It All Started with a TikTok: Making a Very Hungry Caterpillar Beanie
When my friend shared a TikTok from @salty.stuff.tv featuring a “Very Hungry Caterpillar” beanie, I was inspired to create a similar piece for her. Most tutorials I found were designed for baby hats, so I sought out a basic flat crochet beanie pattern suitable for an adult.
Crafting the Beanie Base: I began by adapting the “Crochet Pattern Basic Beanie” from Mindful Knots by Kate. This pattern, available on Etsy and YouTube, provides a straightforward guide for creating a basic beanie crocheting a simple beanie using vibrant red and green yarn to mirror the caterpillar’s iconic colors. This provided a solid foundation for the additional features.
Designing the Heart-Shaped Nose: For the nose, I followed a tutorial that demonstrated how to crochet a mini heart.
YouTube This guide was instrumental in helping me create a small, heart-shaped nose that added a charming touch to the beanie.
Creating the Eyes: To craft the eyes, I began by chaining the desired length plus one. I then single crocheted into the second loop from the hook, continuing around and making increases at the end. After flipping the work, I proceeded to crochet along the opposite side, working in the round. Once the base was complete, I joined yellow yarn to form the iris, adding depth and character to the eyes.
Forming the Antennae: The antennae were created using amigurumi techniques. I started with a magic circle, single crocheting and increasing until reaching the desired diameter. After adding a few more rows, I performed two decreases, stuffing the antennae as I progressed. I then single crocheted to close off the piece and hand-sewed it onto the beanie. This meticulous process ensured the antennae were both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.
Adding the Scarf with Berry Stitch Borders: To complete the ensemble, I used leftover yarn to knit a long panel with my Sentro knitting machine, forming the main body of the scarf. Separately, I crocheted two borders using the berry stitch, which adds a delightful texture resembling small berries.
YouTube After completing the borders, I attached them to the scarf using a mattress stitch, ensuring a seamless and professional finish.
This project was a labor of love, combining various crochet and knitting techniques to bring the beloved character to life. The end result was a whimsical and thoughtful gift that delighted my friend, and it has brought so much joy to everyone who tries it on, sparking laughter and fond memories of the cherished story.
