About This A Hairy Caterpillar Amigurumi Pattern
This pattern creates a playful, segmented hairy caterpillar with a fluffy spine and tiny feet. You will work in continuous rounds from the head down through multiple colored body segments. The pattern uses Double Knit (DK) yarn and simple shaping with increases and decreases for clear, rounded segments.
Includes instructions for eye rings, antennae, feet, and how to attach hair strands to create the signature hairy spine. Uses safety eyes and a small safety nose for a polished finish.
Why You'll Love This A Hairy Caterpillar Amigurumi Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it is bright, tactile, and joyful to make. I enjoy how the color changes create distinct body segments that are fun to customize. The hairy spine is a playful detail that brings the caterpillar to life, and I always smile when I see the finished texture. I also love that the pattern is modular—you can change yarn colors and make different sizes easily.
Switch Things Up
I love how easily this caterpillar can be customized by changing colours; try pastel shades for a nursery-friendly look or bold brights for a toy that pops.
You can make a mini keyring version by using finer yarn and a smaller hook, or scale up with chunky yarn for a big floor toy.
I often swap the placement of the feet and reduce or increase the number to change the character's stance and personality.
Try embroidering small patterns onto each segment or adding tiny crocheted accessories like a scarf or a hat for seasonal variations.
I also like to vary the hair length and density; longer, fuller strands make a dramatic mane while sparse strands give a subtle texture.
For a washable toy, consider embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes for baby-safe versions.
Experiment with different yarn textures like boucle or mohair for a super fuzzy spine effect.
Change the antenna style by making them longer, curled, or topped with a small pompom for added charm.
I sometimes add a little wire inside the body to make a poseable version that can curl and bend for display.
Don't be afraid to play with color sequencing across the segments; repeating a two-color stripe or rainbow gradient gives very different looks.
When making multiples, try mixing neutral body colors with bright spines to create a coordinated set that feels handmade and special.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not leaving a small hole in the eye ring can make installing safety eyes impossible; do not fully close the magic ring and leave a small centre hole to fit the eye stem through.
✗ Forgetting to stuff as you go will make closing and shaping the body harder; stuff each segment lightly while you work to keep a smooth shape and avoid lumps.
✗ Skipping stitch markers when changing rounds can lead to miscounted stitches; place a marker at the start of each round and recount frequently during increases and decreases.
✗ Pulling the yarn too tight while attaching hair strands can distort the stitches; insert the hook and secure hair with a loop, pulling gently so the base stitch remains even.
✗ Missing color change points will give incorrect segment sizes; change color exactly at the end of the rounds specified (for example at the end of round 32) to maintain the intended pattern.
