Tiny Whale
© June Gilbank 2009
This little whale is the perfect size to sit in the palm of your hand! But even better than that: he’s crocheted all in one piece, so there’s no sewing involved to make him!
This pattern is Donationware – the pattern is available for free, but if you like it please consider sending me a donation to show your appreciation:
Send me a donation and receive the easy-to-print PDF version of the pattern as a thank you!
Donations of any size are much appreciated. Just add the amount you wish to donate, and, once you have checked out and paid, your pattern will instantly be available to download from your PlanetJune account.
The complete pattern and instructions are available below, regardless of whether or not you choose to pay for them 
This is a PlanetJune original crochet pattern. Feel free to use items made from this pattern however you wish, but I’d appreciate credit as the pattern designer. Please do not reproduce the pattern anywhere else; instead post a link to http://www.planetjune.com/tinywhale
Not ready to make it yet? Add it to your Ravelry queue: 
Terminology
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet (double crochet for UK/Aus) |
| sl st | slip stitch (single crochet for UK/Aus) |
| st | stitch |
| sc2tog | single crochet decrease (or try an invisible decrease instead for a better finish) |
You will need…
- E US/3.5mm crochet hook
- Small quantity of worsted weight yarn in blue, grey or white
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle to weave in end
- Polyester fibrefill stuffing
- Eyes, approx 8mm diameter
Notes
- Do not join at the end of each round; rounds are worked in continuous spirals.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Move the marker up each time you start a new round.
Pattern
Make a magic ring, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6 st)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 st)
Rnd 3: (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) six times. (18 st)
Rnd 4: sc in each st around. (18 st)
Rnd 5: (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 st) six times. (24 st)
Rnds 6-8: sc in each st around. (24 st)
Rnd 9: (sc2tog, sc in next 2 st) six times. (18 st)
Rnd 10: sc in each st around. (18 st)
Insert the first eye just below the stitch you just made, approximately 5 rounds down (as pictured below).
Insert the second eye in the same position on the other side of the whale.
Attach the backs of the eyes.
Rnd 11: (sc2tog, sc in next st) six times. (12 st)
Rnds 12-14: sc in each st around. (12 st). Stuff body firmly through hole.
Rnd 15: (sc2tog, sc in next 2 st) three times. (9 st)
Rnd 16: sc in each st around. (9 st). Add additional stuffing through hole.
Rnd 17: (sc2tog, sc in next st) three times. (6 st)
Rnd 18: sc in each st around. (6 st)
Rnd 19: 2 sc in each st around. (12 st)
Using the position of the eyes as a guide, flatten the open end horizontally.
If the hook is positioned at one corner, continue to the tail instructions. If not, sc in each st around until the hook is at one corner (see pictures below), and then continue to the tail instructions.
Hook is not at corner of flattened tail (marked by arrow)
Sc around until hook is at corner of flattened tail, as pictured
Beginning to sc through both layers of the tail
Tail
Crochet through both layers as follows:
3 sc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in next st, sc in next st, 3 sc in next st.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Draw the end through the last loop on the hook, and pull tight to form a knot.
Using a yarn needle, weave the end down through the tail and part of the body. Draw the yarn tight, and snip the end close to the body. The yarn end should retract back inside the body after it is cut.
I hope you enjoy this pattern. Please leave me a comment below if you do, and consider leaving me a donation. Thanks!
61 Comments »
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I read and appreciate every comment I receive - thank you! Please note that I only respond to comments here on the blog, so please return to this post to see my reply, or check the above box to subscribe to comments on this post by email. -June
Anniegrace said
Ok I thought you would say that the book is in the mail and I have a class at Joanns on Saturday!
Ps how long have you been crocheting
June said
Sounds like you’re on the right track to becoming an expert crocheter
(I taught myself to crochet in 2003.)