Orca (Killer Whale) crochet pattern
It’s time to release another commissioned design!
The Orca, or Killer Whale, was a design challenge I was looking forward to – the distinctive black and white markings weren’t going to be easy to replicate. Biased (slanting) stitches just wouldn’t cut it with this design, and neither would zig-zag colour changes, so I’ve spent weeks swatching to refine and improve my colour changing techniques to give smooth, symmetrical colour changes over practically the entire length of the orca’s body. Here’s the result:
I have to state right now that this is definitely an intermediate-level pattern: although it is worked in pure amigurumi-style (it uses only single crochet stitches with increases and decreases), it includes a lot of colour changing to create the beautiful smooth killer whale markings down the entire underside of the body. So, while it isn’t difficult in terms of crochet stitches, it is vital that you pay close attention to the pattern in every round that includes a colour change, and make the increases and decreases in the correct places, otherwise the colour pattern will shift. This is a pattern that requires concentration!
While we’re looking at details, I’m also debuting a new technique that makes a perfect whale tail – this one is really quite magical, and took me 5 attempts to perfect, but, if you just follow the pattern carefully, it’s easy to replicate this amazing shape.
If you’re up for the challenge, I think you’ll find this pattern is worth it – the end result has a level of detail in colour and shaping that makes it a truly special amigurumi. Plus, I think this orca is really cute; she’s definitely one of the nice fish-eating killer whales, not the scary seal-eating kind…
I’d like to thank everyone who commissioned this design – thank you for trusting me to do justice to something so complex! I hope you’re happy with the result and you’ll enjoy making your own spectacular orcas.
How about a little ravelry love? Click to favourite or queue my Orca design: 
And, if you didn’t get in on the commissioning action but you’re ready to get orca-making, you can pick up the orca (killer whale) crochet pattern from my shop right now!
(The next design that was commissioned is the Red Panda, and I’ll be collecting the pledge monies shortly. I can’t wait to get started on that one; red pandas are adorable…)
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Janice said
Do you have the measurements? Thanks
June said
Hi Janice, the exact size will vary depending on the yarn and hook you choose, and how tightly you crochet, but your orca should end up around 11″ (27cm) long when worked in worsted weight yarn.
(For future reference, all my item descriptions include the approximate finished size, so you can check in the shop if you have any pre-purchase questions about any of my other patterns!)
Jennifer Ramirez said
Your Orca looks very realistic and the color switch is fantastic!
Jana said
Fantastic! I love a challenge!
Judy Carlson said
So amazing and cute! This pattern is truly one of a kind!
Crystal said
Love it so much! The color changes look great!
Rebekah said
WOW! I Love this!
Saskia said
Love it. I made an Orca and did the white apart,sewing it to its belly. You can find a picture here:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3906162271513&set=pcb.3906169551695&type=1&theater
June said
I never sew patches onto my animal designs – to me, it ruins the look because they stick out and an orca is so smooth and sleek I don’t want any lumps… Of course, patches would be a much simpler solution to crochet than hundreds of colour changes – I’m just a purist 🙂
Ashley Andrews said
Agreed. I get frustrated tho when the first part of the stitch looks different than the other side. Like making spikes. Somehow they always kinda look off to me. But you are right patches to me seem like lazy designing imo but that is just me XD
Saskia said
I can understand that. But my items are so tiny I find it very difficult to change colors. Maybe I will give it a try.
IO like all your work.
Saskia
Lindy said
Brilliant design – really great!
Love, Lindy xxxx
Alicia Brink said
Oh my it looks amazing!! Need to build up my color changing skills then will try this.
Chrisie said
Oh My Gosh June! It’s even better than I imagined!! The tail is fabulous. And the colour changes look amazing. The underside!! Seriously blown away here. (Gush over, resume normal day.) 😉