Catch of the Day - Hanging Fish

Catch of the Day – Hanging Fish by Chloe and Kato Crochet Designs

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a decorative hanging fish suitable for home décor. The finished fish measures approximately 18–20cm in length when worked with DK weight yarn and a 4.50mm hook. The design is versatile and can be scaled up or down by adjusting yarn weight, making it an excellent stash-busting project for crocheters with leftover yarn.

Craft Technique and Method

The Catch of the Day fish is constructed using the spiral or amigurumi crochet method, a popular technique for creating three-dimensional stuffed pieces. This approach involves working in continuous rounds rather than joining rounds, which creates a seamless spiral effect. The amigurumi method is ideal for creating dimensional shapes and is commonly used for toys, decorations, and sculptural crochet pieces.

Stitches and Construction

While the PDF does not specify individual stitch names in detail, the pattern employs standard crochet stitches worked in the round using the spiral technique. The designer notes a general gauge of 22 stitches over 30 rows equaling a 10cm × 10cm square, though tension is not critical for this decorative project. The key is selecting the appropriate hook size for your chosen yarn weight to achieve proper fabric structure.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern is designed using Paintbox Yarn Cotton DK, a medium-weight yarn. The original design calls for:

• 1 ball of Dolphin Blue (437)
• 1 ball of Midnight Blue (438)
• Each ball contains 125m/137yd

Two balls of yarn are sufficient to crochet several fish, making this an economical project. The pattern is flexible regarding yarn choice—any yarn can be substituted as long as you match the hook size appropriately. Using 4ply yarn will produce smaller fish, while chunky yarn will create larger versions.

Tools and Notions Required

To complete this project, you will need:

• 4.50mm crochet hook (or appropriate size for your chosen yarn)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Stitch marker for tracking rounds
• Small amount of stuffing to fill the fish
• Buttons for eyes
• Steam iron and spray starch (optional, for blocking and stiffening the tail)

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as Easy/Beginner, this pattern is accessible to crocheters new to the craft. The spiral amigurumi method, while requiring basic crochet knowledge, is straightforward to learn and execute. The project does not require advanced shaping techniques or complex stitch combinations, making it an ideal introduction to three-dimensional crochet work.