Waylon the Whale – Free Crochet Pattern

I’m so very excited for my next pattern for the 2025 Toy Box CAL! The Toy Box CAL includes four mini crochet-alongs, each featuring a different theme, running over an extended period of time. You can find more information in the Introduction Post by Marie from Underground Crafter. Don’t forget to check out the end of CAL Giveaway! My pattern contribution is a sweet little whale! He joins his friends Frankie the Frog and Chloe the Chicken! Scroll down to check out the FREE crochet pattern for Waylon the Whale. I hope you enjoy it and Happy Crocheting!

This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a commission if you make a purchase through my link(s), which helps support my blog and allows me to bring you more great posts! I also received complimentary skeins of the yarn used in this pattern, from Lion Brand Yarn, to be used in my design. I was not financially compensated to use these products in my post. 

Waylon the Whale

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Materials:

• Approximately 46 yds of Category 4 Medium Weight Yarn; in 2 colors:
  • Approximately 34 yds of Color A; I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran* yarn in 635, Kingfisher Blue
  • Approximately 12 yds of Color B; I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran* yarn in 601, Paper White
• Size H 5 mm Furls Streamline Crochet Hook*
• Yarn Needle* for sewing and weaving ends
• Scissors*
• Stitch Marker*
• 12mm Safety Eyes (2)*
• Fiber Fill Stuffing*

*affiliate link

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Abbreviations:

ch – chain
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
sc dec – single crochet decrease
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
() – indicates stitch counts
* – indicates instructions to be repeated

Gauge:

16 stitches & 14 rows = 4″ (in sc)

Notes:

• This pattern is written in US terms.
• Sizing will vary depending on how tightly or loosely you crochet. If you would like to keep the sizing the same, please check your gauge before starting this project.
• This project is worked in the round. You will join after each round, where indicated.
• Use a stitch marker to mark your place to help identify where the rounds start and end.

Size:

4″ Plush

Instructions:

Body:
With Color A:
Magic Circle, ch 1
Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic circle, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc into each st around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, *1 sc into the next st, 2 sc into the next st; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, *2 sc into the next st, 1 sc into each of the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, *1 sc into each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc into the next st; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, *2 sc into the next st, 1 sc into each of the next 4 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (36 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1, 1 sc into each st around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (36 sts)
Rounds 8-12: Repeat Round 7
Round 13: Ch 1, *1 sc into each of the next 4 sts, 1 sc dec over the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (30 sts)
Round 14: Ch 1, *1 sc into each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc dec over the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (24 sts)
Round 15: Ch 1, *1 sc into each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc dec over the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (18 sts)
Begin stuffing with fiber fill
Round 16: Ch 1, *1 sc into the next st, 1 sc dec over the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (12 sts)
Continue stuffing until you are satisfied with the amount of fiber fill. Position and attach safety eyes.
Round 17: Ch 1, *1 sc dec over the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st, fasten off. (6 sts)

Underbelly:
With Color B,
Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic circle, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc into each st around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, *1 sc into the next st, 2 sc into the next st; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, *2 sc into the next st, 1 sc into each of the next 2 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, *1 sc into each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc into the next st; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, *2 sc into the next st, 1 sc into each of the next 4 sts; Repeat from * around, join into the beginning sc with a sl st, fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. (36 sts)

Fins (Make 2):
With Color A:
Ch 5,
Row 1: 1 sc into the 2nd ch from hook, 1 hdc into the next st, 1 dc into the next st, 1 dc into each of the last 2 sts, fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. (4 sts)

Tail:
With Color A,
Ch 8,
Row 1: Sl st into the 2nd st from hook, 1 sc into the next st, 1 hdc into the next st, 1 dc into the next st, 1 hdc into the next st, 1 sc into the next st, sl st into the last st, do not fasten off. (7 sts)
Row 2: Without turning your work, Ch 8, Repeat Row 1, sl st into the last st of Row 1, fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. (7 sts)

Finish:

• Position the underbelly on the bottom of the whale. Using yarn needle and yarn tail, whip stitch the belly onto the whale, fasten off.
• Position the tail onto the back of the whale. Using yarn needle and yarn tail, whip stitch the tail onto the back, fasten off.
• Position the fins on either side of the body and attach using yarn needle and yarn tails, with a whip stitch.
• Cut a few strands of color B. Fold the strands in half and with a crochet hook, pull through a stitch on the center of the whale’s head. Tie a knot to secure and trim the excess.