Fin & Fury Shark Plush Free Pattern – Knit a Cuddly Ocean Predator

Dive into the deep with this irresistibly soft knitted shark, complete with a toothy grin and floppy fins. This cozy amigurumi is the perfect cuddle companion for ocean lovers and a playful nod to the "eaten by a shark" theme. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this pattern is designed to be approachable, detailed, and incredibly rewarding. The result is a plump, huggable shark with a rounded body, a slightly pointed nose, and charming details that bring it to life. Let's cast on and create your new favorite handmade friend!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather your supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials, making it a great weekend project.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Light blue (for the body and fins)
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1): White (for the belly and teeth)
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Dark grey (for the fins and mouth outline)
  • Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Black (for the eyes)
• Knitting Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery, stitch markers (optional), and polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. (Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, but for a plush toy, being slightly off is okay—just adjust your needle size if you want a bigger or smaller shark.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This knitted shark is worked in pieces and seamed together. All pieces are knitted flat unless noted. We'll take it one section at a time, from the nose to the tail. Don't worry if it looks like a lot of steps—each one is simple and builds on the last.

Head & Body (Worked in one piece from nose to tail)

This is the main event! We'll start at the nose, increase to create the head and body, then decrease to form the tail end.

1. With MC, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit across. (6 sts)
3. Row 2: Increase in each stitch (kfb) across. (12 sts) (Kfb means knit into the front and back of the same stitch to make two stitches from one.)
4. Row 3: Knit across.
5. Row 4: *Kfb, k1* repeat to end. (18 sts)
6. Row 5: Knit across.
7. Row 6: *Kfb, k2* repeat to end. (24 sts)
8. Rows 7-10: Knit across. (24 sts)
9. Row 11: *Kfb, k3* repeat to end. (30 sts)
10. Rows 12-18: Knit across. (30 sts) (This is the widest part of the body—the belly.)
11. Row 19: *K2tog, k3* repeat to end. (24 sts) (K2tog means knit two stitches together to decrease.)
12. Row 20: Knit across.
13. Row 21: *K2tog, k2* repeat to end. (18 sts)
14. Row 22: Knit across.
15. Row 23: *K2tog, k1* repeat to end. (12 sts)
16. Row 24: Knit across.
17. Row 25: *K2tog* repeat to end. (6 sts)
18. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches on the needle, remove the needle, and pull tight to close the nose. Do not weave in this end yet.
19. Sew the side seam from nose to tail using the mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving an opening of about 2-3 inches in the middle for stuffing.
20. Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill, paying attention to the nose and the rounded belly. The shark should be plump and huggable, not lumpy.
21. Close the opening with your tapestry needle and weave in the end securely.

Tail Fin (Make 2)

These two pieces will be sewn together to create the split tail.

1. With MC, cast on 10 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit across.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k8, kfb. (12 sts)
4. Row 3: Knit across.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k10, kfb. (14 sts)
6. Row 5: Knit across.
7. Row 6: K2tog, k10, k2tog. (12 sts)
8. Row 7: Knit across.
9. Row 8: K2tog, k8, k2tog. (10 sts)
10. Row 9: Knit across.
11. Bind off all stitches.
12. Repeat to make a second identical piece.
13. Sew the two fin pieces together along the bind-off edge, leaving the cast-on edge open. This creates a flat, two-lobed tail.
14. Attach the tail to the tail end of the body (the side opposite the nose), centering it. Sew securely.

Dorsal Fin

This fin sits on top of the shark's back.

1. With MC, cast on 8 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit across.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k6, kfb. (10 sts)
4. Row 3: Knit across.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k8, kfb. (12 sts)
6. Rows 5-6: Knit across.
7. Row 7: K2tog, k8, k2tog. (10 sts)
8. Row 8: Knit across.
9. Row 9: K2tog, k6, k2tog. (8 sts)
10. Bind off.
11. Fold the fin in half lengthwise (so the bind-off edge meets the cast-on edge) and sew the side edges together to create a 3D, triangular fin. Leave the bottom edge open.
12. Attach to the top of the body, centered between the head and tail. Sew firmly.

Pectoral Fins (Make 2)

These are the side fins that stick out from the body.

1. With MC, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit across.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k4, kfb. (8 sts)
4. Row 3: Knit across.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k6, kfb. (10 sts)
6. Rows 5-6: Knit across.
7. Row 7: K2tog, k6, k2tog. (8 sts)
8. Row 8: Knit across.
9. Row 9: K2tog, k4, k2tog. (6 sts)
10. Bind off.
11. Fold in half and sew the side edges together, similar to the dorsal fin, to create a small, flat fin.
12. Attach to the sides of the body, slightly behind the head (about 1-2 inches from the nose). Position them so they stick out horizontally.

Belly

This white piece will be sewn onto the underside of the body.

1. With CC1, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit across.
3. Row 2: Kfb across. (12 sts)
4. Row 3: Knit across.
5. Row 4: *Kfb, k1* repeat to end. (18 sts)
6. Row 5: Knit across.
7. Row 6: *Kfb, k2* repeat to end. (24 sts)
8. Rows 7-12: Knit across. (24 sts)
9. Row 13: *K2tog, k2* repeat to end. (18 sts)
10. Row 14: Knit across.
11. Row 15: *K2tog, k1* repeat to end. (12 sts)
12. Row 16: Knit across.
13. Row 17: *K2tog* repeat to end. (6 sts)
14. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the end. This creates a rounded, oval shape.
15. Sew the belly piece onto the underside of the body, matching the shape. The wider part should align with the widest part of the shark's belly. Use a whip stitch and sew it on securely, leaving the edges neat.

Eyes (Make 2)

These simple pieces will become the shark's cute, button-like eyes.

1. With CC3, cast on 4 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit across.
3. Row 2: Kfb across. (8 sts)
4. Bind off. This creates a small square.
5. Sew the eyes onto the head, positioned about 2 inches from the nose and 1 inch apart. You can sew them flat or stuff them slightly for a domed look. Sew them on securely with a few stitches.

Mouth

Now for the shark's signature grin! This is done with embroidery.

1. With CC2 (dark grey), thread your tapestry needle.
2. Embroider a curved smile using a backstitch or stem stitch. Start from one side of the nose, curve down and up to the other side, creating a wide "U" or "J" shape.
3. Add a few small white teeth using CC1. Make small vertical stitches along the mouth line, pointing downwards. You can make 3-5 small teeth for a playful look.

Finishing

1. Weave in all remaining ends using your tapestry needle, hiding them inside the plush.
2. Give your shark a final squeeze to shape it.
3. Optionally, add a small loop of yarn at the top of the head for hanging. Simply thread a piece of yarn through the top of the head, tie a knot, and create a loop.

Congratulations! You've just created your very own Fin & Fury Shark. This cuddly predator is ready for adventures, whether it's guarding your couch, joining a nursery, or becoming a beloved gift. The visible stockinette stitch gives it a cozy, handmade charm that no store-bought toy can match. Enjoy your new companion, and happy knitting!