Lion Brand^® Vanna's Choice^®

GAUGE:

Exact gauge is not essential to this project.

MAMA OCTOPUS
Cut 84 strands of A, each 36 in. (91.5 cm) long. Apply a small amount of glue to larger foam ball – this will be the center top of the Octopus.
Hold 5-6 strands of yarn together and fold in half to find center. Glue center of strands to foam ball. Continue to apply glue in same place, then lay 5-6 strands of yarn across glue, changing the direction of the strands as you work, until all strands have been glued to ball.
Allow to dry.
Carefully spread the strands to cover the foam ball. With a short length of A, tie the strands together tightly at the center bottom of the ball.
Because the 84 strands were folded over the ball, you will have 168 strands.
Use clothespins or binder clips to separate the strands into 8 groups of 21 strands each for arms.
Working with one group at a time, separate strands into 3 groups of 7 strands each. Braid strands and tie off with A, leaving long yarn tails. Repeat until all groups been braided.
One at a time, fold each braid under Octopus. Use yarn tail to tie end of braid to beginning of braid.

BABY OCTOPUS
Cut 48 strands of B, each 24 in. (61 cm) long. Glue strands onto smaller foam ball same as for Mama Octopus.
Allow to dry.
Carefully spread the strands to cover the foam ball. With a short length of B, tie the strands together tightly at the center bottom of the ball.
Because the 48 strands were folded over the ball, you will have 96 strands.
Use clothespins or binder clips to separate the strands into 8 groups of 12 strands each for arms.
Working with one group at a time, separate strands into 3 groups of 4 strands each. Braid strands and tie off under Octopus as for Mama Octopus.

FINISHING
Cut 2 small circles from black felt for each Octopus. Glue 2 circles to each wrapped ball for eyes.