something so satisfying about watching those tentacles spiral and that ruffle take shape. It makes such a stunning gift for a nursery, a boho bedroom, or anyone who loves whimsical handmade decor.
If this project caught your eye, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And if you make one, please leave a comment below or tag me on social media. I would absolutely love to see your pastel jellyfish swimming in their new homes.
