This caterpillar amigurumi is a long, squishy plush made from a row of round "balls" that flow straight out of the head. In the main photo it is worked in a deep teal-green blanket yarn, with two little curled antennae and black safety eyes.

Because it uses super bulky chenille-style blanket yarn and a 6.5 mm hook, it works up fast and feels very soft. It is a great first plush for a confident beginner, and a cozy gift for babies and toddlers when you embroider the eyes.

What makes it different from most caterpillar patterns is that the whole body is one single piece. You never sew segments together: you simply decrease and increase to pinch the tube into a new ball, stuff it, and repeat.

The pattern is written in US terms and worked in continuous spirals. The only extra pieces are the two short antennae, which are crocheted straight onto the head.

Finished size

The finished caterpillar is about 13 in (33 cm) long when made with Bernat Blanket yarn and a US K-10.5 (6.5 mm) hook.

It has a head plus four body balls. Add or remove repeats of the ball section to make it longer or shorter.

Materials overview

1 ball of super bulky blanket yarn, about 5.3 oz / 150 g (designer used Bernat Blanket in Deep Sea)
US K-10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook
10 mm safety eyes (2)
Polyester fiberfill, yarn needle and a stitch marker

Yarn substitution

The pattern is designed for Bernat Blanket, Bernat Baby Blanket or Bernat Blanket Brights, all super bulky (#6) polyester chenille yarns. Any similar chenille plush yarn gives the same soft, plump look.

For a striped caterpillar like the pastel one on the cover, change color at the start of each ball. Keep every color the same weight so the balls stay even.

If you use a regular worsted yarn instead, drop to a 3.5–4 mm hook. The caterpillar will be much smaller, roughly half the length.

Gauge

Gauge is not important here. Just keep your stitches tight enough that the stuffing does not show through when the balls are full.

If you see gaps, tighten your tension first. If the hook is hard to insert, loosen up or try a different hook size.

Common mistakes

Pulling the magic ring too hard. Blanket yarn can snap. Pull it snug, but not tight.
Forgetting to stuff as you go. The neck between each ball is only 13 stitches. Stuff each ball as soon as it is finished, or you will not be able to reach it later.
Losing count on Rnd 7 and Rnd 8. These rounds end with one extra sc after the repeat. Without it you will have 12 or 15 sts instead of 13 and 16.
Losing your place in the chenille. Blanket yarn hides stitches. Move a stitch marker (or safety pin) up at the end of every round.
Stuffing too softly. Stuff firmly. The fiberfill compresses as the caterpillar is played with.

FAQ

Is this caterpillar safe for a baby?
The pattern uses 10 mm safety eyes. For a baby or young toddler, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead, and make sure the antennae are sewn in securely.

How do I make a striped caterpillar?
Change color at the start of each ball section (Rnd 12 of each repeat). Carry or weave in the tails on the inside before you stuff.

Can I make it longer?
Yes. Each ball is Rnd 12–17. Repeat that section more times before you close the end, and buy a little more yarn.

Where do the eyes go?
Place them between Rnd 2 and Rnd 3 of the head, with 5 sts between them. Do it before you stuff the head.

Tip: Use the invisible decrease (INVDEC) for every decrease. It keeps the "necks" between the balls smooth and tidy.

Abbreviations used (US terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
INC = increase (2 sc in the same st)
INVDEC = invisible decrease: insert the hook in the front loops only of the next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops
Rnd(s) = round(s)
st(s) = stitch(es)
[ ] = repeat the stitches in brackets as indicated
(#) = number of stitches at the end of the round

Head and body

Work in continuous spirals without joining. Place a marker in the last st of each round.

Rnd 1: Magic ring with 8 sc. (8)
Rnd 2: INC in each st around. (16)
Rnd 3: [INC, sc in next st] repeat around. (24)
Rnd 4–5: sc in each st around. (24)
Rnd 6: [INVDEC, sc in next st] repeat around. (16)
Rnd 7: [INVDEC, sc in next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in last st. (13)
Rnd 8: [INC, sc in next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in last st. (16)
Rnd 9: [INC, sc in next st] repeat around. (24)

Attach the safety eyes between Rnd 2 and Rnd 3, with 5 sts between them. Stuff the head.

First ball

Rnd 10–11: sc in each st around. (24)
Rnd 12: [INVDEC, sc in next st] repeat around. (16)
Rnd 13: [INVDEC, sc in next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in last st. (13)
Rnd 14: [INC, sc in next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in last st. (16)
Rnd 15: [INC, sc in next st] repeat around. (24)
Rnd 16–17: sc in each st around. (24)

More balls

Rnd 18–35: Repeat Rnd 12–17 three more times. Stuff each ball as soon as it is made.
Rnd 36: [INVDEC, sc in next st] repeat around. (16)
Rnd 37: INVDEC repeat around. (8)

Add more stuffing, then close the hole and finish off.

Tip: To close, sl st and enlarge the loop, cut a long tail, and weave it in and out through each stitch of the last round. Skip the last stitch, pull the yarn through the loop you left, and pull gently to close.

Antennae (make 2)

Join yarn in Rnd 3 above an eye and ch 3.
hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook.
sl st in the next ch.
sl st in the same st as the join on the head.

Fasten off, secure the antenna to the head and finish off. Repeat above the other eye.

Optional & Creative Ideas

Rainbow stripes: Make every ball a different color, like the pastel version on the pattern cover.
Mini caterpillar: Use worsted cotton and a 3.5 mm hook for a pocket-size toy or keychain.
Add feet: Sew tiny bobbles or short chains under each ball for little legs.
Book buddy: Pair it with a copy of a favorite caterpillar picture book as a baby shower gift.
Embroidered smile: Add a small smile and pink cheeks with yarn for an even sweeter face.

Final Thoughts

This caterpillar is quick, soft and made in one piece, so there is almost no sewing. It is a perfect weekend make and a lovely first plush to try with blanket yarn.

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Caterpillar Crochet Pattern – Easy Blanket Yarn Amigurumi