Chomp into a colorful crochet adventure with this Amigurumi Hungry Caterpillar pattern! Inspired by the beloved storybook character, this cheerful caterpillar features a bright red head, expressive eyes, and a rainbow of plump body segments that are just as fun to stitch as they are to admire. Whether you’re crafting a cuddly toy for a little reader, decorating a nursery, or simply indulging in a nostalgic project, this caterpillar is sure to wiggle its way into your heart with every loop. 🧶🐛📚
Designed for whimsy and storytelling, this pattern invites you to play with vibrant yarns, simple shapes, and sweet extras like tiny legs, antennae, or even a crocheted snack to match the tale. Customize the colors to reflect your favorite palette or stick to the classic hues for a true-to-book look. Whether perched on a bookshelf, tucked into a gift basket, or starring in a storytime display, this Hungry Caterpillar Amigurumi is a joyful and satisfying project—perfect for stitching up a little handmade magic, one bite at a time! 💖✨🍎
🐛 Amigurumi Hungry Caterpillar Crochet Pattern
Bring one of childhood’s most beloved storybook characters to life with this vibrant amigurumi Hungry Caterpillar! With his red face, bright yellow-and-green eyes, and cheerful green-and-teal body segments, this playful plush is the perfect handmade gift or nursery décor piece.
✨ Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate – Simple amigurumi shapes, easy color changes, and basic sewing.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 16–18 inches (40–46 cm) long using DK yarn and a 2.5–3.0 mm crochet hook.
🧶 Materials
Yarn (DK or Light Worsted Weight):
- Red – Head: 20g (≈ 40m)
- Lime Green – Body Segments: 40g (≈ 80m)
- Teal – Body Segments: 40g (≈ 80m)
- Purple – Antennae & Feet: 15g (≈ 30m)
- Yellow – Eyes (Outer): 5g (≈ 10m)
- Green – Eyes (Inner) & Mouth: 5g (≈ 10m)
Other Supplies:
- Crochet hook: 2.5–3.0 mm
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Optional: 2 pipe cleaners or floral wire (for flexible posing)
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec – Decrease (sc 2 together)
ch – Chain
sl st – Slip Stitch
FO – Fasten Off
BLO – Back Loop Only
❤️ Head (Red)
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) ×6 (30)
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) ×6 (36)
Rounds 7–16: sc around (36)
Round 17: (4 sc, dec) ×6 (30)
Round 18: (3 sc, dec) ×6 (24)
Round 19: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
Stuff very firmly, shaping the head slightly oval and bulging at the front.
Round 20: (1 sc, dec) ×6 (12)
Round 21: dec ×6 (6)
FO and close.
👁 Eyes (Make 2 – Yellow Outer & Green Inner)
Yellow Outer (Wider for accuracy):
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
FO, leave long tail for sewing.
Green Inner:
Round 1: MR, 4 sc (4)
FO, leave short tail and sew centered on yellow circle.
Sew completed eyes to the front of the head, spaced about 3–4 stitches apart.
👄 Mouth (Dark Green)
Ch 5,
sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across (4).
FO and sew below the eyes in a gentle curve to form a soft smile.
🪻 Antennae (Make 2 – Purple)
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Rounds 2–10: sc around (6)
Lightly stuff the lower ⅓ for structure.
FO, leaving a long tail. Sew both antennae to the top of the head, spaced evenly.
🟢 Body Segments (Make 8 – Alternate Lime Green & Teal)
All segments follow the same pattern.
Make 4 in lime green and 4 in teal.
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) ×6 (30)
Rounds 6–10: sc around (30)
Round 11: (3 sc, dec) ×6 (24)
Round 12: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
Round 13: (1 sc, dec) ×6 (12)
Stuff each segment firmly.
Round 14: dec ×6 (6)
FO and leave long tail for sewing.
Sew segments together end-to-end, alternating colors, starting with the red head.
Slightly curve them during attachment for a natural crawling pose.
🦶 Feet (Make 12 – Purple)
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Rounds 2–4: sc around (6)
Lightly stuff for roundness.
FO and sew two feet per segment (bottom sides) on 6 middle body sections.
Leave the first (head) and last (tail) segments without feet.
🍏 Bonus Food Props
🍎 Apple
Color: Red body, green leaf
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Rounds 4–5: sc around (18)
Round 6: (1 sc, dec) ×6 (12)
Round 7: dec ×6 (6)
FO and close.
Leaf: With green, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch, hdc, dc, sl st. FO and sew to top.
🧁 Cupcake
Base (Brown):
Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Round 2: inc ×6 (12)
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) ×6 (18)
Round 4: BLO sc around (18)
Round 5–6: sc around (18)
Frosting (Cream or White):
Join to FLO from Round 3.
(sl st, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1) repeat around for scalloped top edge.
Cherry (Yellow): MR, 5 sc, FO and sew on top.
🍉 Watermelon Slice
Red Triangle:
Ch 9
Row 1: sc across (8)
Row 2: dec, sc 6 (7)
Row 3: dec, sc 5 (6)
Row 4: dec, sc 4 (5)
Row 5: dec, sc 3 (4)
Row 6: dec, sc 2 (3)
Row 7: dec, sc 1 (2)
FO.
Green Rind:
Join green to triangle base; sc evenly across for 8–10 stitches.
Add a second row of green sc to thicken rind.
Embroider 5–6 black “seeds” with short straight stitches.
🧩 Assembly
- Shape: Slightly curve the body while sewing for a natural, lifelike pose.
- Support: Insert optional pipe cleaner or wire through the body before full assembly for flexible positioning.
- Face Details: Firmly attach eyes, antennae, and mouth to match photo proportions.
- Feet: Ensure they angle diagonally outward for stability and realism.
- Food Props: Arrange next to the caterpillar for a cute display set.
💡 Customization Ideas
- Add magnets between body segments for repositionable play.
- Use pastel colors for a baby-friendly version.
- Embroider the “book bites” (holes) into the fruit for a storybook touch.
🧺 Care Instructions
- Spot clean with a damp cloth.
- Hand wash gently in cool water.
- Reshape and air dry.
- Avoid overstuffing to maintain a soft, plush look.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Amigurumi Hungry Caterpillar is bursting with charm, color, and storybook nostalgia! With its bright alternating body segments, oversized yellow eyes, and friendly smile, it’s a joyful project for crocheters of all levels. Pair it with the adorable fruit props to create a full “hungry” display that children and adults alike will adore.
Happy crocheting, and may your little caterpillar always stay hungry for creativity! 🐛🍎🧶
