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Monday, January 26, 2015

Newborn Caterpillar Hat and Cocoon {Free Crochet Pattern}

This cute little newborn caterpillar hat and cocoon is by far my most popular pattern on my old blog.
In all honesty, it is one of my favorites, too.

Cocoon, Crochet caterpillar hat, Crochet Cocoon, Crochet Hat Pattern, Free Crochet Pattern, Hungry Little Caterpillar crochet,

The pattern is fairly simple, and the outcome is darling.
The caterpillar hat and cocoon make a wonderful gift set for any special new addition.
You can even add a cute pair of Caterpillar Slippers!

Supplies: 
Sizes H and I Crochet Hooks
Yarn Needle
Yarn- I used: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Hot Red, Paddy Green, Bright Yellow, and Dark Orchid.

 Pattern:
Special Notes:
*The beginning ch 3 does not count as your first dc.
*Your first dc in each round will be in the same stitch as the join and ch 3.
* The join is done by slip stitch to the first dc of the previous round.

Hat: (H hook)
With Hot Red, ch 3, join to first ch with slip stitch.
Round 1: Ch 3, 6 dc in ring. Join. (6)
Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around. (12)
Round 3: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next st] repeat around. Join. (18)
Round 4: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts] repeat around. Join. (24)
Round 5: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts] repeat around. Join. (30)
Round 6: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (36)
Rounds 7-11: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join. (36)
Round 12: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. Finish off and weave in ends.

Eyes: Make 2.
With Paddy Green, ch 3, join to first ch with slip stitch.
Round 1: Ch 1, 6 sc in ring. Join. (6)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. (12)
Switch to Bright Yellow.
Round 3: Ch 1, [2 sc in same st, sc in next st] repeat around. Join. (18)
Finish off. Weave in ends and stretch a bit to make them look more oval-shaped.

Nose:
With Dark Orchid, ch 4.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in the next 2 ch. Turn.
Row 2: Skip the 1st stitch. sc the next 2 sts together.
Finish off, leaving a long end for sewing.

Antennae: Make 2.
With Dark Orchid, ch 3, join to first ch with slip stitch.
Round 1: Ch 1, 6 sc in ring. Join. (6)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12)
Round 3:  Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (12)
Round 4:  Ch 1, [sc 2 tog] around. Join. (6)
Round 5-13: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (6)
Finish off, leaving long end for sewing.
  Using the tapestry needle, sew the eyes, nose, and antennae onto the hat. Weave in ends.




Cocoon: (I hook)
Special Notes:
*The beginning ch 3 does not count as your first dc.
*Your first dc in each round will be in the same stitch as the join and ch 3.
* The join is done by slip stitch to the first dc of the previous round.
* When you start Back Loop Only (BLO), you will continue crocheting in the back loop only of every round. You will only switch back to both loops when indicated on the very last round.

With Paddy Green, ch 3, join to first ch with slip stitch.
Round 1: Ch 3, 12 dc in ring. Join. (12)
Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around. (24)
Work Back Loop Only ( BLO) from here on, until instructed to work both loops.
Round 3: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next st] repeat around. Join. (36)
Round 4: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts] repeat around. Join. (48)
Round 5: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts] repeat around. Join. (60)
Round 6: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (72)
Rounds 7-11: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join. (72)
Round 12: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (60)
Round 13: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 3 sts] repeat around. Join. (48)
Round 14: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts] repeat around. Join. (60)
Round 15: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (72)
Round 16: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts] repeat around. Join. (84)
Rounds 17-19: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join. (84)
Round 20: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 5 sts] repeat around. Join. (72)
Round 21: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (60)
Round 22: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 3 sts] repeat around. Join. (48)
Round 23: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts] repeat around. Join. (60)
Round 24: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (72)
Round 25: Ch 3, [2 dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts] repeat around. Join. (84)
Round 26: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join. (84)
Round 27: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 5 sts] repeat around. Join. (72)
Round 28: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. Join. (60)
Round 29: Work through BOTH loops, for this round. Ch1, sc in each st around. Join. (60)
Finish off and weave in ends.

There is a ridge that forms along the back of the cocoon. I thinks it adds a lot of character to the piece, and I really like the effect, so I didn't alter the stitch to make it less conspicuous. 



Happy Crocheting!

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50 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 21, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    Hello! I am soooo excited to make this for my niece! I had a question about starting off, however...

    When we are dc 6 after we join the 3 ch's, are we double crocheting 2 into each of the 3 ch's? Or are we dc 6 into the ring that was made by joining the 3 ch's? I am a little confused...

    Thank you for this beautiful pattern and your help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownApril 21, 2015 at 1:37 PM

      Hi Renee. You got it! You dc the 6 into the ring that you made by joining the 3 chains. :)
      I'd love for you to share your finished project on my Facebook page! :)

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 24, 2015 at 5:36 AM

      Thanks so much! I will be starting this TONIGHT! I'm soo excited (my friends and family think I'm crazy when I say I want to spend a Friday night crocheting but they wouldn't understand! lol)

      And I'll absolutely share it to your FB page!

      Delete
    3. UnknownApril 24, 2015 at 3:58 PM

      Oh, I COMPLETELY understand! hahaha! I am planning to do some crocheting tonight, myself! :)

      I look forward to seeing your finished project! :)

      Delete
    4. RobertaOctober 19, 2016 at 7:56 PM

      I just finished making this for a baby who was born at 1 lb. 6 oz. He's doing great. Going to be the cutest caterpillar ever! I used your pattern as a guide, but kind of winge it as I went. Thanks!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing - I am new to crochet and am going to attempt this as a suprise for my niece's baby. If it all goes to plan I will post a photo for you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 18, 2015 at 5:05 PM

      I look forward to seeing your finished project! :)

      Delete
  3. UnknownMay 13, 2015 at 3:13 AM

    Hi :) i saw this pattern and fell in love so made it for the new baby in my family who was born last Thursday :) only problem is, he was born weighing 10lb 4oz so think this will be too small...any suggestions on how to make a bigger version pls?? :) thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 18, 2015 at 5:11 PM

      Hi Rhiannon. I think the easiest way to go bigger would be to use a larger hook size.
      If you would rather adjust your stitches, you can do another increase round after round 6 (for the hat) [2 dc in same stitch, dc in the next 5 sts], then add a round or two in the length.
      For the cocoon, you can use the same increase technique, just adjusting your stitch count. :)
      Hope that helps.

      Delete
  4. UnknownMay 18, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    This is so adorable! Thank you so much for sharing. Now I just need to find a newborn to make it for...

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJune 22, 2015 at 4:30 PM

    Roughly, how long and wide is this?

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 23, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    Ahhh... It has been quite some time since I made it, and I no longer have the piece. I should have measured!
    If memory serves, I believe the cocoon was approx. 18-20 inches long, and about 10-12 inches wide. Sorry I couldn't be more precise!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Emma MaidenAugust 26, 2015 at 12:53 AM

    Your pattern is beautiful, and very easy to understand, thank you. I've found out recently that between family and friends, we are expecting three babies in the next few months! I started this last night and have finished the cocoon element. I used, a variegated chunky yarn and a 6.5mm hook, and the size is 11inches wide and 18inches long..... onto the beanie today.....I'm Sure the recipients will love them, thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownAugust 28, 2015 at 2:28 PM

    So happy you like the pattern! Congrats on the upcoming newest arrivals! How exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  9. MadisonSeptember 13, 2015 at 9:39 PM

    For the dc 2 tog, is that in the same stitch?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownSeptember 14, 2015 at 1:05 PM

      Yup! You got it! :)
      It starts in the same stitch as the join.

      Delete
    2. MadisonSeptember 15, 2015 at 6:54 PM

      My piece seems so wide, and I'm on round 24! Is this normal? I've followed the pattern exactly.

      Delete
    3. UnknownSeptember 21, 2015 at 2:23 PM

      Hmmm... not sure. How wide is it?
      I'm trying to figure out where the misunderstanding could be... Maybe the dc 2 tog? You start that in the first stitch (same as the join) and dc it together with the next stitch. This decreases the 2 stitches into 1 stitch. Is this what you are doing?
      I hope this helps! :)
      Let me know, ok?

      Delete
    4. UnknownSeptember 21, 2015 at 2:24 PM

      Sorry to reply so late. My internet kept going out, and it just got repaired.

      Delete
  10. Emily MedleySeptember 22, 2015 at 11:21 AM

    Hey, I see in the pattern that it calls for two different sized hooks. Perhaps I'm missing it, but where do you change hooks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownSeptember 27, 2015 at 10:43 PM

      Ooh! Thanks for bringing that to my attention! I'll fix it.
      The H hook is used for the hat, and the I hook is used for the cocoon. :)

      Delete
  11. doloresNovember 17, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    I n round 3 do do 2 dbl crochet in 1 stitch and then 1 in the next stitch all around the row.

    Sorry I confused . Your patter is beautiful

    Can you let me know thank you

    Dolores


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 2:02 PM

      Thank you, Dolores! Yes. You got it right! :)

      Delete
  12. AnonymousNovember 25, 2015 at 11:18 AM

    I loved this story as a kid. Thus far I have made 6. Baby shower guest looked on in amazament. I also give a copy of the story, so that everyone would know his story. THANKS A BUNCH!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. KellyJanuary 2, 2016 at 9:46 AM

    Anyone able to give some guidance as to how much yarn the cocoon pattern uses? I need to order some in but don't want to go overboard as I am looking at some very nice and slightly expensive yarns!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJanuary 3, 2016 at 2:26 PM

      If I recall correctly, I was able to make it with one skein of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn. I hope that helps.

      Delete
  14. MarileeFebruary 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM

    What are the initials tog,I am new to crocheting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 15, 2016 at 12:10 PM

      Hi Marilee! Tog means together, so you will be crocheting the 2 indicated stitches together into one stitch. This is how the decrease is done. I hope this helps! :)

      Delete
  15. knitinstructtorMarch 1, 2016 at 3:14 PM

    Hello! I am a yarn instructor, and one pregnant student of mine fell in love with your beautiful ser, and I'm working on one as well, to better guide her. I'd love to show you the results, however I don't have Facebook (and don't want to...) Any other way I could send you the pictures when we complete the pieces? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 5, 2016 at 12:21 PM

      Hi! I'd love for you to share pics! You can email me at ouicrochet@gmail.com
      I look forward to seeing the finished sets! :)

      Delete
  16. UnknownMay 23, 2016 at 4:00 AM

    i m gonnna start this today in sha Allah
    just can u help menout with the size of hook as i have hooks with nos on it like 4.00 5.00 like these n yeah my yarn is also thin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 25, 2016 at 2:26 PM

      Hello. Size H hook would be 5.00 and size I would be 5.5
      If your yarn is very thin, I would recommend working with 2 strands together.
      Hope this helps!

      Delete
  17. AnonymousNovember 7, 2016 at 4:05 AM

    Hiya, going yarn shopping tomorrow. Did you need just one ball of green or a couple? Want to get it all together so I don't have to match dye lots. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 10, 2016 at 5:38 PM

      Hi. Sorry I didn't see this sooner! It has been a few years since I made this... I really want to say that I only used 1 skein for the cocoon. It is possible that I used the larger skein, though. Sorry I couldn't recall exactly.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 19, 2016 at 4:56 PM

      Thanks. I bought 2 100gm balls to be safe, and one ball was 3 rows short so worked out well.

      Delete
  18. TeresaNovember 10, 2016 at 7:49 PM

    Rounds 7-11: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join. (72)
    Round 12: Ch 3 [dc 2 tog, dc in next 4 sts] repeat around. HERE WE DECREASE. I do not understand. Please help. I chain w then I decrease. I am reading; decreas 2 together then double crochet in the next 4. Am I correct ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 13, 2016 at 10:19 AM

      Yes. You will chain 3 at the beginning of the round, then double crochet 2 together, then double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat around. The dc2tog is the decrease.
      I hope this helps! :)

      Delete
  19. UnknownJanuary 13, 2017 at 9:40 PM

    I would like to do this project!!! it's been a long time since I have crocheted. can I make this a striped catapiller?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJanuary 22, 2017 at 8:41 PM

      Hi! You can DEFINITELY do stripes! That would look great! Just change yarn color wherever you feel the new color should come in. :)

      Delete
  20. LindaMarch 17, 2017 at 9:02 PM

    Trying to start the hat and row 2 just doesn't work out. If I make 12 dc, there is one stitch left over and it makes a big hole. Just doesn't join correctly. I've tried 3-4 times. Help please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2017 at 8:44 PM

      Hi Linda. The beginning ch 3 does not count as a stitch. (Actually, since writing this pattern, I have started using a ch 2 instead of ch 3, I just prefer the look a little better. It is fine to do either, though.) So, anyway... the beginning ch 3 doesn't count as a stitch. So, when you join the round, join to the first dc in the round. This kind of "scrunches" the beginning chain in and eliminates that gap.
      I hope this helps! :)

      Delete
  21. What the Lyon madeMay 5, 2017 at 3:34 AM

    Hi, Would love to make this and was hoping to use yarn from my stash. Did you use aran (medium) weight for this? If so, would it work with DK (worsted)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 11, 2017 at 1:55 PM

      I do use a medium weight. If you want to try a DK, I would play around with trying 2 strands together, or adding stitches to adjust for the size. :)

      Delete
  22. UnknownMay 12, 2017 at 3:52 AM

    Hi

    Just to check, I'm guessing by the hook sizes that this isn't using UK terminologies, I just wanted to check the stitch as I know that for instance and American double crochet is what we call a treble which we would use three chains to get to the right height for.

    Am I right in thinking this is the case here? Sorry if that doesn't make sense.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 15, 2017 at 2:30 PM

      You are correct. I use USA terminologies. ;)
      Here is a hook conversion chart, if you need it. http://www.ouicrochet.com/2015/02/crochet-hook-conversion-chart-free.html
      As for the stitch our double crochet is your treble. :)

      Delete
  23. UnknownJune 3, 2017 at 1:33 PM

    Do you know if there is a knitting pattern?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJune 5, 2017 at 2:13 PM

      I don't have one, but I am sure a quick google search could lead you in the direction of one. :)

      Delete
  24. KymSeptember 25, 2017 at 3:56 AM

    Hi what is the measurement of the cocoon i am half way but it look way too big for a newborn

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jennifer BockelmanNovember 10, 2017 at 8:34 AM

    Approximately how long did it take to crochet this pattern? Want to know if I have enough time before the baby gets here!

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousDecember 11, 2017 at 3:43 PM

    Just finished your pattern and it's beautiful! I had a little problem getting the antennae to look right, but I managed. Also, I added a single chain stitch all the way around between each section of the cocoon and it made it look absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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