Spin a yarn as you settle down to create this yarn octopus. The finished craft makes a great source of inspiration for young imaginations to make up stories about their particular octopus.

 

 

What you'll need:
  • Yarn in two different colors
  • 2-3 cotton balls
  • Glue
  • 2 medium wiggle eyes
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • White craft glue

How to make it:

  1. Choose one of the yarn colors and cut into 24 pieces that are 12” long each.

  2. Lay pieces of yarn on a flat surface in the shape of a wheel so that each piece intersects with the others in the center of the wheel.

  3. Hold 2-3 cotton balls (2 if large, 3 if small) and roll them in your hands to create a ball about the size of a ping pong ball. Place the cotton in the center of the wheel.

  4. Gather all the ends of the yarn wheel snugly up around the cotton to form the head of your octopus.

  5. Using a piece of the second color yarn, tie a knot around the yarn gathered around the cotton ball. Tie in a knot to secure and then tie a bow and trim the ends.

  6. Turn the octopus right side up. Separate the yarn into groups of six strands. Braid each group of six (in each group of six you should be braiding three sets of two strands)--you should have 8 braids when you are finished. Tie each braid with a piece of the second color yarn. Trim the edges of the tied yarn and the ends of the braids.

  7. Glue two wiggle eyes on to the head above the bow tie.

  8. Glue a piece of second color yarn for the smile.

Tips:

  • Smaller children may need help holding the end of the braid and tying the knot that secures it.

  • Some children may find it easier to braid if the octopus is upside down.

  • This is a great craft for children to practice manipulating small objects and is a great motor skill exercise.