Wheat Stitch Pufferfish – Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

The Wheat Stitch Pufferfish is a free amigurumi crochet pattern that’s quick, beginner-friendly, and full of texture. This adorable sea creature is worked in the round using the unique wheat stitch to create a soft, bubbly surface. With a round, puffy body, little fins, and a sweet expression, it’s the perfect stash-busting project for ocean lovers and handmade gift givers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Plus, you’ll love that this is a no-fuss project. If you’ve already made friends with the Wheat Stitch Whale, Octopus, Jellyfish, or Turtle, the Pufferfish is the next must-make in your Hooked on the Sea collection. And don’t forget about the Whale and Clam!

Crochet Supplies for the Pufferfish Amigurumi

Yarn

Herrschners My Ami
55% Acrylic/45% Cotton Blend
120yds/50g

Yarn Quantities

Beeswax (Yellow): 55 yds
White: 15 yds

Yarn Substitutions

Brava Worsted – 100% Premium Acrylic, 218yds/100g

Herrschners Worsted 8 – 100% Acrylic, 489yds/226g

Dishie – 100% Cotton; 190yds/100g

Remember always to check the gauge and drape when substituting yarns.

Crochet Hook

Size US G (4.0mm) Crochet Hook or hook to obtain gauge.

Notions

Scissors
Yarn Needle
Removable Stitch Marker
Fiberfill
Safety Eyes

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner

? The wheat stitch adds a soft, cozy texture that’s perfect for plushies!

? Use any yarn weight or color to customize your fishy friend!

? Minimal sewing required — just one part to attach!

One Size

Using suggested yarn, Pufferfish is approximately 3.5 inches x 4 inches.

Abbreviations

blo – back loop only
ch – chain
flo – front loop only
RS – right side
sc – single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet two together
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side

Gauge

Not critical for this pattern.

How to Crochet A Gauge Swatch

Working a gauge swatch will let you know if you will have the correct sizing for this pattern. It will also help you practice the stitches used in this project and improve your stitch work for a flawless look.
Are you struggling to match the gauge? Check out the blog post on What is Crochet Gauge and How To Fix It

Special Stitches

Puff Stitch: Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch/space. Yarn over again and pull up a long loop. Yarn over and insert your hook into the same stitch/space. Yarn over again and pull up a long loop (5 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through the first 4 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining loops.

Invisible sc2tog: Insert your hook into the front loop of the first st, and then insert into the front loop of the second st (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through the remaining loops on the hook.

Pattern Notes

• Warning: Safety eyes are not suitable for children under three years old, as they can pose a choking hazard if they become detached. Adult supervision is recommended. Feel free to embroider the eyes.

• A ch 1 at the beginning of a row is not counted as a stitch.

• Using a stitch marker at the beginning (or end) of the round is recommended.

• Invisible Join: Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-8 inch tail. Using your yarn needle, insert the needle under both loops of the second stitch of the round. Pull the yarn through gently, then insert the needle back into the center of the last stitch you made, going straight down through the middle (where the yarn exited).

• This Pattern Uses Standard US Terminology. I use affiliate links and follow GPSR Compliance: privacy & disclosure policy here.

What is the Wheat Stitch Pufferfish?

It’s a free crochet amigurumi pattern made using the wheat stitch, known for its soft, ripple-like texture. The pufferfish is worked in the round and requires no sewing.

Is this crochet pattern beginner-friendly?

Yes! This is a simple project suitable for beginners who are comfortable crocheting in the round.

How long does it take to crochet a jellyfish?

This pattern can be completed in 1–2 hours, making it a quick gift or stash-buster project.

What yarn is best for crocheting the pufferfish?

Cotton or cotton-blend yarns are ideal for structure and durability. Light worsted or DK weight works great. But you can use ANY yarn you prefer!

Video Tutorial for the Free Pufferfish Amigurumi

The Ad-Free PDF can be purchased on Etsy or Ravelry.

How To Crochet A Pufferfish (Step-by-Step)

Rows 2-3:

Ch 1, in blo sl st 7, turn.

Rows 4-5:

Ch 1, in blo sl st 6, turn.

Rows 6-7:

Ch 1, in blo sl st 5, turn.

Sl st into first st on Row 1 at the base of the Fin, fasten off leaving the tail ends and set aside.

3. Make the Pufferfish Mouth

With Yellow Yarn

We will be using a DIY easy i-cord; no special tools are required. Watch this video to learn how to create the i-cord: https://youtu.be/CSDtR_Kv_oA

Create 14 i-cord sts, fasten off leaving the tail ends, and set aside.

4. Crochet the Pufferfish Body

With Yellow Yarn
Rnd 1:

Inside a Magic Ring, sc 12, join and turn. | 12 sts

Rnd 2:

Ch 1, blo 2 sc in each st around, join and turn. | 24 sts

Rnds 3-4:

Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st, *skip the next st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st; repeat from * around, join and turn.

Rnd 5:

Ch 1, blo 2 sc in first, blo sc in next, *blo 2 sc in next, blo sc in next; repeat from * around, join and turn. | 36 sts

Rnd 6:

Ch 1, blo 2 sc in first, blo sc in the next 2 sts, *blo 2 sc in next, blo sc in the next 2 sts; repeat from * around, join and turn. | 48 sts

Rnds 7-8:

Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st, *skip the next st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st; repeat from * around, join and turn.

Rnds 9-10:

Ch 1, blo sc in each st around, join and turn.

Rnds 11-12:

Repeat Rnds 7-8. At the end of Rnd 12 do not turn.

Rnd 13:

Sc in each st around, do not join and work continuously.

5. Create the Pufferfish Bottom

With White Yarn
Rnd 1:

*sc2tog, sc 6; repeat from * around and do not join and work continuously. | 42 sts

Rnd 2:

*sc2tog, sc 5; repeat from * around. | 36 sts

6. Assembly of Eyes, Fin Placement, and Stuffing

Place the safety eyes (or embroider eyes with yarn) on the front between Rnds 10-11. Stitch the Mouth onto the front center below the eyes.

Take the tail ends of the Fins and use your hook to pull them through the body on the color change rounds from the outside to the inside. Make sure the Side Fins sit horizontal and the Tail Fin is vertical, tie them in place.

Rnd 3:

*sc2tog, sc 4; repeat from * around. | 30 sts

Rnd 4:

*sc2tog, sc 3; repeat from * around. | 24 sts

Stuff fish with fiberfill.

Rnd 5:

*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat from * around. | 18 sts

Rnd 6:

*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat from * around. | 12 sts

Rnd 7:

*sc2tog around, fasten off and use the tail end to weave through the front loop only of the remaining stitches and close. | 12 sts

Finishing Your Pufferfish

Weave in those yarn tails nice and tidy — even pufferfish like to look their best!

The Wheat Stitch Pufferfish is more than just a quick and fun crochet project — it’s a playful piece of handmade happiness that’s perfect for gifting, decorating, or adding to your amigurumi collection.

With its seamless construction, textured wheat stitch body, and charming features, this little sea friend is as joyful to make as it is to squish! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crocheter, this pattern offers a relaxing, rewarding experience that will leave you smiling.

Want to create a whole ocean crew? Don’t miss the rest of the Hooked on the Sea collection, and be sure to tag your makes so I can “sea” what you create!

You’ll Also Love

? Wheat Stitch Octopus

? Wheat Stitch Turtle

? Wheat Stitch Jellyfish

? Wheat Stitch Whale

? Wheat Stitch Clam

? Hello Sunshine Pillow Blanket

? Circle Leaf Water Bottle Holder

Cheers, and happy crocheting!