Today I’m releasing a free baby caterpillar crochet pattern, which includes a Caterpillar Hat & Cocoon Set! This crochet caterpillar set is perfect for a new baby gift, a shower gift, and of course it makes a really cute photography prop. The theme is suitable for boys and girls, and the thicker yarn makes it a pretty quick project.
Supplies
Lion Brand Homespun Yarn (1 skein Candy Apple, 1 skein Colonial Blue)
Loops & Threads Impeccable–small amount (for eyes, nose, and antennae)
Size K Crochet Hook–for hat and cocoon
Size H Crochet Hook–for face features
Tapestry Needle
Abbreviations
Ch: chain
St: stitch
Sl: slip
Sc: single crochet
Sc2tog: single crochet the next 2 stitches together as one
Dc: double crochet
2dc: work 2 double crochet stitches in the next stitch
See my Crochet Stitches Guide for step by step directions to the most common crochet stitches.
An ad-free printable PDF version of this pattern is also available!
Notes
The chain 3 at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch. When joining at the end of rounds, join to first stitch.
Size
Newborn (Cocoon – 16 ½”, Hat – 14”)
Cocoon (with bulky yarn and size K crochet hook)
Ch 3. Join into a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3. 12dc in ring. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3. 2dc in same st, *2dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (24 sts)
Round 3: Ch 3. Dc in same st, 2dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (36 sts)
Round 4: Ch 3. Dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st, *dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (45 sts)
Round 5-22: Ch 3. Dc in same st, *dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (45 sts)
(This is where you can adjust the length of your cocoon. If you’d like it longer or shorter, then work more or fewer rounds.)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Hat (with bulky yarn and size K crochet hook)
Ch 3. Join into a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3. 12dc in ring. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3. 2dc in same st, *2dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (24 sts)
Round 3: Ch 3. Dc in same st, dc in next st, 2dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (32 sts)
Round 4-7: Ch 3. Dc in same st, *dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (32 sts)(This is where you can adjust the length of your hat. If you’d like it longer or shorter, then work more or fewer rounds.)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Eyes (with worsted weight yarn and size H hook)(make 2)
With green yarn, ch 3, join into a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3. 12dc in ring. Change to yellow yarn, and join. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3. 2dc in same st, *2dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join.
Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew to hat.
Nose (with worsted weight yarn and size H hook)
With black yarn, ch 3, join into a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1. 8sc in the ring. Join.
Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew to hat.
Antennae (with worsted weight yarn and size H hook)(make 2)
With black yarn, ch 3, join into a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1. 8sc in the ring. Join. (8 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in same st, *sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (8 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1. Beginning in the same st, sc2tog, *sc2tog; repeat from * around. (4 sts)
Round 4-8: Ch 1. Sc in same st, *sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (4 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew to hat.
Using the yarn tails from the face pieces and a tapestry needle, secure each one to the hat in the desired position.
As with any newborn item, please don’t ever leave a baby unattended while wearing a prop or themed piece. :-)
Looking for other cute baby crochet patterns?
Adorable baby wrist warmers! And, directions include all sizes so you can make them for the whole family!
A cute baby frog hat.
A fancy baby crown or tiara!
Or a dapper baby bow tie.
Be sure to check out all of the FREE KNITTING PATTERNS AND FREE CROCHET PATTERNS on the blog!
Best,
Tammy
