How to Crochet a Realistic Betta Fish (With Free Pattern & Photos)

Okay, let me say it upfront. The old pattern I posted here? Yeah, that one was… bad. So bad that people started throwing virtual tomatoes at me.

I get it. That one was AI-generated, and it didn’t hold up. So I did what I should’ve done from the start—I hired a real crochet artist to design a betta fish from scratch. And it came out gorgeous.

This updated post gives you a fully working pattern that’s been tested, photographed, and 100% beginner-friendly (if you’re comfortable with the basics).

Skill Level:

Intermediate. You’ll need to know how to do single crochet, increase, decrease, work in the round, and sew parts together.

Finished Size:

Roughly 4 inches (10 cm) from nose to tail, depending on your yarn, hook, and tension.

Materials:

• 3-ply milk cotton yarn (orange and yellow)
• 3.0 mm crochet hook
• Safety eyes (5 mm) or small black beads
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations Used:

• MR = Magic Ring
• ch = Chain
• sc = Single Crochet
• inc = Increase
• dec = Decrease
• sl st = Slip Stitch
• BLO = Back Loop Only
• R = Round/Row

Making The Betta Crochet Pattern Step By Step

Head + Body (Make 1)

This is the base of your betta — the little body everything else attaches to. It starts as a ball, stretches into a tube, then tapers off near the tail. You’ll also add the safety eyes and stuffing here.

Start with yellow yarn.

• R1: MR, 4 sc [4]
• R2: inc x 4 [8]
• R3: (sc, inc) x 4 [12]
• R4–R5: sc around [12]

(Insert eyes between R4–R5, stuff body)

Switch to orange. From R6–R13, alternate orange/yellow every round.

• R6–R8: sc around [12]
• R9: (4 sc, dec) x 2 [10]
• R10: sc around [10]
• R11: (3 sc, dec) x 2 [8]

• R12: (2 sc, dec) x 2 [6]

• R13: Close the gap with 3 sc across both sides [3]

• Fasten off and leave a long tail.

Curious about Betta? This post is packed with info you won’t want to miss! 5 Easy DIY Betta Fish Toys Ideas You Can Make at Home

Tail (Make 1)

This is the showstopper. Betta fish are famous for their fancy tails, and this pattern makes it ripple-like with rows that alternate direction. You’ll work in the back loop to create texture and flow.

Orange yarn

• R1: ch 15
• R2: (start from 3rd ch) 6 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl st
• ch 1, turn
• R3: BLO – 2 sl st, 2 sc, 3 hdc, 6 dc
• ch 2, turn
• R4: (start from 3rd ch) BLO – 6 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl st
• ch 1, turn
• R5–R10: Repeat R3 and R4 alternately
• Fasten off and weave in ends.

Fin 1 (Top Fin – Make 1)

This is the dorsal fin that goes on top of the body. It’s flatter than the tail but adds balance and realism to the fish’s silhouette.

• R1: ch 11
• R2: 6 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl st
• ch 1, turn
• R3: BLO – 2 sl st, 2 sc, 6 hdc
• Repeat R2–R3 alternately until 7 rows
• Fasten off and weave in end.

Fin 2 (Bottom Fin – Make 1)

This fin goes underneath the body, toward the back. It’s a bit curvier than the top fin and helps round out the look.

• R1: ch 5
• R2: 4 hdc (from 2nd ch)
• ch 1, turn
• R3: BLO – 4 hdc
• ch 2, turn
• R4: BLO – 4 hdc, 1 sc
• ch 1, turn
• R5: BLO – 2 sc, 3 hdc
• ch 2, turn
• R6: BLO – 4 hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st
• ch 1, turn
• R7: BLO – 1 sl st, 1 sc, 4 dc
• Fasten off and weave in end.

Side Fins (Make 2)

These are the little pectoral fins that stick out on the sides near the head. They’re tiny but important for that signature betta posture. You can sew or glue them, depending on your vibe.

• MR, 4 sc
• sl st to first sc and fasten off
• Leave long tail for sewing (or glue)

Assembly Instructions

Time to bring it all together. Follow this order so your fish doesn’t look lopsided. And don’t stress — slight asymmetry just gives it personality.

1. Sew the big tail fin to the back.
2. Sew Fin 1 (top fin) to the upper body, around R8–R11.
3. Sew Fin 2 (bottom fin) under the body, around R6–R9.
4. Attach side fins on both sides between R5–R6. Sew or glue.
5. Weave in any loose ends.

Discover more cool facts about Betta with this detailed post! Betta Owners Swear By These 5 Minimalistic Betta Tank Ideas

That’s a Wrap (Fish Joke Intended)

And there you have it — your very own crocheted betta that doesn’t flop.

If you end up making one, I’d seriously love to see it. Drop a pic in the comments or tag me on Pinterest. I’ll be cheering you on from behind my screen.