Super-Easy Yarn Octopus

This Super-Easy Yarn Octopus is so cute and friendly looking that your little one is going to want to play with it forever. This kids' yarn project is easy enough to make with a child in just a couple of hours. You really won't believe how easily this toy comes together, and the kids will love learning how to make a toy of their own. This clever octopus is a great way to practice making braids, and her bows allow for practice tying knots. Let the little ones be creative and select a favorite color of yarn and trims.

Materials:

• RED HEART® Super Saver®: 1 skein 373 Petal Pink
• Two ½" wiggly eyes 
• 12” of 1" wide pre-gathered lace for collar
• ¾ yd of ¾" wide ribbon for hair bow 
• 4 yds of ¼" wide ribbon for legs and neck trim
• 2½" diameter Styrofoam® ball for head
• 12" x 24" piece of heavy cardboard
• Tissue paper
• Small amount of hot pink or red felt 
• Hot glue gun 
• Pencil

Instructions:

1. Wind entire skein of yarn around cardboard lengthwise leaving about 6 yards to use for tying later. Tie yarn together loosely at each end of cardboard. Remove cardboard.
   
   
    
2. Tie a length of yarn tightly around yarn 8” from top and leave for hair.
    
3. Insert Styrofoam® ball into yarn up close to tie. Arrange yarn around ball to hide and tie tightly below ball to secure for head.
    
4. Cut through center of loops at bottom. Divide yarn into 8 equal sections and braid. Tie ends with yarn. Trim ends evenly. Tie again with narrow ribbon and trim with bows.
   
   
    
5. Cut through center of loops at top (hair). Arrange hair and trim around face to make bangs. Gather up remaining hair to make a ponytail and tie with wide ribbon. Trim.
    
6. Glue wiggly eyes in position. Cut lips from felt and glue to face.
    
7. Glue lace around neck. Glue narrow ribbon over lace.
    
8. Make a bow with narrow ribbon and glue in place at neck.