Octopus for a Preemie

Amigurumi crochet is a big thing right now in the crochet world. 

Originating in Japan, Amigurumi is the art of making stuffed toys by knitting or crochet. Using just the basic stitches of US single crochet, US double crochet and invisible decrease, toys are made in various parts and sewn together. The finished articles are sometimes destined for toys, but more commonly are made for just being cute! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amigurumi

One project that I particularly like which uses an amigurumi pattern is 'Octopus for a Preemie'. It's a way of supporting babies born prematurely in hospitals by providing an octopus that has spiral tentacles which replicate the umbilical cord. It means that when the babies are in an incubator, instead of wrapping their fingers around the tubes for comfort, which they can then pull out, they wrap around the tentacles instead.

There are groups all over the world who collect, vet, and distribute octopus and jellyfish to various hospitals. Here's a UK group: https://octopusforapreemie.co.uk/, and here's one based in Italy: https://m.facebook.com/groups/371805746532740/

My first attempt at an octopus was with this pattern https://www.crochet365knittoo.com/crochet-octopus-preemies/ which went relatively well. I'm not up to hospital standard yet as haven't got the right type of stuffing material (I used some cotton fabric I had to hand) but there are patterns which don't require stuffing which I will investigate. In the mean time my practice runs will make great presents for various friends who are expecting this year and the next!

I just need to sew on some eyes!