There’s something so soothing about settling in for a quiet evening with a small batch of pastel yarn, counting stitches as a relaxing repeat takes over. This crochet project is exactly that kind of ritual—a chance to unwind while creating something whimsical and beautiful. The Adorable Pastel Rainbow Jellyfish Trio pattern invites you to make three charming sea creatures, each with its own personality, perfect for a nursery mobile or a touch of whimsy in your craft room.
Small Details That Make It Better
What makes this jellyfish trio truly special is the thought put into every tiny detail. The bobble chain tentacles add a delightful texture that’s both fun to make and mesmerizing to look at, while the wavy chain tentacles spiral naturally for an organic, graceful drape. The pastel colorways—pink and lavender, yellow and mint, and a larger rainbow version—are carefully chosen to feel soft and magical without being overwhelming. The kawaii safety eyes give each jellyfish an adorable expression, and the hanging loop means they’re ready to display as soon as you finish. Whether you’re making them for a baby’s room or your own creative space, these jellyfish are a joy to craft and cherish.
Project Overview
This amigurumi pattern creates three hanging jellyfish in pastel colorways: a pink and lavender jellyfish, a yellow and mint jellyfish, and a larger rainbow jellyfish with dramatic trailing tentacles. Each follows the same basic construction—a domed bell worked from the top down in continuous rounds, a frilly ruffle skirt at the base, and an assortment of textured tentacles. The small jellyfish measure approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) across the bell and 9 inches (23 cm) from top to tentacle tips, while the large rainbow jellyfish is 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) across and 14 inches (35.5 cm) total length.
Skill Level
This pattern is written for intermediate crocheters. You should be comfortable working in continuous rounds, making invisible decreases, changing colors mid-round, and creating bobble stitches. Confident beginners with a few amigurumi projects under their belt can absolutely tackle it, as detailed explanations of every special stitch are included. Time estimate: Each small jellyfish takes 3 to 5 hours, while the large rainbow jellyfish takes 6 to 9 hours due to the many tentacles.
Materials
Yarn
You will need sport weight yarn (CYCA 2) in multiple pastel colors. Here is what each jellyfish requires:
Pink-Lavender Jellyfish:
Main Color A: Pale pink, 25 yards (23 m)
Stripe Color B: Soft mint green, 10 yards (9 m)
Stripe Color C: Pale peach, 10 yards (9 m)
Bell Base Color D: Lavender, 20 yards (18 m)
Ruffle Color E: Light pink, 12 yards (11 m)
Tentacle Color F: Lavender, 30 yards (27 m)
Tentacle Color G: Cream/off-white, 15 yards (14 m)
Yellow-Mint Jellyfish:
Main Color A: Pale yellow, 25 yards (23 m)
Stripe Color B: Soft coral/peach, 10 yards (9 m)
Stripe Color C: Light pink, 10 yards (9 m)
Bell Base Color D: Soft yellow, 20 yards (18 m)
Ruffle Color E: Pale yellow, 12 yards (11 m)
Tentacle Color F: Mint green, 30 yards (27 m)
Tentacle Color G: Sky blue, 15 yards (14 m)
Large Rainbow Jellyfish:
Main Color A: White/cream, 35 yards (32 m)
Stripe Color B: Soft coral, 12 yards (11 m)
Stripe Color C: Peach, 12 yards (11 m)
Bell Base Color D: Lavender, 30 yards (27 m)
Ruffle Color E: White/cream, 18 yards (16 m)
Rainbow Tentacle yarn: Self-striping pastel rainbow sport weight OR individual pastel colors, 100 yards (91 m) total
Bobble Tentacle Color: White/cream, 40 yards (37 m)
Yarn recommendations: Lion Brand Baby Soft Sport, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (worked at tighter gauge), or WeCrochet Brava Sport all work beautifully. Avoid fuzzy yarns since they obscure stitch definition in bobbles and ruffles.
Hook
US Size C-2 / 2.75 mm for small jellyfish
US Size D-3 / 3.25 mm for large rainbow jellyfish
Additional Supplies
12 mm black safety eyes, 2 per jellyfish (6 total)
Polyester fiberfill stuffing
Locking stitch markers
Yarn needle
Scissors
Thin string or monofilament fishing line for hanging, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) per jellyfish
Gauge and Finished Size
Small jellyfish: 6 single crochet (sc) = 1 inch (2.5 cm); 6 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Large jellyfish: 5.5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm); 5.5 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
To check your gauge, work rounds 1 through 6 of the bell. At 36 stitches, your flat circle should measure approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) for small jellyfish or 2.75 inches (7 cm) for the large version. Gauge matters here—too loose, and your stuffing will peek through; too tight, and your jellyfish will be smaller than intended.
Abbreviations
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
inc = increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
dec = invisible decrease
BLO = back loop only
FLO = front loop only
MR = magic ring
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd(s) = round(s)
bob = bobble stitch
pm = place marker
rep = repeat
Special Stitches
Bobble Stitch (bob)
Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. You have made one incomplete double crochet (dc). Repeat this process 3 more times in the same stitch. You now have 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops at once. The bobble pops to the right side of your work.
Bobble Chain Tentacle
Chain 3. Work 1 bobble in the 3rd chain from hook. Chain 3, work 1 bobble in the 3rd chain from hook. Continue this sequence to create a beaded, bumpy tentacle. Each repeat adds approximately 0.35 inches (9 mm) of length.
Wavy Chain Tentacle
Chain to the length specified in the instructions. Working back along the chain, work 3 sc in each chain stitch. The excess stitches cause the tentacle to spiral and wave naturally.
Invisible Decrease
Insert your hook through the front loop only of the next stitch. Without completing anything, also insert your hook through the front loop only of the following stitch. Now yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook. That counts as one stitch.
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Bell (All Three Jellyfish)
Use the C-2 hook for small jellyfish or D-3 hook for the large rainbow jellyfish. Start with Main Color A.
Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring, pull ring closed. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) rep around. (18 sts)
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) rep around. (24 sts)
Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) rep around. (30 sts)
Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) rep around. (36 sts)
Checkpoint: Your flat circle should measure approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) for small jellyfish or 2.75 inches (7 cm) for the large version.
Round 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st) rep around. (42 sts)
Round 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st) rep around. (48 sts)
Stripe Section
Continue working in continuous rounds, changing colors as specified for your jellyfish. Follow the stripe pattern for your chosen colorway, working even (sc in each st) for the desired number of rounds between color changes.
Bell Base Section
After completing the stripe section, work even in Bell Base Color D for several rounds to form the dome shape. The exact number of rounds will depend on your jellyfish size.
Insert Safety Eyes
Position safety eyes between rounds 7 and 8 of the bell, approximately 6 stitches apart. Secure the backs firmly.
Base Closing Rounds
Begin decreasing to close the bell. Work invisible decreases evenly around until the opening is small enough to stuff. Stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill, then continue decreasing until closed. Fasten off and weave in the end.
Section 2: Ruffle Skirt
Attach Ruffle Color E to the base of the bell. Work a ruffle by crocheting into the front loops only of the last round. (Sc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, 2 dc in next st) rep around to create a frilly edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Section 3: Tentacles
Make a combination of bobble chain tentacles and wavy chain tentacles as specified for your jellyfish. For the small jellyfish, create 6-8 tentacles in varying lengths. For the large rainbow jellyfish, create 10-12 tentacles using the rainbow yarn.
Attaching Tentacles
Sew the tentacles securely to the underside of the bell, spacing them evenly around the ruffle. Weave in all ends to the inside of the bell.
Section 4: Hanging Loop
Cut a 12-inch (30 cm) piece of thin string or monofilament fishing line. Thread it through the top of the bell and tie a secure knot. Hide the knot inside the bell if possible.
Assembly
Steam your ruffles. Hold a garment steamer about 2 inches away and gently shape the ruffle while warm. This helps it fan evenly.
Encourage tentacle curls. Lightly mist the wavy tentacles with water and let them dry while hanging.
Weave in ends carefully. Always weave ends to the inside of the bell through several stitches in different directions before trimming.
Tips
Use a smaller hook than recommended for the yarn weight to create a tight fabric that holds stuffing securely.
Mark the beginning of each round with a locking stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.
If making for babies, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Do not wring. Reshape while wet and hang to dry so tentacles maintain their drape. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
FAQs
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
Yes, but you will need to adjust your hook size and gauge. Sport weight yarn is recommended for the best results, as it creates a tight fabric that holds stuffing well.
How do I make the tentacles curl more?
Lightly mist the wavy tentacles with water and let them dry while hanging. You can also gently twist them while damp to encourage more curl.
Can I make these jellyfish without safety eyes?
Absolutely. If making for babies or young children, embroider the eyes using black yarn or thread instead of using safety eyes.
How do I attach the hanging loop securely?
Thread the string or fishing line through the top of the bell and tie a secure knot. Hide the knot inside the bell by pushing it through the stitches with a yarn needle.
What if my gauge is off?
If your gauge is too loose, try using a smaller hook. If too tight, use a larger hook. Adjusting your hook size will help you achieve the correct gauge and finished size.
Can I make the large rainbow jellyfish with solid colors instead of self-striping yarn?
Yes, you can use individual pastel colors and change them manually to create the rainbow effect. This will require more ends to weave in, but the result will be just as beautiful.
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