Fantail Goldfish

Fantail Goldfish Crochet Pattern by Kerri's Crochet

What is Being Made

The Fantail Goldfish is a decorative crochet applique designed by Kerri's Crochet. This intermediate-level project creates a dimensional goldfish featuring the characteristic flowing fins and rounded body shape of a fantail variety. The pattern is suitable for crafters with some crochet experience and can be made as a multi-coloured fish or in a simpler plain goldfish variation.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project uses crochet as the primary construction method. Crochet is a fiber craft that creates fabric using a single hook to form interlocking loops of yarn. The Fantail Goldfish pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques to build three-dimensional shaping, making it an excellent intermediate project for developing skills in increasing stitches and working in the round.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a variety of crochet stitches to create different textural effects and shaping:

• Chain stitch (ch) - the foundation stitch used to create loops and starting points
• Slip stitch (sl st) - used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Double crochet (dc) - a shorter stitch used for tighter, more defined areas
• Half treble crochet (htr) - a medium-height stitch providing transition between shorter and taller stitches
• Treble crochet (tr) - a taller stitch used for creating the flowing, open sections of fins and body
• Double treble crochet (dtr) - the tallest stitch in the pattern, creating dramatic height and drape

Construction Method

The Fantail Goldfish is constructed using the magic loop technique, a popular method for starting projects worked in the round. The head section begins with a magic loop, followed by increases created by working multiple stitches into single stitches. This increase technique builds the rounded, dimensional shape characteristic of the fish's body. The pattern uses strategic stitch height variation—combining double crochet, half treble, treble, and double treble stitches—to create the flowing fins and sculpted body form.

Materials Required

The Fantail Goldfish pattern calls for 4-ply yarn, available in cotton or wool fiber content. Yarn color requirements depend on the chosen variation:

• Multi-coloured fish: 5 colours of yarn
• Plain goldfish: 3 colours of yarn

Additional materials include a crochet hook (size not specified in excerpt), scissors for cutting yarn, a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends, a sewing needle, and black and white thread for attaching the eyes. The pattern includes a video tutorial available separately for visual learners following along with the written instructions.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to develop skills in working three-dimensional shapes and managing multiple colour changes. The magic loop starting technique and varied stitch heights require some experience but provide excellent practice for advancing crochet skills.