Crochet Whale Shark Pattern

Eyes and Spots

Before closing up the body, attach the safety eyes and add the iconic whale shark spots.

• • Eyes: Insert 16mm safety eyes between Rnd 34 and Rnd 35. Position them approximately 11 to 13 stitches apart. They should align with the increase/decrease lines on the side of the head.

• • Spots and Lines: Using a yarn needle and white yarn, weave in and out of the stitches on the back of the whale shark to create random white spots and lines. There’s no right or wrong way to add these details; refer to images for guidance. You can even add smaller spots to the fins and tail if desired for extra detail.

Fins (Make 4, Blue Yarn)

You will make four identical fins: two for the sides and two for the tail.

1. Rnd 1: 3 sc in a mc (3 stitches)
2. Rnd 2: inc, 2 sc (4 stitches)
3. Rnd 3: inc, 3 sc (5 stitches)
4. Rnd 4: inc, 3 sc, inc (7 stitches)
5. Rnd 5: 7 sc around (7 stitches)
6. Rnd 6: inc, 6 sc (8 stitches)
7. Rnd 7: 8 sc around (8 stitches)
8. Rnd 8: inc, 6 sc, inc (10 stitches)
9. Rnd 9: 10 sc around (10 stitches)

Finishing the Fins: FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff each fin lightly.

Dorsal Fin (Make 1, Blue Yarn)

Create the distinct dorsal fin for the top of your whale shark.

1. Rnd 1: 3 sc in a mc (3 stitches)
2. Rnd 2: 2 inc, sc (5 stitches)
3. Rnd 3: 2 inc, 3 sc (7 stitches)
4. Rnd 4: 7 sc around (7 stitches)
5. Rnd 5: 2 inc, 5 sc (9 stitches)
6. Rnd 6: 9 sc around (9 stitches)
7. Rnd 7: 2 inc, 7 sc (11 stitches)
8. Rnd 8: 11 sc around (11 stitches)
9. Rnd 9: 2 inc, 9 sc (13 stitches)
10. Rnd 10: 13 sc around (13 stitches)
11. Rnd 11: 2 inc, 11 sc (15 stitches)
12. Rnd 12: 15 sc around (15 stitches)

Finishing the Dorsal Fin: FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the dorsal fin lightly.

Mouth (White Yarn)

The mouth is made separately and then attached. This pattern uses 20 rows, resulting in a piece approximately 7.5 inches long before folding. Adjust chain length or number of rows if your yarn differs or you desire a different mouth size.

1. Row 1: ch 11, turn, sc in 2nd st from hook, 10 sc (10 stitches)
2. Row 2-20: ch 1, turn, 10 sc (10 stitches)

Finishing the Mouth: FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Fold the mouth piece in half lengthwise and sew along the two sides with the extra yarn, leaving the top open. This creates a small pouch for the whale shark’s mouth.