Bubblegum Betta Fish Bowl Free Pattern – Textured Knit Aquarium Pet

Bring Home a No-Maintenance Pet: The Bubblegum Betta Fish Bowl

Are you looking for a fun, beginner-friendly knitting project that adds a pop of color to your shelf? Look no further than this adorable Bubblegum Betta Fish Bowl! This whimsical amigurumi project combines a cozy, textured knit bowl with a vibrant coral pink betta fish, complete with a flowing fringed tail. It's the perfect no-maintenance pet for anyone who loves handmade charm—no feeding, no cleaning, just pure yarn-based delight. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this pattern is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, resulting in a squishy, colorful decoration that will brighten any room.

This project is a fantastic way to practice knitting in the round, shaping with increases and decreases, and adding simple crochet details. The finished piece is a delightful conversation starter and a wonderful gift for fish lovers, teachers, or anyone who appreciates quirky handmade decor. Let's dive into the pattern and create your very own aquatic scene!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Coral pink (for the betta fish)
  • Cream (for the fish bowl)
  • Teal (for seaweed)
  • Mustard yellow (for starfish)
  • Small amounts of black and white (for eyes, or use buttons)
• Knitting Needles: US Size 4 (3.5 mm) knitting needles (for working in the round and flat)
• Crochet Hook: US Size C/2 (2.75 mm) crochet hook (for details and fringe)
• Other Supplies:
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Yarn needle (for sewing and weaving ends)
  • Scissors
  • Stitch marker (optional, for tracking rounds)
  • Small black buttons (optional, for eyes)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Note: Gauge is not critical for this project, but it will affect the final size. Just keep your tension consistent!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Knit the Fish Bowl (Worked in the Round)

This bowl is worked from the bottom up, starting with a small circle and increasing to create the base, then knitting straight for the walls, and finally decreasing to close the top. You'll be working in a continuous spiral, so use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.

1. Cast On and Join: Using cream yarn and your knitting needles, cast on 6 stitches. Distribute these stitches evenly across your needles (if using double-pointed needles) or use the magic loop method. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches (6 sts).
3. Round 2: Increase in every stitch (12 sts). To increase, knit into the front and back of the same stitch (kfb).
4. Round 3: *K1, inc* repeat around (18 sts).
5. Round 4: *K2, inc* repeat around (24 sts).
6. Round 5: *K3, inc* repeat around (30 sts).
7. Round 6: *K4, inc* repeat around (36 sts).
8. Round 7: *K5, inc* repeat around (42 sts).
9. Round 8: *K6, inc* repeat around (48 sts).
10. Rounds 9-20: Knit all stitches (48 sts). This creates the straight walls of the bowl. Knit these rounds without any increases or decreases.
11. Round 21: *K6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts). The k2tog (knit two together) is a right-leaning decrease.
12. Round 22: *K5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
13. Round 23: *K4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
14. Round 24: *K3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
15. Round 25: *K2, k2tog* repeat around (18 sts).
16. Stuff the Bowl: Now is the time to stuff your bowl firmly with fiberfill. Make sure it's evenly distributed and the bowl holds its shape. Don't overstuff to the point of stretching, but make it nice and plump.
17. Round 26: *K1, k2tog* repeat around (12 sts).
18. Round 27: *K2tog* repeat around (6 sts).
19. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail onto a yarn needle, pass it through the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Part 2: Knit the Betta Fish (Worked Flat)

The betta fish is knit flat in stockinette stitch, then folded and seamed. This creates a simple, rounded body shape. The tail is added later with fringed yarn.

1. Cast On: Using coral pink yarn, cast on 10 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: K1, inc (kfb), k8, inc, k1 (12 sts).
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: K1, inc, k10, inc, k1 (14 sts).
7. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
8. Row 7: K1, inc, k12, inc, k1 (16 sts).
9. Rows 8-15: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) for 8 rows. This creates the body of the fish.
10. Row 16 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
11. Row 17: K2tog, k12, k2tog (14 sts).
12. Row 18: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 19: K2tog, k10, k2tog (12 sts).
14. Row 20: Purl all stitches.
15. Row 21: K2tog, k8, k2tog (10 sts).
16. Row 22: Purl all stitches.
17. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
18. Shape the Fish: Fold the knitted piece in half lengthwise, with the right sides together. Sew the side seams, leaving the top (the bind-off edge) open. Turn the fish right side out.
19. Stuff: Stuff the fish lightly with fiberfill. You want it to be soft and slightly rounded, not too firm.
20. Create the Tail: Cut several 6-inch strands of coral pink yarn. Using your crochet hook, attach these strands to the back end of the fish (the cast-on edge) using a fringe technique. To do this, fold a strand in half, insert the hook through the edge of the fish, pull the folded loop through, then pull the ends of the strand through the loop and tighten. Repeat until the tail area is full and fluffy. Trim the fringe to shape it into a flowing, fan-like tail.

Part 3: Crochet the Details (Seaweed and Starfish)

These small crochet pieces add the finishing touches to your aquatic scene. They're quick and easy to make.

Seaweed (Make 2-3)

1. Using teal yarn and your crochet hook, make a slip knot and chain 10.
2. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across.
3. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. This creates a simple, wavy strand of seaweed.

Starfish (Make 1)

1. Using mustard yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
2. Work 5 single crochet stitches into the ring.
3. Slip stitch to join the round. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
4. This creates a tiny, five-pointed starfish shape.

Eyes

• Using black yarn and a yarn needle, embroider two small French knots on the fish for eyes. Alternatively, sew on two small black buttons for a more defined look.

Part 4: Assembly

1. Position the Decorations: Place the seaweed strands and the starfish inside the bowl, positioning them against the sides. You can arrange them to peek out from behind the fish.
2. Place the Fish: Gently place the betta fish inside the bowl, arranging the fringed tail to flow outward and upward for a dynamic look.
3. Secure (Optional): If you want the pieces to stay in place, use a few small stitches with matching yarn to secure the fish and decorations to the inside of the bowl. This is especially helpful if the bowl will be handled or moved around.
4. Weave in Ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in all remaining loose ends to give your project a clean, polished finish.

And there you have it—your very own Bubblegum Betta Fish Bowl! This charming piece is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it. It's a perfect weekend project that combines knitting, crochet, and a little bit of creativity. Enjoy your new handmade pet, and happy crafting!