This is a fairly simple project, little sewing, and I would say somewhere between beginner to intermediate in terms of difficulty.

Please note:
This is a crochet PATTERN, not a guide for how to crochet. For any beginners or newbies, I would recommend starting with smaller patterns. As much enthusiasm as you may have, burnout is very real and can be a beast when it comes to picking up crochet. Pacing yourself and working up to larger pieces slowly is invaluable for the first while. I’ve been crocheting for over a year, and I still have to take breaks from projects frequently (especially sewing ones). This project is a very good stepping stone for working up slowly. Once you are able to handle something like a ball with relative ease, you should be alright with this one. If you need an explanation for anything in this, I’d be happy to link you some good resources for it.

This pattern can scale for most any yarn that can crochet. I have not tested anything thicker than 11 mm, but at that point you’re making a squid that’s over 2 feet long. Using 4 mm yarn and a 2-3 mm hook makes a squid about 14” (~38 cm) long.

I used Loops & Threads Simply Soft, but pretty much any yarn works with this.

There is a bit of sewing, but only for the eyes. Main body is worked in one piece.

You will need:
~375 yards of body color (whatever color you like). I used two skeins of ~4 mm yarn for this.
5 or less yards of black (or whatever color you want for the pupil)
~1 yard of white, or whatever color you want for the sclera. (This pattern does not make an iris) If safety eyes will be used instead, the black and white are unnecessary.
A tapestry needle (optional—a hook COULD be used instead, but it would be trickier)
A hook either the same size or smaller than your yarn. This pattern works best on the denser size.

A sparkly or speckled yarn pairs well with this project.

I have taken to calling my squid Barbra. The tentacles make for an excellent stim/fidget toy while doubling as a stuffie. The squid is very sturdy, and can handle a good bit of strain.

If you make one, please submit photos! I’d love to see them!