Crochet Fish Amigurumi: Baby Clownfish

Pattern Quick Facts:

• Skill Level: Beginner (Perfect for first-time amigurumi!)
• Finished Size: Approx. 2 inches (5 cm) tall (Very small – perfect for keychains!)
• Time to Complete: 20–30 minutes (Super Quick!)
• Sewing Level: Minimal (Tiny fins attach quickly)
• Yarn Weight: Light Worsted (Category 3)
• Hook Size: US E (3.5 mm) (See designer note for fins!)
• Terms: US Crochet Terms

Designer Notes & Tips for Success:

• The “Realistic Fin” Trick: Want your fish to look extra real? Try this: Crochet one side fin with a 3.5 mm hook and the other with a 3.0 mm hook. The slight size difference mimics the natural asymmetry of the famous fish! If you don’t have two hooks, don’t worry—using the same hook works perfectly too.
• Stuffing Tiny Spaces: Because this fish is so small, stuffing can be tricky. Tip: Roll your polyfill into tiny, firm balls before pushing them in. Use the blunt end of a crochet hook or a pencil eraser to pack the stuffing firmly into the head and tail.
• Yarn Choice: I used I Love This Cotton for crisp stripes and defined stitches. However, if you want a softer, squishier Nemo for a baby, acrylic yarn works great too!
• Baby-Safe Option: This pattern uses 6mm safety eyes. If making for a child under 3, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Clownfish

• Super quick and easy project
• Perfect for beginners
• Ideal for keychains or small gifts
• Uses very little yarn (great for scraps)
• Cute and recognizable design

FAQ

Is this mini clownfish crochet pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! It uses basic stitches and simple construction, making it great for beginners.

How big is the finished clownfish?
This is a very small amigurumi, perfect for keychains or tiny decorations.

Can I use this pattern for a keychain?
Yes! This pattern is ideal for making cute crochet keychains.

What yarn works best for this pattern?
Cotton or acrylic yarn works well. Use a smaller hook to keep the stitches tight.

Materials

• Light worsted yarn in: Orange, White, Black
• US E (3.5 mm) (See designer note for fins!)
• 2 black safety eyes (6 mm)
• Polyfill stuffing
• Stitch marker (optional)
• Tapestry needle

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• mr = magic ring
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase
• dec = invisible decrease
• sl st = slip stitch
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet

Yarn Used

Light worsted cotton yarn in orange, white, and black
Brand: I Love This Cotton! by Hobby Lobby
Colors: Black (02), White (06), Glowing (102)

How to crochet a baby clownfish?

Head and Body

• Worked in continuous rounds. Do not turn unless stated. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With orange yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)
• Rounds 4 to 5: 1 sc in all st. (18)

Change to white yarn:

• Rounds 6–7: 1 sc in all stitches. (18)

Insert safety eyes between Rounds 2 and 3, spaced 2 stitches apart.

Change to orange yarn:

• Rounds 8–9: 1 sc in all stitches. (18)

Begin stuffing the fish.

Change to white yarn:

• Round 10: (1 sc, 1 dec) × 6. (12)
• Round 11: 1 sc in all stitches. (12)

Change to orange yarn:

• Rounds 12–13: sc in all stitches. (12)

Finish stuffing firmly.

• Round 14: 6 dec. (6)

Fasten off and close the body.

Caudal (Tail) Fin

With black yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

• Row 1: ch 4. (4)
• Row 2:  turn, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in the 2 next st.  (3)

Change to orange yarn:

• Row 3: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the 3 st. (3)
• Row 4: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the 3 st. (3)
• Row 5: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the first st, 1 dec. (2)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Attach the fin to the back of the body.

Pelvic Fins (Make 2)

Optional tip: To create slightly different-sized fins, you can use a 4 mm hook for one fin and a 3 mm hook for the other.

With black yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

• Row 1: ch 3. (3)
• Row 2:  1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in the next st.  (2)

Change to orange yarn:

• Row 3: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the 2 st. (2)
• Row 4: ch 1, turn. 1 dec. (1)

Fasten off.
Attach one fin to each side of the body between Rounds 7 and 8.

Dorsal Fin

With orange yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

• Row 1: ch 6. (6)
• Row 2:  1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in the next st, 1 dc, 1 sc in the 2 next st.  (5)

Change to black yarn:

• Row 3: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in all st. (5)

Fasten off.
Attach the dorsal fin to the top center of the body, with the front of the fin placed between Rounds 5 and 6.

🌊 You did it! Now you have your very own Nemo!

Show me your duo: Did you make just the baby, or did you pair him with the big Marlin? I’d love to see your father-son duo! Tag me @NatalinaCraft on Instagram with #NatalinaCraft for a chance to be featured.

Copyright Notice

All rights reserved. This pattern and all accompanying photographs are the property of Natalina Craft and are protected by copyright law. This pattern is for personal use only. Any unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or publication of this pattern, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities. While crediting Natalina Craft as the designer is not required, it is always greatly appreciated, especially when selling online, so others can find the original pattern.
Thank you for respecting these guidelines.