If your house is anything like mine, Finding Nemo is on repeat! 🎬 When my 3-year-old son became absolutely obsessed with the movie, he didn’t just want to watch it—he wanted to hold it. He specifically asked for Marlin and Nemo to keep him company during playtime. But there was a catch: he wanted a dad fish and a baby fish!

Since I already had a pattern for a tiny, pocket-sized clownfish (perfect for little Nemo!), I set out to design a larger, more detailed companion to be Marlin. This pattern is the result: a sturdy, 4-inch-tall clownfish that fits perfectly in a child’s hand. This design features distinct white stripes and flat, realistic fins that capture the classic movie look. While small, cute, and fast to make, it’s also ideal for gifts or adding to your crochet animal collection.

This design features distinct white stripes and flat, realistic fins that capture the classic movie look. I’ll be honest: I initially worried the flat fins might look too floppy, but I discovered that using 100% cotton yarn helps them hold their shape beautifully. However, don’t let that stop you if you only have acrylic or wool in your stash! If your fins end up a bit droopier than mine, just think of it as your fish having a relaxed, swimming-in-the-current look. Every handmade toy has its own personality, and a slightly floppy fin just adds to the charm.

This free crochet pattern uses simple stitches and minimal shaping, making it great for beginners or anyone looking for a fun and relaxing project.

Whether you are making a matching set like we did (grab the Mini Clownfish pattern here for the baby!) or just need a quick, cheerful gift, this project works up in about an hour.

Below, you’ll find the full free pattern. I’ve included notes on yarn choices and how to attach the fins so they look great, no matter what fiber you use. Let’s swim into the stitches!”

Join my Facebook group here, where you can ask questions, share your finished projects, and help me choose future designs!

🌊 Ready to swim? I can’t wait to see your Marlin and Nemo duos!

Show me your work: Snap a photo of your finished clownfish and tag me @NatalinaCraft on Instagram or use the hashtag #NatalinaCraft. I feature my favorite makes in my stories every week!

Have a question? Did your fins turn out perfectly straight, or did they get that cute ‘relaxed’ droop? Let me know in the comments below!

What’s next? If you loved making this fish, check out my [Mini Zebra] or [Mini Giraffe] to start your whole animal collection!

Looking for more Animal ideas?

See all Animal crochet patterns

Pattern Quick Facts:

Skill Level: Beginner (Confident Beginner recommended for color changes)
Finished Size: Approx. 4 inches (11 cm) long (excluding tail)
Time to Complete: 60–90 minutes
Sewing Level: Minimal (Flat fins are easy to attach!)
Yarn Weight: Light Worsted (Category 3) – Cotton recommended, but any yarn works!
Hook Size: US E (3.5 mm)
Terms: US Crochet Terms

Designer Notes & Tips for Success:

Yarn Choice & The “Floppy Fin” Factor: I used I Love This Cotton because its natural stiffness helps the flat fins stand up a bit more. But please use what you have! If you use acrylic or plush, your fins might be softer and droop a little. Don’t worry! This just gives your clownfish a relaxed, “swimming with the current” vibe. It adds character and makes your fish unique.
About the Stripes: The white stripes are created by simply switching yarn colors at the start of the rounds. It’s a straightforward technique! If your tension feels a bit tight when switching colors, just try to relax your grip on the yarn for that first stitch to keep the line smooth.
Flat Fins = Easy Sewing: Because the fins are worked flat and left unstuffed, they are incredibly easy to sew onto the body. Just pinch the base slightly as you stitch to give them a tiny bit of curve, or leave them completely flat for a cartoon-accurate look!
Baby-Safe Option: This pattern uses 9mm safety eyes. However, if making for a child under 3, you must embroider the eyes with black yarn instead to prevent choking hazards.

Why You’ll Love This Clownfish

Quick and satisfying project
Beginner-friendly stitches
Cute and recognizable design
Perfect for ocean-themed collections
Great for gifts or small toys

FAQ

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

How big is the finished clownfish?
It measures about 4 inches long, depending on your yarn and hook size.

Can I make this pattern without sewing?
This pattern includes a few small fins that require sewing, but the process is simple and beginner-friendly.

What yarn works best for this pattern?
Cotton , acrylic or plush yarn works well. Use a smaller hook for tighter stitches.

Materials

Light worsted yarn in: Orange, White, Black
US E (3.5 mm) (you may adjust hook size to suit your tension)
2 black safety eyes (9 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

I 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 clownfish amigurumi?

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)
Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)
Round 5: [1 sc in next 3 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (30)
Rounds 6 to 7: 1 sc in all st. (30)
Round 8: [1 sc in next 4 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (36)

Insert 9 mm safety eyes between Rounds 4 and 5, spaced 5 stitches apart.

Change to white yarn:

Rounds 9 to 12: 1 sc in all st. (36)

Change to orange yarn:

Round 13: 1 sc in all st. (36)
Round 14: [1 sc in next 4 st, 1 dec in next st] x6. (30)
Rounds 15 to 16: 1 sc in all st. (30)

Change to white yarn:

Round 17: 1 sc in all st. (30)
Round 18: [1 sc in next 3 st, 1 dec in next st] x6. (24)
Round 19: 1 sc in all st. (24)

Change to orange yarn:

Round 20: 1 sc in all st. (24)
Round 21: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 dec in next st] x6. (18)
Round 22: 1 sc in all st. (18)

Change to white yarn:

Rounds 23 to 24: 1 sc in all st. (18)
Round 25: [1 sc in next st, 1 dec in next st] x6. (12)
Round 26: 6 dec. (6)

Stuff the body firmly.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach the caudal (tail) fin.

Tail Fin and Pectoral Fins (Make 3)

These three fins are made the same way.

With black yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

Row 1: ch 7. (7)
Row 2: 1 sc in the second chain from the hook, 1 sc in the 5 next st. (6)

Change to orange yarn:

Row 3: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the 6 st. (6)
Row 4: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the first 2 st, 1 dec, 1 sc in the last 2 st. (5)
Row 5: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the 5 st. (5)
Row 6: ch 1, turn. 1 sc in the 5 st. (5)
Row 7: ch 1, turn. 1 dec, 1 sc in the next st, 1 dec. (3)

Fasten off, leaving long tails for sewing.

Assembly

Attach one fin to the back of the body as the tail (caudal) fin
Attach the two remaining fins to each side of the body between Rounds 12 and 13

Dorsal Fin

With orange yarn and a 3.5 mm hook:

Row 1: ch 10. (10)
Row 2: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in the 8 next st. (9)
Row 3: ch 1, turn. 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in the next 2 st, 1 hdc in the next 2 st, 1 sc. (9)

Change to black yarn:

Row 4: ch 1, turn. 1 sc, 1 hdc in the next 2 st, 1 sc in the next 2 st, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. (9). Keep working and make 1 sc in the next 2 st working into Rows 2 and 3 (You should have a total of 11 black stitches.)

Fasten off.

Attach the dorsal fin to the top center of the body, with the front of the fin placed between Rounds 12 and 13.

“🎉 Congratulations on your new crochet buddy!

I’d love to see how yours turned out. Did you go with the stiff cotton look or the relaxed acrylic droop? Tell me in the comments! 👇

Share the love: Tag @NatalinaCraft on Instagram with #NatalinaCraft for a chance to be featured on my page.

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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.

Crochet Clownfish – Amigurumi

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Crochet Clownfish - Amigurumi