Colorful Bug (Updated version) - free knitting pattern

 

Colorful bug

 

I published the first version of Colorful Bug in 2008 and I still think it is one of the cutest of my designs. I decided to update because it is such a quick knit and I had time to knit during Christmas. I redid some of the head and body and completely changed the legs. I made the lower legs a bit humanoid. But to give this toy a bit more bug-like appearance, I’d probably knit just 6 arms and attach them to the body.

 

You need:

Oddments of DK cotton yarn, I used Drops Muskat (Color 1=C1= greenish, Color 2=C2= blue)

White for wings

Needles size 3mm, also 3mm DPNs

Stuffing

Tapestry needle

Yarn to embroider face (or safety eyes and yarn)

 

Body and head (make 1, with C1 and C2)

With C1, cast on 10 sts. P1 row.

Next row: K1, *m1, k1*, repeat to the end. P1 row. (19sts)

Next row: K2, *m1, k2*, repeat 8 more times. P1 row. (28sts)

Next row: K1, m1, *k5, m1*, repeat 4 more times, k2. P1 row. (34sts)

Do not break yarn. Join C2 and st-sts 2 rows.

With C1 st-sts 2rows.

With C2 st-sts 2 rows.

With C1 sts-sts 2rows.

With C2 st-sts 2rows.

Next row (with C1): K1, [k2tog, k1], repeat [_] to end. P1 row.

Next row: K1, [m1, k2], repeat [_] to end. Beginning with P row st-st 9 rows.

Next row: K1, [k2tog,k1] repeat [_] to end. P1row.

Next row: K1, [k2tog], repeat [_] to end. Cut yarn and pull it through the remaining stitches. Sew the back seam, and attach the antennae to the head. Add safety eyes and embroider the face. Stuff the head and then the rest of the body. You can shape more by tying a piece of yarn around the decrease row for the head, pulling it tight, and then securing it to the body tightly. Sew the cast on edge also shut.

 Legs (make 2, with C1)

Cast on 11sts. P1 row

Next row: K1 [m1, k2] to end. P1 row.

Next row: K6, skpo, k2tog, k6. P1 row

Next row: k4, cast off 6, k4. St-st 13rows. Cast off knit-wise. Sew the hole in the foot and the back seam of the leg. Stuff and sew to the bottom of the body.

 

Arms (make 4, with C1)

Cast on 7sts, beginning with P row st-st 15rows

Next row: K1, K2tog, k1, k2tog, k1. Cut yarn and pull it through the remaining stitches. Sew the back seam, stuff and sew to the body.

 

Wings (make 2 with white)

With white. Cast on 8sts. K1 row

Next row: K1, m1, k6, m1, K1. K1 row

Next row: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1.

G-st 4 rows.

Next row: K1, k2tog, K6, k2tog, k1. K1 row.

Next row: K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1. K1row.

Next row: K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1.

Cast off knit-wise. Sew wings to the back seam of the body.

 

Antennae (make 2)

Cast on 4sts. Knit with I-cord technique 6rows. Cut off the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. Sew to the head. Sew antennae to the head firmly.

Embroider the mouth and finish all the yarn endings securely and the toy is ready!

 

You can sell toys made from this pattern, but please don’t sell the pattern itself or claim it as your own. Happy knitting! The toy has small parts so I wouldn't recommend giving to a small child :)

Best wishes

-          Minttusuklaa