Meet your newest squishy sidekick — this free caterpillar crochet pattern is equal parts adorable, beginner-friendly, and totally addictive to make. Whether you’re brand new to amigurumi or an experienced crocheter looking for a fast, satisfying project, this cheerful little caterpillar is the perfect choice. With its plump, segmented body and sweet little face, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who sees it.
This pattern is designed with chunky, cozy yarn so it works up quickly and has that irresistibly soft, huggable feel. You’ll also get a step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through one of the trickier parts—adding the body humps—so you’ll never feel stuck. Even if this is your first time making an amigurumi plushie, you can follow along with confidence.
Whether you’re making this as a gift for a child, a cute addition to your craft fair table, or a whimsical piece for your own collection, this caterpillar is sure to be a hit. It’s part of my growing series of beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns, which also includes favorites like my free fish crochet pattern, jellyfish plushie, and whale amigurumi.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Caterpillar Crochet Pattern
● Beginner-friendly – If you can do basic stitches like chain, single crochet, increase, and decrease, you can make this caterpillar without stress.
● Quick to make – Chunky yarn means fewer stitches and faster progress.
● Adorable results – That chubby body and smiley face will melt hearts instantly.
● Great stash buster – Use leftover yarn for the feet and antennas.
● Customizable – Change up the colors to make a rainbow caterpillar, garden-green critter, or pastel baby toy.
Skill Level
Easy / Beginner-Friendly – Great for amigurumi newcomers. Some basic crochet stitch knowledge is required.
Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations
● mc – magic circle
● ch – chain
● sc – single crochet
● inc – increase
● dec – decrease
● sl st – slip stitch
Materials You’ll Need
To make your amigurumi caterpillar plushie, gather:
● 1 skein Premier Yarns Basix Chenille in Emerald (body)
● A few yards Loops & Threads Soft Classic in Sage (feet, antennas, and accents)
● 12" white worsted weight yarn (eye liner)
● 16mm safety eyes (or embroidery thread for child-safe version)
● 6.5mm crochet hook (body)
● 5.0mm crochet hook (feet and antennas)
● Polyfil stuffing
● Yarn needle
💡 Tip: Using chenille or velvet yarn makes your caterpillar incredibly soft and squishy. If you want a smaller, more detailed caterpillar, use worsted weight yarn with a smaller hook.
Step-by-Step Instructions – Free Caterpillar Crochet Pattern
Body
Using Emerald Yarn and 6.5mm Hook
- Round 1: mc with 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: inc in every st around (12)
- Round 3: inc in every st around (24)
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Rounds 4-26: sc in every st around (24)
- NOTE: Around round 7, I recommend snapping in your safety eyes. They should go between rounds 1-2 with one stitch showing in between them.
- Stuff with polyfil as you go, but do not overstuff.
- Round 27: dec x12 (12)
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Round 28: dec x6 (6)
- Cut a 12" tail, close the hole and weave it in
Adding Body Humps
- See this video tutorial on how to add the three dividers.
- Cut 3 strands of sage worsted weight yarn, about 12" each. You will use these to add the three bumps below.
- Hump 1: Between rounds 8-9
- Hump 2: Between rounds 14-15
- Hump 3: Between rounds 20-21
Antennas x2
Using Worsted Weight Sage and 5.00mm Hook
- Round 1: mc with 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: inc in every st around (12)
-
Round 3: sc in every st around (12)
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Round 4: dec x6 (6)
- Add polyfil
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Rounds 5-7: sc in every st around (6)
- Cut an 8" tail and sew onto the top of the head on round 5
Feet x8
Using Worsted Weight Sage and 5.00mm Hook
NOTE: These are worked into the body.
- There are 4 pair of feet, one pair on each body hump.
- 1st Pair: With the eyes facing you, insert your hook under one stitch between rounds 5-6, aligned under the eye. Pull the yarn through and add 6 sc in a circle, then add another round of 6 sc. Cut an 8" tail, close the foot then tuck in your tails.
- 2nd Pair: Repeat between rounds 10-11.
- 3rd Pair: Repeat between rounds 16-17.
- 4th Pair: Repeat between rounds 22-23.
Smile
Using Worsted Weight Sage and Yarn Needle
- Cut 12" white worsted weight yarn.
- Insert needle into right side of head and come out just below the right eye. Then insert needle one stitch to the left, then come out one over to the right and one stitch down, pull yarn then place needle inside before tightening, then insert needle back into that same stitch, this creates the smile shape.
- Then move needle over to the stitch where the beginning tail is. Tie the two together and tuck into body.
White Eye Liner
Using Worsted Weight White and Yarn Needle
- Cut a 12" strand of white worsted weight yarn and grab your needle.
- Insert the needle into the right side of the head and come out at the bottom center of the right eye, pull yarn so there’s at least 4 inches hanging, then insert needle at the top center of the right eye.
- The white yarn should be hugging the right side of the right eye.
- Repeat this above the left eye.
- Then bring the end tail back to the same stitch where the beginning tail is. Tie the two together three times then tuck into the head.
Customizing Your Caterpillar
● Make a rainbow caterpillar by changing colors every few rounds.
● Add small embroidered flowers or leaves for a whimsical touch.
● Use variegated yarn for a unique, textured look.
● Make it extra long by adding more body rounds before decreasing.
How to Use Your Crochet Caterpillar
● Baby shower gift – Pair it with a book like The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a thoughtful present.
● Sensory toy – Great for little hands to hold and squeeze.
● Craft fair item – Stands out with its bright colors and soft texture.
● Desk buddy – A cheerful addition to your workspace.
Related Patterns
If you love this free caterpillar crochet pattern, try these too:
● Slug Amigurumi Pattern
● Turtle Snuggler Crochet Pattern
Final Thoughts
This amigurumi caterpillar pattern is the perfect mix of quick, cute, and beginner-friendly. From the plump body humps to the happy little face, every part is fun to make and even more fun to show off. I hope you enjoy making this squishy friend as much as I enjoyed designing it.
If you loved this pattern, be sure to check out my other free and premium crochet patterns for more cute, beginner-friendly makes. And don’t forget to tag me on social media with your finished caterpillar—I’d love to see your squishy new friend! 🐛💕
About the Designer
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.
With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
