The Cuddly Caterpillar - A Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Oh how sweet Spring is! All the flowers blooming, sun shining, and my daughters finding bugs in the garden! Yes, you read that right. 

They love to find a bowl, fill it with grass and leaves, and start hunting. Looking for potato bugs, caterpillars, lady bugs and worms to name a few. 

The hardest part? Telling them they can't keep them or bring them in the house.... so I have made them one they can keep.

In case you were wondering, yes they do pretend to feed her real leaves! In fact, they have found that they can have her hold her own leaf by sticking the stem into the bottom of her arm (gotta love the imagination of 3 and 5-year-olds).

If you have a little one who is fascinated with bugs and insects they will love this cuddly caterpillar too! The body is worked as one piece and the arms are made for fast and easy sewing, making this a perfect pattern for beginners. 

This is also a great way to use up left over yarn as each segment only requires a small amount!

If you are new to amigurumi be sure to check out my tips and materials page to help get you started!

Want to accessorize your caterpillar? It would be so cute with a bow for a girl (like the one used on Holly the Honey Bear) or a bow tie for a boy (like this one used on the Berry Patch Bunny!). You can easily adapt this pattern for a boy by switching up the colors and excluding the eyelashes!

This pattern uses my favorite alternative for plastic safety eyes, I used the 12 mm size to have a nice pop! Since she was a 'cuddly' caterpillar I really wanted the eyes to sparkle with that reflection! 

If you would prefer to use a plastic safety eye it would still look equally cute!

If you have any questions along the way or want to share your project with us, join the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook! I'll also keep you updated on new patterns, giveaways and tutorials!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern! 

The Cuddly Caterpillar measures about 14 inches from top to bottom! 

This is a free pattern here on my blog, if you would prefer an ad-free printable version you can purchase one for a small fee from Ravelry or Etsy. 

Don't forget to PIN this pattern and save to your favorite board!

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

Materials:

• Size 4 worsted weight yarn in your choice of colors 
• 25g for each of the 4 segments 
• Small amount for: 
• Antennae 
• Arms 
• Cheeks 
• 3.5 mm and 2.25 mm crochet hooks 
• Black and white crochet thread for eyes and mouth 
• Scissors 
• Tapestry/Sewing needle
• Stuffing (Poly-Fil and Morning Glory are my top favorites!)
• Stitch markers (optional)

US Abbreviations: 

SC- Single crochet
SC INC- Single crochet increase
INV DEC- Invisible decrease
HDC- Half double crochet
Sl st- Slip stitch
Rpt- Repeat

*Slowly stuff as you go, you want it to be firm but not stretched. You will be working in the round, I like using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.

Let's get crocheting! Using 3.5 mm hook throughout (eyes are made with 2.25 mm)

Body- 

The body is worked from the bottom up and is one continuous piece.

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC

Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)

Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rpt around (18)

Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rpt around (24)

Round 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, rpt around (30)

Round 6: SC in the first 4 stitches, SC INC in the next, rpt around (36)

Round 7: SC in the first 5 stitches, SC INC in the next, rpt around (42)

Round 8: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, rpt around (48)

Rounds 9-16: SC around (48)

Round 17: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rpt around (42)

Round 18: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rpt around (36)

Round 19: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rpt around (30)

Round 20: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rpt around (24)

Round 21: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rpt around (18)

Rounds 22-75: Repeat rounds 4-21 three times (to have a total of 4 segments)

Round 76: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC in the next, rpt around (12)

Round 77: INV DEC around (6)

Fasten off and sew remaining part closed, weave in your end

Arms- 

Make 6

*Either leave unstuffed or stuff only the very bottom, this will allow arms to have more movement*

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC

Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)

Rounds 3-4: SC around (12)

Round 5: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC, rpt around (8)

Rounds 6-15: SC around (8)

At the end of round 15 pinch the arm flat and make 4 SC across the top to close, fasten off and leave a long tail to sew onto the body.

Antennae- 

Make 2

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC

Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)

Round 3: SC in the first 3, SC INC in the next, rpt around (15)

Rounds 4-6: SC around (15)

Round 7: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC, rpt around (10)

Rounds 8-12: SC around (10)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing and fill lightly with stuffing

Cheeks – 

Make 2

Make a magic circle with 6 SC, join with a slip stitch and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing

Eyes –

 Make 2

With 2.25 mm crochet hook and black crochet thread

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 8 HDC, join with a sl st to the first HDC, ch 1 (8)

Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch, join with a sl st to the first SC (16)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing, with white thread pass your needle through a stitch once or twice to create reflection

Assembling everything together-

•  Sew each antenna on starting at the 3rd round and ending at the 6th 
•  Next, sew the arms angled in on each side making sure they are centered with the antennae (to keep them even I sewed each one on between the 5th and 8th round of each segment) 
• Lastly, using the pictures below sew on the eyes and cheeks. Using your crochet thread embroider a smile by passing your thread through in either a ‘U’ or ‘V’ shape 

Your Cuddly Caterpillar is complete! I hope you have enjoyed making this pattern. 

Let me know if you have any questions with this pattern or any of my other patterns, I would be happy to help!

Thank you for stopping by, 

Stephanie 

Quick and Easy Crochet Hair Clips - A Free Tutorial

It may be Spring but these crochet flower hair clips can really be made year round. They are inexpensive to make and take about 5 minutes! 

I've used them for photo shoots, gifts, craft fairs and accents on other crochet projects!

I have a fascination with crochet thread and I love the colors they come in now! My favorite places to find them are Amazon, WalMart or Hobby Lobby (I always see who has the best prices). 

When I was preparing for a craft fair I was given the advice of having small items as well as big ones. These are what I made for my small items. 

I made combinations of layered flowers with pearl beads and roses of many colors (I recommend making the roses or excluding the pearl bead if you intend these for little ones under 3 as they can be a choking hazard).

The pattern for the rose is very similar to my pattern here that I used on my bunny headbands. With the rose below I kept the petals the same size instead of tapering so they are nice and full. 

Using crochet thread gives them a dainty delicate look that is great for all ages! My favorite hair pieces to use are alligator clips and metal hair clips, but these also work great on french barrettes or sewn onto nylon headbands!

If you'd like to save this for later you can PIN it to your favorite board!

If you have any questions along the way or want to share your project with us, join the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook! I'll also keep you updated on new patterns, giveaways and tutorials!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you!

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

Materials for Rose Hair Clip

 

• Crochet hook size 2.75mm
• Crochet thread size10 in choice of color(s) (5 or 3 will work as well)
• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• Alligator Hair Clips 35mm (I found mine at Hobby Lobby but can be found at any craft store)
• Hot glue gun

Materials for Layered Flower Hair Clip

• Crochet hook size 2.75mm
• Crochet thread size 10 in choice of color(s) (5 or 3 will work as well)
• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• Pearl beads (not recommended if being made for children under 3)
• 50mm metal hair clips (I purchase mine from here but they can also be found at your local craft store)
• Hot glue gun

US Abbreviations

Ch - Chain

SC - Single crochet

Sl st - Slip stitch

DC - Double crochet


Crochet Rose

{The crochet rose uses the V-Stitch, to complete this simply make a DC, ch1, DC all into the same stitch or chain}

Ch 34

Row 1: DC in the 2nd chain from hook, ch 1, DC in the same chain, ch 1, skip the next chain, *V-stitch in the next chain, ch 1, and skip the next chain* Repeat this through to the end of the chain, ending with a V-stitch.

You will have 17 V-stitches and 16 chain 1 spaces in-between. (Your work will want to curl, this is ok)

Row 2: Chain 1 and turn, *complete 6 DCs in the first V-stitch (this is your first petal), slip stitch into the chain 1 space*, repeat from * across. You will end with 17 petals.





Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew it together

Starting with the side having the long tail, start to roll your petals together into a circle as pictured below.




Take your needle and push it through the first petal and out the bottom of the flower (this will help hold the inner part of the flower in place)

Sew through each layer back and forth to secure each of the petals in place, fasten off

Using your hot glue gun attach to hair clip

Layered Flower

{Leave a long tail on your magic circle for sewing your pearl bead at the end}

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC, join with a slip stitch to the first SC

Round 2: Ch 1 (3 DC, ch 1, and sl st into the same stitch), in the next stitch complete *sl st, ch 1, 3 DC, ch 1, sl st*, repeat from * around. You will end with 6 petals.

Round 3: Ch 3 and sl st into the back post of the 3rd DC on your first petal, continue this step for each petal, when you reach the 6th petal sl st into the first ch 3.





Round 4: Ch 1 (4 DC, ch 1, and sl st into the chain), in the next chain complete *sl st, ch 1, 3 DC, ch 1, sl st*, repeat from * around. You will end with 6 petals.

Round 5: Ch 4 and sl st into the back post of the 4th DC on your first petal, continue this step for each petal, when you reach the 6th petal sl st into the first ch 4.

Round 6: Ch 1 (5 DC, ch 1, and sl st into the same chain), in the next chaincomplete *sl st, ch 1, 3 DC, ch 1, sl st*, repeat from * around. You will end with 6 petals.

Fasten off and weave in ends

Using your tail sew pearl bead to center

Using your hot glue gun attach to hair clip.


There you have it, two quick and easy crochet hair clips!

What is your favorite project to use a crochet flower accent on?

Amigurumi Duck - A Free Crochet Pattern

My daughters love themed animals and are a big inspiration to my patterns. After making my amigurumi cow, I knew I wanted to create a farm theme. 

The next installment is here, these sweet little ducks! (Funny enough, when I started designing them they were chicks. 

After frogging and trying to get the details to match what I pictured in my head, they started to look more and more like ducks. My awesome pattern testers helped me pinpoint which animal they should be!)

If you are new to amigurumi be sure to check out my tips and materials page to help get you started!

By including or excluding the bow and eyelashes this pattern is easily adaptable to make in a boy or girl version! 

Equally fun is deciding the colors to make them in. Both work up to be about 13 inches tall, perfect cuddling size!

If you have any questions along the way or want to share your project with us, join the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook! I'll also keep you updated on new patterns, giveaways and tutorials!

In most of my patterns I use plastic safety eyes, they are easy and fast to install. However, they are not recommended for children under 3. 

If you are making this for a little one or don't have the size needed on hand, I recommend using my crochet thread eyes as an alternative!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern!

This is a free pattern here on my blog, if you would prefer an ad-free printable version you can purchase one for a small fee from Ravelry or Etsy. 

Don't forget to PIN this pattern and save to your favorite board!

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

Materials:

• Size 4 worsted weight yarn (100g of white or yellow yarn for the body, 25g orange) 
• 3.5 mm crochet hook (these are my favorite to use!)
• 15mm safety eyes 
• Black crochet/embroidery thread for eyelashes/small amount of choice color for bow   (optional) 
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle (these work wonders for amigurumi with their bent tips)
• Stuffing (Poly-Fil and Morning Glory are my top favorites!)
• Stitch markers

US Abbreviations: 

MC- Magic circle
SC- Single crochet
SC INC- Single crochet increase
INV DEC- Invisible decrease
DC- Double crochet


*Slowly stuff as you go, you want it to be firm but not stretched. You will be working in the round, I like using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.

Legs and Body-

Make 2: Using orange
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch (12 SC)
Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next stitch, repeat around (18 SC)
Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next stitch, repeat around (24 SC)
Round 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next stitch, repeat around (30 SC)
Round 6: SC around in the back loops only (30 SC)
Rounds 7-8: SC around (30 SC)
Round 9: SC in the first 9 stitches, INV DEC 6 times, SC in the last 9 stitches (24 SC)
Round 10: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC 6 times, SC in the last 6 stitches (18 SC)
Rounds 11-22: SC around (18 SC)

Fasten off (When you finish the 2nd leg do not fasten. At the end of Round 22 on the 2nd leg, complete a SC in each of the next 6 stitches, this will line up your legs to be straight when we join. Round 23 joins the legs together and starts the body.) 

Round 23: Chain 3 and attach to the first leg with a SC (be sure both feet are facing the same direction), SC in the remaining stitches around the leg, when you reach the chain make a SC across each of the 3 chains, SC in the remaining stitches of the next leg and SC across each of the 3 chains (42 SC) This completes your join and is where your next round will start.

Round 24: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (48 SC) Change to body color
Round 25: SC around (48 SC)
Round 26: SC in the first 7 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (54 SC)
Rounds 27-38: SC around (54 SC)
Round 39: SC in the first 7 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (48 SC)
Round 40: SC around (48 SC)
Round 41: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (42 SC)
Round 42: SC around (42 SC)
Round 43: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (36 SC)
Round 44: SC around (36 SC)
Round 45: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (30 SC)
Rounds 46-47: SC around (30 SC)

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing

Head-

NOTE: This head will be worked from the top down, meaning the first few rounds will be the top of the head and our closing rounds at the end will be the bottom of our head.

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12 SC)
Round 3: SC in the first st, SC INC in the next, repeat around (18 SC)
Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (24 SC)
Round 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (30 SC)
Round 6: SC in the first 4 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (36 SC)
Round 7: SC in the first 5 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (42 SC)
Round 8: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (48 SC)
Round 9: SC in the first 7 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (54 SC)
Rounds 10: SC in the first 8 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (60 SC)
Rounds 11-20: SC around (60 SC)

NOTE: Here is where we will attach the safety eyes. Place them 6 stitches apart between rounds 15-17 (If you would like eyelashes you will want to sew them on before securing your safety eyes)

Round 21: SC in the first 8 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (54 SC)
Round 22: SC in the first 7 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (48 SC)
Round 23: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (42 SC)
Round 24: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (36 SC)
Round 25: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (30 SC)
Round 26: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (24 SC)

 *Continue to stuff the head firmly
Round 27: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (18 SC)
Round 28: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (12 SC)
Round 29: INV DEC around (6 SC)

Fasten off and sew remaining part closed, weave in your end

Beak-

With orange
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12 SC)
Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, repeat around (18 SC)
Rounds 4-7: SC around (18 SC)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing

Sew centered between the eyes, stuffing lightly. Options: you can flatten the beak to make a more rectangular bill (example on the white duck) or leave as a circle for a rounded beak (as on the yellow duck). 

Wings- 

Make 2
Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12 SC)
Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, repeat around (18 SC)
Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (24 SC)
Round 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, repeat around (30 SC)
Rounds 6-8: SC around (30 SC)
Round 9: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (24 SC)
Rounds 10-12: SC around (24 SC)
Round 13: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, repeat around (18 SC)
Rounds 14-22: SC around (18 SC)

At the end of round 22 pinch the wing flat and make 8 SC across the top to close, fasten off and leave a long tail to sew onto the body

Tail-

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC
Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12 SC)
Rounds 3-4: SC around (12 SC)
Round 5: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, repeat around (18 SC)
Round 6: SC around (18 SC)
Round 7: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next 6 stitches, SC in each of the last 6 stitches (24 SC)
Round 8: SC around (24 SC)
Round 9: *SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next 3 stitches*, repeat from * one more time, SC in the last 6 stitches (30 SC)
Round 10: SC around (30 SC)
Round 11: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next 3 stitches, SC in the next 12 stiches, SC INC in the next 3 stitches, SC in the last 6 stitches (36 SC)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing

Attaching everything together- 

Sew the head onto the body, making sure to have the facial features centered. Add extra stuffing as you go to keep it firm and less wobbly. 

Next sew the wings onto the body centered with the head at round 46. Sew the tail centered on the back of the body, lightly stuffing as you go.

Optional Bow-

Working in a magic circle make 7 DCs, slip stitch, 7 DCs, and slip stitch again, pull your string tight and wrap it around the middle of the bow 4 times. 

Tie/secure in the back and cut your string leaving a long section to sew with. Sew onto your favorite side of the head! 

Your duck is complete! I hope you have enjoyed making this pattern. 

Let me know if you have any questions with this pattern or any of my other patterns, I would be happy to help.

So, what farm animal would you like to see next in the series?

13 Mother's Day Gift Ideas - A Free Crochet Pattern Roundup

Mother's Day is almost here! But there is still time to make something purposeful that she will cherish!

The gift of time is so very precious these days, we are busy. And that's an understatement. That's why a handmade gift is cherished! 

To give a beautiful crocheted (or any handmade) item to a loved one means we've given them our time. 

We've thought about what they like or need, their favorite colors, searched for the perfect pattern, used our favorite yarn and watched our fingers fly. 

With this post I hope I have saved you some time in searching for awe-inspiring patterns!

I have compiled 13 patterns that will give you inspiration for your special gift(s). Each has its own unique usefulness, texture and endless color possibilities (I love color!)

Within these patterns I have narrowed it down into a couple sections: items for the home and items for the kitchen (or cleaning to be exact). 

All things that are needed and won't collect dust anywhere!

*The images used in this post belong to the individual designer and have been used with permission*

In a hurry? Feel free to PIN to your favorite board and come back later!

Without further ado here starts the 'around the home' theme:

1. Spring Shawl by Hooked on Homemade Happiness - This shawl is wonderful in so many ways! 

The different stitches make for a beautiful texture, the shape is flattering and feminine and I just love the tassels on the end!

2. Crochet Koala Bear Basket by Repeat Crafter Me - I'm grinning ear to ear right now.....because you know my love for amigurumi! 

I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this idea and yes, I think it's perfect for Mother's Day! This pattern is fun, useful and perfect for organization.

If you are new to amigurumi check out my tips and materials page to help you get started!

3. Everia Picot Clutch by Whistle and Ivy - This clutch is quite unique and we moms love anything we can fill up! 

Bonus: Bethany has more awesome patterns for various clutches, the hardest part will be choosing which one to make!

4. Cascades Pillow from CAAB Crochet (Cute As A Button) - The name really describes this pillow quite well. 

A beautiful accent piece for any room in the house with a beautiful knit-look!

5. Sea Glass Basket by Elk Studio - I promised you texture and this pattern really delivers! 

This basket is resourceful and consists of some of my favorite stitches for added texture, front and back post double crochet! If you are new to crocheting around the post, don't worry it's easier than you think!

6 & 7. Bubblegum Accent Rug and Mason Jar Cozy by Little Monkeys Crochet - Both of these patterns would make a wonderful gift.

 I love the stripes on the accent rug and those colors! Her beautiful mason jar cozy has lovely texture as well and would pair amazingly with a bouquet of flowers!

8. Cotton Crochet Basket by B. Hooked Crochet - I have another basket pattern to share because they really are a great gift! 

This pattern works up fast and only uses 3 stitches! 

Kitchen/Cleaning Theme:

9. Flower Coaster by Maria's Blue Crayon - How fun are these? Perfect for Spring and a great gift idea!

 I love the little story behind how these coasters came to be! What colors will you choose?

10. Linen Stitch Crochet Table Runner by The Unraveled Mitten - I love that at every event my grandmother has a different beautiful table runner to display. 

The linen stitch used in this pattern is modern, defined and unique. Perfect combination! If I haven't convinced you to check it out yet, let me share that there are NO ends to weave in! You read that right!

11. Easy Crochet Mop Cover by me (Grace and Yarn) - This pattern came about when I found myself needing to buy more covers for my sweeper mop and I really didn't want to. 

Instead, I used my favorite cleaning stitch (the crunch stitch) to make my own covers that are washable and reusable!

12. Bright Chevron Dishcloth by Moogly - These bring me joy just looking at them! They are bright, cheerful and make me want to wash dishes!

 Tamara has made these fun and fast to work up, and she even tested the yarn she recommends. They have past the no bleed test, awesome!

13. April Showers Dish Cloths by Green Fox Farms Designs - These dish cloths are also quite fun! You get two different designs in one, both with great texture. 

Will you make the Cloud Cloth or the Sun Cloth (or both!)?

I hope you have enjoyed browsing through these inspiring patterns! Furthermore, I hope you found some great gift ideas for Mother's Day! 

- Stephanie