How to Crochet a Plushie Shark: Cute, Cuddly, and (Almost) Ferocious 🦈✨


When you think of sharks, you probably picture something big, toothy, and maybe a little scary. But what if I told you that you could crochet a shark that’s more snuggle buddy than sea monster? With just a hook, some yarn, and a bit of imagination, you can whip up a squishy plushie shark that’s perfect for gifting, decorating, or keeping as your own ocean pal.

Let’s dive in and crochet a shark that’s all bite-sized charm and no bite. 🧶🌊

What You’ll Need 🧵

Before we swim off, grab your supplies:

  • Yarn: Medium-weight yarn in gray (body), white (belly & teeth), and a pop of pink or blue for details.

  • Hook: 4mm–5mm (check your yarn label).

  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill for maximum squishiness.

  • Safety eyes: 8mm–12mm (or embroider them if you want a softer look).

  • Tapestry needle: For sewing fins and attaching details.

  • Scissors.

Optional: Use fuzzy yarn for a “baby shark” look, or add felt teeth for extra personality.

Step 1: Crochet the Shark Body 🦈

Think of the body like a chubby, long oval.

  1. Magic ring: 6 sc.

  2. Increase: Work evenly until you have 36 sts.

  3. Shape the body: Continue crocheting in the round (no increases) for 12–15 rows. This will give the body length.

  4. Start tapering: Decrease gradually to close the end, stuffing as you go.

  5. Don’t close it completely—leave a flat tail end for attaching the tail fin later.

👉 Add safety eyes about 5 rows down from the top, and embroider a cheeky grin if you like.

Step 2: The Tail Fin 🌊

The tail helps your shark swim (or in this case, sit cutely on your shelf).

  1. Chain 10.

  2. Work sc, hdc, and dc stitches to make a triangular fin shape.

  3. Make 2, then sew them together at the base.

  4. Attach firmly to the flat end of the body.

Step 3: Side & Top Fins 🐟

  • Side fins (make 2): Chain 8, sc back. Slightly curve them and sew onto the sides.

  • Dorsal fin (the famous shark fin!): Chain 12, then work back with sc, hdc, and dc for a tall triangle. Attach to the top of the body.

Step 4: The Mouth & Belly 🦷

Here’s where your shark gets its personality.

  • Belly patch: Crochet a small oval in white and sew it to the underside.

  • Mouth: Embroider a simple smile, or go full shark-mode with a felt mouth and triangle “teeth.” (Still cute, promise.)

Step 5: Finishing Touches ✨

  • Add pink felt or embroidery for little blushy cheeks.

  • Use variegated yarn for a “fantasy shark” in rainbow or ocean hues.

  • Crochet a smaller version with thinner yarn for a baby shark.

And There You Have It! 🎉

A plushie shark that’s as cuddly as it is cool. 🦈 Whether you keep it on your desk, gift it to a sea-lover, or add it to your crochet aquarium, this shark is guaranteed to steal hearts instead of fish.

And remember: every stitch gives your shark its own quirks. Maybe yours will be a smiley shark, a sleepy shark, or even a sassy shark—but one thing’s for sure: it’ll be one-of-a-kind. 🌊💙

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