Crochet Ladybirds

I am just a little teeny bit in love with my growing collection of ladybirds, the design is very simple and they are ridiculously quick and fun to make. They seem to fly off the hook and sit in the palm of your hand in the blink of an eye.

Would you like to try making one/many? You need some red and black yarn, a tiny bit of stuffing (for the large size only) and some googly eyes.

I used DK weight acrylic yarn on a 3.5mm hook, and the largest body measures 6cm, the medium 5cm and the smallest 4cm. Yes, I did manage to make three different sizes which was a happy accident when I lost count of my counting.

Before we begin, a few notes. I am using UK crochet terms as follows ::

sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

dc [double crochet] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US sc stitch)

The body is worked in a continuous spiral, so no turning. Please use a stitch marker if you find it a challenge to keep count of the rounds (!) I managed to do it without a stitch marker, but eh-hem, I do often lose count and have to fudge it many a time.

You will also need to know how to do some basic embroidery stitches :: back stitch and french knots.

:: SMALL LADYBIRD ::

When you make your slip stitch, leave a mega-long tail end, something like the length from your fingertips along your outstretched arm to your nose. Chain 2.

Round 1 :: work 6 dc in 2nd chain from hook, as above [6 stitches]

Round 2 :: work 2dc into each stitch from previous round, as above [12 stitches]

Round 3 :: *work 2dc in next stitch, then 1 dc in next stitch*. Repeat between ** 5 more times, as above [18 stitches]

Round 4 :: work 1 dc in each of the next 18 stitches [18 stitches]. Your ladybird body should be starting to look like a small dome, as above

Round 5 :: *skip 1 stitch, dc in next stitch*. Repeat between ** 8 more times [9 stitches]. Your ladybird body should now look like a little miniature beret, as above.

Now remember that long tail end? Scrunch it up loosely and stuff it up inside the ladybird body...

....like so.

Now continue working *skip 1 stitch, dc in next stitch" until the hole closes completely. Fasten off.

You should now have a plump little ladybird body ready for it's black bits.

Hold your ladybird with the right side facing upwards and insert your hook (through from top to bottom) one stitch to the right of centre, as shown above.

Hook through a loop of black yarn, then make 1 dc in the same stitch, as above.

Working from right to left, work 2dc into each of the next 2 stitches across, inserting your hook right through the end of the ladybird body, through both thicknesses. Fasten off.

Using a darning needle, thread both tail ends up through the black crochet....

....so that they pop out just a little way in from the edges to create the antennae, as above.

Tie a few tight little knots in each tail end, roughly 0.5cm from the crochet, as above.

Snip off the excess yarn close to the knots.

Now for the stitching part. Take a long length of black yarn and secure it on the underside of the body, in the centre of the black crochet. Push the needle up to the topside of the ladybird, right in the centre of the black crochet, in between the antennae, as above.

You will be working a line of back stitch down the centre of the body, passing the needle and thread right through from the top side to the underside. If you are unsure of back stitch, you can go HERE to see a video tutorial of this stitch.

Work the line of back stitch right down to the very bottom end of the body, then bring your needle up to the top surface again to begin making the spots (as shown above).

The spots are made with french knots, you can go HERE to see a video tutorial of this stitch. Work two knots on each side, then take your needle back down to the underside of the body to fasten off securely.

There!!!!! One itty bitty spotty critter! Now I'm going to give you the instructions for making the larger size with crochet antennae........

:: LARGE LADYBIRD ::

You will be stuffing this critter with a little bit of toy stuffing, so no need to leave the long tail end this time. You work in exactly the same way as for the small ladybird, adding some extra rounds of increases....

Chain 2 to begin.

Round 1 :: work 6 dc in 2nd chain from hook [6 stitches]

Round 2 :: work 2dc into each stitch from previous round [12 stitches]

Round 3 :: *work 2dc in next stitch, then 1 dc in next stitch*. Repeat between ** 5 more times [18 stitches]

Round 4 :: *work 2dc in next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next TWO stitches*. Repeat between ** 5 more times [24 stitches]

Round 5 :: *work 2dc in next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next THREE stitches*. Repeat between ** 5 more times [30 stitches]

Round 6 :: work 1 dc in each of the next 30 stitches [30 stitches]

Round 7 :: *skip 1 stitch, dc in next stitch*. Repeat between ** 14 more times [15 stitches].

Before you go any further, stuff the body with a small blob of toy stuffing. Now continue working the *skip 1 stitch, dc in next stitch* pattern until the hole closes completely. Fasten off.

A plump little stuffed-up body, ready for feelers and spots!

As with the small ladybird, insert your hook through the end of the body from top to bottom, roughly two stitches to the right of centre. Draw through a loop of black yarn, then work 1dc in the same stitch. Working from right to left, work 2dc into each of the next 3 stitches. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

Chain 3, then turn the ladybird over so that the underside is facing uppermost and your antennae is on the right hand side, as above.

Now work 1dc in 1st chain, then slip stitch into the next 2 chains.

Slip stitch across the top of the black (3 stitches), then turn the ladybird back over again so that the right side is uppermost and the antennae you are working on is on the right hand side.....

Chain 3, then work 1dc into the first chain. Slip stitch into each of the next two chains, then fasten off.

Yaayyyyyyyyyyyyy!! It's looking neat!

The embroidery for the large ladybird is worked in exactly the same way as for the small ladybird, excepting that you make three french knots on either side. If you don't like working french knots, then you could always stitch on some little black beads for the spots.

The final touch is a pair of cute googly eyes. I used 7mm eyes for both sizes of ladybird which I bought from eBay, the seller I used is HERE. Use a small blob of white PVA glue to stick the eyes in place.......

.....and bring your little ladybirds to life.

It's entirely up to you what you do with these cute critters once you've created them....attach a pin to the back and wear as a brooch? Use them to add a sweet little addition to a cushion or bag? Pop inside a little card as a surprise gift for a friend? How about stuffing the bigger one with lavender?

Whatever you end up doing with them (and I assure you there will be more than one), enjoy their cute little spotty ways :o)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ps Did you know that the collective noun for ladybirds is apparently "loveliness", as in "A Loveliness of Ladybirds"? How LOvElY is that?

pps in the UK we call these insects Ladybirds, but I think in the US you know them as Ladybugs?

ppps I hope you enjoy giving this pattern a whirl, it really is a sweet bit of fun. As always, I am happy to provide my tutorials for you to enjoy for free, but if you would like to buy me a coffee, well, I would love that too.....

♥ Thank you as always for your hooky love, it's very, very much appreciated.♥ 

 

 

 

Comments

[Ganthi]

Thanks for the beautiful lady bird and easy tutorial.
My grandson will be going to Year 1 (Primary school)from September. His class name will be
Lady bird. He is so excited when he saw the lady bird and wants me to make 5-6 of them for him and some of his friends.

[Claire]

Love these and all your ideas, taking up again after many years and looking for easy projects. I live in Australia, love your area.

I made your bunny bunting for friends for Easter. 🐰🐇

I'm having trouble subscribing to your link, please add me to your mailing list. Thanks.

[Dragica]

Hi Lucy
First, thanks for sharing and
second, I work with dresses for girls and do crochet applications and I sell
I wonder if I can use your ladybug aplique
there are copyright and can not use if I have not permission
Thank you
Dragica

[Cleane Teles]

Parabéns!! Seus trabalhos são muito bonitos! Seguirei sempre seu blog!!!

[Sharon]

These look amazing little lady birds thanks so much for showing us them. We are also in the North of England :) and I am also a stay at home mum who likes to crochet xx

[Annette]

Lucy, I know I have already asked about "circles scarf" but I am now wondering if I have missed a tutorial somehow. I am fairly new to "the Attic", earlier this year in fact and perhaps there is a tutorial somewhere and I just haven't found it yet. Being new to crochet, I am having difficulty in guessing how to go about the scarf. I am fairly happy with my attempt at the circle but need much, much help in the putting together aspect etc. I hope you feel the better of your holiday in Dorset, sounds like great family fun. You have made wonderful memories for your children - your little people - they will so much appreciate these memories when they are older. PLEASE, can you either let me know where the circles scarf tutorial is or can you get round to doing one a.s.a.p. once you have Yarndale behind you? I have some lovely Rowan yarn just waiting for this scarf.

[OkeCrafter]

Oh wow! These little ladybirds are so beautiful. I haven't crocheted for ages, but these might just inspire me to get going again! Thank you for the tutorial!

[Nancy Mahala]

Love this idea. I made these for the kids in Sunday school. Their homework always has a lady bug near their memory verse. I made lapel pins for the kids to remind them that they have a verse to memorize for the next Sunday. Thanks for the pattern.

[Kim Quinn]

Lov, lov this.
I so enjoy your blog. You are a wonderful Writer, Mother, and Hooker.
Best Wishes,
Kimq

[Maggie Rapps]

Thank you for the new tutorial. Love all Attic 24 tutorials. As a novice at crochet they always work.

[Nadine Camara]

Thank you Lucy! I have just completed the sweetest little Hoody Jumper for grandson Josh (just turned 7) but have found that there is a tiny little hole where the wool split and caught "by the skin of its teeth:. It's not going to wear well and I need to darn it, but because it's right in the front on the pocket, I need to place something strategically over the darned bit....what better than a tiny lady bug? He is mad on insects! Thank you again
XOX

[Sarah Hodges]

In the county of Norfolk, UK we call them Bishy-Barnabies or Bishies for short!

[Sylvie]

The ladybug is my badge ... Thank you for this tutorial which will allow me to make me lots of friends ;-)

[Jess]

Those are simply lovely! I'd also be interested in knowing how to crochet the eyes to make them baby friendly!

[Joy]

thanks Lucy .... one mummy done and one baby done ..... love them xx :-) <3 xxs

[Karen]

Thank you, Lucy. These lady bugs are so sweet and will make wonderful gifts and gift box additions!

[Silvia Helena]

gostaria muito que vc postasse um pap ou um video esplicando o ponto riplle ou zig zag pois estou tendo dificuldades por favor me ajude !!

[Cheryl De Ber]

You are too kind!!

Hugs Cheryl

[Annette Frater]

Ladybirds absolutely fantastic Lucy - as everything you do is! Thank you for the inspiration. I became "hooked" on crochet at the beginning of this year only after finding your website. Enjoy your weekend. Any possibility of a tutorial for circles scarf by the way? Annette

[Line]

Thank you ever so much. These lady birds are absolutely adorable.

[KatieS]

Thank you for taking time to post your tutorial. You have been an inspiration to a fairly new crocheter. I have tried so many of your patterns and have to say I just love crocheting, wish I had learned years ago. Again, many thanks :-)

[Tammy Chrzan]

I will be making these!!!
Thank you so much for this!
Tammy

[Sarah - CraftySorcha]

Oh that is the cutest thing ever! I'm going to make a big one as a little toy for my son. (But stuffing them with lavender is also a possibility - hmm, I'll have to make more than one!).
What stitch would you recommend for the eyes as a replacement for the googly eyes (so they are baby-friendly?)
I love collective names in English, a loveliness of ladybirds, how lovely!

[Karen Allison]

Thank you so much Lucy! I can't wait to make more crochet yummy! I love your patterns and tutorials. I live in the USA and share your blog with everyone! LOVE IT! Happy Trails! (that's a horse lovers phrase we us here! LOL Yes, I do have horses and other farm animals. :)

[Marylin]

I luv ladybugs and will definitely give them a try. Think I'll place one or two in amongst my house plants...won't that me cute. Thx for sharing...Hugs, MO
http://moisbloggingit.blogspot.ca/