I remember having a yarn octopus as a kid, and now I know, they are a cinch to make! My kids and I made a bunch of them, and we each picked our own yarn colors and decorations.

Here is what you need: Yarn Scissors Large book (like a fat coloring book) Ribbon (optional) Wiggly or decorative eye stickers

Start at one end of your book, and begin wrapping the yarn around and around it lengthwise, till you get your yarn nice and thick.

The more yarn you use, the thicker the octopus, and the more solid his head.

When the yarn is as thick as you want, cut a piece long enough to tie off one end.

Thread it underneath the yarn thickness at one end of the book.

Tie it off as tight as you can get it, and double knot it a few times.

Now on the other end, take your scissors and slide them under the yarn, and cut through it.

Pull the yarn off the book by the top where you tied it off.

That top becomes the head. Arrange the yarn nice and smooth,
and tie off a section at the top for the head.

Separate the bottom into eight equal sections of yarn for the legs.

You can either braid the legs and tie them off… OR

Tie off several sections of each leg for decoration.

Then if you like, you can use hot glue or craft glue to add some googly eyes, or dress him up with some colorful yarn or ribbon.

Isn’t he so cute!?
(Watch your little ones around the small pieces, and/or long yarn or ribbons.)
Have fun trying different colors and thicknesses of yarn!