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
Celebrate the beloved classic with this colorful, segmented caterpillar plushie! Featuring alternating green and teal body parts, a bold red face, purple antennae, and big yellow eyes, it’s the perfect handmade toy or bookshelf companion for little readers.
✨ Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate – Easy construction, basic color changes, some sewing.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 16–18 in (40–46 cm) long using DK yarn and 2.5–3 mm hook
🧶 Materials
- Yarn (DK weight or similar):
- Red (head)
- Yellow (eye outer)
- Green & Teal (body stripes)
- Purple (antennae + feet)
- Dark green or turquoise (eye centers and mouth)
- Hook: 2.5–3.0 mm
- Stitch markers
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Optional: pipe cleaners for shaping
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase
dec – Decrease
ch – Chain
sl st – Slip Stitch
FO – Fasten Off
BLO – Back Loop Only
🧠 Head (Red)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
7–14. sc around (36) - (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
- (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
Stuff firmly - (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
- dec x6 (6)
FO and close
👁 Eyes (Make 2 – Yellow and Green)
Yellow Outer:
- MR, 6 sc
- inc x6 (12)
FO, leave tail
Green Inner:
- MR, 6 sc
FO and sew to center of yellow eye
Sew eyes to front of head approx. 3–4 sts apart
👄 Mouth (Dark Green)
- ch 5
- sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across (4)
FO and sew as a curved smile below eyes
🐛 Antennae (Make 2 – Purple)
- MR, 6 sc
2–6. sc around (6)
FO, do not stuff
Sew to top of head spaced evenly
🟢 Body Segments (Make 8 Total – Alternate Colors)
- 4 in light green
- 4 in teal
(Use same pattern for each)
- MR, 6 sc
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
6–10. sc around (30) - (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
- (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
Stuff firmly - dec x6 (6)
FO and leave long tail
Sew each segment to the next, alternating colors, beginning from the red head
🦶 Feet (Make 12 – Purple, 2 per side x 6 segments)
- MR, 6 sc
- sc around (6)
FO and sew 2 feet per segment to bottom sides (leave first and last segment without feet)
🔧 Assembly Tips
- Shape: Slightly curve body while sewing for a natural, crawling look
- Support: Optionally insert pipe cleaners or floral wire through body before sewing segments together
- Safety: Ensure all parts are firmly secured for child use
🍎 Bonus Food Props (Optional Mini Fruits/Snacks)
- Apple: red sphere with small green leaf
- Cupcake: brown base + cream swirl top
- Watermelon: triangle with red, green, and black embroidery
Let me know if you’d like patterns for those too!
💡 Customization Ideas
- Add a zipper to turn into a toy storage caterpillar
- Insert magnets between segments for repositionable play
- Use pastel colors for a baby-friendly version
This cheerful caterpillar brings one of childhood’s favorite stories to life with color, charm, and texture. 🐛🍎
