Bring the magic of the ocean to your crochet projects with this Free Ocean Adventure Crochet Blanket Pattern.
Filled with adorable sea creatures including a starfish, seahorse, jellyfish, crab, octopus, whale, submarine, sea turtle, clownfish, shark, seal, and more, this colorful blanket is perfect for ocean-loving kids and anyone who enjoys playful crochet designs.
Each square features a unique appliqué stitched onto a textured water bubble background, creating a fun interactive blanket full of underwater charm.
Materials
Skill Level
Easy
Yarn
- 4 Skeins Super Saver Blue
- 2 Skeins Super Saver Light Blue
- 1 Skein Super Saver Carrot
- 1 Skein Super Saver Orchid
- 1 Skein Super Saver Dark Orchid
- 1 Skein Super Saver Aruba Sea
- 1 Skein Super Saver Jade
- 1 Skein Super Saver Cherry Red
- 1 Skein Super Saver Perfect Pink
- 1 Skein Super Saver Saffron
- 1 Skein Super Saver Pale Yellow
- 1 Skein Super Saver Royal Blue
- 1 Skein Super Saver Turqua
- 1 Skein Super Saver Spring Green
- 1 Skein Super Saver Paddy Green
- 1 Skein Super Saver Pumpkin
- 1 Skein Super Saver Light Periwinkle
- 1 Skein Super Saver Dusty Gray
- 1 Skein Super Saver Oatmeal
- 1 Skein Super Saver Cafe Latte
- 1 Skein Super Saver Buff
- 1 Skein Super Saver Light Gray
- 1 Skein Super Saver White
- Small amounts of Black yarn
Tools
- Size H Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle
Instructions
Crochet Circle in a Square – Water Bubble Crochet Square
Starting with Light Blue yarn
Round 1: Magic ring, chain 2 and make 10 DC in ring, join, chain 2 (10 DC)
Round 2: 2 DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (20 DC)
Round 3: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next, join, chain 2 (30 DC)
Round 4: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next, join, chain 2 (45 DC)
Round 5: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 2, (60 DC) join in Blue yarn, chain 2, fasten off Light Blue
Round 6: DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (60 DC)
Round 7: 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 14, 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in next, DC in next 14, 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 14, 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in first stitch, DC in last 14, join, chain 2
Rounds 8–11: DC in each stitch around making 2 DC + chain 2 + 2 DC in the corners.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Make either 12 or 15 squares total.
Starfish
With Carrot yarn
Round 1: Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC)
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, (20 SC)
Round 4: Chain 8, SC in second chain from hook, HDC in next 3 stitches, DC in last 3. Now you have made one of the points of the star. Skip three stitches and join with a slip stitch to the next stitch. Now Chain 8 and repeat process until you have all 5 points. Join, chain 1
Round 5: SC in each stitch around all the edges of the 5 points, making 3 SC all in one stitch at the top of each point, join to first SC, chain 1
Round 6: SC one more time around all the edges of the 5 points, making 2 SC at the top of each point, join, fasten off leaving long tail.
With your tapestry needle and a long strand of black yarn, stitch on two eyes on either side of round 2 and a smiling mouth between rounds 2 and 3 under the eyes.
Seahorse
With Orchid yarn
Round 1: Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, chain 1 (10 SC)
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (25 SC)
Round 4: SC in first 5 stitches, chain 6, DC in 4th chain from hook, HDC in next, SC in last chain and slip stitch to join back to the 5th stitch (nose made), SC in remaining 20 stitches, join.
Round 5: Chain 30, SC in 2nd chain from hook and in next 15 chains, HDC in next 2, DC in next 2, TC in next 3, DC in next 2, HDC in next 2, SC in remaining chain, slip stitch to join back to head.
Slip stitch in first 4 stitches and around the nose, continue to slip stitch in next 4 stitches after the nose, SC in remaining stitches in round and now let’s continue to stitch around the body.
SC in first, HDC in next 10, SC in next 4, 2 SC in next 10, SC in remaining stitches until you get to the tip of the tail, slip stitch decrease 5 times, SC in next 7, HDC in next 2, 2 DC in next 4, HDC in next 3, SC in remaining stitches and slip stitch to join to the neck, fasten off.
Spikes
Join in Dark Orchid yarn 5 stitches up from nose on head.
*Chain 4, SC in 3rd chain from hook and in last chain, slip stitch to join to the same stitch, SC in next two stitches, repeat from * to make 9 spikes.
You can space the last two spikes out around the neck area by making 3 SC between each spike. Fasten off.
Tummy
Join in Dark Orchid yarn on the first HDC on the lower tummy.
SC in 4 stitches, HDC in next 6, SC in remaining stitches until you get to the neck. Fasten off.
Fin
With Dark Orchid yarn
Magic Ring, Chain 1 and make a SC, 2 DC, SC, slip stitch, SC, 2 DC, 2 SC, join to first SC and fasten off leaving long tail.
Eye
With black yarn
Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 6 SC in ring, join to first SC, fasten off.
With a strand of white yarn or thread, stitch on eye and a little “twinkle” above the eye.
Jellyfish
Head
With Aruba Sea yarn
Magic Ring, chain 2 and make 10 DC in ring, do not join, pull tight, chain 2, turn (10 DC)
Row 1: Magic Ring, chain 2 and make 10 DC in ring, do not join, pull tight, chain 2, turn (10 DC)
Row 2: DC in first, 2 DC in next, repeat around, chain 2, turn (15 DC)
Row 3: DC in first 2 stitches, 2 DC in next, repeat around, chain 2, turn (20 DC)
Row 4: DC in first 3 stitches, 2 DC in next, repeat around, chain 2, turn (25 DC)
Row 5: DC in first 4 stitches, 2 DC in next, repeat around, do not turn (30 DC)
Row 6: Working along bottom edge, SC in across for a total of 20 stitches, chain 1, turn
Row 7: SC along bottom edge, chain 1, turn (20 SC)
Row 8: Skip a stitch, 6 DC in next (first scallop made), skip 2 stitches, slip stitch in next, repeat to make 4 scallops along bottom edge.
Fasten off leaving long tail.
With a strand of black yarn and your tapestry needle, create a smile in the middle of Row 1 of the head.
Tentacles (make 5)
With Aruba Sea or Jade yarn (or combo of both!)
Chain 26, SC in 3rd chain from hook and the rest of the way up chain, fasten off leaving long tail.
Curve the tentacles in different directions as you stitch them underneath the head.
Crochet Cartoon Eyes Pattern – 1 inch eyes (Make 2):
Using a size G or F crochet hook.
Starting with black yarn.
Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 6 SC in ring, pull tight. (6 SC)
Join to first SC with jade color yarn.
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join to first SC with white yarn (12 SC)
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, fasten off leaving long strand of white. (12 SC)
Weave in all other loose ends.
With a strand of white yarn and your tapestry needle, create an eye reflection/sparkle by weaving the yarn through two stitches of the corner of the black pupil. I looped the yarn 2 times and then knotted it on the backside.
Stitch eyes on either side of the mouth.
Crab
Body
With Cherry Red yarn
Chain 12, DC in 3rd chain from hook, and in next 8, 5 DC in last, now working on other side of chain, DC in first 9, 5 DC in last, join, chain 2 (28 DC)
Round 2: DC in first 9, 2 DC in next 5, DC in next 9, 2 DC in last 5, join, chain 2
Round 3: 2 DC in first, DC in next, repeat around, join
Round 4: Chain 7, SC in second chain from hook, SC Decrease, SC in last two, slip stitch to join to round, slip stitch in next 4, chain 7, slip stitch down chain, slip stitch to join to round, slip stitch in next 7, chain 7, slip stitch down chain, slip stitch to join to round, slip stitch in next 4, chain 5, SC in second chain from hook, 2 SC in next two, SC in last, slip stitch to join to same stitch.
Slip stitch in next 10, Now let’s make the first three tiny crab legs
Chain 6, Slip stitch in second chain from hook, SC Decrease over next two, SC in last, join back to same stitch
Slip stitch over to next stitch, Chain 9, Slip stitch in second chain from hook, SC Decrease 2x, SC in last 3, join back to same stitch
Slip stitch over to next stitch, Chain 13, Slip stitch in second chain from hook, slip stitch in next chain, SC Decrease 3x, SC in last 4 chains, join back to same stitch
Slip stitch in next 18, Now let’s make 3 more tiny crab legs
Chain 10, Slip stitch in second chain from hook and in next two, 2 SC in next, SC in next, 2 SC in next, SC in last 3, join back to same stitch
Slip stitch over to next stitch, Chain 7, Slip stitch in second chain from hook, SC in next two, 2 SC in next, SC in last two, join back to same stitch
Slip stitch over to next stitch, Chain 5, Slip stitch in second chain from hook, SC in next, 2 SC in next, SC in last, join back to same stitch
Slip stitch in remaining stitches along crab body and fasten off, leaving a LONG tail.
Stitch on smile with black yarn.
Claws (make 2)
Magic ring, chain 1 and make 8 SC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join (16 SC)
Round 3: chain 2, turn, 2 DC in first, DC in next, HDC, SC in next 10, HDC, DC, 2 in last, chain 1, turn
Round 4: 2 SC in first, 2 SC in next, SC in next 14, 2 SC in last two, fasten off leaving long tail.
Eyes (make 2)
Starting with black yarn
Magic ring, chain 1, make 12 SC in ring, join in white yarn, chain 1
Round 2: SC in each stitch around, join in red yarn, chain 1
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, fasten off leaving long tail.
Stitch body onto square first, then overlap the claws and eyes and stitch those down.
Whale
Mama Whale
With Royal Blue yarn
Round 1: Magic Ring, chain 2 and make 10 DC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (20 DC)
Round 3: 2 DC in each stitch around, join, chain 2 (40 DC)
Round 4: 2 DC in first, DC in next, (13x), leave the rest of the stitches unworked, chain 18, SC in next, HDC, DC, TC, DC, HDC, SC, slip stitch in next chain, leave remaining chains unworked for now,
chain 8, SC in next, HDC, DC, TC, DC, HDC, SC, slip stitch in the same spot as first tail fin, now working in the remaining chains.
SC, HDC, DC in remaining 7,
Now make 4 DC over the last DC stitch from round, DC in next stitch in round, HDC in next, SC in next, slip stitch to join, fasten off blue yarn leaving long tail.
Attach white yarn in 4th stitch from end of tail fins, SC in next 3, HDC in next, DC in next 6, 2 DC in next 2, DC in next 8, 2 DC in last 4, join to first DC. Fasten off leaving long tail.
Eye
With Black yarn
Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 6 SC in ring, join to first SC, fasten off.
With a strand of white yarn or thread, stitch on pupil of eye.
Baby Whale
With Royal Blue yarn
Round 1: Magic ring, chain 2 and make 11 DC in ring, join, chain 2
Round 2: 2 DC in first 8 stitch, leaving remaining unworked
Chain 10, SC in 2nd chain from hook, HDC in next, DC, HDC, SC, slip stitch to join to next,
chain 6, SC in 2nd chain from hook, HDC, DC, HDC, SC, slip stitch to same spot as slip stitch from first fin, SC in next chain, HDC in next, 2 DC in next, 2 DC over last DC in round, DC in next, HDC in next, slip stitch to join, fasten off leaving long tail.
Join in white yarn 4th stitch from fin, SC in next 3, HDC in next, 2 DC in next 2, 3 DC in last, fasten off leaving long tail.
Submarine
Main Body of Submarine
With Saffron yarn
Round 1: Chain 12, DC in third chain from hook, DC in next 8, 6 DC in last, now working on other side of chain, DC in next 9, 2 DC in last, join to first DC, chain 2
Round 2: 2 DC in first 2, DC in next 8, 2 DC in next 7, DC in next 8, 2 DC in last 2, join, chain 2
Round 3: 3 DC in first, HDC in next 7, DC in next 10, 3 DC in next, 2 DC in next, 3 DC in next, DC in next 9, HDC in next 7, 3 DC in last, join, chain 1
Round 4: 2 SC in first two, SC in next 20, 2 SC in next 3, SC in next 20, 2 SC in last two, join, chain 1, make 4 SC all in one stitch, slip stitch to join to next (this makes the nub for the red propeller), fasten off leaving long tail.
Submarine Fins (make 2)
With Saffron yarn
Chain 6, SC in third chain from hook, HDC in next, DC in last two, chain 1, turn
Row 2: SC in first 3 stitches, make 3 SC in top chain 2, SC in last 4 stitches, chain 1, turn
Row 3: SC in first 4, 2 SC in next two, SC in last 4, fasten off leaving long tail.
Periscope
The Base
With Saffron yarn
Chain 6, SC in second chain from hook, HDC in next, 2 DC in next, HDC in next, SC in last, chain 1, turn
Row 2: 2 SC in first, 2 HDC in next, 2 DC in next two, 2 HDC in next, 2 SC in last, fasten off leaving long tail.
The Scope
With Turqua yarn
Magic ring, chain 2 and make 5 DC in ring, pull tight but do not join, join in saffron Yellow yarn
Make 3 SC along rough edge of your half circle, chain 1, turn, SC in 3 stitches, now chain 8, HDC in 3rd chain from hook and in next 5, (twist chain if needed so the scope is right side up) 2 HDC in next, 2 SC in remaining stitches, join to top of periscope.
Windows (make 2)
With Turqua yarn
Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 8 SC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around,
join in red yarn, chain 1
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, fasten off leaving long tail.
Propeller
With Cherry Red yarn
Chain 13, DC in 3rd chain from hook, DC in next, HDC in next, SC in next two, Slip stitch in next, SC in next two, HDC in next, DC in next two, chain 2 and join with slip stitch in last chain next to DC.
Submarine Stripe
With Cherry Red yarn
Chain 12, fasten off leaving long tail.
Piecing the Submarine Together
Stitch the two windows to the middle of the submarine body.
Then curve the red stripe along the front of the submarine and stitch it down. You could also surface slip stitch a red stripe onto the submarine if that feels easier.
The body of the sub should be overlapping the fins, propeller, and the periscope base. The long neck of the periscope should be sticking out of its base. Stitch everything down to the bubble square once you have it placed correctly.
Seaweed Pattern
With Spring Green yarn
Chain 20, DC in 3rd chain from hook, HDC in next, SC in next 5, slip stitch to next chain, leave remaining chains unworked, chain 10, DC in 3rd chain, HDC in next, SC in last 6, slip stitch to starting chain, SC in next 3, chain 14, DC in 3rd, HDC, SC in last 10, slip stitch to join back to starting chain, SC in next 3, chain 8, DC, HDC, SC in last 4, slip stitch to starting chain and SC in remaining chains.
Feel free to slip stitch up the back side of the chain and create another seaweed arm if desired!
Leave a long tail to stitch seaweed onto square.
Sea Turtle
Turtle Shell
With Paddy Green yarn
Magic ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC)
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC in first, SC in next, repeat around, join, chain 1 (30 SC)
Round 5: 2 SC in first, SC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 1 (40 SC)
Round 6: 2 SC in first, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (50 SC)
Round 7: SC in each stitch around, join, fasten off leaving long tail. (50 SC)
Turtle Head
With Spring Green yarn
Magic ring, chain 1 and make 10 SC in ring, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC)
Round 3: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 3, repeat around, join, chain 1 (25 SC)
Round 5: SC in first 8 stitches, 2 SC in next 9, SC in last 8 stitches, join, fasten off leaving long tail.
Note: The part where you made the 2 SC in the last round is the part of the head that faces out. The other side should be touching the shell.
Eye
Note: This is the same pattern as the seahorse eye.
With Black yarn
Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 6 SC in ring, join to first SC, fasten off leaving long tail.
Stitch on eye towards the top right of the head.
Use remaining strand of black yarn to stitch on a smile under the eye.
Top Flippers (make 2)
With Spring Green yarn
Chain 12, DC in 3rd chain from hook, DC in next 5, HDC in next, 2 SC in next, SC in next, 4 SC in last, working on other side of chain, SC in next 2, SC decrease over next two, HDC in next 2, DC in remaining stitches, fasten off leaving long tail.
Bottom Flippers (make 2)
With Spring Green yarn
Chain 11, SC in 2nd chain from hook, 2 SC in next, HDC in next 2, DC in next 5, 4 DC in last, now working on other side of chain, DC in next 3, HDC in next 2, SC in remaining stitches, slip stitch to join to first SC, fasten off leaving long tail.
Turtle Tail
With Spring Green yarn
Chain 6, DC in 3rd chain from hook, DC in next, HDC in next, SC in last, Slip Stitch to join into last chain where you made the SC. Fasten off leaving long tail.
Place all of your pieces on top of the bubble square. It is important that you have everything laid out correctly before you stitch the pieces down.
The shell should be overlapping the 4 flippers and the tail. You can tuck the back flippers underneath the shell a bit more than the front flippers. Play around with it and make sure you like the direction of the flippers. The head should be overlapping the top of the shell.
Stitch everything down to the bubble square once you have it placed correctly. I am working my tapestry needle through the stitches on the outer edge of the shell, through the flippers, and then through the middle of the bubble square stitches so that the stitches don’t show on the backside of the main square.
You will stitch the head on last. Take your time while stitching your turtle pieces onto the square. This is the most tedious part but worth it.
Clown Fish
Clown Fish Body
With Pumpkin yarn
Round 1: Magic ring, chain 2 and make 8 DC in ring, pull tight, do not join, chain 2, turn
Row 2: DC in first 2, 2 DC in next 4, DC in last two, chain 2, turn
Row 3: DC in first 2, 2 DC in next 8, DC in last two, chain 1, do not turn, working along the straight edge, make 12 SC along edge, join in white yarn, chain 1, turn
Row 4: SC in first 4, HDC in next 2, DC in remaining 6, chain 2, turn
Row 5: DC in first 6, HDC in next 2, SC in remaining 4, join in orange yarn, chain 1, turn
Row 6: SC in each stitch across, chain 2, turn (12 SC)
Row 7: DC in first 2, HDC in next, SC, HDC, DC in next 3, HDC, SC, HDC, DC, join in white yarn, chain 1, turn
Row 8: SC, HDC, DC, HDC, SC in next 3, HDC, DC, HDC, SC in last two, chain 1, turn
Row 9: SC Decrease, SC in next, repeat down row, chain 1, turn (8 SC)
Row 10: SC in each stitch across, chain 1, turn (8 SC)
Row 11: SC Decrease, SC in next 4, SC Decrease in last 2, join in orange yarn, chain 1, turn (6 SC)
Row 12: SC in each stitch across, chain 1, turn (6 SC)
Row 13: SC Decrease, SC in next 2, SC Decrease over last two, chain 3, turn (4 SC)
Row 14: 2 TC + DC in first stitch, HDC + SC in next, SC + HDC in next, DC + 2 TC in last, chain 3 and slip stitch to last stitch, chain 1, turn
Row 15: SC along edge of back fin making 2 SC on the top corners of the fins where the triple crochet stitches are, join in black yarn and slip stitch along entire edge of fish.
Surface slip stitch along either side of white stripes of the fish.
Knot ends together securely on the backside or weave them in.
Fins (make 2)
With Pumpkin yarn
Chain 5, SC in second chain from hook and remaining 3, chain 3, turn (4 SC)
Row 2: 2 TC + DC in first stitch, HDC + SC in next, SC + HDC in next, DC + 2 TC in last, chain 3 and slip stitch to last stitch, chain 1, turn
Row 3: SC along edge of back fin making 2 SC on the top corners of the fins where the triple crochet stitches are, join, fasten off.
Optional: Join in black yarn and slip stitch along entire edge of fins.
Stitch down body with fins peeking out underneath the top and bottom of fish.
Shark
Finishing
How to Join Your Squares
I love the slip stitch join technique and I’ve used it on several blanket projects over the past few years. No need to prep your squares with an extra border, you can join the edges of your squares together with any color using your crochet hook (no tapestry needle needed). Slip stitch on the edges of both sides of your granny squares to make a zigzag look. It creates a really beautiful patterned seam that is flat and even. I chose to use the same blue color as my bubble squares.
Blanket Border
Next you will want to create a border around the edge of your entire blanket.
I started by making a round of single crochet stitches and then proceeded to make a wavy edge with the light blue yarn to make it look like ocean waves.
Border Round 1: With Blue yarn, SC in each stitch around, make 2 SC + chain 2 + 2 SC in each corner, join, chain 1
Border Round 2: *SC, HDC, DC in next 2, HDC, SC, repeat from * around making the SC+HDC+2 DC+HDC+SC in each corner. If you don’t have enough space for the 6 stitch sequence before each corner, go ahead and make extra SC stitches.
Join in Light Blue yarn, chain 1
Border Round 3-4: DC, HDC, SC in next 2, HDC, DC, repeat from * around making the DC + HDC + 2 SC + HDC + DC in each corner.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Conclusion
The Ocean Adventure Crochet Blanket is a fun and colorful crochet project packed with adorable sea creatures and underwater details.
Whether you’re creating it for a child’s room, an ocean-themed nursery, or as a treasured handmade gift, this blanket is sure to become a favorite keepsake filled with creativity and ocean-inspired charm.
