• home
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Crochet Patterns
    • Free Patterns
      • Weekly Freebies
        • Weekly Projects
        • Weekly Wash Patterns
    • Ravelry Shop
    • Shopify Shop
    • Etsy Shop
    • Free Patterns (new to old)
    • Free Patterns (by Category)
  • DIY
    • Cricut
  • Community
  • Events
    • SS 2023
    • Great Summer Gift Event 2023
    • Birthmonth Celebration
    • Make Ahead Mondays
  • SPECIALS
  • 0 items
  • home
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Crochet Patterns
    • Free Patterns
      • Weekly Freebies
        • Weekly Projects
        • Weekly Wash Patterns
    • Ravelry Shop
    • Shopify Shop
    • Etsy Shop
    • Free Patterns (new to old)
    • Free Patterns (by Category)
  • DIY
    • Cricut
  • Community
  • Events
    • SS 2023
    • Great Summer Gift Event 2023
    • Birthmonth Celebration
    • Make Ahead Mondays
  • SPECIALS
  • 0 items

snappy tots

Free Pattern: Munching Caterpillar Hand Puppet

I LOVE the children’s storybook about a munching caterpillar, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I wanted a hand puppet that could eat play food. The head opens so kids can put pretend food into its mouth as the story is read. This will be so cute for teachers of all ages, librarians, moms, grandmas, anyone.
I hope you love it as much as I do!

Instructions included to make it a regular stuffed caterpillar too. Think how cute he would be in rainbow colors or fun fur!

Munching Handpuppet

Munching Caterpillar

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn: bright green, red, purple
Worsted weight cotton yarn or novelty yarn for fuzz down the back

Hooks: size G (for optional version of eyes), size H

Embroidery needle and embroidery thread in green, yellow and black (or use yarn, see below)
Stuffing for end of caterpillar and antennae

Stitches used:
Chain (ch), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), decrease – single crochet two together (sc2tog), decrease – double crochet two together (dc2tog), front post double crochet (fpdc), back post double crochet (bpdc)

Directions:
I use the magic loop technique for starting each part of the body. For this pattern the instructions are for basic start of a circle, but I encourage you to use the magic loop method. It may seem tricky but once you get the hang of it is much easier and produces a smaller opening. There are several videos on the internet that demonstrate magic loop or magic circle.
Use an “h hook” unless noted otherwise.

BODY:
Each “section” of the body will be noted, but do not finish off the yarn. Keep going until changing yarn to red for the head section.
1. (start of first section) With green and H hook, ch 2, 6 sc in second chain from hook (or use magic loop technique).
2. 2 sc in each sc. (12sts)
3. sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (18sts)
4. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (24sts)
5. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
6-8. sc each stitch to end of round
9. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (24sts)
10. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (18sts)
11. sc, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (12sts)

  1. (start of second section) sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (18sts)
  2. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (24sts)
  3. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  4. sc 3, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (40sts)
    16-20. sc each stitch to end of round
  5. sc 3, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  6. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (24sts)
  7. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (18sts)

  8. (start of third section) sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (24sts)

  9. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  10. sc 3, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (40sts)
    27-30. sc each stitch to end of round
  11. sc 3, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  12. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (24sts)

  13. (start of fourth section) sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (32sts)

  14. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (42sts)
    35-40. sc each stitch to end of round
  15. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat, then sc to end of round. (32sts)
  16. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (24sts)

Stuff the first two sections firmly with fiberfill. This will help keep the body’s shape. Do NOT stuff the entire body. This will leave room for pretend food to go into its belly.

  1. (start of fifth section) sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  2. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (43sts)
  3. sc 3, 2 sc in next sc, repeat, then sc to end of round. (53sts)
    46-51. sc each stitch to end of round
  4. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (40sts)
  5. sc 3, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  6. (start of sixth section) sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (43sts)

  7. sc 3, 2 sc in next sc, repeat, then sc to end of round. (53sts)
  8. Sc in each stitch, with 3 increases evenly spaced this round. (56sts)
    57-60. sc each stitch to end of round
  9. Sc in each stitch, with 3 decreases evenly spaced this round. (53sts)
  10. sc 3, sc2tog, repeat, then sc to end of round. (43sts)

  11. (start of seventh section, refer to photos below) sc 3, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (53sts)

  12. Sc in each stitch, with 3 increases evenly spaced this round. (56sts)
  13. sc each stitch to end of round
    Note: for making a stuffed caterpillar instead of a puppet, sc the first 25 stitches in the next part instead of ch 25.
  14. This round creates the opening for the glove to be added later. Ch 25, sc into the 26th st from start of round and in each stitch to end of round.
  15. sc each stitch, including each ch st, to end of round.
    68-74. sc each stitch to end of round (56sts)
  16. Sc in each stitch, with 3 decreases evenly spaced this round (53sts)
  17. sc 3, sc2tog, repeat, then sc to end of round. (43sts) Finish off and weave in ends.
Picture of seventh section
Picture of seventh section
This is the area you are making.
This is the area you are making.

NOTE: The head is left for last. It is easier to find the correct placement if all other parts are finished before.

Glove: Attach green yarn to the opening created in the seventh section. Note: this is from round #67, ch 25. NOT the opening for the head where the last row, #77, was finished.
1-2. Sc each stitch to end of round.
3-5. Ch 2, dc each stitch to end of round.
6. Ch 2, FPDC (front post double crochet) in next st then, BPDC (back post double crochet) in next st, repeat to end of round.
Repeat previous round. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Spine/Fur: Fold the caterpillar in half and draw a line down the spine with a piece of chalk, soap, or other removable item. 

 

Option 1: The fur down the spine in the sample is made using 3 different colors of cotton yarn, cut in 8″ lengths. Holding one piece of each color, use a crochet hook to pull through a stitch. Tie a knot. Continue down the spine.

Option 2: Use Lion Brand fun fur or any novelty yarn and a size J crochet hook. Attach yarn to spine and hdc along the line you drew.

Head: First, lets decide placement. Look at the photos throughout the pattern. Notice the glove part should be to the side of the body. This is so the fingers will go in the head to open it and allow pretend food to be eaten and go down into the belly of the caterpillar. If the head is attached in a different place the puppet will not work as designed. The hand will end up blocking the opening or the fingers will not be able to easily open the head and close it it.
Attach the red yarn, approximately 5 sts to the right of the spine.
1. sc 2, 2sc in next st, repeat for a total of 4 times, ch 15, sl st to first st. (31sts)
2. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round, including in the ch 15 from previous round. (37sts)
3. sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, repeat to end of round. (43sts)
3-5. sc each stitch to end of round.
6. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (37sts)
7. sc each stitch to end of round.
8. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (31sts)
9. sc each stitch to end of round.
10. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round. (25sts)
11-12. sc 2, sc2tog, repeat to end of round.
Finish off and pull circle closed.

Eyes and nose:
Option 1 (as shown): Use yellow embroidery floss and needle to stitch large part of eye in place, then use green floss to stitch center. The nose is stitched in place with black floss.

Option 2, with yarn:
Nose: With G hook and black, Ch 4 (or magic loop), join and pull closed. Finish off, leaving a long tail for attaching to head. Place over center, where head was finished off, and use a yarn needle and yarn tail to stitch in place
(make 2): With H hook and yellow, Ch 6 (or magic loop), join and pull closed. Finish off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the head.
(make 2 or more): With G hook and dark green, Ch 4 (or magic loop), join and pull closed. Finish off, leaving a long tail for attaching to head.
Stack green on yellow and sew in place. Put yellow eyes on head and use yarn needle and yarn to sew in place.

Antenna (make 2): With h hook and purple, Ch 6 (or magic loop), join and pull closed. Sc in each stitch around, pulling this round tighter than normal to create a bulge at the top of the antenna. Continue to sc each stitch around until piece measures 3″. Finish off leaving a long tail for attaching to the head.
Repeat for second antenna.
Place antenna on top of head. Refer to photos for placement. Pull yarn tails to inside of head, each tail through a different stitch, and tie a tight knot. Repeat for other side.

This pattern is copyright to snappytots and may not be copied for resale in part or whole. It is illegal to post this pattern online or share with others without written consent from Heidi Yates.  Items created from this pattern MAY be sold. Please include a link to snappy-tots.com if selling online.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are you on Ravelry? Please add the “Munching Caterpillar” pattern to your library and click the heart on the listing if you  enjoyed the pattern.

Filed Under: Crochet, Free Patterns Tagged With: animals, bugs, Free Crochet Patterns, patterns, stuffies

Join My Mailing List

Get the latest snappiness, freebies, and special offers.

You’ll Also Love

Free Pattern: Sugar and Spice Beanie
Free Pattern: On the Road Cloths
Free Pattern: Keep It Handy Organizer
Next Post >

Free Pattern: Chicken and Rooster Hats

HI! I am Heidi and I am so glad you are here. I hope you will enjoy my crochet and crafty creations, plus the quirky things I share.

Products

  • Great Summer Gift Event $15.00
  • Seasonally Snappy 2023 Year Long Event $22.50

Search For More Snappiness

Disclaimer

I may get a commission for purchases made through links in this post/on this site at no extra charge to you.

SnappyTots™ property is owned by Heidi Yates.

Heidi’s Top Crafty and Life Picks

Heidi’s Top Crafty and Life Picks
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

instagram

Follow @snappytots

snappytots

Crochet 🧶 DIY Crafty Life and 2 fur babies
🌟FREE patterns @ link below🌟
#snappytots

Snappy Tots ~ Crochet ~ DIY
It's almost here! The best season of the year star It's almost here! The best season of the year starts Saturday. I have 2 awesome freebies for you to celebrate. My Beach Comber Beanie and Mitts make a great set for all ages. 
You can download them for free until Saturday night, 9/23/23.

They can be made in everyday, with pumpkins, for the holidays, and more.
https://snappy-tots.com/counting-down-to-fall-2/

#freecrochet #crochetpatterns #crochetbeanie #craftfairitems
I made Ducke a hoodie to wear for the first Bronco I made Ducke a hoodie to wear for the first Broncos game of the season. Isn't he adorable?! He has such a cute expression in this pic.

The pattern is now available! It is free to follow along on my blog or you can get the pdf for 40% off through 9/24/23 with coupon code: fall40 
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/goose-hoodie

 #freecrochet #redheartyarns #freecrochetpatterns #yarnspirations #crochetlove #crochetaddict #gooseclothes #porchgoose
Add some Halloween into your life with this quick Add some Halloween into your life with this quick and easy spider headband. There are sizes for kids and adults.
The pattern is free to follow along on my blog. 
https://snappy-tots.com/free-patterns-irenes-spider-headbands/ 

#freecrochet #freecrochetpatterns #halloweencrochet #yarnspirations #redheartyarns
Tomorrow is the LAST day to save 75% off almost al Tomorrow is the LAST day to save 75% off almost all of my patterns this year. I won't be doing another discount this big until January so grab your patterns for gifts and decor through the holidays. 

Like this guy...he is SUPER cute and can be made out of almost any yarn. The pattern is only $1.50 (reg $6). The discount is applied in the cart. No coupon needed. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monster-pillow-shams

Please share with your friends so they can save big too... and it helps me a lot.

Full shop: click the link in my bio > pattern shops 

*mini goose, duck, and seasonal event flags not included in the sale.

 #crochetaddict #crochetlove #halloweencrochet #crochetsale #halloweendecor
Day 3 freebie is one of my favorites. Please come Day 3 freebie is one of my favorites. Please come get the pattern for free until Tuesday, 9/12/23. I hope you will love making this and please share pix of your creations. 
Click the link in my bio > blog or visit https://snappy-tots.com/counting-down-to-fall-2/

Made from Red Heart Super Saver yarns.

 #falliscoming #freecrochetpatterns #freepatterns #crochetaddict #crochetpattern #yarnspirations #freecrochet
Fall is coming and freebie #1 is now available to Fall is coming and freebie #1 is now available to download until noon mt, 9/10/23.
This is one of my early designs, but still in my top 10 personal favorites! I hope you will love it too! 

Click the link to visit my blog or visit: https://snappy-tots.com/counting-down-to-fall-2/
 #freepatterns #freecrochetpatterns #crochetlove #crochetaddict #falliscoming
🌻I’m loving sunflowers and counting down the 🌻I’m loving sunflowers and counting down the days til fall! 
This is one of my most favorite scrubbies. I hope you’ll like it too 😁
The pattern is free to follow along on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-sunflower-scrubbies/

#freecrochetpattern #crochetscrubbies
Make Ahead Mondays are back! There are four patter Make Ahead Mondays are back! There are four patterns, one for each monday in August, available to download for free until 10/1/23. Watch for another freebie each Monday til the end of the year.
https://snappy-tots.com/happy-new-year-lets-rock-2023/

#freecrochetpatterns #freepatterns #crochetaddict #crochetlove
I finished a blanket yarn “mop top” for a spec I finished a blanket yarn “mop top” for a special gift. He makes me giggle and is super cute next to the original one 😊 

Get the pattern here: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-mop-tops/

If you make one please tag me so I can see too 😊

These are simple little guys that make great bean bags too! 
These whip up quickly and are perfect for using up scraps.

Don't forget to enter the end-of-CAL giveaway by this Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 11:59 pm Eastern: https://undergroundcrafter.com/2023/03/20/2023-softie-crochet-along/

#freecrochetpattern #calcentralcrochet #crochet
Which one would you pick? A friend of mine asked i Which one would you pick? A friend of mine asked if I had a LARGE, cute bag she could borrow for the weekend. As I was looking I found these two and forgot how much I love them! 😊 which one do you think she picked?

These patterns are just $1.25 and $1 each this weekend (reg $4-5). They both have alter egos too 🤪

Large cream tote (14” wide x 16” tall (without handle) x 3” deep) : https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trick-or-treat-bags-and-flags

Ladybug bag (17” across x 15” tall (measured flat, not including handle): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/buggy-totes

Everything is on sale this weekend (ends 6/25/23): https://snappy-tots.com/everythings-on-sale/

#crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove
#crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday 
#ilovecrochet 
#crochetfun
#crochetallthethings
Load More Follow on Instagram

Come Say Hi

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Shop
  • youtube
Please join our creative crew.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Shop
  • youtube

Copyright © 2023 snappy tots · Theme by 17th Avenue