Here’s what you need:
- Two colors of yarn: 24 feet of one color and 4 feet of another color
- 1 or 2 cotton balls
- Two wiggly eyes (8mm)
- Ruler
- Scissors
- White glue (Elmer’s, PVA)
- Optional: Scraps of felt
How to Make a Yarn Octopus
Read all of the steps before starting.
- Step 1: Cut Yarn
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Cut twenty-four 12″ (20 cm) pieces of the primary color yarn. Cut eight 4″ (8 cm) and one 12″ (20 cm) pieces of the second color yarn.
- Step 2: Lay Out Yarn
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Lay the yarn on a flat surface so it looks like the spokes of a wheel, with the middle of each piece of yarn crossing all of the other yarn pieces at the center of the wheel. It is best to lay out two or three pieces of yarn together as you go around the wheel.
- Step 3: Form Head
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Put a small wad of cotton, about 1″ in size, in the center of the wheel. To form the octopus’ head, gather the pieces of yarn up around the cotton and tie them together with a 12″ piece of the second color yarn. Make sure to tie a secure knot. Adjust the pieces of yarn to cover the cotton completely.
Tip: Get a friend to help with the tying.
- Step 4: Braid Legs
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Separate the yarn into eight groups of six. Braid each group, tying the ends with a piece of the second color yarn. You will end up with eight braids that form the octopus’ eight legs.
Tip: Gently hold the octopus’ head between your knees as you braid.
- Step 5: Glue Eyes and Mouth
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Glue two wiggly eyes onto the head. Use yarn or felt to make a mouth for your octopus and glue it on the head. Once the glue has dried, you can play with your new little toy.
Tip: Slip a length of yarn under a few strands of yarn on the octopus’ head to form a hanger. Tie a tight knot close to the head, then tie the octopus to your back pack.
That’s it! Your octopus is done!
SOURCE: http://www.auntannie.com/
